Curious what notable personalities in the scene think was great this year? So is TGEFM! So we reached out to some of our favorite luminaries ranging from musicians, label personnel, and more for their “Best of 2025” lists. Now, listen: TGEFM is not a taskmistress. Contributors can write these out however they want. So if it doesn’t actually look or read like a list… and sometimes it really is just a list with no other observations! Who cares?
Following the release of Comedians and another year spent balancing reflection with raw, heart-on-sleeve songwriting, Condition Oakland’s Tyler Troutman returns with a Best of 2025 list rooted in big feelings and bigger riffs. Pulling from punk, folk, orgcore and beyond, these picks reflect a songwriter drawn to records that wrestle with self-doubt, working-class frustration and the search for meaning without losing their sense of urgency or fun. What follows is Troutman’s snapshot of the albums that hit hardest this year and and a carefully curated playlist from Tyler to you.
AOTY 2025
1. Banquets: Petty Relics
Banquets are true riff warriors of New Jersey and they knock it out of the park with this bad boy. Petty Relics seems to be heavy on the theme of self reflection. While listening to the record I find myself thinking What have I done, what am I doing, and what am I going to do. Arrangement wise there are some super cool departures before wraping back around. These are the kind of songs that make you want to get the band back together again.
2. Dave Hause: …And The Mermaid
Dave Hause is singing his goddamn heart out like the world is ending tomorrow on this jawn. …And The Mermaid starts off with three songs that would be bad ass openers for any set. After that Hause doesn’t pull any punches while he bounces between rock n roll and bare bones folk songs. These songs tackle the struggles of the working class and how politicians never really change, while the record looks back on the glory days of orgcore and grim outlook for the future.
3. Jason Isbell: Foxes in the Snow
Sometimes a Human being and acoustic guitar can touch parts of your soul that you couldn’t reach even if the band did run all of the dummy stage cabs. This is personal record, It’s sounds timeless because the subject matter is universal. I’m talking about pain and nickel wound strings. Isbell is keeping it as real as you can on this record and rarely does an album hit just as hard alone as it does when you have a conversation over it.
4. All Time Low: Everyone’s Talking
“Everyone’s Talking” covers the doubts and frustration that anyone who’s lived through warped tour might have. It’s fun and hopeful that maybe after these epiphanies you can be a person that you can learn to live with. It has sing alongs parts and soaring guitar solos, Along with guest spots from JoJo and Ruston Kelly. The Weather rips and ATL are kind of baddass.
5. Propagandhi: At Peace
Propagandhi is aggressive and blunt. The riffs are gnarly, the drums are big, and the production is clean. This record tackles such subjects matter as why you should kill baby hitler and tinder dates that could have gone worse. At Peace explores the modern age in a way that only Propagandhi can.
6. Craig Finn: Always Been
Always Been is cool and calm, groovy but not overwhelming, Like music for punks who don’t want to listen to discharge right now. Kind of like the vibes that you find at Sheetz gas pumps before 10 am. Finn’s voice is like an old friend who tells you that your problems aren’t so different from anyone’s else struggles.
7. Thrice: Horizon/West
Horizon/ West is like a war cry where the lyrics are searching for strength, while leaving space to breathe. The record has an overall dark cinematic sound cruising between post hardcore anthems and korg driven soundscapes.
8. The Starting Line: Eternal Youth
Eternal Youth keeps it cool and interesting. This record keeps you on your toes all the while the rhythm stays strong and in the forefront. The overall mix on this record is really cool, reminiscent of Jawbreaker‘s Dear You. TSL Continue to be a step ahead by sonically maturing.
9. Guilhem: A Good One
A Good One is a good one! This record talks about the mundane, and the sounds are organic, whimsical, and fun. These are well written songs that get stuck in your head.
10. Tired Radio: Hope In The Haze
Hope In The Haze is the kind of record that reaches out to you. It has loud guitars, raspy lyrics about demons, and plenty of pop sensibly. The vibes swing between Alkaline Trio and Four Year Strong. This one hits a little too close to home.
Honorable Mentions:
Black Guy Fawkes: The Misery Suite
Drain: Is Your Friend
Bad Dad (occasionally called Ed) has been on the periphery of the punk and punk-adjacent scene for over twenty years. While many contributors to this site have musical experience and talent, Ed’s musical claim to fame comes from his time in arguably the most punk rock Blockbuster Video district in NJ where he worked alongside members of Blanks 77, Best Hit TV and Brian Fallon. He is more than just an awful father to his 2 daughters, he is also a dreadful husband, a subpar writer, a terrible dresser and has a severe deficiency in all things talent… but hey, at least he’s self-aware, amirite?
Check out the pathetic attempts at photography on his insta at https://www.instagram.com/bad_dad_photography/