Al Menne of Great Grandpa tells us about his 5 favorite albums of 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we’ve been asking artists about their favorite albums of the year. Al Menne of Great Grandpa made us a list of his five favorites, and you can see those, and his commentary, below.

Great Grandpa returned with the fantastic Patience, Moonbeam, their first album in five years, in March, and they told us about some of the influences behind it. Stream it below.

AL MENNE’S 5 FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2025

Renny Conti – Renny Conti
I’ve been such a Renny fan since I first heard “Pornstar” in 2020. I listened to this album for the first time on the light rail in Seattle while I was visiting home for the holidays (belated). Perfect soundtrack to watch the city you grew up change before your eyes from memory to something uncanny yet comforting.

Jay Som – Belong
Melina’s production is always such a treat. We love to hear a tasteful genius leaning into pop punk sensibilities while maintaining tender, and delicate emotion.

Hand Habits – Blue Reminder
Meg Duffy never fails to blow my mind. I really think they’ve got the whole package: writing, playing chops, and swagger.

Cameron Winter – Heavy Metal
Technically came out at the end of 2024, but I don’t give a crap. We can all agree that this choice speaks for itself.

Free Range – Lost & Found
Ear worm after ear worm. Sofia’s songs always sound so natural, and effortless, and I feel that Tommy Read’s production + the bands’ performance are all the perfect equation for timelessness. I’m a sucker for a new song that sounds familiar.

See more 2025 year end lists here.