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10 groundbreaking albums that are turning 10 in 2025

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2015 stood out as one of those exceptional years when music from various styles such as pop, hip-hop, R&B, indie, and alternative all reached a creative and cultural zenith simultaneously. It wasn’t just about achieving chart-topping hits or high sales; it was more about the artists breaking new ground, blending genres, and adapting to an ever-evolving music industry and societal context.

Music permeated every corner of life in 2015, be it on the dance floor, in personal emotions, or while browsing social media. It significantly influenced the overall mood and atmosphere of that year in a remarkable and indelible manner.

2015 was remarkable because it saw a surge of artists blending genres instead of confining themselves to one specific category. Artists like The Weeknd, for instance, transformed their alternative R&B into a powerful takeover of the pop scene.

These terrific albums are turning 10

Travis Scott transformed Houston hip-hop into a psychedelic, cinematic style, while Sam Hunt merged R&B rhythms with his country-pop tunes in the realm of country music. Indie sensations like Tame Impala reached broader audiences by combining psych-rock and synth-pop, demonstrating that genre boundaries were no longer just weakening but collapsing altogether.

Simultaneously, streaming was revolutionizing the way music disseminated and thrived. By this time, Spotify had amassed over 75 million users, Apple Music debuted in June, while SoundCloud emerged as a platform for emerging artists. Traditional methods like lengthy radio promotions or physical album sales were no longer essential. Instead, artists could release surprise albums or singles and immediately capture the limelight with their sudden appearances.

In the past, traditional methods were no longer effective, leading artists to discover innovative approaches for capturing audience interest and fostering connections. Here are some groundbreaking pieces from a decade ago that will mark their 10-year anniversary in 2025.

The old strategies have been discarded, as artists have started using fresh methods to gain attention and engage with fans. Let’s examine some of the articles that revolutionized their respective industries, which are turning 10 years old in 2025.

Drake – If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late

This unexpected mix of tracks transformed the concept of rap albums, merging chilly beats with incisive lyrics into a somber, minimalist opus. Tracks such as “Legend” and “Energy” established Drake as both a chart powerhouse and an influential figure, demonstrating that he could create internet sensations and rule the charts unexpectedly.

Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly

A grand, expansive opus titled “To Pimp a Butterfly“, skillfully blends jazz, funk, and soul with Kendrick’s incisive narrative on race, selfhood, and power. Tracks such as “Alright” evolved into rallying cries, solidifying the album as one of the most significant and impactful hip-hop albums of the last ten years.

The Weeknd – Beauty Behind the Madness

The album that catapulted The Weeknd from a hidden musical gem to a worldwide pop phenomenon was titled “Beauty Behind the Madness“. This album offered polished, dark, catchy tracks such as “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills”. It reshaped the global perception of R&B by seamlessly combining enigmatic darkness with powerful pop melodies.

Travis Scott – Rodeo

Travis Scott’s album “Rodeo” served as the blueprint for a new wave of trap music, characterized by its psychedelic and atmospheric soundscapes. His unique production techniques, captivating rhymes, and chart-topping tracks like “Antidote” positioned him as a groundbreaking innovator in hip-hop, blurring the boundaries between conventional rap and festival-friendly music.

Adele – 25

As a gamer, I can’t help but draw parallels between Adele’s “25” album and an unstoppable video game character storming through levels. It shattered sales records like no other, leaving hearts stirred in its wake. With the release of “Hello”, she rekindled the world’s fascination with a voice that transcends time, delivering a heart-wrenching ballad that echoed with raw emotion. This album brought soulful pop back to the forefront of cultural discussions, reminding us all why it holds such a significant place in our collective consciousness.

One Direction – Made in the A.M.

This album, titled “Made in the A.M.”, was One Direction’s swan song before their break, encapsulating their development and farewell. Featuring refined, adult-oriented pop hits such as “Drag Me Down” and “History”, they demonstrated their ability to outgrow their boy band origins, leaving fans yearning for more.

Big Sean – Dark Sky Paradise

Big Sean’s album, “Dark Sky Paradise,” skillfully blended hard-hitting verses with contemplative tracks. Ranging from the uplifting “Blessings” to the thoughtful “One Man Can Change the World,” it signified his ascent into the upper echelons of hip-hop.

Future – DS2

In a powerful and drug-themed display, the album DS2 solidified Future as the undisputed ruler in the realm of trap music. Tracks like “F*ck Up Some Commas” and “Where Ya At,” with their gritty, seemingly detached emotional tone, encapsulated the grim essence of Atlanta’s trap culture and left an indelible impact on the emerging generation of rap artists.

Fifth Harmony – Reflection

Fifth Harmony shot to pop fame through their reflection, delivering bold, self-assured tracks such as “Worth It” and “BO$$”. This album marked a significant milestone for girl groups in the 2010s, blending themes of empowerment, style, and catchy radio tunes.

Chris Brown – Royalty

Named after his daughter, “Royalty” encapsulated Chris Brown’s intricate personal journey, blending party hits with deeper, fatherhood-inspired themes. Tracks such as “Back to Sleep” made a significant impact on the R&B charts, demonstrating his versatility in adapting across pop, R&B, and trap genres. The album showcased this ongoing evolution in sound.

In essence, it’s worth noting that even amidst public debates, Brown continued to be a significant influencer, guiding the evolution of mainstream R&B and urban pop music.

Why These Albums Still Matter?

Instead of merely adhering to existing trends, each of these albums played a pivotal role in defining them. They pioneered the emergence of brooding trap and alternative R&B, socially aware rap, revitalizing the girl group formula, and crafting heartfelt pop ballads that resonated universally throughout the 2010s, shaping both music styles and discussions during this decade.

When they reach their ten-year milestones, they serve as a testament to the immense influence a solo album can have on shaping societal norms.

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2025-05-29 13:00

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