“What makes our Album of the Year so special is that their vision is entirely their own. In the seven years since we first got behind them, they’ve never wavered from that authentic path… For that, our Rough Trade community has thanked them again and again. In 2025, it earns them the crown.”
Our Albums of the Year list of 100 titles captures months of listening, of favourite moments, of music that now belongs to the Rough Trade story as much as it belongs to yours.
As 2025 draws to a close, we hold onto what music has given us this year: grounding when things feel unsteady, energy when we’ve been tired, joy when we’ve needed reminding. Music endures, even in challenging times. In 2026, Rough Trade turns 50. A milestone that invites reflection, but also a chance to celebrate the record store, what it means today, and how it will continue to evolve as a vital force in our culture.
Pulp – More
Pulp’s More has endured as one of 2025’s defining records, a solid reminder of just how excellent this band always was and a triumphant step into a new era. Tracks are warm, anthemic and can we take a moment to applaud those gorgeous string arrangements? After 25 years, it honours their long-time devotees while opening the door to a brand new audience. The comeback album of the year? Their Worthy Farm set back in June which was congregational, emotional and adored from field to sofa, pretty much said it all.
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
The Art of Loving received acclaim from music critics, many of whom described it as an evolution for Dean and praised her performance. Commercially, the album had an international success, debuting at number one in Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Scotland, within the top five in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland, and within the top ten in Germany, Iceland, Norway, and Poland. Additionally, it was certified platinum in New Zealand and gold in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.