Bad Copy

It’s that time of the year again (see ya never, 2025!) where I reminisce and share my favorite things. So without further ado..

Top 5 Favorite Albums of 2025

5. Straight Line Was a Lie by The Beths

Coming in strong at number 5 for my favorite albums released in 2025 is the fourth album by The Beths.  I immediately connected with this album. Like actually immediately. On the first track, the title track, there’s a false start with someone saying “I was thinking about something else” before restarting. If I had a dollar for every time I had to do this at band practice, I’d actually be making money off my music. THANKS, ADHD.  The first few times I listened to the title track, I thought Elizabeth was singing “I thought I was getting bitter” instead of “better.” Both relatable. Her rad New Zealand accent has already given me multiple perspectives of this song. Impressive. The Beths have always done a great job at blending the soft with the punk. On the track “No Joy” the lyrics start with “All my pleasures: guilty / Clean slate looking filthy / This year’s gonna kill me.” Well, goddamn. I think that sums up every session I have with my therapist. This album rules.

4. Moisturizer by Wet Leg

At number 4 we have the second album from the cool as fuck British band, Wet Leg. It’s punk with elements of new wave and power pop. The cover is super weird. I like it. The first track, “CPR,” is around 115 BPM so you can actually use it to aid in delivering effective chest compressions. But I don’t recommend it because it’s just not the vibe, despite the apt name. The vibe “CPR” gives off is “cool girl way too preoccupied to care about you” and you should probably care a little when performing chest compressions. “catch these fists” would fit the vibe much better but alas it’s 8 BPM too quick. Wet Leg’s KEXP live performance from 2025 was their most watched, and I fully get it. I was at least a few of those views.

3. Man’s Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter

Listen, I know at least one person is rolling their eyes seeing this but if you haven’t listened to the album, I do not want to hear it. “Manchild” is a catchy earworm that blends a little Dolly Parton into modern pop (Dolly should have been featured on this song and not “Please Please Please” and I will argue anyone about this).  “Tears” is not about crying. Listen to it. It’s raunchy as hell. Sabrina is the cutest little horndog. And the performance of this song at the VMAs with dolls and drag queens?! Iconic. Colman Domingo stars in the music video.. in drag. It’s incredible. Go watch it and loosen up a little.

2. Who Let the Dogs Out by Lambrini Girls

Goddamn, this album is good. “Big Dick Energy” and “No Homo” were two of my most listened to tracks of 2025 and for good reason. The energy that Lambrini Girls pours into their music is palpable. I was lucky enough to catch them live this year and their energy is just as contagious live as it is captured in this album. Pro tip: asshole dude driver pulls up next to you? Start blasting “Big Dick Energy” and they’ll get the hint. “No Homo” is everything I love in a song. Catchy, tongue-in-cheek, a little dirty, sapphic, and has tasty licks. But if you’re a straight-presenting dude, maybe don’t shout along to this one. I witnessed a bit of that at their Seattle show this year and it felt… problematic. Just awkwardly bob your head along like you do for most songs, okay bro? The album ends with “Cuntology 101” and do I need to even say anything more? Not really, but I’m going to anyways. This song is like the punk version of vogueing music. And Peaches released a remix! Perfection.

1. Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party by Hayley Williams

My absolute favorite album released in 2025 was Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party. It’s a no-skip, NINETEEN SONG album. I’ve been a huge Hayley Williams fan since listening to Paramore‘s debut album on repeat on my pink iPod nano in 2005. Her song writing continues to grow and amaze me, and I truly believe she is the greatest vocalist of our generation.  This album perfectly captures so many different emotions.  Songs like “Glum,” “Kill Me,” and “Mirtazapine” all capture different aspects and depths of depression. “Glum” perfectly encapsulates that feeling of spacing out in your car, feeling like a tiny bug on a giant plant, and wondering what’s next. I will say that I don’t love the vocal effects on the verses though. I think I’d like the raw vocals even better. Hayley’s live performance of “True Believer” on the Tonight Show was easily my favorite live performance of the year as well. Referencing “Strange Fruit,” decentering herself and putting all of the black musicians she had performing with her in front of her, dressing in homage to Kurt Cobain, and a few other easter eggs thrown in. And that’s before we even get to how beautiful the actual music was. “Good Ol’ Days” is another one of my favorites on this album and was added on after the initial release. It’s catchy, clever, all the things you want in a song. And how can I not mention that there’s even a Bloodhound Gang cover?! Beautiful, incredible, just perfect.

Honorable mention: West End Girl by Lily Allen

While I don’t find myself wanting to listen to this album on repeat, I respect the hell out of the pettiness. Lily wrote an entire album that basically just depicts the demise of her marriage to the guy who plays Hopper on Stranger Things (his actual name is David something, but who cares?). Complete with actual text messages read aloud set to pop music… it’s brutal. We should all strive to be this petty when wronged by a man.

Top 5 Books of 2025

5. Discontent by Beatriz Serrano

Quick read that perfectly captures the existential dread of knowing you have to work for the rest of your life.

4. Lone Women by Victor LaValle

This was a compelling story that blended multiple genres – historical fiction, thriller, horror, and western all rolled into one tidy package. It’s a fast paced read, which I always appreciate. And the central character is a complicated woman… another thing I always appreciate.

3. Cher: The Memoir, Part 1

I listened to this one on audiobook since Cher herself narrates a good chunk. There’s so much about Cher’s life that I was unaware of, and it was incredible to learn about it in her own words. Well written and insightful. It’s also almost 500 pages and is just PART ONE.

2. Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

A well written snapshot of a tense period of everyday life, in alternating points of view from each sister. A lot happens and nothing happens. I love character-driven books with strong female leads and this delivered.

1. Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk by Kathleen Hanna

Where to even START??? I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Kathleen herself, as well as read the book. I savored every word. I cried multiple times, and never at anything particularly emotional. I adore Kathleen, Bikini Kill, the riot grrrl movement and hearing her story in her own words was incredibly inspiring and motivating. Kathleen was incredibly introspective and has no problems admitting when she was wrong or could have done something better. At the same time, she does not apologize for sticking to her morals and calling shit out. I found Kathleen’s experience of sometimes alienating herself as a result of calling out shitty behavior was extremely relatable and honestly admirable. I love this book so much. I cannot recommend it enough. One million stars.