7 biggest album releases of 2025 so far: Playboi Carti, Kanye West, and more 

best albums of 2025 released so far. (Image via Instagram/ Jennie, Selena Gomez, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga)
best albums of 2025 released so far. (Image via Instagram/ Jennie, Selena Gomez, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga)

Music is an ever-evolving space, with artists putting their best foot forward in album compilations. 2025's first quarter has seen a host of releases in the pop and rap genres. From Playboi Carti's much-awaited and delayed I AM MUSIC to Jennie's first solo studio album, fans were occupied for the first quarter of the year.

While defining the 'best' and 'biggest' releases can be a tricky task, some artists and tracks top the charts and streaming numbers. While there are many months to go, we are taking a look at the best albums released so far. We have curated a list of the 7 biggest projects that left fans glued to their screens in 2025.

Note: This article is based on the writer’s opinion. Comment with your suggestions and let us know which other items deserve to make the list.

2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards - Show - Source: Getty. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards - Show - Source: Getty. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

From Playboi Carti to Lady Gaga: A look at the seven biggest album releases of 2025 so far

Just four months in 2025 have seen a range of artistic expression, and more are likely to be added to the list. For some, it marked their 'firsts'; for others, their music meant a revival. The top releases of 2025, in no particular order, are:

1. I AM MUSIC by Playboi Carti

Playboi Carti's fans expressed disappointment when he did not release I AM MUSIC as scheduled. Even with the mixed reception, I AM MUSIC managed to break multiple records, including reaching the #1 position on Apple Music's chart in over 100 countries. It also became the most-streamed album on Spotify within 24 hours.

Must listen to: Pop Out


2. Mayhem by Lady Gaga

Mayhem screams everything Gaga and is reminiscent of her Born This Way and Bad Romance era. The 14-time Grammy Award winner told her fans on the iHeartRadio Awards stage that she is just "getting started." In a one-of-a-kind opportunity, Gaga invited 32 of her fans to recreate the Abracadabra music video. The singer expressed her love and gratitude towards her little monsters and invited her fans to take the stage.

Must Listen To: Abracadabra


3. Bully by Kanye West

Versace Fall 2019 - Arrivals - Source: Getty. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
Versace Fall 2019 - Arrivals - Source: Getty. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Amid legal battles, controversial opinions, and family feuds, Kanye West managed to release a new album, Bully. It experienced a mixed reception after Kanye confirmed that he used AI in the album. In an interview with Justin Laboy in February, he revealed he was inspired to name it after his son, Saint.

Must Listen To: Preacher Man


4. Ruby by Jennie

While Jennie was the last in her group, Black Pink, to release her studio album, she has left her fans asking for more. The singer collaborated with multiple artists, including Doechii and Dua Lipa, for power-packed music. The singer was recently awarded the Global Force Award at Billboard's Women In Music Awards.

Must Listen To: Like Jennie


5. I Said I Love You First by Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship has taken over social media, and I Said I Love You First appears to be their 'personal journal.' While the duo have worked previously on other hit tracks, this is their first project together from scratch. From dance songs to romantic melodies, I Said I Love You First appears to be an ode to self-love and authentic relationships.

Read More: All Songs Ranked on I Said I Love You First

Must Listen To: Call Me When You Breakup Ft. Gracie Adams


6. Short N Sweet Deluxe by Sabrina Carpenter

67th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Press Room - Source: Getty. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
67th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Press Room - Source: Getty. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

While Sabrina Carpenter has been in the music industry for some time, Short N Sweet was a revival of her music and brought her to the spotlight. The Grammy Award Winner released a deluxe edition, a sequel to the original album, which also features internet personality and icon, Dolly Parton.

Must Listen To: Please, Please, Please Ft. Dolly Parton


7. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny dropped DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS to kick off the new year. The singer has gained a reputation by gaining worldwide popularity without compromising his culture. With his new album, the singer pays tribute to the sacrifices made by the people of his land and attempts to forge a deeper connection with his homeland, Puerto Rico.

Must Listen To: DTMF


The first quarter of the year paved the way for comebacks, first solo albums, and even deluxe editions. All eyes are now on the upcoming months, with new projects lined up. Fans can expect new albums, including Lana Del Ray's The Right Person Will Stay (May 21), Miley Cyrus's Something Beautiful (May 30), Backstreet Boys' Millenium 2.0 (July 11), and many more.

Which is your favorite of 2025 yet? Tell us in the comments below.

Edited by Sohini Biswas
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