2025 was another great year for music, and my longtime friend Larry Van Cleve and I love to share our annual lists of what we considered to be the best releases of the year.
Dr. J's Best of 2025 (In alphabetical order)
Best Michigan Albums:
Alice Cooper – “The Revenge of Alice Cooper.” I was a much bigger fan of the Alice Cooper band than Alice solo, so I’m pleased to report the band’s first album in 52 years sounds like it could have been recorded in 1974. Listen to “Black Mamba” -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgbkuJo1ifU
Greg Nagy – “Just A Little More Time.” Greg Nagy’s killer combination of soulful vocals and tasty guitar highlight this collection of five great originals along with five high quality covers from a variety of artists including Jerry Garcia, Brook Benton, John Lee Hooker, and Alice Cooper. Listen to “Only Women Bleed” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSkXNYC2e9I
Larry McCray – “Heartbreak City.” Once again co-produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, Larry’s new release hits even harder than 2022’s acclaimed “Blues Without You.” His incendiary guitar and impassioned vocals on the album’s ten great songs deserve to vault him into the upper echelon of the blues genre. – Listen to “Heartbreak City” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mVzXsEJgjA
May Erlewine – “What It Takes.” May’s latest album rocks harder than any of her earlier releases, and that is all for the good. The approach is a perfect match for her new collection of songs that express a little more dissent and frustration than her previous records. As she told an interviewer, “I feel like existing in, especially, in a female body at this time in the world, - there’s a lot to be angry about.” Listen to “Animal” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6OtdrZD1cs
Michigander – “Michigander.” This is the first album by a project centered around Kalamazoo’s Jason Singer. Now based in Nashville, Singer’s excellent debut features a band, and that collaboration helps bring his melodic, pop-rock songs to another level. Listen to “Giving Up” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bGgKMt-RvI
Best Non-Michigan Albums:
Alien Boy – “You Wanna Fade?” The Portland, Oregon-based band’s third album is a big step forward. Sonia Weber’s songs continue to focus on the ups and downs of relationships, but with a much bigger guitar sound throughout. I love that they made the daring choice to kick of the album with a cool instrumental. Listen to “Changes.” -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q07on4Bd6dkums
Black Keys – “No Rain, No Flowers.” Is there any band out there that has produced as many great albums, in variety of styles, in such a short period of time, as the Black Keys? The new album is an excursion into a pop-based version of blue-eyed soul, full of upbeat songs. Listen to “No Rain, No Flowers” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ9Xp-JboVI
Hollie Cook – “Shy Girl.” I love classic reggae, and Hollie’s album is an excellent example of a romantic style from the 70s called ‘lovers rock.’ She is the daughter of Paul Cook, drummer for the Sex Pistols, but her music is laid back and perfect for sitting in the sun, sipping a cold beer, and maybe sharing a joint with a friend. Listen to “Shy Girl” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uTbE2f-iok
Len Price 3 – “Misty Medway Magick.” If you love the crunchy English guitar sound on the 60’s records of The Kinks and The Who, or on the early releases by The Jam, look no further than the Len Price 3. The band doesn’t stray far from this basic approach on their new album that is filled with short, high-energy tunes that reflect their classic Mod influences. Listen to “Gypsy Magick” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJNVFNX_KSU
Minus 5 – “Oar On, Penelope!” Originally formed as a side project by Scott McCaughey, Peter Buck, and others, the band has lasted long enough to release sixteen albums. Their new one contains twelve delightful guitar-based songs, all under 4 minutes, with the kind of wacky lyrics that are a McCaughey specialty. Minus 5 recently turned into an alternative supergroup after recruiting Mike Mills and Steve Wynn from the Baseball Project while on a joint tour in 2025. Listen to “Blow In My Bag” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4SoRNpD6yQ
Robert Plant – “Saving Grace.” Since his heyday as the lead singer of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant has delved into a wide variety of different styles of music including folk, blues, and country to name just a few. His latest album is named after the group that has backed him for the last six years and features vocalist Suzi Dian. The album is a collection of wonderful covers embracing an eclectic choice of artists ranging from Memphis Minnie to Moby Grape. Listen to “Higher Rock” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsj--euwpRg
Sam Fender – “People Watching.” Fender’s socially conscious lyrics made him a star in England, and his third album is filled with the kind of anthemic rock songs that bring to mind Bruce Springsteen. It was co-produced by Fender and others, including the War On Drugs’ Adam Granduciel whose sonic influence can be heard on many of the songs. Listen to “People Watching” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cXCUp6j5M8
Snocaps – “Snocaps.” I’m a big fan of Katie Crutchfield/Waxahatchee so it was a very nice surprise to see that she released a new album with her twin sister Allison under the moniker ‘Snocaps.’ The sisters shared the songwriting equally on the collection of wonderful tunes, and their sibling harmonies shine throughout. Listen to “Coast” -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxTgUNsNphE
Sunflower Bean – “Mortal Primetime.” I’ve been a fan of this New York/Brooklyn band and its mesmerizing front woman, Julia Cumming, since their 2016 debut. During those years, the band has transitioned from a cool indie pop group into a formidable rock band. Listen to “Champagne Taste” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8MCJWnZxOs
Wunderhorse – “Midas.” The first Wunderhorse album, “Cub,” was basically Jacob Slater’s self-written solo project. “Midas,” on the other hand, is a true band album with all the members sharing the songwriting. “Midas” is much stronger for it, and this solid album and Slater’s excellent vocals have helped Wunderhorse emerge as a top group in British rock. Listen to “Midas” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrT3Wx4YnRA
Other Recommended Albums:
Horsegirl – “Phonetics On and On”
Madonna – “Bedtime Stories – The Untold Chapter”
Michigan Rattlers – “Waving From A Sea”
Neil Young – “Tonight’s The Night (50th Anniversary)”
The Tubs – “Cotton Crown”
Van Morrison – “Remembering Now”
Whiskey Myers – “Whomp Whack Thunder”
Wilderado – “Talker”
Best Box Sets Etc.
Beatles – “Anthology 4.” It was hard for me to believe that there was enough quality unreleased material for another 2CD collection but there was, and it’s an absolute delight for any Beatles’ fan. The selections run in chronological order and provide listeners with a fly on the wall experience of the band in the studio. It was a nice touch to end with the three songs recorded after Lennon’s death, which feature improved vocals on “Free As A Bird” and “Real Love.”
Bob Dylan – “Through The Open Window: The Bootleg Series Vol. 18 (Highlights).” Bob Dylan from the very beginning. Talk about a historic collection, this is the ultimate source of music from Dylan’s early days. There is a snippet from his high school rock and roll band along with recordings done in friend’s homes, various folk clubs, rehearsals, alternate takes, TV performances, and selections from his famous Carnegie Hall concert in 1963.
Bruce Springsteen – “Tracks II” and “Nebraska ’82.” This has been quite a year for Bruce Springsteen and his legion of fans. First up was “Tracks II,” an incredible collection of seven full-length, unreleased albums recorded between 1983 and 2018. Although not everything on the collection is essential, the number of great songs it contains is staggering. “Nebraska ‘82” was released in conjunction with the excellent Springsteen biographical movie, Deliver me From Nowhere, that was centered on his life while writing and recording the original “Nebraska” album. The highlight of the box for me, and I imagine almost all Springsteen fans, was the second disc that focused on the recordings that made up the long-rumored "Electric Nebraska" version.
Replacements – “Let It Be (Deluxe Edition)” The “Let It Be” album was my introduction to the Replacements way back in 1984, and I’ve been a big fan ever since. It’s nice to get a digital copy of the vinyl record, but my favorite part of this collection is the second of the three CDs in the box. It contains some alternate takes that sound better than the actual released versions, a few cool unreleased songs, along with some great covers done as only the Replacements can. The third disc is an audience recording, featuring pretty decent sound, of a 1984 show at a club in Chicago.
Rolling Stones – “Black And Blue (Super Deluxe).” I have always loved the original album which captured the Stones at a transitional period in their career. It contains two of the band’s greatest ballads (“Memory Motel” and “Fool To Cry”) along with a couple of my favorite deep cuts (“Hand Of Fate” and “Crazy Mama”). The second disc contains two outtakes from the sessions and several of the famous Stones’ jam sessions that we’ve read about over the years. The final 2 discs are a live show in London from 1976 that featured Billy Preston and four of the songs from “Black And Blue.”
Best CDs of 2025 by Larry Van Cleve
This is the first year in quite a while where there seems to be an abundance of new albums that made my list. Had to leave out quite a few good disks…but that’s a good thing, right? First, I will list my top 18 disks (!). Seriously, I couldn’t leave any of these out. Lots of bands from the past. I’ll follow with a few (6) that I just must let you know about. After that, this was a great year for fans of specific band reissues and box sets. I’ll comment on these a bit. Good year. Enjoy.
1.) “Is” – My Morning Jacket. There’s been lots of good music in the past from Jim James and his band. While maybe not as experimental as some of their past stuff, this one delivers the goods for an album with their distinctive sound. Top production. Very accessible, fans will love it. Listen to "Time Waited" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYrwG3-wlfk
2.) “Paper Doll” – Samantha Fish. An outstanding blend of good blues guitar, rocking tunes and great vocals. She opened for the Stones a year ago (so say no more). She can go from pop tunes to all out rockers in a Memphis moment. The track “Rusty Razor” also features Mick Collins from Detroit’s Dirtbombs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXPAOdu395k
3.) “The Scholars” - Car Seat Headrest. Probably for fans only. This is Will Toledo’s rock opera that’s a lot denser and more varied than his past work. Divided into several parts, it starts slow then gains momentum (and back again). Quite the journey. For this fan, it is worth the listen. Listen to "The Catastrophe (Good Luck With That, Man)" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8yOAVb8B_g
4.) “Silvershade” – Peter Murphy. Bauhaus returns? Eerie tunes with Murphy’s trademark hooks and vocals. For those who miss the Goth sound. Varied content from pop rock to post punk all with that expected Peter Murphy vibe. Listen to "The Art Room Wonder" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nJHniUFAdQ
5.) “Black & Gold” – Joanne Shaw Taylor. Her best album yet merging americana, blues and pop with hooks abounding. She can really sing and play guitar. Give her a listen, on many “best of” lists this year! Listen to "Look What I've Become" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8rbGD7faRM
6.) “Walk This Road” – Doobie Brothers. I’m even surprised to see this here, but quality is as quality does. Top rate production and song writing and performance. Very listenable. Many of the core members are back. To add to it all, Mavis Staples sings on the first track. (By the way, her current album was a contender).Listen to "Walk This Road" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HdjT7rDxOc
7.) “Let All That We Imagine Be the Light” – Garbage. Return to form for this band. Shirley Manson shines with her vocals. As always, first rate production. Their sound (grunge pop) seems as accessible as their earlier stuff to my ears. They’re back! Listen to "There's No Future In Optimism" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRIdnuJZAqQ
8.) “No Rain, No Flowers” – Black Keys. My ears are always open for the work of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. This album delivers but in a more polished manner than earlier work. Definite evolution, many may wish for the more experimental gritty sound. I’m a fan. Listen to "The Night Before" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFimd_a-ZoE
9.) “Rock N’ Roll Chase Me” – Dizzy Reed. Keyboardist Reed tours with Gun & Roses but does solo work that varies somewhat (not a lot) from the Guns & Roses but does solo work that varies somewhat (not a lot) from the Guns sound. This is hard rock with good tunes and vocals. His sound defines “Classic Rock” folks. Listen to "Earn It 2 Burn It" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1jWxaScY_M
10.) “Strange Kind of Paradise” – Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry. Big fan of this band’s past work starting in the late seventies. Kind of a gothy Joy Division influence. Their first studio work since 1989. They are still true to their sound, but they have evolved with the times. Powerful guitars and vocals will make you sit up and listen. Top return to form. Listen to "Driving Black" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p4b8M8ZlFs
11.) “No Hard Feelings” – The Beaches. The early girl group sound with lots of electricity and hooky tunes that range from all out rockers to emotional ballads. These girls deliver but with a real modern message. Rock on ladies! Listen to "Last Girls At The Party" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wU-wN1t1Eg
12.) “International” - St. Etienne. Around since the early 90s, this is their last studio album, and it delivers. All new tracks this seems like a “greatest hits” collection. It’s all here. Vocals, synths, emotional longing and scores of pop hooks. Talk about leaving a listenable legacy. If you’re not familiar this is a good place to start…then go back to the beginning. Listen to "Confidence Man - Brand New Me" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HzZhhXzN48
13.) “Sign of the Times” - Walter Trout. Blues rock guitarist scores again with an album of rocking rhythmic tunes. You can bop your head to this one. He can lay out the electricity with the best of them, then put down a perfect acoustic ballad that hits the mark. His lyrics can be quite introspective at times. He’s got it all. Listen to "Blood On My Pillow" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqFKYBTGrSo
14.) “Arthur Buck 2” - Arthur Buck. A combination of R.E.M’s Peter Buck and his good friend Joseph Arthur. This is a fun rock n’ roll album that you’d expect with Peter Buck involved. I somehow missed the first album, but this one is quite good. Peter Buck of course has his jangly rock sound intact and I understand that the lyrics are from Arthur. Kind of a delight to listen to harkening back to R.E.M. Listen to "Sleep With One Eye Open" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH4-qG761Nc
15.) “Misty Medway Magick” - The Len Price 3. A favorite of mine, their earlier albums explored the 60’s Mod sound of the Kinks and the Who. This album takes it a bit farther into modern times with the basic rock and roll sound intact but much, shall I say, louder? These guys really rock out. Whatever they do seems to please me. Listen to "Emily's Shop" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do8Q--lJL_4
16.) “The End” - Mammoth. Wolfgang Van Halen. That’s it. He does all the instruments and writes all the tunes. His vocals are first rate. As with his dad’s music, this is all hard rock and metal. If you’re not a Van Halen fan this might not be for you. If you are, what are you waiting for? This is the future of that genre. It’s that good and I’m amazed at how talented Wolfie is. Listen to "I Really Wanna" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFmpQwvLP9I
17.) “Breakthrough" – Joe Bonamassa. Joe is a blues guitarist who seems to be everywhere. I mean yeah, he’s a good guitarist…but… No buts about it, this is a good album with great tracks, production and yeah, incredible guitar work. I kind of turned off from him for a while but I’ll tell you, this album delivers the goods. Recommended. Listen to "Broken Record" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdnbRNUisYA
18.) “Walkin’ on Water” Luke Morely. Comparisons for this guy run from Tom Petty to Glen Campbell and it’s not that absurd. A true tunesmith, this album (his third) runs from rockers to great mid-tempo ballads. His guitar work is superb. One to look into. Listen to "Breathe" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVouOvxN6hU
Recommendations.
These CDs just missed my cut for best of the year. I must let you know what they are. They’re that good (but there were so many this year).
1. TVOD “Party Time”. Jagged Talking Heads like tracks. Interested?
2. Van Morrison “Remembering Now”. What is it about this guy? He just keeps delivering.
3. Rodney Crowell “Airline Highway”. Made the list in the past. If you like country rock…
4. Miles Kane “Sunlight in the Shadows”. Produced by Dan Auerbach.
5. Bruce Springsteen “Nebraska ‘82” / disk “Electric Nebraska”. May be the album of the year. Fabled electric session for Nebraska shows up.
6. Bush “I Beat Loneliness” If you’re a fan, this has to same excellent angst.
Reissues and Box Sets.
There were many reissues (with extra cuts) and box sets this year. These stood out for me.
1 – “Tracks 2” – Bruce Springsteen. A second “Tracks” collection of unreleased Bruce tracks. Don’t really need to say much more. Not as good as the first but still…
2 – "Nebraska ‘82” – Bruce Springsteen. Yep, he’s here again. If you’re a fan of the album this is essential. For me, the Electric Nebraska disk stands out.
3 – “Let It Be” – The Replacements. Seminal album given full treatment. Remastered, tracks left off, demos, live stuff. Not really a box set but more of an expanded (or Deluxe) version. It all depends on whether you must have the few new tunes and want the demos and the other stuff.
4 – “Black and Blue”” – Rolling Stones. Again, a great album remastered with some extra cuts, demos, live show, etc. Is it a must have? Depends.
5 – “Tonight’s the Night 50th Anniversary” – Neil Young. One of my favorite albums but…18 tracks with the original remastered. Some extra recordings and live stuff but not really worth it.
6 – “Archives Vol III (76-87)” – Neil Young. Instead of buying the 17 cd edition it’s generally available on streaming music sites. Outside of one tune all of “Tonight’s The Night 50th” appears here. Lot’s of good stuff. If you have a spare $300 go ahead, otherwise stream it.
A final word on The Who. “Live at the Oval” is a great concert from the Keith Moon era. It really makes a difference. There is a Super Deluxe version of “Who Are You” on the shelves right now but the extras don’t include any new tunes though there is some live stuff (with Kenny Jones). Buyer beware.
That’s it for this year. Hope next year is as promising.
