Top 15 Albums of 2025 from Southern California Artists

Top 15 Albums of 2025 from Southern California Artists

Southern California’s music scene in 2025 has been vibrant, with artists from Long Beach to Los Angeles releasing standout albums across various genres. Here’s a curated list of the top 15 albums from Southern California artists this year:

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1. 1. Kali Uchis – Sincerely,
      Genre: R&B/Pop
      Kali Uchis delivers a deeply personal album, reflecting on motherhood and the loss of her own mother. “Sincerely,” is a heartfelt journey through grief and healing.

1. 1. Ray Vaughn – The Good, The Bad, The Dollar Menu
      Genre: Hip-Hop
      Long Beach’s own Ray Vaughn showcases his lyrical prowess in this mixtape, blending introspective tracks with West Coast vibes.

1. 1. Ty Segall – Possession
      Genre: Rock
      Ty Segall returns with “Possession,” a raw and energetic album that captures the essence of garage rock.

1. 1. Blondshell – If You Asked for a Picture
      Genre: Alternative Rock
      Blondshell’s sophomore album delves into themes of self-reflection and emotional growth, solidifying her place in the alt-rock scene.

1. 1. Dave Cornblum – The Adventure of Plasma Man (Complete Trilogy)
      Genre: Conceptual Rock
      A visionary sci-fi rock opera, Cornblum’s trilogy combines narrative depth with innovative visuals, marking a significant achievement in conceptual music.

1. 1. Seafood Sam – Standing on Giant Shoulders
      Genre: Hip-Hop/Soul
      Long Beach rapper Seafood Sam blends 70s soul influences with modern hip-hop, creating a lush and nostalgic soundscape.

1. 1. Shannon & the Clams – Year of the Spider
      Genre: Garage Rock
      This album offers a mix of doo-wop and garage rock, with emotionally charged lyrics and vintage instrumentation.

1. 1. Zikomo – Funky Town
      Genre: Electronic/Funk
      Producer Zikomo brings infectious grooves and funky beats in this dance-worthy album.

1. 1. Derek Simpson – Sunflower
      Genre: Indie Rock
      Derek Simpson’s “Sunflower” is a mellow indie rock album with introspective lyrics and smooth melodies.

1. 1. Tijuana Panthers – Halfway to Eighty
      Genre: Surf Rock
      The band continues their surf rock legacy with catchy riffs and laid-back vibes in their latest release.

1. 1. Ken Carson – More Chaos
      Genre: Trap
      Ken Carson’s “More Chaos” delivers high-energy trap beats and aggressive lyrics, marking a significant entry in the genre.

1. 1. Spellling – Portrait of My Heart
      Genre: Experimental Pop
      California-based artist Spellling offers a unique blend of experimental sounds and haunting vocals in this album.

1. 1. Forrest Frank – Child of God II
      Genre: Christian Pop
      A genre-blending album that incorporates trap, R&B, and gospel elements, delivering a joyful and uplifting experience.

1. Los Angeles Rising – Various Artists
   Genre: Compilation
   A benefit compilation featuring unreleased tracks from artists like PJ Harvey and Red Hot Chili Peppers, supporting wildfire relief efforts.
2. L.A. Recovers – Various Artists
   Genre: Compilation
   Curated by Ty Segall, this vinyl-only release includes exclusive covers by Los Angeles artists, with proceeds aiding wildfire recovery.