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8 albums I loved from 2025

A few personal picks from last year along with random recommendations.

1. This Is For

This Is For was released by the K-Pop Group Twice on July 11th. The album has 14 tracks, totaling in 36 minutes. The title track to this album has a sound that I have never heard from them before. The album also features some (very underrated) unit songs.

Group Recommendation: Mars
Unit Recommendation: Let Love Go (Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana and Tzuyu)
My Personal Favorite: This Is For (Extended)

2. Lil Fantasy Vol. 1

Chaeyoung released Lil Fantasy Vol. 1 on September 12. The 9-track album is 21 minutes long. The sound of the album is something that is very unique for K-Pop and I love it. I would highly recommend giving every track a listen, especially if you are a fan of The Marias or Clairo.

Marias Fan Recommendation: Avocado (ft. Gliiico)
Clairo Fan Recommendation: GIRL
My Personal Favorite: My Guitar

3. Ruby

Every member of BlackPink did their second round of solo releases but in 2025. This album was released on March 5th. To me, none of them are truly as good as Jennie’s ‘Ruby’ The long-awaited 15 track album clocks in at a staggering 41 minutes, something unheard of for K-Pop. With this album, Jennie makes it clear in numerous ways that she is not just a K-Pop idol.

BlackPink Fan Recommendation: Like JENNIE
Western Music Fan Recommendation: Love Hangover
My Personal Favorite: Mantra

4. HOT

Although I wouldn’t consider myself to be a fan of Le Sserafim, I constantly find myself gravitating towards their music. HOT is 13 minutes long and has 5 songs. The album was released on July 14th.

Recommendation: Come Over
My Personal Favorite: HOT

5. Sequence 01

I’ve been a fan of J-Pop group, f5ve, since they debuted. Sequence 01 is their first album. It released on May 5th, with 25 minutes and 11 tracks.

Recommendation: Bow Chika Wow
My Personal Favorite: Underground

6. Midnight Sun

I waited such a long time for Zara Larsson to release the full Midnight Sun album. It was worth the wait. The album includes 10 tracks totaling in 32 minutes.

Old Zara Fan Recommendation: Crush
New Zara Fan Recommendation: Eurosummer
My Personal Favorite: Pretty Ugly

7. TEN: The Story Goes On

TEN: The Story Goes On was released with 10 tracks on the tenth day of the tenth month of 2025, which is ten years after the creation of TWICE. This album features 9 solo songs. The album is 28 minutes long.

OG Once Recommendation: ME + YOU
My Personal Favorite: MEEEEEE

8. EVE: ROMANCE

EVE: ROMANCE is amazing from top to bottom. The album was released on May 14th. With a mixture of 14 pre-released singles and new songs, BIBI made sure there was something for everyone all in 41 minutes.

Western Music Fan Recommendation: Sugar Rush
K-Pop Fan Recommendation: Derre
My Personal Favorite: Bam Yang Gang

Uploaded 01/13/26

Introduction

What is Nachleuchten?

Nachleuchten is a monthly Indiana-based solo-run pop culture magazine that I run in my free time. I plan to use this Substack to post digital versions of my magazines as well as exclusive essays, poems, and articles. Although I want to keep it solo-run, I wouldn’t mind having the writings, art, or photography of another person in an edition. If you would like something of yours featured in Nachleuchten please contact me. Contact details can be found on my website.

Who are you?

I’m GW. I’m an 18-year college freshman. You can learn more about me by reading the uncharacteristically personal first issue of Nachleuchten. Most issues will focus far less on me and more on people and things, but I felt it was necessary to introduce myself in an interesting way.

Where can I get Nachleuchten?

You can find each issue of Nachleuchten on my website which will always have the latest release. You can find every release of Nachleuchten on my Substack. As of now, Nachleuchten is purely digital, but I can have issues printed upon request.

What does 'Nachleuchten' mean?

Nachleuchten is German for ‘afterglow’. I decided that the name of my magazine should be in German because the language holds a special place in my heart. I took German classes for all four years of high school. I would eventually like to release a fully German issue, but I don’t believe I am currently fluent enough for that.

Uploaded 12/31/25 - Last Updated 1/5/26