The Absolute BEST Electronic Dance Music Albums of 2025

2025 was quite the year for music. Before we turn the page to 2026, let’s take one last look at some of the albums that made this year so special.

You may remember that I did one of these lists midway through the year – some of those albums will be on this list as well. But, with just how strong the second half of the year was (three of these inclusions came out on the same day – July 11th), I couldn’t resist doing one more list and shining some more light on some absolutely phenomenal records. Whether you like serene melodic house, grimy UK dubstep, high-energy trap, club-ready tech house, dancefloor drum & bass, or something else all together, this list (and this year as a whole) had something really, really special for you. I’ve included full album mixes in this article when able so you can check them out yourself as you read.

As always, the following 25 inclusions are just my opinion and are arranged in no particular order. I apologize if your favorite didn’t make my list – in fact, if your favorite didn’t make my list, let me know. I always love discovering new music.

Let’s get into it!

Skybreak – HALF BLOOD

Take a colorful dubstep producer, add a hyperfixation on UK garage & dubstep, throw in a dash of public transit, and what do you get? This masterpiece.

I don’t think anyone saw this coming. Sure, we know Skybreak is talented – we’ve known this for years now. But, to completely switch his style from melodic to gritty while keeping the same quirks and elements we know and love him for intact? That takes guts, and that takes skill – both things that the New York based producer has ample amounts of.

From the opening salvo of “STAR CANNON” to the final notes of “WORLD’S END (REMEMBER)”, this is one of the best bass music projects of the decade. The tracklist takes you through two “lines” of the album – the blue line and the red line, inspired heavily by the New York subway (he even got Bernie Wagenblast, the voice of the NYC metro, to feature on the album to really hammer down that theme). At every moment, you can tell that this is a passion project through and through. It’s high quality, forward-thinking, and made with intention. If you haven’t heard it yet, you are missing out.

Estiva – Embrace

This featured in my mid-year list, and my thoughts on it haven’t changed. I’ll link back to my initial article if you’d like to read what I have to say about this record (and all the other albums that feature twice). To sum it up, it’s his best album yet by a wide margin – and for a storied producer like Estiva, that’s saying something.

Barry Can’t Swim – Loner

I only got into Barry Can’t Swim this year. I’m upset I didn’t get into his music sooner.

The artist claims that this album is the “most authentic expression I could offer of myself and my life over the past year”. The personality & intimacy is felt on the entire record, making the whole experience feel like you’re sitting down with him and hearing stories directly from his mouth. To achieve that through music is remarkable.

A few words come to mind when I think of “Loner”. Bright is one. Fun is another. Danceable is a third. The album’s sound does not reflect its title in the best way – instead of sounding lonely and barren, this record is full of life and begging to be shared and played amongst friends. It’s gorgeous at every turn, and one of the most pleasant listens I’ve had in 2025.

FKA twigs – EUSEXUA

Here’s another album that featured in my mid-year list. It appears the Academy and I agree on this one, as EUSEXUA got a nod for Best Dance Album at the Grammys – an entirely deserved honor.

Romain Garcia – EURÊKA!

We should’ve known Romain Garcia was in for a huge year after the January release of “Next To You”. We didn’t realize how huge it would be.

When I think of EURÊKA!, I think of warm synths, pulsing rhythms, and catchy vocal chops and samples – all of which are executed at a high level of precision. The album nails a feeling of wistfulness, a longing for a time that’s passed and a hope that it will come again. It just makes me feel a certain way that no other record this year could, making me go back and listen again and again.

“Heya” is one of my favorite songs of the year, “Regarder la nuit” is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and “Used To” has such an infectious groove. I could really give every song on here a note like this, but I’ll hold off and let you make your own judgments. Just listen to it – you’ll love it.

Skrillex – F*CK U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT!! <3>

You should’ve know this one would be on this list as well. I’ll say what I said in July again: if you don’t have a stupid grin on your face while listening to this, you’re doing something wrong.

Ninajirachi – I Love My Computer

Here’s this year’s breakout star. I don’t think I’ve heard more about an artist this year than I’ve heard about Ninajirachi.

I think my favorite part about I Love My Computer is that it reminded me of how I discovered EDM – and I think a lot of the success this album has seen is because of that nostalgia, as well. But make no mistake: this album is not nostalgia bait. It’s an immaculately produced coming of age story, and one of the best debut albums I’ve heard in several years.

Combining Y2K aesthetic, the complextro of the early 2010s, and more influences and genres that have fallen out of favor in the past few years, Ninajirachi has brought the past back to life for the next generation. If this album sparks a complextro surge, I’ll be one of the happiest men alive. This album is really as good as everyone says it is.

Knock2 – nolimit

Here’s another album that featured on my mid-year list. I’ve actually not heard much about this album lately, which is quite a shame – it’s another one of the best bass projects of the year. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Knock2.

rshand – Hearts Divide

Is rshand firmly on your radar yet? If not, put him there.

After his massive breakout over the last few years, rshand has firmly planted his flag as one of the brightest young talents in all of melodic house with his debut album. Across fifteen tracks, he tells the story of a love that was once blossoming, but eventually fell apart. The two halves of the album tell both stories, with the title track serving as the “divide” between both.

Beautiful songwriting, fluttering synths, and features from some of the top vocalists and producers in melodic house feature all over the album. By the album’s final track, “I Will Be Fine”, you’ll have experienced an entire story of love & heartbreak, effortlessly told by an artist with an incredibly bright future. We think rshand will be more than fine.

Sammy Virji – Same Day Cleaning

UK garage had a moment this year. Sammy Virji was a big reason why.

Virji’s sophomore album is one of the most energizing listens of the entire year, and exactly what the dance music scene needed – another record you can really DANCE to. It’s impossible to not tap your foot or bob your head to this album. Seriously, if you can listen to it without moving, you probably can’t feel joy.

Across the record, Virji takes the classic UK sound and distills it down to its very best elements – knocky percussion, bouncy bass, exquisite samples, and some truly spectacular vocal performances, including a standout verse from Skepta. This is a project that takes an entire scene and breathes fresh, new life into it – and projects like that are hard to come by.

Moore Kismet – SATURATE YOUR WORLD!

This album was on my mid-year list as well. Moore’s forward-thinking bass sound might never get old for me, and I’m looking forward to see what they do next year. If their history is any indication, it should be a lot of fun.

Nils Hoffman – Everlight

There’s something truly hypnotic and alluring about Nils Hoffman’s sound.

On his latest album – the first on his own label – Hoffman is at his absolute best. If you’ve even remotely enjoyed any of his catalog before, then you’re in for a treat. Everything we love him for is turned up to the highest level possible: beautiful cinematic elements, enveloping synths that feel like a warm hug, and a great balance of relaxation and energy.

Some familiar collaborators have come along for the ride, namely Vancouver Sleep Clinic and Kasbo (who has a writing and production credit on “Give Me Life”). But, through and through, this is Hoffman’s most mature and cohesive album to date, and a must listen for any and all fans of deep house.

Fox Stevenson – Sunk Cost Fallacy

Fox Stevenson has been one of the most respected artists in drum & bass for quite some time, and this album is exactly why.

On Sunk Cost Fallacy, Stevenson gets more fun than ever, jumping through genres and styles with relative ease. At the backbone of the record are his lyricism and vocal performance, which are among his best (and most personal) work yet. You’re going to feel every single emotion while listening, and you’re going to love it.

Production-wise, it’s nearly perfect. I can’t think of a single technical flaw in this record. In fact, I can’t really think of a single flaw in this record whatsoever. I am here to confirm to you that any ounce of hype you’ve heard about this album is entirely justified. Even if you aren’t into drum & bass, I guarantee that the storytelling, emotional weight, and overall quality will pull you in.

Anyma – The End of Genesys

This is the last record here that was on our mid-year list. I was decently surprised to not see it get a nod at the Grammys, but that doesn’t take away from the pure excellence on display here.

Kaskade – undux

Kaskade’s first solo album in quite a while is a good one.

I’ll admit, it took a few listens for me to fully “get” this record. It’s not your traditional Kaskade album by any means. But after a little while, everything clicked into place, and I finally “got” it.

The legendary producer gets more vulnerable than ever here, opening up about all of the recent turbulence in his life on a tracklist that includes his traditional house sound, but also elements of drum & bass, ambient, and garage. The best word to describe undux would be cinematic, and another good one would be intention: it’s clear that he had a very strong vision for this album, and never once strayed from it. The result is a record that both longtime fans and new listeners will fall in love with – whether on the first listen or a few days later.

Blake.08 – From Sydney With Love

Deep house’s new favorite car guy has finally broken out.

Blake.08 wrote his debut album as a love letter to his home city, and the passion is entirely felt throughout. You can also hear his passion for motorsport – this album sounds like it could be the soundtrack of some really cool retro racing game, which is HUGE praise.

Festival-ready deep house and hypnotic breakbeats with a 90’s sheen are what you can expect on From Sydney With Love. It sounds like the kind of album someone would write if they wanted to combine several of their passions into one cohesive project (which is exactly what he did). What’s even cooler? He made it in his home studio. The fact that an album of this quality came out of a person’s house rather than a professional studio is a testament to just how talented this guy really is.

VIER – IIII

The bass music Avengers (Thys of Noisia, Machinedrum, Holly, and Salvador Breed) assembled for this one – of course it’s good.

The story of how this album was made is almost better than the album itself – each track was worked on by one member, then handed off to another, then to the next, and then to the fourth member. Each member trusted that the next person in line wouldn’t screw it up, and the result is a package that you can hear trust and teamwork in.

The result is far more than the sum of its parts, each person adding their own touch to create some truly phenomenal and creative bass music, with some of the best sound design I’ve heard all year. It’s like these four were always meant to work together in this manner – that’s how natural and cohesive these tracks feel. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next from them.

EMBRZ – Find Your Light

EMBRZ went quiet for a bit, and recently re-emerged with this phenomenal record. Turns out, there’s a reason for that.

Last year, the producer’s hair fell out due to stress, and he was forced to drop everything and prioritize his health for quite some time. Find Your Light is a story about how he eventually learned to fall back in love with music, and it sounds like the passion’s back in full fold.

Some of his best work is on here – “Slow Bloom” could be one of the best tracks he’s ever made, while he provides a poignant message from his parents on “Figured Out” and writes about overcoming a panic attack on “Count To Three”. The whole package is a story about a man overcoming his struggles, getting better, and finding his way back to what he loves. It’s a heartwarming and a therapeutic listen, and a wonderful reminder that music has the power to help in times of need.

Metrik – Awake

It feels like we’re on the verge of yet another drum & bass renaissance. It’s hard not to think that when a record like this just came out – several years after the beginning of the rollout.

The legendary London-based producer & vocalist’s newest album came out last month on Hospital Records, and it shows off Metrik’s unbelievable range in dancefloor drum & bass. With most tracks featuring his vocals, his productions go from heavy & almost neuro-leaning to melodic & liquid-influenced.

What’s most impressive is how this album balances a commercial sound with some really forward-thinking production elements & creative choices. That’s a perfect storm for a massive hit, and this album could very well serve as an anthem for the next wave of drum & bass (I’ve got a feeling DnB is going to be massive in 2026 – come back to me in a year if I’m wrong).

Chris Lake – Chemistry

Are we surprised that one of the greatest house producers in the game put out one of the best modern house albums that I can think of?

This is somehow his debut album (crazy, right?) but the overall quality of this record made the wait worth it. You’ll see him explore all types of house – from dark floor fillers to melodic anthems, each track somehow better than the last. All of the vocal features on here are outstanding as well. It’s fully cohesive and impeccably produced, which is hardly a surprise.

“Reach For You” and “Favourite One” stand out, but you could tell me that any track’s your favorite here and I’d be okay with it. There are no misses at all. My only hope is that we don’t have to wait another 10+ years for the follow up.

Lipless – State Of Mind

This was an absurd year for melodic house.

Lipless’ debut album has been a long time coming, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from the Grammy-nominated producer. Gorgeous melodies take center stage, with some truly phenomenal vocal performances featuring all over. There’s traditional melodic house, but the record’s highest moments come when Lipless leans into progressive on tracks like “Fly Away” and “Underwater”.

Perhaps the biggest moment on this album is the title track, a collaboration with Kaskade that’s been heard all over the globe at this point. And, somehow, nearly every track on here reaches the same high as that one. That’s just how consistently excellent this album is. If you like house, you should check this out.

Effin – Daydreams

Effin has one of the most unique sounds in all of bass music. He explores it to the fullest on this album, and the result is glorious.

This album is an album that only Effin could have made and a clear passion project for the producer. His heavy usage of eclectic samples, low-end focused drops, and impossibly crisp production all coalesce to create one of the most creatively unique bass music records we’ve heard in years.

It’s heavy and chill both at once, and an overall mesmerizing listen. It’s the kind of record you pick up and can’t put down until the very end. It’s hard to describe just what makes Daydreams so special, but there’s one thing that I can fully state with confidence: Effin is in a league of his own, and you need to hear this album to believe it.

Charlotte De Witte – Charlotte De Witte

Three words: techno lover’s dream.

This is somehow the Belgian powerhouse’s debut album, and what an effort it is. With most tracks clocking in at over six minutes and featuring thumping percussion, angelic vocals, and some of the best acid bass work I’ve ever heard, this could very well be one of the best techno records I’ve ever heard.

The genre in general is having a bit of a moment right now, and if I’m being honest, things can get a little same-y time after time. Not with this album. Every track, while sharing a similar DNA, has its own unique character and story. If you’re a die hard techno-head or have been looking for an excuse to get into it, check this one out.

Klur – After The Rain

Klur’s cinematic & airy melodic house sound has always been good, but he takes it to a whole new level on his sophomore album.

On After The Rain, the Swedish phenom lets everything breathe, placing a heavy focus on atmosphere and resulting in a meditative, deeply stirring listening experience. It absolutely sounds like a maturation of the classic Klur sound, with the artist knowing exactly when to show restraint. It pays off heavily here.

This is the kind of album you turn on and drift into another world to. It’s ethereal and hauntingly beautiful at every single turn, and features what is undoubtedly Klur’s best work yet. If you’re looking for an album that’ll take you away from the hectic nature of the daily world, then this album is perfect for you.

Above & Beyond – Bigger Than All Of Us

You knew it was coming. I mean, come on, it’s Above & Beyond.

With that being said, this doesn’t sound like a traditional Above & Beyond record. Bigger Than All Of Us is modern, sleek, and feels like the legendary trio stepping into today’s world with confidence, proving that they’ve still got the ability to create timeless tracks that their legions of fans will sing for decades to come.

If you like Above & Beyond, this will be one of your favorite albums of the decade. While the production may be stripped back from their progressive trance heaters of old (expect a more modern melodic house sound mixed with some lighter trance elements here), the honesty, passion, and love are still there. The vocal performances & melodic work are as good as ever, and the production is impossibly crisp & clean. As I said earlier, it feels like an Above & Beyond album created for the modern age. To be able to keep up with the times without sacrificing what’s made them so beloved? That’s something that only they could do.