NPR music critic Ann Powers has once again delivered an authoritative and insightful list of the year's best albums. Her top 10 albums of 2025, published in a recent article on the NPR website, features a diverse range of artists and genres that showcase the ever-changing landscape of popular music.

Powerhouse Women in Music Make a Strong Showing

Several powerhouse women in music made a strong showing on Powers' list, including pop sensation Taylor Swift, who claimed the number one spot with her highly acclaimed album "Midnight Rain". Other notable female artists on the list include indie-rock icon St. Vincent, who came in at number three with her experimental album "New Dawn", and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, who took the number five spot with her folk-pop masterpiece "Wildfire".

Powers' love of women in music is well-documented, and her list reflects her passion for showcasing the talents of female artists in a male-dominated industry.

Rise of Electronic and Hip-Hop Music Continues

The rise of electronic and hip-hop music continues to be a major force in the music industry, with several artists on Powers' list pushing the boundaries of these genres. Electronic music duo Daft Punk, who came in at number two with their highly anticipated album "Human After All 2", is a prime example of this trend. Other notable electronic artists on the list include underground producer Flying Lotus, who took the number seven spot with his experimental album "Cosmic Dancer", and hip-hop sensation J. Cole, who came in at number nine with his critically acclaimed album "The Off-Season".

Powers' list also highlights the growing influence of electronic and hip-hop music on the mainstream, with several artists on the list pushing the boundaries of what is considered "pop" music.

Awards and Accolades Abound

Several artists on Powers' list have already received major awards and accolades for their work, including Grammy Awards and Album of the Year honors. Powers' number one album, Taylor Swift's "Midnight Rain", has already won several awards, including the Grammy for Album of the Year. Other notable award winners on the list include St. Vincent, who won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album for her album "New Dawn", and J. Cole, who won the Grammy for Best Rap Album for his album "The Off-Season".

Powers' list is not just a celebration of the year's best music, but also a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the artists who created it.

Critics and fans alike are eagerly awaiting Powers' next list, which will undoubtedly be just as insightful and authoritative as her top 10 albums of 2025.

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Ann Powers' Top 10 Albums of 2025