New Music Friday Guide: Charli xcx, Tyla, Morgan Wallen & More

Our weekly New Music Friday roundup serves as an essential guide to the absolute must-listen project drops of the week—the standout tracks and albums capturing widespread conversation and destined to anchor your weekend playlists.

Last week, we highlighted exceptional releases from Gracie Abrams, Steve Lacy, Rick Ross, Carly Rae Jepsen, and other influential artists.

This week brings a fresh wave of major projects: Charli xcx unveils her eagerly awaited full-length album, Music, Fashion, Film; global sensation Tyla presents her sophisticated sophomore studio album; and country superstar Morgan Wallen delivers a poignant new single following its live debut… alongside several other remarkable drops. Explore all our top selections for the week below:

Charli xcx, Music, Fashion, Film

When Charli xcx released “Rock Music” back in May as the lead single for Music, Fashion, Film, it successfully sparked intense debate while steering the conversation away from her post-Brat cinematic soundtrack singles. Though not strictly a rock track—nor an exact blueprint for the entire album—it clearly communicated her artistic restlessness: she had zero intention of repeating herself. On Music, Fashion, Film, Charli stretches her sonic boundaries far beyond conventional dance-pop, incorporating gritty guitar textures. As Andrew Unterberger notes in his track rankings for Billboard: “Regardless of genre categorization—which Charli xcx has never paid much mind to anyway—Music, Fashion, Film stands as another captivating, addictive, and utterly distinctive addition to a discography rapidly shaping up to be one of the 21st century’s most formidable.” — LYNDSEY HAVENS

Tyla, A*Pop

Ever since her international breakthrough with the massive hit “Water” in 2023, Tyla has remained a familiar presence on the charts. Following last year’s chart-makers “Push 2 Start” and “Chanel,” the South African trailblazer teamed up with Zara Larsson this year for “She Did It Again.” Both latter tracks find a natural home on Tyla’s sophomore LP, A*POP, available now. Alongside them is an early standout, “That Girl”—a gorgeous synthesis of Afropop and R&B elements propelled by a hypnotic, undulating rhythm that offers a luxurious sonic landscape for her smooth vocals. — L.H.

Morgan Wallen, “Been By Now”

During a high-energy performance in Baltimore, Morgan Wallen delighted concertgoers by offering a first listen to his poignant new track, “Been By Now.” Co-written by Wallen alongside Charlie Handsome, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass, Rocky Block, and Taylor Phillips, the song leans comfortably into Wallen’s signature blend of glossy, pop-infused country grooves and melancholic heartbreak. “If we were in the stars, they’d have lined right up,” he croons, reflecting a quiet resignation about romances that ultimately burn out. — JESSICA NICHOLSON

JENNIE, “Less than a Lover”

After offering a tantalizing preview of her upcoming single during her Governors Ball performance in June, JENNIE has officially released the sun-drenched track just ahead of her headlining appearance at Lollapalozza Chicago. Perfectly timed for the season and centered around the carefree theme of a fleeting summer romance, “Less than a Lover” feels lighter than some of her harder-hitting releases (such as “Like Jennie”), drifting gracefully into airy alternative-pop and singer-songwriter territory. It is an ideal soundtrack for effortless warm-weather days. — L.H.

The Strokes, Reality Awaits

Following a brief delay, Reality Awaits is finally here for eager listeners. After a string of electrifying festival appearances—including a standout performance at Coachella in April—The Strokes have officially dropped their seventh studio album today. True to the playful experimentation previewed by lead single “Going Shopping,” the band embraces liberal uses of AutoTune across the record. Across nine dynamic tracks, they effortlessly bridge the gap between infectious, gritty guitar anthems and bold sonic risks (particularly evident on “Liar’s Remorse” and the album’s final three tracks). The final product is a uniquely modern record that reflects on everything from youth to artificial intelligence, courtesy of a band that always has something provocative to say. — L.H.

KATSEYE, “Animal”

This magnetic single from the international girl group explores the duality of a romantic partner behind closed doors, with the quintet singing: “Nobody knows you’re outta control/ But I see a side behind the closed doors/ They get a glimpse here on the dance floor/ You move like an animal.” Aptly titled, “Animal” will serve as a centerpiece on the group’s upcoming third EP, WILD, scheduled for release on August 14. — L.H.

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