New Music Friday Guide: Karol G, Role Model, FLO, Stray Kids & More

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Billboard’s New Music Friday column highlights the week’s most compelling auditory offerings—the essential records capturing immediate attention and destined to dominate playlists throughout the weekend and beyond.

Last week’s spotlight shone on releases from Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Shaboozey, Slayyyter, and more.

This week brings an array of stellar projects: Latin music royalty Karol G unveils her sixth studio record in the midst of a massive stadium run; indie-pop favorite Role Model presents his eagerly awaited third full-length album; and British R&B powerhouse FLO returns with their sophomore collection—among many other standout drops. Explore all our top recommendations below:

Karol G, No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto

Karol G’s highly anticipated record marks a deliberate pivot away from the euphoric, sun-drenched euphoria of her 2025 release, Tropicoqueta. Across the 14 tracks of No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto—which translates to “I don’t regret feeling so much”—the Colombian superstar embraces a raw, introspective vulnerability that captures the full spectrum of human emotion. For her sixth studio album, she enlists an elite roster of guest artists, including Drake on “Ahí,” Bruno Mars on “Still,” Judeline alongside Rusowsky on “Bby Wow,” and Cigarettes After Sex frontman Greg Gonzalez on the atmospheric closer “Después de Ti.” The project also features the sultry perreo anthem “Matadora,” which made a commanding debut at No. 3 on the Hot Latin Songs chart dated August 8. — JESSICA ROIZ

Role Model, Chuck Timely & The Hourglass

Fascinated by the relentless march of time—particularly the surreal transition into one’s thirties—Role Model’s newest offering serves up thoughtful reflections on matrimony (“The Wedding”), the utility of optimism (“High Hopes,” “Joy”), and relinquishing control to trust the journey (“Harmony”). This album refines the layered vocal harmonies and stark self-examination he cultivated on his 2024 breakout, Kansas Anymore. While that predecessor’s deluxe edition housed his viral sensation “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” he isn’t chasing radio ubiquity here; instead, this record offers an honest, fully realized portrait of his present reality. Anyone navigating the complexities of their third decade will find profound resonance in these 12 tracks. — LYNDSEY HAVENS

FLO, Therapy at the Club

How does an artist follow up a Grammy-nominated debut that cemented their status as modern R&B’s most formidable girl group? By delivering a masterpiece like Therapy at the Club. The sophisticated sophomore LP from British trio Renée, Stella, and Jorja builds effortlessly upon their late-90s and early-00s R&B foundations, infusing shimmering elements of 80s synth-pop alongside guest contributions from Juicy J and kwn. With a few weeks left in the season for unforgettable nocturnal adventures, FLO has officially curated the ultimate summer soundtrack. — KYLE DENIS

Stray Kids, “This & That”

THIS & THAT represents the tenth mini-album from South Korea’s premier boy band, living up to its name by offering a diverse sonic landscape across eight distinct tracks. The title track anchors the release with a commanding, earth-shaking production that backs up their bold, hard-earned boasts: “Everything I do, multiply it by two.” That relentless work ethic echoes in the chorus as Hyunjin and Bang Chan declare, “I’ma rip a show and then hit the studio/ I do this and that, this and that.” Elsewhere, the group experiments with infectious dance-pop on “After You,” shows their vulnerable side on “Way Out,” and crafts a guitar-driven alternative pop gem with “Back Then.” Exploring a little bit of everything has rarely sounded this compelling. — L.H.

Sam Smith, “When He’s Gone”

As acclaimed vocal powerhouse Sam Smith continues building anticipation for their fifth studio album, Hazel Eyes (arriving August 21), their latest single provides an alluring look at the project’s haunting aesthetic. “When He’s Gone” showcases Smith’s gorgeous lower register with striking intimacy, chronicling the painful dissolution of a romance and the agonizing ache of holding on. “When he’s walking out on me/ He takes everything I need/ My whole world’s broken when he’s gone,” they croon over cinematic, western-tinged acoustic guitar plucks and a cautionary backing choir urging release. By the song’s conclusion, however, surrender remains out of reach, culminating in a plea: “If he stays with me tonight, I promise I’ll be better.” — L.H.

Stella Lefty, “Lean In, Kiss Me”

Riding high off a rapturous set at Lollapalooza in Chicago while her breakout hit “Boston” continues its strong chart run, rising country-pop star Stella Lefty captures the exhilarating butterflies of a first romantic spark. Her newest release explores the delicate territory of crossing the line from friendship into romance. “It’s just another Friday night/ Was bound to happen one of these times,” she reflects before testing the waters: “Tell me if I spoke too soon/ But I kinda want you in my room/ Do I make you wanna make a move?” Though the track fades out before an answer is explicitly given, fans familiar with her real-life relationship with Vincent Mason know the story ended happily. — L.H.

Alex Warren, “Rescuer”

As Alex Warren gears up for his upcoming sophomore album, Wildchild (releasing August 28), his single rollouts have bifurcated into two distinct styles: high-octane anthems like “Fever Dream” and “Passenger,” versus contemplative, mid-tempo pieces like “Fine Place To Die” and the latest, “Rescuer.” The latter shares unmistakable sonic DNA with his massive breakout hit “Ordinary,” utilizing a familiar guitar motif and thematic focus. However, instead of marveling at how love pulls him out of the ordinary, he revels in the desire to remain forever anchored in that sanctuary: “Out of exile, into your hands/ Your arms are my promised land.” — L.H.

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