Here’s Bill Frater’s picks for the best music releases of 2025. As is frequently the case, my Top 10 ends up being more of a Top 20! Please send me your picks for best music and I’ll post some here. Happy holidays and here’s to a very happy new year!

Best of 2025

Hayes Carll – We’re Only Human  (Hwy 87 Records)
Margo Price – Hard Headed Woman  (Loma Vista Recordings)
Brennen Leigh – Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love  (Signature Sounds Recordings)
Jason Isbell – Foxes in the Snow  (Southeastern Records)
Tyler Childers – Snipe Hunter  (Hickman Holler Records)
James McMurtry – The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy  (New West Records)
Rodney Crowell – Airline Highway  (New West Records)
Jesse Welles – Devil’s Den  (independent)
The Wood Brothers – Puff of Smoke  (Honey Jar Records)
Leftover Salmon – Let’s Party About It  (Compass Records)

also greats…

Alison Brown & Steve Martin – Safe, Sensible, & Sane  (Compass Records)
Suzy Thompson – Suzy Sings Siebel  (independent)
Willi Carlisle – Winged Victory  (Signature Sounds)
Ken Pomeroy – Cruel Joke  (Rounder Records)
Turnpike Troubadours – Price of Admission (Bossier City Records)
Paul Burch – Cry Love  (Glider Records Ltd.)
Seth Walker – Why The Worry  (Royal Potato Records)
Otis Gibbs – The Trust of Crows  (Wanamaker Recording Company)
The Shootouts – Switchback  (Transoceanic Records)
Robbie Fulks – Now Then  (Compass Records)

Coming out early next year… Courtney Marie Andrews, Lucinda Williams, Sammy Brue, Emily Scott Robinson, Boy Golden, Keegan McInroe, Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz, Natalie Del Carmen, Steve Forbert, Owen Temple, Keb’ Mo’, The Lowest Pair, David Huckfelt, Laurie Lewis, The Infamous Stringdusters, Clay Street Unit and more!

Check out Americana Boogie Radio!

Bill Frater