Get ready for a musical journey as we dive into John Darnielle's top album picks for 2025! The Mountain Goats' frontman has unveiled his eclectic list, and it's a treat for music enthusiasts.
As we bid farewell to 2025, the year-end list season is in full bloom, and John Darnielle's choices never fail to captivate. His Bluesky post reveals a diverse collection of albums, including a few metal gems. But here's where it gets intriguing: Darnielle's list is ranked, a bold move in a world where unranked lists are often the norm. He's going against the grain, and we're here for it!
Let's explore his favorites:
- Blood Vulture - Die Close: A visionary neo-grunge masterpiece. This album is a perfect blend of raw energy and artistic brilliance.
- Pool Kids - Easier Said Than Done: A relatable and captivating listen, capturing the essence of how it feels.
- Vernon Reid - Hoodoo Telemetry: An endlessly rewarding musical journey, offering something new with each listen.
- Coroner - Dissonance Theory: How do they maintain such an intense and hard-hitting sound? A must-listen for metal fans.
- Maybe Happy Ending - Original Broadway Cast Recording: This cast recording dots all the i's, leaving you with a satisfying musical experience.
- Messa - The Spin: A long-game approach to melodic goth metal, a true delight for fans of the genre.
- Flock of Dimes - The Life You Save: Ferraro brings feeling and dance floor vibes with this album, a unique and groovy addition.
- Giant Claw - Decadent Stress Chamber: An experimental and captivating release, pushing the boundaries of electronic music.
- Auri - III - Candles and Beginnings: If Auri sings on it, it's a sure-shot inclusion on Darnielle's list. Her voice is simply magical.
- Gully Boys - s/t: This album deserves a spot in amphitheaters, a true crowd-pleaser.
Darnielle's song of the year is Indigo De Souza's "Heartthrob," a powerful choice. He explains his ranked list, saying, "I gotta go the other way" when everyone else is going unranked. Music lovers, this is a refreshing take!
But here's the part most people miss: Darnielle's love for jazz. He reveals listening to more jazz than any other genre in 2025, with a special mention for Miles Davis' Paris quartet. He also delves into his phases, contemplating what musical phases 2026 might bring. Early jazz and old new-age tapes seem to be on his radar.
And this is not all! The Mountain Goats have announced a 2026 tour, including a show at the iconic Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY. Mark your calendars, music lovers!
So, what do you think of John Darnielle's album picks? Are you excited for the Mountain Goats' tour? Let's discuss in the comments! Music is a universal language, and we'd love to hear your thoughts on these musical adventures.
