Top Five Albums for the Sad Girl Psyche

It’s so challenging to compile a top five album list in 2025, as I berate myself with music so as not to hear the loud noise of everything crumbling around us. Then again, that was my answer: This year, I soothed my soul with five albums for my inner sad girl. I secretly love being sad — there’s something about loud music and staying in bed too long. That said, being a “sad girl” is not just a mentality, but also the music associated with it. Being a “sad girl” isn’t defined by gender or expression, either; it is in your psyche. Here are five albums that have carried me through all of my emotions in 2025. 

CUZZOS
Family Reunion
MYFAULT
Street: 06.13.2025
CUZZOS = Flo Milli + Missy Elliot 

CUZZOS might not be what you typically would think of as “sad girl” music, but the rhythmic, punchy rap takes me right out of a spiral. CUZZOS’ album STAY SAFE was amazing, leaving me with high hopes for Family Reunion, and the 2025 album delivered. One of my favorite tracks, “SLIM THICK,” reminds me of 2016 house parties in only the best ways. “FAJITAS” is a gorgeous track — I mean, who doesn’t want to scream, “Who the fuck ordered fajitas?” while on their way to a long day at work? Personally, that sounds like an ideal morning. There’s nothing better than hitting a lift at the gym on a bad day when the track “MOOD” comes on. That is pure bliss. I mean, “Bitch, I was in a mood.” 

Little Simz
Lotus
AVAL
Street: 06.06.2025
Little Simz = Ms. Lauryn Hill + M.I.A.

Lotus is the sixth studio album for English rapper Little Simz. It may not be my favorite of all of Little Simz’s gorgeous discography, but it still made my top five for 2025. “Thief” is one of my favorite tunes to let out some of my pent-up sad girl feelings. I love rap that has intense emotion behind it. Sometimes, rap can be more calming than a real sad girl pop song with intense, satisfying rhythm. One of the other songs that I had on repeat this year was “Young,” with the lyrics: “I’m that girl all alone in the crowd, ’cause all of you are followers and do it for the clout.” Confirmed, Little Simz is a sad girl. 

Snocaps
Snocaps
Anti-
Street: 10.31.2025
Snocaps = Waxahatchee + Everything But The Girl 

The scream of excitement I let out when I heard of Snocaps releasing their debut album could be heard around the world. It is a combination of some of the hottest artists releasing music in 2025: MJ Lenderman, who releases music solo and records with the band Wednesday; twin musicians Katie and Allison Crutchfield, of Waxahatchee, P.S. Elliot, respectively; and Brad Cook, who is a part of bands Hiss Golden Messenger, DeYarmond Edison and Megafaun. The album encapsulates everything I love about Waxahatchee’s sound: folksy, melodic and soothing. What sad girl doesn’t want to listen to Snocaps after a long cry, drifting them into a serene mood? This album was on repeat when I visited Hawaii and was the perfect accompaniment to long drives in nature. 

Renee Rapp
BITE ME
Interscope Records
Street: 08.01.2025
Renee Rapp = Halsey + SZA 

Renee Rapp is what I would consider a quintessential “sad girl” but also a hilarious personality with seemingly zero PR training. BITE ME embodies who Rapp is with many sassy pop songs, but this album also has my personal favorite of her more belty, sad and emotional songs. One of my favorites is “I Can’t Have You Around Me Anymore,” which has those long notes that any sad girl craves. “I Think I Like You Better When You’re Gone” scratches the same itch with its wonderful melodies and runs. Rapp is a pop star who adds R&B influences, Broadway notes and soulful lyrics that satisfy a different craving than her peers. “Why Is She Still Here?” hits the same note for me, as a sad girl can’t help but belt this track as they are possibly running a red light. 

Audrey Hobert
Who’s The Clown?
RCA Records
Street: 08.15.2025
Audrey Hobert = Aly & AJ + Gracie Abrams 

Audrey Hobert is a newer artist to the scene. She is a close friend of Gracie Abrams, known for co-writing many of Abrams’ hits — most famously collaborating on the song “That’s So True.” After that release, buzz of Hobert’s talent made waves. She then came out with her debut album Who’s the Clown? with the song “Sue me” being the biggest hit. This album embodies what it is to be a sad girl in her 20s who takes a shower, praying that their crush texts them back in the time it takes to shampoo and condition. Sometimes you just want to listen to someone going through struggles you can relate to. “Thirst Trap” also exemplifies this energy with the lyric, “But now I’m lame / it’s such a shame / I used to be so super cool.” The sad girl psyche manifesto.

Read more Year-End Top 5s:
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