A day as special as this only comes around once every four years! Lorde finally released her long-awaited fourth album, Virgin, and it's everything I hoped it would be and more. It offers a glimpse into her mind in the most unfiltered, raw way. There are so many songs that I love and feel so connected to, but I was truly speechless after hearing the closing track "David" for the first time. There is something so haunting and cathartic about this song, it is such a powerful way to close this incredible record.
"Times Like These" is one of the many standout tracks off of Addison's self-titled album, which is overall such a confident and clear debut from one of pop's most exciting new artists. This is one of the most vulnerable and heartbreakingly honest moments of the album, which feels so representative of the greater storyline of Addison. It feels like it reveals a side of her as an artist that is so introspective and deeply honest - striking such an emotional balance between the desire to chase fame, but also just wanting to be seen, loved and understood in a more personal way.
Haim summer has already begun and I'm so happy they are finally back with such an incredible new album, I quit. "Lucky stars" is one of the many songs on it that I love, it is so soft and sweet in a way that is so different than so much of the rest of the record. There's something really special about how it leans into the idea of fate and connection, celebrating the invisible string that quietly ties you to the people you're meant to find throughout your life.
Calum Hood's debut solo album, ORDER chaos ORDER is dreamy, psychedelic and expansive in all of the best ways. "Sunsetter" in particular perfectly captures all of the emotions at the heart of this album. It has been so exciting to see him and the other members of 5 Seconds of Summer step out on their own as solo artists alongside their work as a band over the past few years. Calum's solo work feels so representative of his own personal influences and the distinct freedom to experiment with his sound in a really shines throughout the entire album.
After many years of working together, Finneas and Ashe have announced their new joint collaborative project set to be released September 2025 under the band name The Favors. "The Little Mess You Made" is a stunning introduction into what the rest of the album will have in store. I especially love how it allows them both to fully shine as vocalists, their harmonies are gorgeous. The conversational approach they took with the songwriting also really captures the emotional tension of the story being told. It serves as such a beautiful extension of the friendship and creative partnership Ashe and Finneas have had for several years.
"What's A Good Life", the latest single off of Post Animal's upcoming album IRON, is a track that represents the power of persistence and authenticity, reminding us that sometimes the best thing you can do is just be who you are, no matter what life throws at you. It's reflective, uplifting and deeply moving.
The lead single off of Mitch Rowland's upcoming sophomore album is a beautiful showcase of his talent for storytelling and emotional vulnerability. His work is so connective and introspective, it always captures the quiet, heartfelt moments in such a special way.
After quite a long wait, King Princess is finally back with the lead single off her upcoming album, Girl Violence, which is set to be released this September. "RIP KP" is such an effortlessly cool lead single and I can't wait to hear more new music from her soon! Sabrina Carpenter's new single "Manchild" is the perfect lead-in to her upcoming album Man's Best Friend, set to be released at the end of the summer. It's playful, sharp, and full of her signature humor and charm that makes her music so addictive. I love seeing her lean even further into the country-tinged aesthetics she first introduced on Short n' Sweet and am very curious to hear how that influence takes shape throughout the rest of her upcoming new album. I am very excited to already be hearing more new music from her!
"If You Never Left Me" is a melancholic reflection on love, loss, and the bittersweet clarity that distance can bring. Nat & Alex's performances are so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time, the stripped down arrangement fully allows the emotions to take the forefront in a really impactful way.
"Crown" is one of my favorites from Finn Wolfhard’s debut solo album Happy Birthday. It has such a grungy, raw sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. This song, like the rest of the record, really channels the 90's alt-rock influences, while still keeping things fresh and current.
"Mother" is one of the most intimate and stunning deluxe tracks from the expanded edition of Suki Waterhouse's Memoir of a Sparklemuffin. Written while she was pregnant with her daughter, the song captures the purest and most unconditional form of love in such a deeply personal way. It is truly such a beautiful song and unlike anything else she has released thus far. This magnetic collaboration between Mark Ronson and RAYE is long overdue. RAYE's voice is so gorgeous on this track, with Mark's production complimenting her vintage jazz inflections so perfectly. The Amy Winehouse comparisons are definitely fitting here as well, especially in how RAYE delivers each line with so much grit and vulnerability.
"Plastic Box" is bold, atmospheric, and easily one of JADE's strongest releases yet. I can't wait to hear what the rest of her debut album has in store!
Miles Kane returns with the fiery lead single from his upcoming album - "Love Is Cruel" has such a high-energy rock sound that feels both classic and fresh at the same time.
Frankie Grande released his debut album this month, which is such a fun and vibrant representation of his artistic identity. "Revive" was one of my favorites, it's bold, theatrical, and full of energy in a way that is uniquely all his own.
Inhaler released a live version of my very favorite song by them earlier this month from their show in Madrid. "Dublin in Ecstasy" is such a stand-out track in their discography and I love the energy of their live performances of it. I'm hopefully going to finally see them live for the first time in a few months and I am really looking forward to it!
Thanks for reading! This has been another milestone month for my blog and as always, I am so grateful to anyone who takes the time to read my work! So much new music is being released this summer and I can't wait to share all of my thoughts on more of my favorites here soon! Be sure to check out more of my New Music Friday posts here, as well as my song of the week series.☆
-Melissa ♡
All credit to photo owners - header designed by Melissa Kacar
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