Albums of the Year

A reflection of the past months in music, informed by the discerning Rough Trade community made up of customers, artists, labels and staff.
28 posts
Albums of the Year

Albums of the Year So Far 2025 | Rough Trade US

Six months. No skips. The year is only halfway over, and there's already so many great albums we could hardly choose. Check out our…

Albums of the Year

Albums of the Year So Far 2025 | Rough Trade UK

The music that hit and the music you missed. Welcome to our list celebrating some of the best music to hit the racks in the first…

Albums of the Year

20 Greatest Debut Albums of the 2020s (So Far)

The debut album. A career-affirming moment for an artist to establish both their sound and their audience. Whether a slow build-up over drip-fed singles or a…

Compilations and Reissues of the Year 2024 | Rough Trade US

Discover the best compilations and reissues of 2024, featuring expertly curated collections and remastered classics. 2024 has been another year of inspiring curation, from the revival…

Albums of the Year

Compilations and Reissues of the Year 2024 | Rough Trade UK

"What a buzz for a lifelong music fan who failed as both a teenage DJ and a punk musician. Fifty years on I still listen…

Albums of the Year

Albums of the Year 2024 | Rough Trade UK

"[Rough Trade's] Album of the Year not only celebrates the collaborative and innovative artistic achievement found within it, but rightfully acknowledges the sonic…

In Profile

In Conversation with Ben Long, Brother to SOPHIE

"The new album and the remix album are great examples of how beautifully SOPHIE created cohesion while constantly surprising...It's a combination of…

Vinyl Albums of the Year 2024 | Rough Trade US

As 2024 wraps up, we pause to celebrate the standout music that shaped the year. From fresh debuts to long-awaited returns, we’ve curated a list…

Albums of the Year

Album of the Year So Far 2024 | Rough Trade US

Did your favorite make the cut? Below, (in no particular order) explore 31 albums that have been the most important, influential and adored by us at…

Albums of the Year

Albums of the Year So Far 2024 | Rough Trade UK

The music that hit and the music you missed. New internet eras, true grassroots success stories, stylistic left-turns, boundary-pushing projects and the faithfully reliable. As we…