Gilbert Flores/Variety
May has arrived with a vibrant surge of fresh sounds. As we wrap up the first week of the month, we have curated a selection of the most compelling tracks and albums released to streaming platforms. From Charli XCX’s unexpected shift to MUNA’s latest project, the music landscape is evolving rapidly—and we want to know which release stands out to you.
Undoubtedly, the loudest buzz surrounds Charli XCX’s new single, “Rock Music.” It signals a sharp departure from the dance-floor anthems that defined her recent work. The track serves as a precursor to an upcoming studio album, which promises a distinct departure from her 2024 breakout era. “If I’d made another album that felt more dance-leaning, it would have felt really hard, really sad,” she candidly explained to British Vogue in April. “What’s interesting for me is to bend the possibilities of what my perspective on that could be.”
The week was also packed with notable singles, including The Last Dinner Party’s “Big Dog,” PJ Morton’s soulful “Sell My Soul,” Ashley McBryde’s “Lines in the Carpet,” and Kelela’s “Dancing on the Wall.” International sounds also made an impact with Grupo Frontera and Alejandro Fernández’s collaboration, “Cada Vez Me Gusta Más,” while Waylon Payne and a collaborative effort from TSHA, HoneyLuv, and Ellie Maxwell added further depth to the release slate. Furthermore, major full-length projects took center stage, with MUNA unveiling their latest album, Dancing on the Wall, alongside J Balvin and Ryan Castro’s powerhouse team-up on Omerta. The week was rounded out by new albums from Lykke Li (The Afterparty), Little Simz (Sugar Girl), and the pairing of The Chainsmokers and Oaks on Love Is Kind.
We’ve laid out the highlights—now the decision is in your hands. Cast your vote for your favorite new release in the poll below.
