Julie Greve
Following the massive buzz surrounding Beyoncé’s surprise release last week, Gracie Abrams claims the spotlight in this week’s New Music Friday roundup with her evocative third studio album, Daughter From Hell. Led by the singles “Hit the Wall” and “Look At My Life,” the project marks a compelling return to form as the Grammy-nominated artist reunites with her frequent creative partner Aaron Dessner, while also tapping Dan Nigro for production.
The release calendar is remarkably robust this week, featuring high-profile returns from reggae icon Buju Banton with Too Too Bad, rap veteran Rick Ross with Set in Stone, and Afro-house luminary Francis Mercier with Lakay. Adding to the diversity, regional Mexican sensation Oscar Maydon drops Música en mi Jetski, while alternative R&B innovators Steve Lacy and Syd return with Oh Yeah? and Beard, respectively.
The new music landscape is further enriched by an eclectic mix of arrivals, including the 30th-anniversary reissue of Mariah Carey’s Daydream, alongside projects from Masego, Foreigner, Waylon Wyatt, Niko Moon, Mudbaby Ru, Mike Posner, Daughtry, BackRoad Gee, Icewear Vezzo, Rome Streetz, and Nao Yoshioka.
On the singles front, pop favorite Carly Rae Jepsen leads the charge with the shimmering track “After All,” a enticing preview of her upcoming Day and Night double album. Meanwhile, breakthrough artist Bella Kay offers a raw, emotional standout with “I Deserve Better,” plucked from her celebrated July debut, My Reckless Abandon.
This week’s offerings also include dance-floor energy from Marlon Hoffstadt, a country-folk collaboration between Carly Pearce, Molly Tuttle, and Dan Tyminski, and a moody, atmospheric release from Texas rockers Dexter and The Moonrocks. Further highlights include new music from Tinashe, Leon Bridges, Kelly Clarkson, Lil Baby, and a soulful cover from Meshell Ndegeocello and Cynthia Erivo.
Which release is dominating your playlist? Cast your vote or sound off in our New Music Friday poll below.
