The 2025 Choice Music Prize has revealed its shortlist for the coveted title of Irish Album of the Year, and it includes notable names like CMAT and Amble, stirring excitement among music enthusiasts. But here's where it gets intriguing: alongside these artists, we also see the likes of Ronan Kealy, known as Junior Brother, the dynamic garage punk outfit Sprints, and the innovative experimental rock band Just Mustard from Dundalk.
The announcement of this impressive lineup took place during a segment of RTÉ 2FM’s Tracy Clifford Show on Monday, a moment that has the music community buzzing with anticipation. CMAT, who previously clinched the award for Best Album in 2022, aims to replicate her past success with her recent chart-topping release, "Euro-Country," which has received rave reviews for its emotional depth and danceable beats.
Last year marked a significant milestone as it celebrated the 20th anniversary of the €10,000 prize, with Fontaines DC taking home the award for their album "Romance." David Reid, one of the co-founders of the Choice Prize, highlighted the astonishing range and richness present in the current Irish music scene, pointing out how well recent winners like Fontaines DC and CMAT have performed internationally.
Here’s the complete shortlist for the Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year 2025:
- Amble – Reverie
- Bricknasty – Black’s Law
- Joshua Burnside – Teeth of Time
- CMAT – Euro-Country
- Dove Ellis – Blizzard
- Junior Brother – The End
- Just Mustard – We Were Just Here
- pôt-pot – Warsaw 480km
- Maria Somerville – Luster
- Sprints – All That Is Over
The winner will be unveiled live from Vicar Street during a special broadcast on RTÉ 2FM scheduled for March 5th, with Beta Da Silva serving as the host for the evening. The victorious artist will not only receive €10,000, made possible through the support of the Irish Music Rights Organisation and the Irish Recorded Music Association, but they will also earn a uniquely crafted trophy.
The selection process involves a panel comprising 11 professionals from the Irish music media and industry, who will meticulously choose the winner from the ten nominated albums.
In addition to the Album of the Year category, other awards are set to be announced later this week. On Tuesday, the Irish Artist of the Year will be revealed, followed by the Breakthrough Artist on Wednesday, and the Classic Irish Album on Thursday. The Irish Song of the Year will cap off the announcements on Friday, although both the Classic Irish Album and the Irish Song of the Year winners will be disclosed ahead of the main event. Notably, the Song of the Year will be showcased on 2FM during the daytime on March 5th.
This year's ceremony promises to be a celebration of talent, and the anticipation surrounding it raises an important question: Who do you believe deserves to take home the top honors? Share your thoughts below!
