Archive - No Expectations

The 40 Best Albums of 2025 So Far

...According to some guy in Chicago. Plus, every new full-length I wrote about in No Expectations this year and more stellar LPs.

Jun 5, 2025 • josh terry

The 100 Best Albums of 2025

…According to some guy in Chicago. Plus, every album and more I recommended in No Expectations this year.

Dec 11, 2025 • josh terry

The 60 Best Albums of 2024, According to Some Guy in Chicago

The music that made the year at No Expectations, from 22º Halo to Youbet.

Dec 12, 2024 • josh terry

The 60 Best Albums of 2023, According to Some Guy in Chicago

No Expectations 052: Celebrating the year’s best LPs and the first anniversary of this newsletter.

Dec 7, 2023 • josh terry

The 30 Best Albums of 2024 So Far

It’s been a good year for music. Plus, 30 more great honorable mentions at the bottom of this list.

Jul 3, 2024 • josh terry

No Expectations 130: The Sound It Made

5 standout albums from January so far. Plus, Mike Leigh's 'Hard Truths,' a big book on soccer, and more.

Jan 22 • josh terry

The 60 Best Albums of 2022, According to Some Guy in Chicago

From Alex G to Zach Bryan, here’s what writer Josh Terry listened to most this year.

Dec 8, 2022 • josh terry

No Expectations 071: Eyes of the World

A new fan goes to Vegas for the opening weekend of Dead & Company’s Sphere residency.

May 23, 2024 • josh terry

No Expectations 133: Arrow

Four albums for your week from Ratboys, Ulrika Spacek, and more. Plus, 'The Secret Agent,' Greg Grandin's 'America, América,' and yes, the Bad Bunny…

Feb 12 • josh terry

No Expectations 132: Penny in the Lake

Five new LPs worth hearing from Marta Del Grandi, Sunday Mourners, Hazel City, and more. Plus, as always, a 15-song playlist of my favorite recent…

Feb 5 • josh terry

No Expectations 059: Next Time Around

Where you can find great, independent music writing right now. Plus, the 2024 playlist.

Feb 15, 2024 • josh terry

No Expectations 131: Instakill

Recommended new albums from Greaseface, Shaking Hand and Victoryland. Plus, tips for getting out of a musical rut and a great book on tennis.

Jan 29 • josh terry

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