What better way to kick off a weekend than with new music? Fridays are always chock full of the latest songs and albums ready to be the soundtrack to everyone’s antics, and here you’ll find some of the week’s standout releases. Whether you’re ready to spin an anticipated song from a favorite artist or just taking a look at what’s out there, there’s a whole lot of tunes to dive right into. Who knows—maybe you’ll find your next obsession.
The Maine
“Sticky”
As the chorus and its headlining lyric, “Sticky just like the song in my head”, rings through your speakers, you realize The Maine’s ability to take up real estate in brains is unmatched. “Sticky” sets the stage for their new album, XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time, out this summer and it seems like it’s going to be a smash.
Justin Bieber
Justice
Justice is Justin Bieber at his finest. While a lack of talent was never an issue, last year’s LP Changes was dull and unimaginative—save for a couple bangers—but his new record flips that switch entirely. Top tier hooks and melodies ravage its entirety without giving a second to catch your breath.
Nick Jonas
“Selfish” (feat. Jonas Brothers)
Does a Nick Jonas song featuring Jonas Brothers mean he’s featuring himself?
What are the logistics of this?
There are many questions. But the fact is that there is seemingly a new JoBros track—kind of—on the deluxe edition of Nick’s latest LP. “Selfish” follows in the footsteps of the rest of his Spaceman—unpredictable pop with the Brothers as extra firepower.
The Juliana Theory
“We’re at the Top of the World” (Reimagined)
Influential emo band The Juliana Theory is throwing it back for fans both old and new on their reimagined songs—this time adding a makeover to their biggest streaming hit, the head-bopping “We’re at the Top of the World”. While toned down from their teenage punk days, the new version still does the “sha-la-la-la” part justice; that’s all that matters.
Our Last Night
“Without You”
It’s not hyperbole: literally no one ever has said, “I could really use a post-hardcore cover of that The Kid Laroi song.” Credit to Our Last Night for keeping us on our toes? The band drums up a fiery rendition of the Australian artist’s acoustic TikTok anthem, so…that exists now if you’re interested.
Smallpools
Science Fiction
Spacey and atmospheric, Smallpools take their unique brand of pop to another planet on their Science Fiction EP. Instrumentation is lush and the band hits on sounds they’ve never really touched on before—their best material comes when they’re innovating with their sound.
Yungblud
“Life on Mars?”
There is something about an artist covering a major influence that makes you appreciate it, regardless of whether they really do it justice or not. In Yungblud’s case justice is done, David Bowie’s “Life on Mars?” single-handedly inspired his latest album Weird!. Sung live at A Bowie Celebration 2021, his emotive cover of the track bleeds authenticity.
Rise Against
“Nowhere Generation”
A healthy mix of arena rock and punk, Rise Against’s new single “Nowhere Generation” gets the job done when it comes to providing a catchy as hell tune. It’s been a while since new RA music but production from long-time collaborator Bill Stevenson makes it sound like they never went anywhere.
De’Wayne
“Perfume” (feat. Awsten Knight)
One of the genre’s most exciting artists, singer/rapper De’Wayne joins forces with another powerhouse in Waterparks frontman Awsten Knight. “Perfume” manages to take the best of both worlds; the earwormy delivery that De’Wayne consistently provides and the ability of Knight to sound effortless no matter what the track is behind him.
Other new releases:
Teddy Geiger – “Brass in Pocket”
Greta Van Fleet – “Broken Bells”
Ingrid Michaelson, ZAYN – “To Begin Again”
Steve Aoki, Kiiara – “Used to Be (feat Wiz Khalifa)”
Keane – Live At Largo
Drax Project – “Over It”
J Balvin – “Tu Veneno”
Paloma Mami – Sueños de Dali
PJ Harding, Noah Cyrus – “You Belong to Somebody Else”
Alesso, CORSAK – “Going Dumb”
Roddy Ricch – “Heartless (Live from LA)”
Addison Rae – “Obsessed”
Jon Batiste – WE ARE
Tai Verdes – “we would have some cute kids.”
The Knocks & Foster the People – Melody & Silence
D-Nice – “No Plans For Love (with Ne-Yo & Kent Jones)”
Hunter Hayes – “If You Change Your Mind”
Snoop Dogg – “C.E.O”
Sam Smith – Love Goes: Live at Abbey Road Studios
Lana Del Rey – Chemtrails over the Country Club
