2025 Album Long List

The Polaris Music Prize brings together music lovers, artists, and a dynamic jury to discover, discuss, and award the best in Canadian music, based on artistic merit, regardless of sales or popularity. Through our awards, concerts, and community programs, we inspire audiences in Canada and worldwide to champion groundbreaking Canadian artists.

Each year, our jury of over 200 music critics — including writers, broadcasters, bloggers, curators, and programmers from across Canada and adjoining unceded Indigenous lands — selects the 40-album Long List, the 10-album Short List, and ultimately, the Polaris Prize winner.

The Long List recognizes and highlights 40 exceptional Canadian albums, bringing significant visibility and artistic recognition to artists from diverse genres and backgrounds. Being longlisted by Polaris often serves as a critical moment of validation and discovery for artists and their music.

This year’s Album Long List is proudly presented in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts. Stay connected and be the first to receive exclusive insights, artist features, jury commentaries, and event news by subscribing to our newsletter.