The year 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for reggae rock fans, as the genre’s biggest legends and brightest newcomers gear up to release new music.
The fusion of soulful reggae grooves and electrifying rock riffs is alive and thriving, here are the most anticipated reggae rock albums of 2025:
1. Sublime
Rumor has it that Sublime has new music on the horizon. Sublime, the legendary Long Beach, CA, band known for blending ska, punk, and reggae, was formed in 1988 by Eric Wilson, Bud Gaugh, and Bradley Nowell. The band revolutionized the music world with their unique fusion of reggae, punk, and alternative rock. Their debut album, 40oz. to Freedom, released in 1992, became a groundbreaking success thanks to heavy radio airplay on Southern California’s KROQ, ultimately earning double-platinum certification. Their second album, Robbin’ the Hood (1994), showcased an experimental sound that set the stage for their self-titled third album—a chart-topping record that remains a cornerstone of reggae-punk music.
Despite the tragic loss of Bradley Nowell in 1996, Sublime’s eponymous album skyrocketed to success, featuring timeless hits like “What I Got,” “Santeria,” and “Wrong Way.” The album sold over seven million copies and cemented Sublime’s place in music history. Collectively, the band has sold over 18 million RIAA-certified albums in the U.S. alone.
In 2023, Jakob Nowell joined Sublime’s original members for a benefit concert, igniting overwhelming support from fans worldwide. This performance marked the beginning of a new era for the band, with Jakob Nowell’s undeniable synergy with Gaugh and Wilson breathing fresh energy into their timeless sound.
After reuniting and performing a recent Coachella set together, the ’90s rock band Sublime dropped their first new song in 28 years, “Feel Like That,” a collaborative effort with Stick Figure featuring vocals from the late frontman Bradley Nowell and his son, current frontman Jakob Nowell.
2. Jesse James Pariah
Jesse James Pariah is one of the genre’s rising stars. His debut upcoming debut album is generating significant buzz. As a key member of the Slum Beach Posse, Jesse’s raw, surfer-inspired songwriting has already won fans over.
A familiar name in Hawaii’s surf culture, Jesse James Pariah has built a reputation that bridges the surf and music communities. Born and raised on the island of Kauai, Jesse’s musical palette includes a little bit of everything from Eminem to the timeless classics like The Doors, along with a healthy dose of the SoCal punk scene. It was during these formative years, Jesse discovered the ukulele and was able to use it as a form of musical therapy.
This passion for music eventually led him to connect with DENM, who became both a mentor and collaborator. It was through that collaboration that Jesse found other like-minded Huntington Beach artists such as Landon McNamara and Benny Ranks. A spontaneous jam session would eventually lead to the creation of the Slum Beach Posse, a collective of musical misfits that bonded over their shared love for surfing and reggae.
DENM would eventually assemble the collective together to jam and record at McNamara’s house for a week. The end result of those recording sessions would become DENM’s now classic “Slum Peach Posse Vol. 1” album, which thrust Slum Beach Posse into the national spotlight with over 30 million collective streams online.
With his his new label backing him, Jesse will release his brand-new single “Horns Under Halo” produced by DENM on March 3rd, 2025. A full length album is in the works and will surface later this summer.
3. DENM
If 2025 doesn’t solidify DENM as a top-tier artist, nothing will. DENM gave fans a taste of new music late in 2024 with his single, “I’ll Be Gone,” featuring Slightly Stoopid. The track, which has already garnered praise for its expertly layered beats and dynamic transitions, delivers a vibrant remix that stays true to its emotional core. The song beautifully encapsulates the duality of DENM’s life—balancing the joys of being at home with the demands of touring.
DENM’s new album ‘Hot N Glassy’ drops 3.21.25 on Controlled Substance Sound Labs / Slum Beach Records. The album is set to feature guest appearances by Slightly Stoopid, B-Real from Cypress Hill, Pepper and more.
4. Common Kings
Rumors are swirling about a new Common Kings album, and early reports suggest it’s a return to the sound that made them a household name. There aren’t a lot of details that have been reveled about the group’s upcoming new album coming in 2025, but it is expected to take them to the next level.
Common Kings released ‘CELEBRATION’ in 2024 on tastemaker label Mensch House Records. The album features guest appearances by J Boog, Marc E. Bassy, Sammy Johnson, Royal Blu, Kabaka Pyramid and SpreadLof, Big Body Cisco, Demarco and more.
5. SVN/BVRNT Records
SVN/BVRNT Records, co-founded by Jakob Nowell and Zane Vandevort, is changing the game for Southern California’s music scene. Inspired by Skunk Records, the label focuses on authenticity and innovation, supporting artists like Jesse James Pariah and Strange Case.
SVN/BVRNT, a label inspired by his and Vandevort’s Southern California roots and the spirit of iconic underground SoCal brands like Skunk Records and SRH Clothing. SVN/BVRNT embraces the DIY ethos of the ’90s and early 2000s, blending nostalgia with a fresh take on California’s cultural soundscape.
“People often say ‘music was better back then’ or ‘I listen to everything,’ I think those people would be happy to know that music is still great today, and it blends more genres than there are grains of sand on the beach,” Nowell shared. “SVN/BVRNT is something that we have started to bring authentic music to the people who can really appreciate it. Just like my father Bradley Nowell, and my mentor Kevin Zinger used to do not so long ago, we see an emerging scene that is both nostalgic and excitingly refreshing. I believe music is more than just sound, it’s the story of people who listen.”
One of the label’s first signings include Strange Case, the Ventura-based rock band co-founded by Vandevort and Mikey Netka. Known for their unique twist on the California sound, Strange Case has been making waves with their single “27 Club,” which debuted on the legendary Los Angeles station 106.7 KROQ and has surpassed a million streams on Spotify.
Reggae Rock in 2025: A Year to Remember
From the return of legends like Sublime to the groundbreaking creativity of SVN/BVRNT’s roster, 2025 is a landmark year for rock-reggae music. Whether you’re drawn to the classics or excited by the next generation of artists, there’s something for every fan to vibe to.
Let the good vibes roll.
