2025 has been a monumental year for well-crafted dance music albums, with releases from some of the industry’s most talented artists, as well as from a selection of promising newcomers.
As is tradition here at Dance Music Northwest, we’ve picked out some of our favorite albums from the year to celebrate an incredible 12 months of new music.
Glen Sears, Owner: ZEDD, ZEDD In The Park
This album is everything that a live album should be. A phenomenally produced set, new edits of beloved songs, engaging crowd work, a laundry list of guest performances, and ZEDD on the drums. As one of our favorite performers in dance music, ZEDD continues to prove that he is the best in the business, both from a songwriting standpoint and as a purveyor of elite live music experiences.
Nick Bowman, Managing Editor: EMBRZ, Find Your Light
We simply can’t resist an album with blissful melodies and top-tier production, and Find Your Light checks every single box in both those departments. Hit play, close your eyes, and enjoy an album that’s basically the musical equivalent of drinking a warm cup of coffee on the porch of the world’s coziest winter cabin.
Val White, PR Liaison: Anyma, End of Genesis
A mix of solid bangers and collaborations with artists such as Elle Goulding, Grimes, and Luke Steele from Empire of the Sun. This album takes you on a non-stop journey that explores the intersection between humans and machines. You can immediately see his visuals in your mind reaching out to you as soon as the music starts.
Credit: Insomniac Records
Alan Shoemake, Staff Writer: GENESI
This list is supposed to be about albums, but my biggest discovery of 2025 was GENESI, my favorite DJ now. His Afro house / melodic techno tracks like Hyper, Freak, and his La La Land remix (YouTube) have been on repeat for me all year. Seeing him at BOO! Seattle convinced me he’s only going to blow up more next year. Perfect for driving, dancing, or just vibing at home!
Clare Kucinski-Murphy, Staff Writer: Effin, Daydreams
Even though he’s been up and coming since 2020, it feels like Effin is finally getting his flowers this year since dropping Daydreams. This album is packed with nostalgic and dreamy melodies and intricate basslines. The album feels almost cinematic, especially when paired with his detailed design of stop-motion visuals on his tour.
Bernie Kim, Staff Writer: Zeds Dead, Return of the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness
The iconic bass duo Zeds Dead’s latest album release is nothing short of exceptional. RSIH reminds the listener of the duo’s emotional, genre-hopping production, flowing gracefully between heavy bass and melodic, experimental moments. The album is perfect for both casual listening and deep introspection and sounds even better live.
Maddie Welch, Editor: Skrillex, Fuck U Skrillex You Think Ur Andy Warhol but Ur Not!! <3
After what felt like a lifetime of waiting, Skrillex returned to dubstep this year, and it was as glorious as I hoped for. Watching the livestream from Ultra Miami felt like what I imagine watching the moon landing must have been like. Sure, the voice samples are funny. But the rest of the album is just really, really solid as well. The highly anticipated release of VOLTAGE was monumental, but the rest of the album is just as high-octane and full of sound design. And welcome to the club if you’ve had “one lil’ microwave meal for one type dubstep beat” stuck in your head for the rest of the year, too.
Trishla Jain, Editor: Fred Again.., USB002
There’s a reason why it seems like everyone can’t stop talking about Fred again… He continues to redefine what an album looks like, what its rollout could look like, and is so innovative with everything he does. Not only was USB002 filled with bangers and catchy tunes with a variety of samples, but it was also one of the coolest collaborative albums I’ve listened to in a while, with genre-spanning collaborations from artists like BIA, Sammy Virji, BEAM, KETTAMA, Skin on Skin, Amyl and the Sniffers, Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso, and more. Each song on the album was released weekly on tour in a new city, and the album cover was shot at the show itself. He involved his fans deeply throughout this process, asking for input on livestreams, inviting them to dance for music videos, and encouraging them to meet each other before shows. The hype for the tour, with instant sell-outs in every city, was a testament not only to the deep connection and affinity people feel for his music, but also to the genius and engaging album rollout strategy.
What were your favorite albums of 2025?! Let us know in the comments.
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
