Gracie Abrams
Julie Greve
Our weekly Friday Music Guide curates the most vital new releases, highlighting the tracks and projects poised to dominate your playlists and spark conversations throughout the weekend and beyond.
Following last week’s spotlights on Charli xcx, MUNA, and Kelela, we turn our attention to an exciting new lineup. This edition features Gracie Abrams ushering in her fourth studio album, Daughter From Hell; a massive creative output from Drake with his latest project Iceman—accompanied by Maid Of Honour and Habibti; a fresh preview from Tove Lo’s upcoming sixth record; and much more. Explore our top selections below.
Gracie Abrams, “Hit the Wall”
Collaborator Aaron Dessner recently teased a sonic evolution for Gracie Abrams, promising an “elevated” approach that ventures into uncharted territory. The lead single, “Hit the Wall,” delivers on this promise with an airy, lyrically dense composition. Featuring vulnerable admissions like, “I live in a pattern of breakdowns/ You’ll bend to my silence, it’s so loud,” the track serves as a bridge between her established sound and her next chapter. If this serves as the tone-setter, Daughter From Hell promises to be a deeply evocative experience.
Drake, Iceman
Drake has arrived with a significant drop, releasing the highly anticipated Iceman alongside Maid of Honour and Habibti. With 43 new tracks totaling over two hours of content, the artist has clearly been busy since 2023’s For All the Dogs. The lead project, Iceman, leans into a more focused sound, while its companion pieces offer a variety of collaborations with artists like Sexxy Red, Central Cee, and PARTYNEXTDOOR.
Tove Lo, “I’m Your Girl Right?”
Marking her return since 2022’s Dirt Femme, Tove Lo’s new single “I’m Your Girl Right?” captures the perfect intersection of mid-tempo pop and club-ready energy. As the lead track for her upcoming September 18th release, ESTRUS, it reminds us why she remains a powerhouse of modern songwriting. As the artist noted, it has been a long wait, but she believes the new material will prove well worth it.
Rostam, “Hardy (feat. Clairo)”
Rostam continues to demonstrate his masterful touch with his third solo album, American Stories. The standout track “Hardy” is a lesson in patience and texture, weaving intricate string arrangements with piano and trumpet to create a sophisticated soundscape. It culminates in a poignant reflection on art and perseverance, solidifying his reputation for deeply thoughtful songcraft.
Jorja Smith, “What’s Done Is Done”
While Jorja Smith’s signature silky vocals are as captivating as ever on “What’s Done Is Done,” the production offers a refreshing shift. Driven by pulsing synths and a deep, electric bassline, the track perfectly captures the moody, underground atmosphere highlighted in its accompanying music video.
