May 2025 Music Recap

Looking back on this month, there were a lot more highlights than I thought there were. For some reason I felt like May was pretty dry, but I was WRONG. Let's get into it:

Liked List

GOLLIWOG - billy woods (Experimental Hip Hop)

He does it again. Cerebral hip hop that comes through with so many poignant one liners. Like his other projects, Mr. woods has characters from all over the underground hip hop map on this one. Somehow all of the different styles sound cohesive. The theme of fear and how we respond to it is laced into both the lyrics and instrumentals of this album, with in your face samples that create this chilling feel on some of GOLLIWOG’s tracks. This project touches on fear similarly to how Maps discusses travel; every type of fear is explored from every perspective. GOLLIWOG just builds and builds on itself and definitely deserves a listen all the way through.

Sincerely, - Kali Uchis (Pop Soul)

As the title suggests, this is Kali’s most sentimental album yet. If you’ve listened to her before, it should be obvious that her voice lends itself well to creating an intimate feel. There is no emotion hidden anywhere. Kali is destroyed but hopeful when her mother dies. She is unable to contain her love for her child when he is born. Every song on this album is an overwhelming letter to someone or something. I learned that a lot of this album’s lyrics are based off of voice memos captured in the moment and that most of the album was recorded in a home studio. Those things are both so artistically appropriate for music that is as genuine as this.

Pirouette - Model/Actriz (Industrial Rock, Dance Punk)

I love whatever this is. It just sounds so controlled and cool. The vocals range from I don’t give a shit to melodramatic without ever losing that cool feeling. A lot of the album’s lyrics center around lead singer Cole Haden’s homosexuality which contrasts from the traditional lyrical themes of what punky, industrial instrumentals set you up to expect. My one knock on this album is that some of the instrumentals sound similar to the point where I thought the album had restarted when I still had a couple songs left. A lot of the instrumentals sound like Xiu Xiu to me, not necessarily good or bad, just an observation. This is one of the coolest things I’ve listened to all year.

Fancy That - PinkPanthress (Dance Pop, UK Garage)

Ms. Panthress is continuing to prove that her fame is not just owed to Tik Tok hits. Ms. Panthress has produced some of the best pop music over the past couple years and the hot streak absolutely continues here. This is my favorite one of her projects so far. The combination of some classic UK house elements and Pink Panthress’s slick vocal delivery make this one of the catchiest projects I’ve listened to this year. It stays in its cutesy pop lane but makes use of a bunch of fun 90s elements to really become its own.

Something Beautiful - Miley Cyrus (Pop Rock)

Wow, I did not expect to like a Miley Cyrus album in 2025. All I was really familiar with post Hannah Montana for Miley was that awful Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz album and 2023’s bland as hell Endless Summer Vacation. It’s pretty clear from the jump here that this is something more. There are full on ballads on this album. The song progression is something to behold on a lot of the songs. There are some songs that have generic lyrics, but for the most part this album is an unexpected and welcome step forward from Ms. Cyrus.

Egotrip - John Michel & Anthony James (Conscious Hip Hop, Jazz Rap)

This album comes from a completely unknown rapper and producer combo. On their first combined effort, they come through with one of the best hip hop albums I’ve listened to this year. The worn out, weary vocal delivery works so well with the over the top drum expressions in the beats. While the production and sample selection do make some of the album sound same-y, I think enough is done vocally to make each song sound like its own. Of these two combine again, I think the production is all that can really be improved upon.

Rituals - Watchhouse (Americana)

I have loved the sound of Watchhouse since I first heard them (back when they were Mandolin Orange). It's comforting, uplifting folky music that I just cannot get enough of. The matter-of-fact, talk-sing-y vocal delivery is wonderful. The simple acoustic backing tracks are perfect. I just love them.

Just Havin’ Fun

We Live In A Society - Flume & JPEGMAFIA (Experimental Hip Hop)

Was I a little disappointed that this EP didn’t have four bangers with Mr. Flume and Mr. Peggy at their best? Yes. But do I still like what’s here? Yes. The first “track” is a funny skit that, however clearly scripted and awkward, has charm. Ravyn Lenae kills it on the second track. Neither Flume nor Peggy is at their best on either of the final two tracks that actually feature Peggy rapping, but it’s still enjoyable. While it’s pretty clearly a low effort, it’s still a fun lil project.

7 piano sketches - André 3000 (Impressionism)

Say what you want about Mr. 3000’s recent instrumental albums, I think they’re great. I don’t think they’re great in the way that I’m going to come back and listen all the time. There’s a good chance I don’t ever listen to New Blue Sun or this project ever again. I think they’re great because he’s clearly feeling creative and having fun sharing that. The piano outfit at the Met Gala was also pretty fire.

Nope

Jonatan - Yung Lean (Art Pop)

I will defend some of Mr. Lean’s music. I love Starz. This I cannot defend, much less stomach. His singing across this project ranges from lazy to unlistenable. Most of the instrumentals sound like they were cooked up in a matter of minutes. If there’s some central message I missed it because I just wanted it to be over the whole time.

Pink Elephant - Arcade Fire (Indie Rock)

Arcade Fire has fallen off pretty hard. Their last album, WE, was not good. This is also not good. It’s just bland. Not much more to say.

May 2025 Playlist

Apple Music

Spotify

Holy wow! I wrote three MLB articles in May and my music article is on time this month! I've kinda been killing it. Hopefully I stay on this hotstreak in June. We shall see. Peace.