It’s been another remarkable year for music - with countless contemporary releases, long-lost gems, and beautifully assembled compilations arriving in packages from all corners of the globe. Labels like Athens of the North, Celestial Echo/Panorama, Clap City, Backatcha, and Soundway have continued to unearth extraordinary treasures from the past. But in this year’s Top 50, we’ve chosen to put the spotlight firmly on new music. It’s been a challenging time for contemporary artists, and we felt it was important that this list celebrate their work and amplify their incredible talent.
Looking back over a full year of music is never easy, and inevitably a few favourites will have slipped through the cracks. One thing’s for certain: the wave of new music coming out of Brazil has been especially strong, and Brazilian artists feature prominently in our selection.
We’ve also made a convenient Spotify playlist for you to dive into, that contains a track from each release.
A huge thank you to all our customers for continuing to support, champion, and sustain underground music!
Mr Bongo
It may have been released on Mr Bongo, but honestly, no matter which label put it out, SOYUZ' album KROK would have landed at the very top of the list. After relocating to Poland, the band faced real challenges finding the space to rehearse, create, and record. Those constraints ultimately led to SOYUZ’ composer and arranger, Alex Chumak and new drummer Albert Karch, travelling to São Paulo to bring the album to life, with strings and final touches added once they were back in Poland.
KROK is a rare kind of record - distinctive yet timeless, fresh yet instantly familiar. A genuine modern classic.
Piano Piano
Daybreak is a masterpiece and arguably Sven Wunder's most fully realised work to date. The deeper you lean in, the more it reveals. An extraordinary album from the Swedish maestro.
3) Nina Maia - INTEIRA (Deluxe Edition)
Mr Bongo
A remarkable artist who was only 21 when crafting her debut, yet Nina Maia carries herself with the depth and confidence of a seasoned veteran. Nina brings a fresh, singular vision to what Brazilian music can be, creating a record that sounds unmistakably, and only, like Nina.
4) Rubel - Beleza. Mas agora a gente faz o que com isso?
Mr Bongo
One of the leading voices in modern Brazilian music, Rubel has pared things back to the essentials, delivering a lush, sublime, and exquisitely arranged album brimming with heart. The record features the legendary Arthur Verocai providing string arrangements on the cover of Radiohead’s 'Reckoner'.
5) Céline Dessberg - Сэлэнгэ "Selenge"
That's Love Records
Céline Dessberg’s luscious harp track Сэлэнгэ (Selenge) arrived at the start of 2025, and we’ve been captivated ever since. Released on That’s Love Records, run by Alejandro Garcia (Thee Sacred Souls) and Max Shrager (The Shacks), it’s a gorgeous introduction, and we can’t wait to hear more from this remarkable artist.
6) Julia Mestre - Maravilhosamente Bem
Mr Bongo
More than just a musician and vocalist, Julia shines in every art form she touches, whether it’s acting, cinema, photography, or fashion. For 'Maravilhosamente Bem', she crafted an entire world and visual narrative around the album, culminating in a stunning live performance at the Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas.
Mr Bongo
Zé’s 'AFIM' album feels like a familiar friend from the very first listen, a pure Brazilian sound, delivered with timeless elegance and quality. The track Transe earned a nomination for "Best Portuguese Language Song" at the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards, while Bala Desejo bandmates Julia Mestre and Dora Morelenbaum also received nods—a remarkable achievement for this close-knit circle of friends and creative collaborators.
8) Sessa - Pequena Vertigem de Amor
Mexican Summer
We just love Sessa; his music has a soothing effect and makes things better, even in the hardest of times. One of the best out there, whatever the genre.
9) Don Glori – Paper Can’t Wrap Fire
Mr Bongo
A definite office favourite, Don captivated us with his magic on the kaleidoscopic, genre-hopping journey 'Paper Can’t Wrap Fire', seamlessly weaving together jazz, soul, and funk.
10) Resavoir & Matt Gold - Horizon
International Anthem
Hitting all the right notes, Horizon is drenched in summer light. A blissed-out album that evokes the warmth and haze of long, sun-soaked days - simply superb!
12) Arp Frique & The Perpetual Singers - The Gospel Of Jesamy
13) Close Counters - Lovers Dance Academy
15) Various Artists - Horse Meat Disco Presents Disco & Boogie From Brazil Vol.1
16) anaiis - Devotion & The Black Divine
17) Various Artists - With Love: Volume 3 Compiled by miche
18) Various Artists - Gabriele Poso Presents: Ritmo Italiano 'Unspoken Sounds Of Italian Tamburo'
19) Finn Rees & SHOLTO - Love In Memory / Bluebell
21) Project Gemini & Wendy Martinez - Time Stands Still / Le temps s'arrête
22) Rita Satch - Meet Me in the Garden
23) Sinsuke Fujieda Group - Fukushima
24) Mamacita ft. Persona RS - Tu Amor
25) Joe Kaptein + Pool Sharks – Pool Sharks
26) The Cosmic Tones Research Trio - The Cosmic Tones Research Trio
27) Sean Wolcott – Lady Swordfighter: Escape From Hachijojima
28) Independent Orchestra - IO 2
29) Farhot - RAQS (105-118BPM)
31) Ana Frango Elétrico - A Sua Diversão / Não Tem Nada Não
32) Florence Adooni - A.O.E.I.U. (An Ordinary Exercise In Unity)
33) Arjuna Oakes - While I'm Distracted
34) Skymark - The Forbidden Opinion
35) Oiro Pena – Béke
36) The Mighty Zaf And Linkwood - Yokai
37) Various Artists - Club Coco: New Dimensions In Latin Music
39) Paul Lowe - Let's Work It Out / Make Things Better
41) Organic Pulse Ensemble – Oppression Is Nine Tenths Of The Law
43) Jokers Yilde - Love Vibrations / Starlight
44) Tim Bernardes - Prudência - Praga
46) Ney Faustini - The São Paulo Edits
48) Charif Megarbane - Hawalat = حوالات