The Best Songs of July 2025 // New Music Friday!

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"Cross Yor Mind" by Shelly

Shelly, the side project of close friends Clairo, Claud, Josh Mehling, and Noa Getzug returns after five years with two addicting new singles, "Cross Your Mind" and "Hartwell". I absolutely love both songs, but "Cross Your Mind" just might be my favorite song of the summer so far. Hopefully they release a full-length collaborative project soon, I can't wait to hear more from them!

"Gasoline - triple j Like A Version" by Djo

Earlier this year, Djo recorded an incredible cover of Haim's "Gasoline" for triple j's Like A Version series, and now it's finally been officially released on streaming platforms. He took what was already one of my favorite songs by the band and completely made it his own, giving a fresh perspective and edge to it while still capturing everything that made the original so special.

"don't speak" by Wet Leg

I've been loving Wet Leg's new album moisturizer and there are so many standout tracks I want to highlight, but "don't speak" especially hit me. It's packed with the sweet sincerity and clever lyricism that's always made their music so captivating to listen to. 

"Ring Ring Ring" by Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator surprise released his latest album earlier this month and it may just be my favorite project he's released yet. DON'T TAP THE GLASS is so dynamic in its production, with such a bold and vibrant sound throughout. "Ring Ring Ring" is one of my initial favorites, I love how effortlessly it blends funk, R&B, and hip hop influences into a sound that is so unmistakably his own. 

"DAISIES" by Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber surprise released his newest album, SWAG, earlier this month and it's truly some of the best work he's put out in years. The lead single "DAISIES" is a standout moment, it's easily one of the strongest tracks of his career. His vocals are stunning as always, paired with laid-back R&B production that suits him perfectly.

"eclipse" by Michael Clifford

Michael Clifford's long-awaited debut solo album, SIDEQUEST, is finally here and it is everything I hoped it would be and more! The final track, "eclipse", is such a special way to close out this record. Every song is so personal and full of heart, but this is inspired by his family and features the voice of his daughter in the background. As the last member of 5 Seconds of Summer to release a solo project, it's been so exciting to see him step into his own and explore this new creative space. I have loved hearing each of them venture out on their own while still working collectively in the band. 

"Setting Sun" by Post Animal

Post Animal's latest album, IRON, is such a stunning reflection of the band's artistic chemistry and genuine friendship, which shines through in every single track. Post Animal has quickly become one of my favorite new discoveries of the year, I've really been loving diving into their full discography. IRON is some of their best work yet and "Setting Sun" in particular is one of the biggest highlights, but every single song is truly incredible!

"The Hudson" by The Favors

The latest single from Finneas and Ashe's collaborative project, The Favors, is a beautiful and emotional ballad called "The Hudson". I love the storytelling of the song and the way their voices blend together is pure magic. I'm really looking forward to hearing the rest of the album soon!

"1" by Zac Farro


Paramore's Zac Farro released his debut solo album this month and it's already one of my favorite releases of the year. "1" is one of many highlights from it, I love the warmth and introspection that it radiates. 

"Mind Loaded" by Blood Orange, Caroline Polachek, Lorde & Mustafa

“Mind Loaded” by Blood Orange, Caroline Polachek, Lorde and Mustafa is such a powerful collaboration. The atmospheric production alone gives me chills every time. Lorde's verse hits in such a cinematic way, and her harmonies with Dev and Caroline are absolutely gorgeous.

"In the Sun She Lies" by Lace Manhattan

Margaret Qualley released two new songs this month under the alias Lace Manhattan for the soundtrack of her upcoming film Honey Don't! Both tracks were produced by her husband Jack Antonoff, which feels like such a natural and long-overdue collaboration. She is obviously such a talented and versatile actress, but it is so exciting to hear her venture into music now too. I'm looking forward to hopefully hearing more from her soon!

"Vodka Cranberry" by Conan Gray

Conan Gray's "Vodka Cranberry" is easily one of the best songs he's ever released. I absolutely love the songwriting - it's raw, honest, and feels so personal. The chorus hits hard, and the production complements it perfectly as well. It's the most himself he's ever sounded, and that vulnerability makes the track all the more powerful.

"Welcome To The End" by Maren Morris

"Welcome To The End" is a beautiful ode to the sacrifices we make in pursuit of our dreams, with an underlying message that is so full of hope. It is released as a part of the upcoming All Things Go compilation album benefiting The Ally Coalition and Jack Antonoff's studio initiative to help integrate recording studios into LGBTQ+ youth shelters. The song was produced by Jack as well and I always love everything he and Maren make together. 

"Hotel Rock Bottom" by Frankie Grande & Ariana Grande

This is a beautiful collaboration between Frankie and his sister, Ariana Grande, for the title track from his recent debut album. They are both so talented and this song serves as a powerful reflection of the journey Frankie took to get here, and a tribute to the friends, family, and supporters who helped him along the way. 

"Cry Cry Cry" by King Princess

I love the unapologetic edge to King Princess' writing, it's always felt so distinctly hers. There's a charm and confidence in her sound that truly sets her apart, further cementing her place as one of the most exciting voices in modern rock. I'm so excited to hear what's next for the rest of her album!

"The Longest Goodbye" by ROLE MODEL & Laufey

ROLE MODEL first released this song earlier this year solo as a part of the deluxe edition of his 2024 album Kansas Anymore: The Longest Goodbye. Now reimagined as a duet with Laufey, this new version is so stunning and only further heightens the emotions behind the original track.

"End Of Summer" by Tame Impala

"End of Summer", the lead single from Tame Impala's forthcoming album, is lush and immersive in all the best ways. It also feels so reflective of this new direction his work is heading, and I'm looking forward to hearing how the rest of the project builds on this sound. 



Thanks for reading! This month marked 8 years since I started my blog and I am so grateful for everyone that has taken the time to read + support my writing all these years. It has been so much fun to be able to have this as a creative outlet and its been so exciting to see all of the ways it has evolved since 2017. I'm looking forward to all that's still to come! Be sure to check out more of my New Music Friday posts here, as well as my song of the week series.☆


All credit to photo owners - header designed by Melissa Kacar




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