the best music the first six months of 2025 has to offer...
Halfway through 2025, we're reflecting on what is so far proving to be an unforgettable year for music, with tons of incredible albums released already! Here, we present a selection of records released between the 1st of January and the 30th of June, showcasing some of the very best that these 6 months have served up.
You'll find a treasure trove of diamonds on this page. From Badlands Online best-sellers like Neil Young's 'Talkin' To The Trees' or Sam Fender's 'People Watching', to shop favourites like Jason Isbell's 'Foxes In The Snow' or Black Country, New Road's 'Forever Howlong' - we've got loads of staff picks, critically acclaimed big-hitters and even some hidden gems we think you might have missed!
Has your favourite made our list? Are you sleeping on any absolute bangers? This is the place to find out...

Staff Picks
Our favourites at Badlands, hand-picked by our staff!