The Shortlist - 2025
The Tunes That Ruled Our Year
By Fred Spanner
Yeah, it’s that time again: The Loaded Awards, where we celebrate the proper legends and rising renegades who’ve been blasting out the best sounds of the year.
From ancient rock gods to sneaky, youthful invaders, the competition for Best Album and Best Single this year has been dirtier than a festival tent on day three. We’ve argued, we’ve shouted, we’ve spilt lager over the mixing desk, and now, the shortlist is in.
Who will be walking away with the bragging rights, and who will be crying into their backstage rider? Find out next month.
Album of the Year- Shortlist
Baxter Dury: Allbarone
Ash: Ad Astra
The Royston Club: Songs For The Spine
The Lottery Winners: KOKO
Wet Leg: Moisturizer
Rose Gray: Louder, Please
Idlewild: Idlewild
Hollie Cook: Shy Girl
Saint Etienne: International
Loyle Carner: Hopefully
Pulp : More
Doves: Constellations For The Lonely
Single of the Year- Shortlist
Geese: 100 Horses
Wet Leg: catch these fists
Cast: Poison Vine
The Royston Club: Cariad
Lola Young: Messy
Saint Etienne: Glad
Ash: Give Me Back My World
The Bluetones: In The Cut
Pulp: Spike Island
CMAT: Take A Sexy Picture Of Me
Ethel Cain: Fuck Me Eyes
The Lathums: Heartbreaker
