Potential 'Album of the Year' contenders – and their current mech collections
This year’s top albums pair nicely with their fresh, new merch.
Written by: Max Himelhoch
It started the moment FKA twigs dropped EUSEXUA. Sure, it was only January 24, but that seems a perfectly reasonable time to start the heated ‘Album of the Year’ conversation.
Now, with ‘The Song of the Summer’ just around the corner, 2025 has already given us a stack of standout albums destined for year-end lists.
We compiled a few of our favorite albums of the year (so far) and dug more into the merch surrounding those releases. Let’s take a look…
FKA twigs - EUSEXUA
As an artist who has always leaned into her multi-hyphenates, it’s no surprise to see the world of EUSEXUA come to life beyond the music. The genre-bending record floats between so many worlds. From the heavy trance of “Room Of Fools” to the autotuned songwriter moment that “Wanderlust” delivers so beautifully, everything is crafted with a precision and elegance that makes it feel more like fine art than just a collection of songs.
That same feeling carries through to the physical release. The clear vinyl pressing comes with a photography booklet and a set of postcards, giving more shine to the brilliant details that help make this project what it is. The images really strike and linger with you, much like the music itself.
We noticed there are different sets offered: the full price for the general public, a discounted price for her Discord community, and a steel vinyl version for Spotify fans. Segmenting the products to create special offerings for her loyal groups across various channels is a masterful approach to thoughtful community-building.
Oklou - choke enough
Musically, this record feels like a cousin of EUSEXUA, with both artists braving the edges of their sound and offering new expressions of familiar sounds. “blade bird” is a highlight track, offering an intimate, swirling meditation on the reality of a relationship. Nostalgia-tinged and emotionally precise, Oklou reaches for something remembered and brings its most delicate details into focus.
Currently, there’s only one merch item for sale to support this release - though I’m sure more will appear as we get closer to the tour this October. But the choke enough t-shirt really hits the mark. A design that recalls and leans into a late-90s’ alt look, it feels like it could’ve been art for Blur. Printed in a luminous Matrix-silver on a washed grey-black tee, it echoes the sonic world of the album and, just like the music, the details make it special. The tiny choke enough text on the back neckline is a brilliant touch. Not to mention, the consideration to source PETA-approved vegan shirts takes it over the line.
Charley Crockett - Lonesome Drifter
It feels great when the merch matches the music, but there’s something delightful about an artist who is telling you where, when, and how to enjoy their music through their merch. It’s a true joy to receive some context to what you’ll hear before you hit play.
Charley Crockett has done this better than anyone with new record Lonesome Drifter. The rising country star feels plucked from another era of country, true to its wandering storytelling roots.His music is transportive and in its perfect execution somehow opens up the door to those who’ve sworn off country music.
The merch for this record includes some great tees, whose designs make them feel vintage already. He also offers trucker hats, drink coozies, and floating keychains – essentially screaming at listeners to enjoy this record floating around the lake with their friends. And, oh what a day it’d be: sun coming down, stories shared, and memories made. Throw on “Never No More” and you’ll see the vision.
Gigi Perez - At the Beach, in Every Life
Gigi Perez’s shooting-star-ascension to stardom has been a joy to watch. The singer-songwriter’s powerful voice finds its footing in deeply personal storytelling and exploring feelings over edgy, guitar-driven pop production. Even as Perez pushes the limits with powerful emotions crashing through big, climactic moments throughout the album, the music remains sweet, grounded, and heartfelt.
The same energy comes through in the album art with perfectly simple illustrations that feel gentle and inviting. Building off that visual touchstone, we see a three-panel comic version for the main tee. She’s also paired it with a cute keychain and temporary tattoo sheet, both wholesome, low-cost entry points for fans to support Perez and carry a piece of her world with them. Delightful and thoughtful, just like the music.
Honorable Mention: Remi Wolf’s Big Ideas Tour Merch
While Remi Wolf’s record, Big Ideas, gets disqualified here for its 2024 release date, I had to give her an honorable mention as her tour merch just released online for the general public.
Is anyone having more fun than Remi Wolf? The merch store is now flooded with fun concepts, goofy copy, and a taste of so many different styles. The Slay Bitch bumper sticker is an easy favorite, but I’d opt for the I went to a Remi Wolf concert and it changed my life a little bit tote bag. A true statement for anyone that’s ever attended a show, but also the perfect, cheeky encapsulation of her music. So many fun tees and hoodies, a couple great hats, all worth checking out!
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Max Himelhoch (he/him) writes and curates Max's Music Mondays, a music discovery newsletter on Substack. You can also find him throwing special shows with up-and-coming artists through Mendel Records, both in his hometown LA as well as NYC. Beyond the music, you can find him solving today's NYT Crossword Puzzle.