If you’re looking to refresh your playlist, the Friday Music Roundup is here with the week’s hottest new releases. From bold reinventions to star-studded collaborations, these are the tracks everyone will be talking about this weekend and beyond.
Lorde Unleashes Her Most Vulnerable Era Yet
Kicking off this week’s highlights is Lorde, who returns with Virgin, her long-anticipated fourth studio album. Rather than shy away from the emotional upheavals that have marked her mid-twenties—ranging from heartbreak and self-image struggles to deeper questions of identity—Lorde dives headfirst into them. Virgin is raw, honest, and strikingly personal, making it arguably the most courageous and revealing project of her career so far.
Alex Warren & ROSÉ Team Up for “On My Mind”
Following his chart-topping success with “Ordinary” and a powerhouse collaboration with Jelly Roll on “Bloodline,” Alex Warren brings in ROSÉ from BLACKPINK for his newest single, “On My Mind.” The track, from his upcoming album You’ll Be Alright, Kid, blends melancholic folk-pop with brassy horns and steady kick drums. ROSÉ’s haunting vocals shine through, proving she’s more than comfortable in Warren’s evolving sonic universe.
KATSEYE Delivers Genre-Bending Brilliance on Beautiful Chaos
Emerging girl group KATSEYE builds on the wild momentum of their viral hit “Gnarly” with a brand-new EP, Beautiful Chaos. The five-track project kicks off with the energetic punch of “Gnarly” and evolves into an eclectic mix: smooth harmonies on “Gameboy,” emotionally charged ballads like “Mean Girls,” and a powerful finale in “M.I.A.” that blends their signature chaos with polished production. The EP is an impressive showcase of KATSEYE’s versatility and fearless experimentation.
Lizzo Surprises With Rap-Focused Mixtape
Stepping away from her recent pop-centric singles, Lizzo makes a bold pivot with her surprise mixtape, My Face Hurts From Smiling. Leaning heavily into rap, the project features powerhouse collaborations with SZA and Doja Cat. It’s a playful, no-holds-barred release that shows Lizzo reclaiming her edge and setting the stage for a more mainstream return down the line.
Don Toliver Keeps It Moving With “FWU”
Don Toliver teams up with producer Mustard for “FWU,” a smooth, vibe-heavy single that highlights his signature high-pitched delivery. It’s his first solo track of the year, and while it doesn’t aim to break boundaries, it’s a strong, replay-worthy addition to any weekend playlist.
F1 The Album: A Soundtrack Full of Heavy Hitters
Released alongside the Brad Pitt-led racing film, F1 The Album is easily one of the most star-packed soundtracks of the year. It includes previously released tracks from ROSÉ, Don Toliver, Tate McRae, and Ed Sheeran, while introducing fresh new songs from Burna Boy, RAYE, Madison Beer, and others. Don’t miss Peggy Gou’s infectious dance number “D.A.N.C.E” tucked in the second half.
Barbra Streisand Returns With The Secret of Life: Partners, Vol. 2
The legendary Barbra Streisand follows up her 2014 Partners album with an elegant sequel, featuring a refined list of collaborators. From Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan to fresh voices like Hozier and Laufey, the album bridges generations. The standout? A powerhouse collaboration with Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande titled “One Heart, One Voice”—a vocal summit that doesn’t disappoint.
Editor’s Pick: Blood Orange Returns With “The Field”
Coinciding with his contribution to Lorde’s Virgin, Dev Hynes revives his Blood Orange project with a haunting new single titled “The Field.” Featuring vocal layers from Caroline Polachek, Daniel Caesar, and more, it’s a stirring blend of R&B and spiritual ambiance. This long-awaited release hints at a compelling new chapter for Hynes.
