New Music Friday Guide: Gracie Abrams, Steve Lacy, Carly Rae Jepsen & More

Welcome to our weekly New Music Friday roundup, your curated guide to the most essential releases hitting streaming platforms. We’ve sifted through the noise to highlight the standout tracks and albums that are set to dominate your rotation all weekend long.

Following last week’s impressive drops from Madonna, Sienna Spiro, and Riley Green, the momentum continues. This week, Gracie Abrams makes a grand return with her highly anticipated sophomore effort, Daughter From Hell. Joining her are Steve Lacy, who serves up a masterclass in self-production on his third album Oh yeah?, and Carly Rae Jepsen, who is building anticipation for her upcoming double-feature project.

Gracie Abrams — Daughter From Hell

Just two years after The Secret of Us cemented her status as a pop powerhouse, Gracie Abrams returns to her roots. Collaborating once more with producer Aaron Dessner, she delivers Daughter From Hell—a project that feels both sonically raw and lyrically profound. Lead singles “Hit the Wall” and “Look at My Life” set the tone, but the standout focus track “Good Reason” highlights Abrams’ growth, showcasing a quiet, self-assured independence in her songwriting.

Steve Lacy — Oh yeah?

Four years removed from the Grammy-adorned Gemini Rights, Steve Lacy is back. With Oh yeah?, the artist continues to refine his signature blend of whimsical synth-pop and grounded guitar textures. Featuring heavyweight appearances from SZA and Erykah Badu, the album maintains his commitment to The Funk, balancing vulnerability with infectious, genre-defying grooves.

Carly Rae Jepsen — “After All”

As we build toward the September release of her 24-track epic, Day and Night, Jepsen offers “After All.” While her recent lead single leaned into alt-rock textures, “After All” is pure dancefloor euphoria. It’s a polished, shimmering track that highlights her crystalline falsetto and suggests the “Night” side of her upcoming double album will be a must-spin for late-night vibes.

Bella Kay — “i deserve better”

Following the July release of My Reckless Abandon, rising talent Bella Kay delivers a powerful statement with “i deserve better.” A thematic departure from the chaotic energy of her hit “iloveitiloveitiloveit,” this track serves as a poignant, piano-driven anthem of self-respect and emotional clarity.

Dexter and The Moonrocks — “If You Could Talk”

The Texas-based “Western space grunge” group is evolving right before our ears. Following their breakthrough with “Freakin’ Out,” this latest single showcases a sophisticated grasp of dynamics, shifting from brooding, atmospheric verses to an explosive, high-energy rock climax.

Rick Ross — Set in Stone

After a five-year hiatus from solo studio projects, Rick Ross returns with Set in Stone. Celebrating two decades of dominance, Ross proves he is still the undisputed king of luxury rap. With a sprawling feature list including Don Toliver and Jeezy, the album serves as a masterclass in endurance and stylistic evolution.

Buju Banton — Too Too Bad

Acting as a spiritual successor to his 2006 classic Too Bad, Buju Banton’s latest project brings a refreshing energy to the reggae scene. Featuring collaborations with industry icons like DJ Khaled and Ari Lennox, this 13-track collection marks a triumphant return for the legend as he begins a new chapter with VP Records.