Thought it'd be good to have a general thread to share each week what your favourite new releases are! What songs have you added to your playlist? What albums have you checked out? Let us know your highlights (and even lowlights)!

Songs I've added to my playlist and/or downloaded this week:

Ariana Grande - twilight zone

Kesha - YIPPEE-KI-YAY. (solo version)

Lancelot - Håll Ihop

Maren Morris - carry me through

Dua Lipa feat. Troye Sivan - Physical

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Relentless Love

Isac Elliot - Vanhasta Uuteen

twilight zone is a great single choice for Ariana, it's my favourite of the new songs, but they're all a strong bunch! Definitely prefer the solo version of Kesha's new track, I think T-Pain makes the track sound really messy. Lancelot's track is also a favourite this week, and I think Vanhasta Uuteen could be one of Isac's best Finnish-language tracks so far.

Albums:

Isac Elliot - Vanhasta Uuteen

Ariana Grande - eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead

As I said above, love the new Ariana songs. Got Isac's album on right now but sounding consistent so far, much like his last album.

I guess this is similar to the weekly "bought/downloaded" thread in the UK chart forum (especially long ago)?

I will... mention one.

Song to playlist:

• Linkin Park - Up From The Bottom

Album:

• Mumford & Sons - RUSHMERE

Edited March 29Mar 29 by AllStarBySmashMouth

I'll answer seriously when I've finished new music listening but look at this fake release in my Release Radar this week...

Obsessed with this artist line-up chosen to attract streams in 2025, especially Girl Thing x

Added to Apple Music: Rushmere by Mumford & Sons

Listened to:

Perfume Genius - Glory & The Datkness - Dreams on Toast (was a fun listen 🤣)

Tempted to check out Wallows Album too!

Downloaded to my playlist:

Wallows - Coffin Changes

Bon Iver - Everything is Peaceful Love

Everything Everything - Your Money, My Summer

London Grammar - You & I

Snow Patrol - Everything’s here & Nothings Lost

The Dare - Girls

I also have to add the second Bob Dylan album to my Apple Music as I’ve chosen his 60s albums as my next legends music project to work through following listening to all the Beatles albums. His first album although basic is every good especially his version of ‘House of the Rising Sun’

new Lucy Dacus album <3 on replay

the duet with Hozier called Bullseye <3

Singles:

Henry Moodie - indigo

Dua Lipa feat. Troye Sivan - Physical

New Rules - ONE LESS WORRY

Luca Hänni - Love is a Lie

Ariana Grande - twilight zone

Albums:

Isac Elliot - Vanhasta Uuteen

Saved this week:

Catbite (feat. Patrick Stump) - Tired of Talk

Jordan Davis - Bar None

Lord Huron - Nothing I Need

Marshmello & AR/CO - Worlds Apart

PUP (feat. Jeff Rosenstock) - Get Dumber

Rascal Flatts & Blake Shelton - Mayberry

Rico Nasty - ON THE LOW

Sheryl Crow - Soak Up The Sun (Surf Mesa Remix)

This week I have added:

Physical - Dua & Troye

Hampstead - Ariana (+ the others but this is my standout from the deluxe)

Carry me through - maren Morris

Yippee ki yay - kesha

Bad boys - Jax jones & Rebecca black

Bullseye - Lucy Dacus + Hozier (and I intend to listen to the album over the week too!)

I also added new neiked & Portugal the man, lord huron, sky reiley & Naomi scott

My favourites of the week...

Singles

Ariana Grande - twilight zone

Avalon Emerson - Treat Mode

Black Country, New Road - For the Cold Country

Clairo - Juna (technically not brand new but re-visited due to the Radio 1 playlist addition)

Eartheater & Shygirl - Shark Brain

Model/Actriz - Dove

Vioflesh - Midnight

X CLUB. - Desire to Stay

Album

Ariana Grande - eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days

My takers this week!

Singles

Knox - The DJ (well, a midweek release to be specific, if all April Fools were more like this then I'd enjoy the day more x)

Ed Sheeran - Azizam

Miley Cyrus - End of the World

Eddie Benjamin - RUN!

Michael Schulte - Afterlife

Cher Lloyd - Green Light (though I preferred the last single a fair bit)

Albums

Knox - Going, Going, Gone (this hasn't let me down at all, early faves are Happy Ever After All, Now & Then and the title track)

Casey Lowery - Lekkerland (intrigued to see if his bid for a UK chart position can pay off this week)

Djo - The Crux (will be hearing this ASAP but the two singles were promising)

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY 4.04.25 #26

Azizam – Ed Sheeran (4/10)

This is Ed's weakest lead single ever, and now I've just lost hope in him entirely... He's not going to go out of his comfort zone, and he's still going to try and push bland radio pop that sounds like it's made for a children's costume party. I really regret having hope in this because I should've known that he was going to continue getting worse! This as a main single is laughable, and the worst part is radio will probably eat it up and make it go number one. Oh, and for anyone thinking, "Maybe the next singles will be better," he's actually already revealed three other song titles and performed one live. The live song is called 'Old Phone', and it's a standard sad guitar song! So it's official; we get a hyped-up hook, which is really Ed singing louder, and some low-effort dance-pop melody. Thanks a lot.

End Of The World – Miley Cyrus (7/10)

You know I'm happy to see Miley taking a new path in music and all, but this still just isn't the crème de la crème like people say it is. Sure, she's got some nice raspy vocals along with the more polished pop-rock sound, but this isn't exactly anything never seen before.

Potion – Djo (5/10)

I'm just not really feeling this… The only really good single from this is 'Delete Ya', and that barely made the 7/10 mark. The sound here feels like it's missing something… There's no spark here, just some romantic guitar song that has some effects on it to make it sound less generic; it just doesn't do much for me.

Tonight – Pinkpantheress (7/10)

It has her signature style while still maintaining an enjoyable sound!

23:42 - Rachel Chinouriri (8.1/10)

Rachel makes one of her best songs yet! This is epic! The slightly heavier background made Rachel stand out more, along with a more futuristic-sounding intro which blends into the sound more; it's a repeat!

Hoochie Coochie – Sexxy Red (2/10)

I hate how she screams in a weird voice near the end on top of an already lacking production. Imagine making your whole personality about how h*rny you are.

Silver Lining – Laufey (7.4/10)

Laufey has such a talent! My favourite part about her is her voice – it works so well on gentle melodies.

Back To Me – The Marias (6.4/10)

It works, but it just doesn't impress me. The Marias won't make any new turns with their style or make anything that hasn't been done; it's getting dull, but at least it's still a decent style they're doing.

Caramel – Sleep Token (7/10)

Better than their previous single, it brings more hope for what's to come.

All The Way – BigXthaPlug/Bailey Zimmerman (8/10)

BIGXTHA WENT HARD!! I actually love his deep vocals and the unapologetic way he raps! I didn't expect this to work with a country artist, but it did, and they changed back and forth in verses really smoothly; well made.

Gucci Mane - Jessie Murph (6/10)

Considering she's one of my least favourite artists ever and her vocals usually sound like a cat meowing out of pain, I'll take this! 6/10 is EXTREMELY high for Jessie Murph, and I think she's taken vocal lessons and picked a new direction because this softer sound suits her, and despite her inner vocal break coming in when she goes higher, she manages to maintain it slightly better on the emotional high hook.

Law N Order – GELO (6.4/10)

GELO is really for the funky rap beats! This still has some of the production placements that 'Tweaker' has; it feels like he's just trying to keep remixing his hit to get another hit.

Surrender – Alesso/Becky Hill (5.5/10)

Really basic electronic music.

Money Talks – Bossman Dlow (3/10)

Can this guy make anything else? Even his YouTube comment section constantly roasts him, and YouTube is like the nicest social media.

God Knows – Calum Scott (8/10)

I'm starting to really like this guy's stuff more and more! His vocals have powerful holds and deep emotion in them, and he sings the song how it sounds like it should be sung – the chord changes are smooth and develop more character with the song that further moves you.

Sweet danger – Obongjayer (6.4/10)

I was getting excited for the album, but this just doesn't do it for me – it needs more than the culture or influence; it needs more style.

The Flood – Aurora (7/10)

Aurora adds such personality and sounds like no other. Her music has a magical sound as if you're in another dimension.

Hello Again – Zoe Wees (6.3/10)

Sinners – Rod Wave (4/10)

After his tedious and disappointing 'Last Lap' album, Rod continues to go into the same roots that got him nowhere.

CCF – Car Seat Headrest (6.2/10)

I liked the composed sound of everything, but overall this just didn't click for me.

Double Trio Two – By Storm (4/10)

The Loud jazz instrumentals just ends up covering up all the vocals to the point where you can't hear anything and it sounds poorly produced. The beat could've been saved if it wasn't for that.

From me to you – Poppy/Babymetal (8.1/10)

These two have chemistry! The hard-core metal with the lighter singing voice is two things that many expect not to work, but this did, and it sounds like something which would work really well in a shooting game. It gives off gaming vibes.

I like this idea. Thin pickings this week though

Wet Leg - Catch These Fists

Babymetal feat. Poppy - From Me To U

Dogma - Banned

Albums - Rushmere by Munford & Sons downloaded to Apple Music and will listen to the new Djo album, the Rachel Chinouriri EP & Black Country, New Road!

New songs downloaded to my playlist- Azizam by Ed Sheeran, Just Because by Matilda Mann and Ordinary by Alex Warren.

Saved this week:

BigXthaPlug (feat. Bailey Zimmerman) - All The Way

Brothers Osborne - Finish This Drink

Country Night & Tyler Cameron - Florida Boy Blues

Ed Sheeran - Azizam

Evan Homer & Cameron Whitcomb - My Expense

HAIM - Everybody's trying to figure me out

Lainey Wilson - Bell Bottoms Up
Skrillex & Wuki - BIGGY BAP

Volbeat - In the Barn of the

Wet Leg - catch these fists

I'm particularly enjoying the following new releases this week:

BABYMETAL - from me to u (feat. Poppy)

HAIM - Everybody's trying to figure me out

The Marías - Back To Me

Miley Cyrus - End of the World

PinkPantheress - Tonight

TV Girl & George Clanton - Messy Hair (feat. Magdalena Bay)

Wet Leg - catch these fists

album-wise I checked out Black Country, New Road - Forever Howlong

Good thread idea Joseph!

I've been largely listening to the new DJ Koze album this week, together with the Destroyer album that I completely forgot was out last week. Both great imo.

This week's findings!

Sugababes - Weeds (been enjoying this for a few days now, and hearing it live last night elevated it even further!)

Jacob Sartorius & Powfu - Run Fast

Anne-Marie - That's What You Get / Knock Knock

MARINA - CUNTISSIMO

Louise - Borderline

Dean Lewis - I Hate That It's True

Peder Elias - Call My Name

Nothing much catching my eye on the album front this week as things stand.

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY 11.04.25 #27

Henry, Come On – Lana Del Rey (8.3/10)

It's Lana's signature; she uses her soft vocals along with slow and expressive instrumentals that help bring across the meaning of the song. It's better than 'Tough' and brings hope for the rest of the album!

Blink Twice - Shaboozey/Myles Smith (7/10)

This just made it into a 7/10 or green rating; that was incredibly tight. Now, I may not be the biggest fan of Myles, and this collaboration may not be a big or even small step to making anything that's more original, but it's pretty damn catchy. It feels like the whole song hits as a hook with the guitar kicking in and the lively melody, which from the start pulls you into the experience quickly. This is a part of Shaboozey's deluxe version of his country album, which contains his hit song 'A Bar Song (Tipsy).'

ILMB - Travis Scott (4/10)

Travis, yet another forgettable rap song that adds to his already cluttered discography; let's just hope it doesn't debut as high as '4 × 4'.

Legends – Quavo/Lil Baby (4.9/10)

With the promo saying that the most comments get their rent paid, obviously to boost the algorithm, 'Legends' has been growing fast and might make a high-charting debut next week. Unfortunately, it's not anything special, and Lil Baby delivers the same as anything you could've heard off 'WHAM'. Quavo's verse is slightly better, as it adds more real character instead of the vocals feeling overaffected, and in the end, it serves as rap crap where the aim is mainly to flex about their status and what they've achieved, and the beat is a really tedious, overused one which you would hear in 50% of the rap songs which chart on Billboard.

Do What I Say – Kwn (4/10)

That was a waste of time... the snippet made me think that this was going to be somewhat enjoyable.

Blue Strips – Jessie Murph (6.1/10)

As said before, Jessie may have the worst voice in the entire music industry; she sounds like a cat clawing at the ground while being pulled away. But she's actually starting to slightly redeem herself; this is leaning into her more pop style instead of country, and I think the change suits her a lot better. If she keeps this up, then she'll no longer be one of my least favourite artists.

N Da Morning – 4Batz (8/10)

Who knew a song that eventually doesn't get to anything new could be so fun? Sure, it's just over two minutes of beat hits and a guitar that comes in and out, plucking one string along a chilled and relaxed beat. It's a good change to see for 4Batz.

Worst Of Me – Cynthia Erivo (7.6/10)

Outside of the wicked soundtrack, her solo songs are really promising and sound like something that, with a bit more popularity, could be highly remembered; these past few singles have been as good as some of the main pop stars! Cynthia showcases a powerful side of her vocals here alongside an expressive song where the spotlight heads to Cynthia and the ballad rather than the beat itself. I can see why she's meant for theatre; just don't go playing Jesus Christ, please.

Weightless – Martin Garrix/Arijit Singh (7/10)

Martin collaborates with arguably the biggest Indian artist, Arijit Singh, on a dance-house song which has a good tempo along with the synthesisers, which are sometimes paused at the right moments to give a solo vocal piece by Singh. I thought that added to the quality of the song.

A baby girl named Heaven – Sam Austin (7/10)

Another great showcase by Sam!

Bubble Pop – Bootsy Collins/Ice Cube (7.7/10)

Wow! This was pretty fun! It sounds like something people would've gone mad for decades ago as the male and female rap-pop was coming to light more and more. The production on this is quite old school; even the vocals are too, and it's like as if you were in Las Vegas in the 70s, at least from the movie descriptions.

Friday Prayer – AJ Tracey/Headie One/Aitch (7.8/10)

UK rap appears to be improving; every artist here delivered a clean verse, and nobody totally carried the others; they all played a part.

Candy stores – Charlotte Plank (5/10)

Honestly, really boring.

Heartstrings – Disrupta/Goddard/Charlotte Haining (6/10)

It has the thumping bass and high vocal melody but just feels like it's missing originality.

Doubt (Demo) – Twenty One Pilots (5/10)

Horrid use of autotune upon a forgettable beat layout.

That's What You Get - Anne-Marie (7/10)

Definitely better than the songs from her previous release of 'If You're Looking For A New Best Friend'. It's not cringe, unlike some of Anne's previous attempts, and instead has a really nice guitar and light violin intro with softer lyrics from Anne, which goes into a more up-and-down strumming motion with Anne's vocals reaching the higher-pitched hook in the breakup song – and this is one of the best things she's made in a while, which is a pleasant surprise, seeing I soured on her music for a second.

Knock Knock – Anne-Marie (4/10)

And the painfully cringe returns again, along with parts that feel excessively autotuned – the lyrics are like a preschooler having a bad day. What even is "Knock knock, I don't f-ing care"? You cannot be serious. 😭 It's got the high, loud sound but just doesn't bring the boom – not even AJ or Big Justice would give this a boom.

World At My Feet – Victor Ray (8/10)

R&B artist Victor Ray delivers a new song from his new EP, 'I WILL', which had all four songs as solo releases. Victor Ray once again proves how he's one of the strongest underground and upcoming big artists; he uses a boom bap beat with adlibs that actually support more of an R&B song instead of a rap song. Victor has fast-paced vocals that feel like they're the best pace for a catchy song; he plays it well and once again sets a high bar. Stop sleeping on this guy!

Stick – Jim Legxcy (8/10)

The only song that's ever stuck with me from Jim was 'Nothing's Changed', but this is now the second song that I'll replay. His vocal effects on parts like 'The rain keeps crashing down' are my favourite part, and his smooth rapping works well along this.

I hate that it's true – Dean Lewis (8.4/10)

Easily his best song that I've heard by him, the amount of raw passion that went into this song, along with the guitar strums, helps create that deep state where you are constantly thinking about the song, how Dean Lewis hates that he can't get through a heartbreak and he hates that it's true. It's truly a devastating experience, and that's conveyed so much to me when I hear it, so well put across.


Rich - Bea And Her Business (4/10)

The song was going well... It started with a fun party feeling where Bea is sick of everyone and just wants to party; a clap and a unique sound that I can't make out start the song, which goes into faster claps, a higher volume and a hot pop sound that gets you moving... So, what went wrong? One specific lyric made me cringe so much that I can't ever hear the song again – and I mean ever. In the midst of the party lyrics of touching and having fun, she said, "I was holding competitions to see who could kiss the most, and extra points if you end up sucking on somebody's toe," followed by a cringe laugh. WHAT THE HELL?! DON'T TELL ME SHE'S MAKING FOOT FETISH MUSIC 😅 This just destroyed the whole song because I'm sure 95% of the people listening to it don't like feet, and even if you did, it's just weird to throw it into the mix randomly. I WOULD'VE REPLAYED IT IF IT WASN'T FOR THAT... and that would've been another replayable song by her, so much for that.

Bout U - Rema (6.5/10)

What the heck happened to 'HEIS'? We got a whole album of notable songs that was just a new opening for the whole Afrobeat genre, and then we get this and his previous single, which have nothing to them? This is awful, and people agree, and by awful, I mean the fall-off is awful, not saying this song is, but it's definitely just not what he used to be. Instead of 'HEIS', it takes a more subtle approach and focuses on themes of love a lot more.

Evangelic Girl Is A G*n - Yeule (6.9/10)

What in the gothic darkness is this about?? At least the beat is decent but pretty creepy.

CUNTISSIMO – MARINA (6.9/10)

It fell much flatter compared to her last single and didn't bring as much impact; the production felt seen before and predictable.

NEVER ENOUGH – TURNSTILE (6/10)

I wish the song had more of a clear understanding and just gave more.

Year Of The Snake - Arcade Fire (3/10)

I'm not even going to hide how insanely boring this is.

Singles

Calum Hood - Don't Forget You Love Me

Lime Cordiale & Ruel - Melodramatic Fanatic

Isaac Levi - When You Think of Me

MARINA - CUNTISSIMO

Lana Del Rey - Henry, come on

Zach Templar - wild flower

Albums

THE DRIVER ERA - Obsession

Zach Templar - in waves - EP

This weeks additions are -

Ghost - Lachryma

SNAYX - Strut

Dinosaur Pile-Up - My Way

Pulp - Spike Island

Garbage - There's No Future in Optimism

Green Day - Smash it Like Belushi

Arcade Fire - Year of the Sake

Skunk Anansie - Lost and Found