ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — 828newsNOW and our friends at the Asheville Media Group, including DJs for Mix 96.5, 98.1 The River and La Pantera 97.3, are proud to present a list of our favorite albums of the year. Check out our favorite tunes in the roundup below.
The best albums of 2025
“Snipe Hunter” by Tyler Childers
“I know that this is low-hanging fruit, but my album of the year is without a doubt ‘Snipe Hunter’ by Tyler Childers. It’s nice to see an artist continue to grow without abandoning his roots entirely. ‘Snipe Hunter’ is produced by Rick Rubin and, buddy, it shows. There’s a certain drive and fullness to these tracks that really shines. The first single released was ‘Bitin’ List’ – a song where Tyler describes disliking someone so much that he’s imagined getting rabies to bite and infect this nemesis. In a word: perfection. Other tracks of note include ‘Snipe Hunt,’ ‘Poachers,’ ‘Tithra Yatra’ and my personal favorite, ‘Dirty Ought Trill.’ The bar has been reset.” – Bo Aughtry, Asheville Media Group Media Advisor
“People Watching” by Sam Fender
“This is Sam’s strongest work to date. He showcases his ability to write songs that tell stories that connect with the listener. Sonically, this album is more expansive and layered than his first two albums. This is a fantastic alternative rock album. The highlight songs are the title track, ‘People Watching,’ ‘Nostalgia’s Lie,’ ‘Arm’s Length’ and ‘Crumbling Empire.’” – Shawn Eckroth, Asheville Media Group Media Advisor
“Natural Light” by Dan Mangan
“Natural Light has the kind of warmth you only get when people stop worrying about perfection and let things happen. Mangan made the album in a small cottage in southern Ontario with a few close friends, and the setup was simple enough that little surprises kept slipping into the recordings. A guitar buzz here, a soft shuffle in the room, someone catching a harmony on the fly. Instead of fixing those moments, they kept them, and that choice gives the album its charm.
The songs feel like they came together the way good campfire conversations do. Someone starts, someone else joins, and before you know it, you’re somewhere honest. Mangan’s voice stays grounded and open, carrying the weight of everyday thoughts without pushing too hard.
If you’re a fan of happy accidents, this album feels like one long, gentle reminder of why they matter. The cottage, the friends, the looseness of the sessions. It all adds up to a delightful experience. By the time it’s over, you’re left with the easy calm of a night that turned out better than you expected.” – Shannon Steele, Mix 96.5 FM On-Air Personality
“is” by My Morning Jacket
“A solid album from start to finish. No skips. Jim James takes you on a musical journey that runs through a gambit of emotion. From tugging on heart strings to head-banging rockers, this album IS everything! It also marks the first time frontman Jim James didn’t produce or co-produce an album, and that open-mindedness translates into every single song.” – Jordan Coppinger, 98.1 The River FM On-Air Personality
“Wish You Were Here 50” by Pink Floyd
“Same album. Different year. New bonus material. It’s the same amazing album we know and love. It’s the extra material that makes it stand out…