Adrian Martin
Welcome to our weekly curation of essential releases. Each Friday, we spotlight the tracks and projects destined to define the conversation, dominate your favorite playlists, and set the tone for the weekend ahead.
Following last week’s highlights from Gracie Abrams, Drake, and Maluma, we turn our attention to a fresh batch of must-listens. This week, Olivia Rodrigo unveils the next chapter of her upcoming record You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, Lola Young makes a powerful return with “From Down Here,” and Charli xcx provides another cryptic glimpse into her latest era with “SS26.” Explore our top picks below.
Olivia Rodrigo — “The Cure”
From the opening notes, it is immediately apparent that we are witnessing the emergence of indie-rock Olivia. Throughout this sprawling, five-minute composition, Rodrigo displays her prowess as a songwriter, crafting a piece that feels equally at home in an intimate, unplugged setting or booming through a stadium sound system. The song’s final minute, which features a sudden shift into higher gear, offers a compelling hint at the high-octane energy expected on her upcoming Unraveled Tour.
Lola Young — “From Down Here”
Fresh off her Grammy win for Best Pop Solo Performance and gearing up for a headline appearance at All Things Go, Lola Young delivers the soaring, soulful “From Down Here.” With James Blake’s signature production providing an intricate, layered backdrop, Young’s vocals serve as the perfect anchor, navigating the sonic landscape with both precision and raw emotion.
Charli xcx — “SS26”
Charli xcx continues to defy expectations with her latest single, a mid-tempo track that marks a sharp pivot from the aggressive tone of her previous release. Driven by subtle, fuzzy feedback loops, the track prioritizes vocal clarity while delivering a biting commentary on the state of the world. It is a thought-provoking finale that suggests we might be running out of distractions, whether they come in the form of music, fashion, or film.
Bleachers — everyone for ten minutes
The lead track “we should talk,” featured on the band’s fifth studio album, captures a poignant transition between youthful ambition and the reality of settling down. Through vivid storytelling, Bleachers explores that familiar, bittersweet crossroads where past dreams collide with the demands of domestic life, resulting in a track that is as nostalgic as it is forward-looking.
Blondshell — “Heart Has To Work So Hard”
As she prepares for an extensive fall tour, Blondshell makes her return with a track defined by its melancholic bite and emotional resilience. While the song retains her signature somber aesthetic, it introduces a complex, relentless instrumental energy. As the artist notes, it is a song about navigating the tangled web of friendship and betrayal, ultimately discovering that even in the most testing dynamics, there is room for enduring compassion.
