As we wrap up another year of spinning, stacking, collecting and discovering, we wanted to celebrate the music that’s shaped 2025 at Chalkys.com.

From the albums the team here have had on repeat, to the records you wouldn’t stop adding to basket across our site and beyond - here’s our unofficial, totally biased, passion-fuelled end-of-year roundup.

This is what we’ve been listening to, talking about, arguing over (in a friendly way), and shipping out in big numbers.

The Art of Loving – Olivia Dean

Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving has been one of 2025’s quiet triumphs - and an undeniable Chalkys favourite. Her blend of soulful warmth, sharp lyricism and modern pop ease has made this record a hit across streaming and physical formats alike.

The album feels like a coming-of-age story told in soft focus: tender, searching, richly melodic. Dean’s voice carries the whole project with effortless charm, whether she’s delivering a hushed confession or a bright, upbeat groove.

Our team kept coming back to this album for its emotional clarity and craftsmanship. You seem to feel the same, it’s been flying on CD and vinyl since release, and it’s the kind of record you finish and immediately want to start again.

Buy The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean

People Watching - Sam Fender

Sam Fender returned this year with People Watching and it’s fair to say this one has lived on our office speakers for weeks at a time. Obviously, it has also received industry recognition with the recent Mercury Prize Album of the Year Award. A record that feels both bigger and more intimate than his earlier work, Fender’s newest release sees him sharpening his songwriting while leaning deeper into the Springsteen-esque storytelling that fans adore.

The album explores loneliness, late-night reflection, and the blurry line between becoming who you are and who people think you should be. Sonically, it’s full of soaring choruses, gritty guitars and the kind of emotional weight Fender delivers so naturally.

What makes People Watching stand out is its honesty - it’s vulnerable but never soft, bold but never showy. And you guys have loved it too. It’s been one of the strongest sellers of the year. When a record connects this widely and this deeply, you know it’s special.

Buy People Watching on LImited Edition Deluxe Grey vinyl 

Getting Killed – Geese

Geese might be the least “mainstream” pick on this list, but wow did this album grip us. Getting Killed is frantic, theatrical, clever, unhinged in all the right ways - a wild blend of post-punk urgency and art-rock swagger that makes the whole album feel alive.

One minute the record is tight and razor-sharp, the next it dissolves into chaotic energy, only to snap back with a hook you can’t forget. It’s ambitious, strange, addictive, and absolutely one of the year’s most surprising highs for the Chalkys crew.

Collectors jumped on this one too - it’s been quietly (and steadily) selling, especially through our alt-rock catalogue.

Buy Getting Killed on CD

Other Chalkys Favourites + Bestsellers of the Year

Not everything needs a long essay. Some albums just hit, and these were among the ones you kept returning to - and the ones our team kept rescuing from the office turntable so someone else could have a turn.

More - Pulp 

A surge in nostalgic love combined with reissues and renewed touring hype meant Pulp were back on top, as they should be.

Everybody Scream - Florence + The Machine 

Florence’s back catalogue never stops selling, but this year saw a real resurgence. A timeless voice, a devoted fanbase, and vinyl editions that look incredible on any shelf.

Euro Country - CMAT 

A Chalkys internal favourite - witty, big-hearted songwriting with hooks for days. You loved it just as much.

Lux - Rosalía 

Still one of the most adventurous artists working today. Her records remain consistent bestsellers across our platforms.

The Bad Fire - Mogwai 

Post-rock royalty. Every time Mogwai drop something - or reissue something - our packaging team gets busy.

Virgin - Lorde 

A constant seller with a fiercely loyal fanbase. Lorde albums always move in waves, and 2025 was no exception.

Private Music - Deftones 

One of our strongest catalogue artists every single year. Deftones vinyl? Gone within days. Sometimes hours.

Juiper - Joy Crookes 

An artist who continues to gather fans with each release. Smooth, sharp, and a strong seller across both CD and vinyl.

Saving Grace - Robert Plant 

Classic rock royalty. Whenever new Plant stock lands, it’s out the door almost immediately - especially with collectors.

Thank You for Another Incredible Year

Whether you’re a dedicated audiophile, a casual collector, a vinyl purist, or someone who still swears by a well-loved CD, thank you.
Your passion keeps Chalkys humming, buzzing, packing, and posting every single day.

Here’s to even more great music in 2026.
And yes… the team is already arguing about next year’s picks.

See these and all the picks of our favourite and best-selling albums of 2025.