Not many from the Friday just gone:

The Beaches - Ultimate

Saweetie & TWICE - superstars

Toby Keith - Should've Been A Cowboy (VAVO Remix)

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY 8.08.25 #42

A Little More – Ed Sheeran (7.5/10)

I'd 1000% call this the most appealing song from the "Play" rollout so far. It has a memorable guitar riff that is followed by what I believe is a synthesiser used in a part of a loop. It has a part similarity to some of the smaller English acts (I can't put a name on anyone exact), but if you've heard the song, you'd know that as much as it's good, it's not the most original thing out there. I still stand by what I say: "Play" is likely going to be Ed Sheeran's worst album. Someone send me back to the "=" era.

Lost – Bailey Zimmerman/The Kid Laroi (5.7/10)

An unexpected collaboration despite it playing out exactly the way I thought it would. Bailey brings the energy of a high-country rock song, and The Kid Laroi adds his touch and tone, ticking the boxes in a really boring way. Neither act delivered something apart from the usual message of feeling lost, and, as already said, just basically everything you'd expect from these two.

Bowery – Zach Bryan/Kings Of Leon (7/10)

Turns out Zach's style just needed a little rock push with an old tint that was flavoured through use of guitar; it's definitely something that Zach should try and make more of.

Forever Be Mine – Gunna/Wizkid (3.8/10)

First off, the lyricism and flow together are horrible. Gunna makes words rhyme at the end of every sentence whilst talking about stroking and massages in the most boring ways possible, and Wizkid follows with so many lyrics fitting the pattern that it ruins it. Not like there was anything to save anyway; it's another quick-made cash grab from Gunna.

Holy Water – Marshmello/Jelly Roll (7.5/10)

I'm as shocked as you that these two actually made something on this level! You remember Jelly Roll's feature on the Lil Wayne song? His verse on this is like that and adds this element of tone which builds more than basic, and Marshmello levelled up to that too! Both good and an interesting blend of the two styles, where they both got an equal amount of showcase.

Snow White – Laufey (6/10)

I'm glad that she didn't try and use the fairytale-ass pronunciation, but either way, this still isn't my slice of excellence; it's got the meaning, where it often talks about the struggles of appearance… but aside from that, I just find it forgettable; everything just feels like there isn't that return factor there.

Louisiana Stick – Jordan Davis/Marcus King (7.9/10)

Jordan Davis might be getting even better; "Louisiana Stick" has that F-1 Trillion feel-good countryness to it with high-pitched guitars and vocals that make you feel like you're experiencing the real deal of country.

Hell At Night – BigXthaPlug/Ella Langley (6.3/10)

BigXthaPlug's fanbase seems angry about his switch to country music, and honestly, I'm not mad, but it definitely doesn't work. Ella gives a half-decent performance that sounds like it needs more flavour, and BigX gives a usual rap part from him that feels like it could be on a different song. Please return to rap.

Fragile – Cameron Whitcomb (6/10)

A side of passionate vocals with a heavily brought-on vocal and guitar performance, it partly reminds me of Jessie Murph but without the terrible voice. I think Cameron went too heavy on this, though.

Vampire Bat – Glass Animals (6.6/10)

Think of "A Tear In Space (airlock)" but without the floating feeling and instead going for something that's more like a drum loop, despite it probably not being a drum loop. "Vampire Loop" just represents a fine but disappointing attempt at a return. I hope it's not the lead single for anything.

Loved You Better - Jonas Brothers/Dean Lewis (7/10)

Without Dean's emotional grip on the song, this would've been a lot more boring. It's a good feature and a rare moment where I enjoy a song by the brothers.

NO CAP - Disclosure/Anderson .Paak (7.2/10)

A fast-paced trance song with few words and just vibes. Quite fun, good club music.

Things I Haven't Told You - David Guetta/Audio Bullys/DJs From Mars (0.1/10)

This is just DISGUSTING, and when I say disgusting, I mean that I haven't had this much heavy dislike for a song for MONTHS. The song opens with a middle-aged-sounding man repeating the song's title and other yap, and he sounds DREADFUL!!! His tone sounds so out of it, like he's been working late and wants to go home, and to make it worse, they replay this over and over, making it become a key component of the song. Aside from that, they go into this cheap dance loop that sounds so cheap... I can't... it's like background music a YouTuber would have used OVER A DECADE AGO. It almost feels like a meme! David Guetta, do something with your life, for everyone's sake. Stop making these cash grabs; we'd rather see you happy.

Joy – Rita Ora (6.4/10)

This new era still isn't hitting; it all feels more basic and calculated than her last era...

Love Has Gone – Alok/ALTA/Robert Falcon/Jess Glynne (7.5/10)

Hopefully we can let an actual fun dance song set into radio and let go of the Jet2holiday meme. Off topic (quick rant): I actually hate the Jet2holiday meme; it's clearly a company cashing in on the internet, and people (once me) are stupid enough to brand a company as a meme. It's the annoying equivalent of YouTube comment bots.

Waterfalls – James Hype/Sam Harper/Bobby Harvey (7.1/10)

James Hype is back with another dose of summer as he brings synths, high energy and a sound fit for a disco. My one issue is that I wish he added more of an expected fusion; it does feel like an already used formula.

Kryptonite – Denon Reed/Star.One (7.8/10)

The big question is will Denon Reed get that third charting experience when he's not collaborating with Cru2? And whilst I can't answer that, I will say he's upgrading with him finding his own path; it may be for a sound that strikes a resemblance to other music, but despite that, it still feels like he's starting to master the genre more. Good vibes.

White Horses - Wolf Alice (7.4/10)

Love how the lead's voice has a sense of elegance throughout the song.

WANTCHU – Keshi (6.9/10)

Keshi doesn't stick the magical landing that he was hoping for.

No Sharing - Bryson Tiller/Luh Tyler (2/10)

A rap and R&B mashupthat sounds like a "$$$4U" throwaway.

Rain – Craig David (6.9/10)

Craig David continues his brand of acoustic love songs that have a small appeal to radio but not enough to get lifted to hit song level.

Mr President - BabyChiefDoit (8/10)

Hear me out... BabyChiefDoit is one of the most interesting rappers we've seen in a while. I mean, he's young, so he's starting fresh and already has a sound that's Hot 100 worthy and has its own association with his name! His character also seems chill with videos of him vibing to his music in his bathroom or at a restaurant or really just anywhere. The only thing I want is for him to go a little slower on the rapping, as it sounds like he's tripping over words, but apart from that, his career is looking promising. And I mean really promising, and that's coming from someone who's just heard their second song by this guy.

WHAT'S HAPPENIN' – Young Nudy/Latto/Coupe (7.7/10)

In a way the careless tone sounds badass and adds a nonchalant cool feel to the song. I was expecting rap crap, but I'm actually surprised for the better.

Early Morning – K CAMP/Ty Dolla $ign/Chase Shakur (7.3/10)

Actually a solid little rap song; I love the take that R&B artists like PND often go for, but instead with the mellowness captured better.

Wavy Crete – Babyface Ray/Lil Yachty (7.2/10)

Rap crap formula but somehow twisted round to be good.

200 Bands – Bryson Tiller/Plies/T-Pain (6/10)

The first bearable song with T-Pain on in a while, despite him easily having the worst verse, as his use of autotune doesn't complement the song's texture.

Ugly – Tom Odell (5.6/10)

Piano and drums in a sluggish and mumbled tone that goes into a clearer expression of emotions with a high-pitched guitar. Can't say this really interests me, though, or Tom's music as a whole.

New body parts – Venbee (7/10)

I can see how much Venbee is straying away from "Zero Experience", but it appears she still kept the value of meaning and even built on it, with the message of this being simple: body insecurity and not being able to love yourself. It's portrayed in a very low synth sad way, with piano keys being put in the mix to give that feeling of floating into the depths of depression.

Lonyo! - Bakar (7.1/10)

Big Strap – Skillibeng/Young Nudy (5/10)

Big bad energy that isn't worked upon well.

Milk of the Madonna - Deftones (7.1/10)

Deftones talk about a spiritual connection with higher forces in a heavy background that reflects the rock scene. The song could have a slightly easier-to-understand meaning and maybe something special to separate the song from others a little more, but either way, it's still good.

Los Angeles - Big Thief (5.1/10)

Big Thief delivers a rather simple song... AGAIN.

SEE RIGHT THROUGH ME – Isaia Huron/Kehlani (7.3/10)

Smoothly, carefully approached ear-soothing R&B.

Blatt Blatt – Chuckyy/Rob49 (6.4/10)

I Don't Trust A Soul – Disco Lines/Ship Wreck (3.8/10)

The beat was almost fine; it's rave music meant for hype with its loud bass and claps, but the big no-no for me was the vocals, which were slow and sounded so out of it, which made this song feel cheap.

Shine – Donel/Bees & Honey (6.5/10)

Bees & Honey try to follow their two songs with WizTheMC with another similar summer attempt; the problem is that Donel just doesn't give the same energy as Wiz, and this feels more generic and poorly formulated than the other songs. I'll take it, but it's a disappointment; I can tell he's desperately going for the same sound, hoping for that next moment.

Days Like This – Larry June/2 Chainz/The Alchemist (8.2/10)

A mellow background with occasional voice inputs, this reminds me of something Kendrick Lamar would've rapped on over a decade ago but with a hint of Tyler, The Creator.

Bus Back To Richmond - Lucy Dacus (4/10)

Lucy Dacus is really the female Zach Bryan...

Better Days – KILIMANJARO/AMAKA (7/10)

Ego – Romy Mars (7/10)

Soft pop that really isn't anything that special, just something to say "cool" to.

Collapse - Chance Peña (NR/10)

An upbeat folky song that sounds like a mix of Noah Kahan and Dean Lewis in the best way possible, a high sense of emotion is brought in with a theme of high-pitched strings to back.

Call Me - Dom Innarella (5/10)

According to Google, Dom is 14 years old (probably the youngest person to enter New Music Friday), and to be honest, they sound 11, and the music sounds half-baked. Let's be real, he's probably only "popular" because of family wealth.

Memories – Michael Sanzone (5.5/10)

For anyone who isn't aware, I've known Michael Sanzone for quite some time. "Hooked" is in my most played songs of the year and follows a pattern like "The Door" by Teddy Swims. Aside from that, though, every other song (including this) in his discography sounds like Alex Warren in "You'll Be Alright Kid (Chapter One)" with general songs about memories with high vocals that honestly feel like they're missing the mark.

Then You Happened – Kylie Morgan (7.7/10)

Kylie's voice is very well flowing and sounds good for country, so her doing country is amazing. It's like an upgraded version of Ella Langley.

I'M GOOD. I'M GREAT. - Annika Rose (8.3/10)

When the female pop scene masters music this well, you know it's a good day; this feels like being surrounded by a nice windy freeze, being free, being beautiful. Love it.

Hvn High - Jenevieve (7/10)

A fun little summer song.

TESLA - Mau P (6/10)

Agnostic - Daya (7.4/10)

Delete - Ninajirachi (7.6/10)

A well-presented hyperpop song that feels bright and slightly makes me think of Bbno$, but without the kicking bass.

Last Forever – Bob Moses (7.3/10)

With extremely dreamy synths that feel layered beautifully along with a dreamy voice, this song feels like something you'd want to hear when you get lost in nostalgia.

Doing It Too - Rochelle Jordan (7.7/10)

START UP A RUMOUR - Sam Gellaitry (8/10)

Really liked how the synths were mixed with a very unused and forgotten funkiness that sounds like horns were used in the mix. As much as the beat is spot on for being something cool, I think it kind of drowns out the vocals in the mix, which isn't so cool.

456 Semm – Mick Jenkins/Smino (8/10)

A very artistic and interesting array of production choices

Grind 4 - Sheff G (8.1/10)

A nice rap song simply about grinding; my favourite part of the song was the outro, which was a classical harmony that felt like the end to a life-changing movie. Well played.

PILLOW – Nonso Amadi (6.6/10)

Te Juro Que Te Amo - Eden Muñoz (7.5/10)

My only Spanish song this week comes from an interesting take on the genre, where the usually used trumpets are toned down into an interesting pattern that isn't generic, and it's combined with what sounds like a harmonica and other instruments into this sweet little song. Finally, someone in the genre isn't following every other song from it.

Alone – Avenoir (7/10)

8ths – deadmau5 (5/10)

Glory Hole - DJ Premier/Roc Marciano (6.6/10)

Added to playlists this week -

Eville - BR4T MBL

Sick Joy - All Damage

Die Spitz - Punk Pop Anthem (Sorry For The Delay)

Kid Kapichi - Stainless Steel

Corpus Delicti - Room 36

Creeper - Blood Magick (It's A Ritual)

Chappell Roan - The Subway

Singles

Bailey Zimmerman & The Kid LAROI - Lost

Tom Odell - Ugly

Rita Ora - Joy

Midnight Til Morning - Bye / Ghost of Us

Siren Society - If It Was Me

Ed Sheeran - A Little More

Girls Aloud - You Freak Me Out (Joe Goddard 2025 Freakier Friday Remix)

Chance Peña - Collapse

Tribbs, Sam Feldt & Andy Dust feat. Dottter - Like You Do