The Best Songs of September 2025 // New Music Friday!
"Mr. Mountebank" by Djo
The Crux (Deluxe) gives so much more insight into the journey Djo took while writing this album and all of the different directions he could've taken with it narratively. It's more than just a regular deluxe album, it's more so a companion project of twelve songs that were written during the same creative period as The Crux, but didn't make the initial cut. That said, they don't feel like leftovers. Each track truly feels like a natural expansion of the time in his life that inspired this music, and collectively, they feel like a culmination of some of the more unhinged parts of himself that he had to work through to arrive at the final version of The Crux.
"Mr. Mountebank" is one of my many favorites, he goes fully Djo XCX on it, diving into a wild and abrasive hyperpop sound that's completely different from anything he's made before. It offers a sharp commentary on fame and virality, especially in the wake of his music receiving more attention than ever after the organic success of "End of Beginning" in early 2024. There's a clear tension between staying true to your art and the pressure to sell out for a quick cash grab. He shares his unflinchingly honest perspective and takes an unhinged approach to both the writing and performance, with so many genuinely funny and memorable lyrics throughout.
The Crux continues to be my favorite album of the year, and I loved hearing this expansion of it. It's still insane to me that Djo was part of three of my favorite albums this year. No one is doing it like him right now, and I'm loving all of it.
Check out my full review of The Crux and The Crux (Deluxe) by Djo!
"NOT OK" by 5 Seconds of Summer
The long-awaited lead single off of 5 Seconds of Summer's upcoming sixth album is finally here, and I couldn't be more excited. I love 5SOS so much, and it's been amazing to see them come back together after taking a brief hiatus to explore their individual solo projects over the past couple of years. Their new album, EVERYONE'S A STAR!, is set to be released in November, and the lead single already hints at a bold new direction. They're tapping into a mid-90s rock sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh, it is such a cool vibe that already sets this era apart from anything they've done before.
"One of the Greats" by Florence + The Machine
Florence delivers yet another bold and emotionally charged anthem with "One of the Greats", the second single off of her upcoming album. Lyrically, it's piercing and poignant, as she confronts the double standards she's faced with an unfiltered honesty. Thematically, it feels like a sister track to "Choreomania" one of my personal favorites. Florence's writing always carries a deeply feminine and empowering perspective, and this is no exception.
"The Dream" by The Favors
The new collaborative project by The Favors, comprised of Finneas and Ashe, is finally here and it's everything I hoped it would be. I love the classic approach they took with the making of this album. It feels rooted in another era of music, capturing that timeless energy in a way that still feels fresh and uniquely their own. There's something so special about when two artists like this come together and create something so singular in both of their discographies, something that feels purely driven by the art itself, not by trends or expectations. I especially love the title track of their debut album, The Dream. It introduces so many of the recurring themes that run through the entire project in such a poignant and cinematic way.
"So Easy (To Fall In Love)" by Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean has quickly become one of my favorite recent discoveries, her voice is absolutely gorgeous and she brings such a sweet, romantic energy to her music. That warmth especially shines through on "So Easy (To Fall In Love)", one of my favorites off of her latest album.
"Slow Down and Shut Up" by King Princess
King Princess made her long-awaited return with her third album, Girl Violence, and it's easily some of her most focused and refined work yet. I loved all the singles leading up to it, and now I'm especially drawn to the edge and attitude of "Slow Down and Shut Up". It's bold, biting, and full of the raw honesty that has always made her music so compelling.
"Loser" by Tame Impala
"Loser", the second single off Tame Impala's upcoming album Deadbeat, is mellow and hypnotic, yet still carries the signature textures that make Kevin Parker such a generational producer. The production is so lush and immersive, I haven't been able to get it out of my head since first listen. I also looooved the music video starring Joe Keery. It's such an iconic and long overdue crossover, now I'm just hoping they officially collaborate on a song together soon!
"In The Morning" by Mitch Rowland
Mitch Rowland’s "In the Morning" leans into a psychedelic folk sound that feels hazy and intimate, with a distinct confidence that shows just how much he's grown as a solo artist since his last release. It's understated but powerful, and so distinctly him.
"Just Like Heaven - Live From Glastonbury" by Olivia Rodrigo & Robert Smith
Earlier this summer, Olivia Rodrigo made history with her headlining spot at Glastonbury, closing out the iconic Pyramid Stage with a career-defining performance. One of the most unforgettable moments of her set was a surprise duet with The Cure's Robert Smith, where they performed "Friday I'm In Love" and "Just Like Heaven". It was a full-circle moment that bridged generations and highlighted Olivia's growing influence in the rock space. Her full Glastonbury live album is set to be released soon and is the perfect way to close out the GUTS era of her career.
"Unconditional" by JADE
"Unconditional" is a stunning highlight from JADE's long-awaited debut solo album, her vocals are effortlessly beautiful and further proves that she is one of the most exciting voices in pop music right now.
"Pick It Up" by Cardi B & Selena Gomez
"Pick It Up" is a standout moment from Cardi B's long-awaited sophomore album Am I The Drama?, and her collaboration with Selena Gomez is everything. Selena sounds especially great on this track, adding a softness that balances the bold energy of the production. I've always loved the music they make together and can't wait to hear what their next collaboration might bring!
Check out my experience meeting Cardi B at her Am I The Drama? Promo Tour!
"Secrets" by Miley Cyrus featuring Lindsey Buckingham & Mick Fleetwood
Miley Cyrus released a deluxe version of her stunning album Something Beautiful, featuring two new tracks - one of which is a beautiful collaboration with Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood. It is such an iconic crossover. This deluxe release adds even more depth to Something Beautiful and reminds me why Miley continues to be one of the most compelling voices in pop music today.
Check out my full review of Something Beautiful by Miley Cyrus!
"TIT FOR TAT" by Tate McRae
"TIT FOR TAT" is so catchy, confident and full of Tate's signature attitude. She really leans into the playful delivery and addictive melody, in what is one of my favorite songs by her yet.
"SPEED DEMON" by Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber surprise-released his second album of the summer, SWAG II, following up the first SWAG with a continuation of the same sonic tone and energy. Together, the two parts now make up a massive 44-track collection. In its entirety, it's definitely way too long and could've benefited from some editing. With that being said, none of it is bad though - actually, it's some of his strongest work in years. I just don't think anyone needs to be releasing a two-hour album and expecting listeners to sift through it all to find the standouts. One of those standouts, though, is "SPEED DEMON", the opening track on SWAG II. It's bold, infectious, and easily one of the songs I'll be returning to the most.
"Jack" by Nat & Alex Wolff
"Jack" has such a sweet, bluesy vibe that is both understated and emotionally rich in all of the best ways. Nat & Alex are on such a great run of singles lately and I'm really hoping it leads to a full length project soon.
Thanks for reading! Be sure to check out more of my New Music Friday posts here, as well as my song of the week series.☆
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