NEW MUSIC FRIDAY 23.05.25 #32
Momma Song – Benson Boone (5/10)
This is the worst song from the upcoming album; if you've heard the start, you've heard the rest because there's no real hook… It's just so monotone and really lacks inspiration… It's your typical low-pitched pop song that sounds like something Ed Sheeran would get on. At least the lyrics were a tribute to his mother, but I can't even find it sweet purely because of how tedious it is.
Gold - Myles Smith (5/10)
From his new EP release, "Gold" has been the one to be featured in the New Music Friday playlist, and I can't say it's terrible, but it's also really general, guitar and singer-songwriter pop. Myles has never gone to any level of high art, I'm well aware, but that doesn't mean he has to rehash the same sound for yet another time.
Bloodline – Alex Warren/Jelly Roll (3/10)
Every song Alex Warren makes sounds like a song that you would hear on a Christian wedding reel. Not only is his "Ordinary" song probably going to be the biggest song released in 2025, but his other songs are rising back to popularity; we still haven't forgotten "Carry You Home" in 2025. Goodness, Benson, Myles and Alex & Jelly, 3 artists releasing in the same week, and I got what I expected from every one of them. Soulless and effortless pop music that only has a chorus because they sing higher notes – we need to dump this type of music.
TaTaTa – Burna Boy/Travis Scott (7.4/10)
I'll take it; there's definitely some spark between the two on the Afrobeat and rap collab – it all feels like they've improved each other, and that's crazy considering I don't like either. This is such a weird and special collab that you don't often hear things like and I'm here for it.
Leave Me Alone – Reneé Rapp (7/10)
Easy to enjoy pop-rock that partly reminds me of Britney Spears but mixed with some modern girl. Reneé brings the character and the energy and creates something that's fun for the dancefloor. Near the end I think she may have given a little too much character for my liking, but it's not the end of the world.
Bridesmaid - Lauren Spencer Smith (8/10)
Better than "If Karma Doesn't Get You" by a noticeable amount. Sure, it's not like she's breaking new barriers in pop, and the opening made me think this was going to be a 5-6/10, but when she brought the deeper chorus and piano in, everything just caught the moment it was looking for. I actually stopped to think about the song.
Bad As I Used To Be – Chris Stapleton/F1 The Album (7.6/10)
Anyone keeping up with my reviews would know I've liked all three F1 songs so far but think they're missing something, and I think this is the best song yet from the movie. The harmonica with other layers for the high-pitched hook wasn't the greatest, but the rest of the song made up for that, with Chris making something that really gives the revving-up-your-engine energy that F1 is all about.
Boy Meets Girl (Unreleased Demo) – Kelsea Ballerini (8.1/10)
Really weak main lyric for the hook, but the guitar on top of the tune that makes you want to look out the car window with a breeze and a warm sunset is what makes this MUCH better… that saves it for me!
Cliché – MGK (7.2/10)
Pop and alternative-indie that describe MGK wanting someone to run away with him even if they're better off alone. It's actually an alright listen, not too bad in any way.
LATINA FOREVER – KAROL G (7.8/10)
Fun, bouncy Colombian pop that will become a replay in her discography.
Glacier – PlaqueBoyMax/Quavo (6/10)
Whizzed right past my knowledge, and I'd forgotten it the second it ended. From what I remember, it was enjoyable, though.
Top Tingz – YoungBoy Never Broke Again (4/10)
I'm sorry. "Big Dawg roof roof" – what type of line is that?! Yeah, bro sounds like a drunk guy as he stumbles in sentences using words like "ah" and moans to make up for something that sounds like a loss of words. What is this rap?
Honey Blonde - Joe Jonas (7/10)
What a pleasant surprise to see an improvement from him! Really chilled pop – that's music you'd want to hear when relaxing on a beach.
Upstate - Brenn! (7.2/10)
This sounds nearly completely accurate to Noah Kahan, specifically his most recent album. The guitar melody has flavour and doesn't feel limited to one sound the whole way, and Brenn! Has vocals that really fit the higher-pitched country scene.
Super Love Me – Grace Davies (6/10)
Fun and simple pop with a nice piano and a more classical ending. The amount of times she says "super" gets on my nerves, though.
Try Your Luck – Julia Michaels (4/10)
So predictable, and the energy she gives is so flat.
K*ll You Off – Julia Wolf (5/10)
It's not simple or predictable, but I still lost focus due to the song not connecting with me.
Tell me something – Hazlett (8/10)
WOAH!! Get this song to be more noticed; it's a formula. It is Chezile's. Slow-moving, it captures you in the moment with a pace and vocal affect that feels rightly put on.
The Cost Of Growing Up – Max McNown (4.5/10)
4 minutes and 30 seconds of your life that you'll never get back – stereotypical American country music should not last that long.
DNA – Kyra Machida (4/10)
Electronic hyperpop that reminds me of Charli XCX.
Marlay Park - Amble (6.9/10)
Amble is a name I've been familiar with for the past few months due to his appearances on the Irish top 50, but it's only now I've heard him, and he sounds like George Ezra with the easy guitar music that has gentle and more breezy rather than sad chord choices.
Cole's Response – Yaelokre (7.1/10)
That went by quickly! With one of the more niche releases I've heard today, Yae uses an enjoyable folk background mixed with weird choices in the production that end up working. She didn't need the laughs at the end, though.
Baggy Jeans – The Band CAMINO (5.5/10)
Another song that goes by in the moment as enjoyable, but you totally will never remember anything about it after.
Good Thing – I-Die (7.3/10)
Typical K-pop mixed with less typical electropop to make something that's really interesting! See, I don't hate all dance music; if only Charli could do it like this.
Like I Like It – Mau P (8/10)
Great for the workout, great for the club – just a full-round vibe that keeps you going.
Dads Don't Die - Nate Smith (6/10)
This reminds me of the accounts that create AI videos of fake songs by big artists, mainly because of the wording and just overall it sounding like a simple song to master. Really not going to lie, Nate sounds like he cares though, which is nice to see.
Moviestar – Remy Bond (8/10)
1000% this has to be inspired by ABBA. It sounds like if it was released by ABBA, it would've been a big hit.
Cowboy Sh*t – Karley Scott Collins (5/10)
You could probably guess by the title that it's country music… and I'm here to tell you it's nothing worth a listen unless you want to be bored by the common country sound.
Somewhere Over Laredo – Lainey Wilson (7/10)
Lainey's vocals can actually make simple country sound really good. Hopefully she delivers something that tops her last album.
WHY – Jon Bellion/Luke Combs (7.2/10)
Luke adds to this and gives a rougher tone to make this a lot better.
Take it! Take it! - Yaeger (6.7/10)
Good Swim – Ryan Woods (7/10)
Ooooh, that's an interesting production! Chilled summer feelings.
DROGA – Mora, C. Tangana (5/10)
At least the Spanish/Mexican scene is starting to take somewhat of a less simple route.
Expiration Date – Madelline (7/10)
A loud girl-pop song about being past your prime.
Letting You Run - Jack Dine/Tone Stith (7.5/10)
Time After Time – Sam Feldt (7/10)
New cool but usual EDM song from his new album.
Don't Cry, Put Your Head On My Shoulder – Tom Odell (7/10)
Tom isn't in his greatest form right now, but he sure gives it effort, and it pays off. It's a nice emotional song that's simple yet sweet.
Turquoise Cowboy - Ink (6.5/10)
Godspeed – House Of Protection (8/10)
90s and 2000s-sounding punk rock that can follow up to basically anything and still sound great.
EVIL EYE! – Low.bõ/Elujay (6/10)
Who Are You To Me - Three twenty (6/10)
DEYA - Kito/Nonso Amadi (5/10)
Lose You – Zach John King (7.5/10)
I don't often enjoy US country music this much, but the way he brought country into this chill, upbeat mainstream song made it fun.
Helium – G-Eazy/X Ambassadors (8.2/10)
Modulated vocals with some breathy parts that make a special hip-hop/rap with R&B song.
Bones And All – Love Spells (8/10)
This has a nice, natural and easy-to-listen-to sound.
Headlock – Spotify Singles – Luna Li (8.6/10)
A better cover where stringed instruments and the harp come through more and make the song better than the original! Might be the best Spotify Singles session yet.
Fly Up – RIIZE (8/10)
I don't usually like K-pop this much; this was so fun and just felt like a true show of the genre's classic sound without sounding bang average.
About To Begin – Barry Can't Swim (8.4/10)
I see why he's winning awards! Such a great electronic club jam – well made. I'd really recommend this if you're into some more modern electronic music.
LOOK OUT FOR ME – Turnstile (8.4/10)
Guitar and drums on a less hardcore, ear-catching song – I recommend.
EBVSY - Christian Nodel/Neton Vega (7/10)
Neton's usual, but despite not going for any new direction, it actually sounds surprisingly decent – I'm questioning if it's because of him or Christian.
JOURNEY – Shae Universe/S'ABLE sounds (8.8/10)
R&B, jazz and piano beautifully composed into such a well-put-together song. Must listen.
Where Oh Where – ELEVATION RHYTHM (8.3/10)
This is what Christian music should be – real vocals and a beautifully executed ascending hook!
Violent Nature – I Prevail (8/10)
Heavy rock that truly does fit violent nature.
You're Invited – Vedo/Kenyon Dixon (8/10)
Really smooth R&B/soul – it would be super interesting to see Silk Sonic get on a remix of this.
Tacklebox – Ruby Fields (6/10)
The song doesn't do much for me.
GoROUND - Logic (7.6/10)
Fun and slightly experimental hip-hop with a more gripping sound that hooks you.
Left to right – Rommulas/2 hollis (8/10)
I don't know how to describe what I just heard, but it sure is getting added to my liked songs.
Supernova – Jane Remover/funeral (7/10)
I haven't heard much by Jane, but this is my new favourite by her, quite niche but also quite good… like an improved version of some of the singles from "Revengeseekerz".
malibu – Ruskwsky (6.9/10)
Chill Spanish pop that gives a good but not good enough impression.
Happiness – Lizzie Berchie (6.8/10)
More could've been done to space this song out from others.
Achilles And - Runner (7.9/10)
Beautifully composed.
Plenty Motion - Bossman Dlow (4/10)
I just know there's going to be some Twitch streamer nodding their head to the same typical rap crap, bobbing their head, going "Hard" and "bros cooking".
HOLLYWOOD - YG/Shoreline Mafia (4.5/10)
The second vocal performance ruined the song. Gangsta rap that ends up having no real effect on the genre – it just exists.
I believe it – Chef Boy (6/10)
Forgettable rap.
Staring Into The Sun – DJ HEARTSTRING (5/10)
Bro gave us the David Guetta special ?; really quickly made and boring EDM. Actually… it has a little bit of nice summer vibes, but you know… mainly just forgettable… not as bad as David, though.
Return of Youth – DIIV (6/10)
The last two minutes are unnecessary, and the song feels dragged on for its 7-minute runtime. In no means is it terrible, though.
Watchin' U – A. K. Paul (5/10)
Big City Life – Smerz (7.8/10)
Alternative R&B and art-pop ventures to new places on this.
Bemused - Double Virgo (6.4/10)
EL GORDO – Marilina Bertoldi (7.5/10)
Oooh, those rock guitars add a lot to the song!
Nirvana – Vintage Culture/Layla Benitez/Max Milner (7.3/10)
Nice synths and overall just a really well-made EDM song that's good despite its simplicity.
Closer - JOSHUA LAZER (6.1/10)
Die Young - Reggie Becton (7.2/10)
Chilled pace beat.
Closer To Me – edit – kokoroko (6/10)
This won't stick with me for anywhere near long.
I Know – Sheryl Crow (5/10)
Love the soft vocals, but the rest of the song was too basic to make even the most minuscule dent into what I'll be listening to in the next week.
Boys These Days - Sports Team (7.2/10)
Rock to the more higher-pitched side that catches on.
Elderberry Wine - Wednesday (7/10)
Loved the tone and the way this song was presented.
Transmuted Matter – Stereolab (5/10)
This honestly just bored me.
Crash Dummy - Joey Bada$$ (8.4/10)
Honestly, this was a great diss with lines that flowed well and stuck and something that radio could pick up and make the 2025 version of "Not Like Us".
My Town - Joey Bada$$ (8.3/10)
Not as good as his other diss track, but it's still good; it's less of a radio song and more of a brutal knock against other rappers.
WRD2MIMVA - Daylyt (8.5/10)
Great response to Joey; it has the gritty energy, the loud and clear bass and the toughness that makes it what it is.
Momma Song – Benson Boone (5/10)
This is the worst song from the upcoming album; if you've heard the start, you've heard the rest because there's no real hook… It's just so monotone and really lacks inspiration… It's your typical low-pitched pop song that sounds like something Ed Sheeran would get on. At least the lyrics were a tribute to his mother, but I can't even find it sweet purely because of how tedious it is.
Gold - Myles Smith (5/10)
From his new EP release, "Gold" has been the one to be featured in the New Music Friday playlist, and I can't say it's terrible, but it's also really general, guitar and singer-songwriter pop. Myles has never gone to any level of high art, I'm well aware, but that doesn't mean he has to rehash the same sound for yet another time.
Bloodline – Alex Warren/Jelly Roll (3/10)
Every song Alex Warren makes sounds like a song that you would hear on a Christian wedding reel. Not only is his "Ordinary" song probably going to be the biggest song released in 2025, but his other songs are rising back to popularity; we still haven't forgotten "Carry You Home" in 2025. Goodness, Benson, Myles and Alex & Jelly, 3 artists releasing in the same week, and I got what I expected from every one of them. Soulless and effortless pop music that only has a chorus because they sing higher notes – we need to dump this type of music.
TaTaTa – Burna Boy/Travis Scott (7.4/10)
I'll take it; there's definitely some spark between the two on the Afrobeat and rap collab – it all feels like they've improved each other, and that's crazy considering I don't like either. This is such a weird and special collab that you don't often hear things like and I'm here for it.
Leave Me Alone – Reneé Rapp (7/10)
Easy to enjoy pop-rock that partly reminds me of Britney Spears but mixed with some modern girl. Reneé brings the character and the energy and creates something that's fun for the dancefloor. Near the end I think she may have given a little too much character for my liking, but it's not the end of the world.
Bridesmaid - Lauren Spencer Smith (8/10)
Better than "If Karma Doesn't Get You" by a noticeable amount. Sure, it's not like she's breaking new barriers in pop, and the opening made me think this was going to be a 5-6/10, but when she brought the deeper chorus and piano in, everything just caught the moment it was looking for. I actually stopped to think about the song.
Bad As I Used To Be – Chris Stapleton/F1 The Album (7.6/10)
Anyone keeping up with my reviews would know I've liked all three F1 songs so far but think they're missing something, and I think this is the best song yet from the movie. The harmonica with other layers for the high-pitched hook wasn't the greatest, but the rest of the song made up for that, with Chris making something that really gives the revving-up-your-engine energy that F1 is all about.
Boy Meets Girl (Unreleased Demo) – Kelsea Ballerini (8.1/10)
Really weak main lyric for the hook, but the guitar on top of the tune that makes you want to look out the car window with a breeze and a warm sunset is what makes this MUCH better… that saves it for me!
Cliché – MGK (7.2/10)
Pop and alternative-indie that describe MGK wanting someone to run away with him even if they're better off alone. It's actually an alright listen, not too bad in any way.
LATINA FOREVER – KAROL G (7.8/10)
Fun, bouncy Colombian pop that will become a replay in her discography.
Glacier – PlaqueBoyMax/Quavo (6/10)
Whizzed right past my knowledge, and I'd forgotten it the second it ended. From what I remember, it was enjoyable, though.
Top Tingz – YoungBoy Never Broke Again (4/10)
I'm sorry. "Big Dawg roof roof" – what type of line is that?! Yeah, bro sounds like a drunk guy as he stumbles in sentences using words like "ah" and moans to make up for something that sounds like a loss of words. What is this rap?
Honey Blonde - Joe Jonas (7/10)
What a pleasant surprise to see an improvement from him! Really chilled pop – that's music you'd want to hear when relaxing on a beach.
Upstate - Brenn! (7.2/10)
This sounds nearly completely accurate to Noah Kahan, specifically his most recent album. The guitar melody has flavour and doesn't feel limited to one sound the whole way, and Brenn! Has vocals that really fit the higher-pitched country scene.
Super Love Me – Grace Davies (6/10)
Fun and simple pop with a nice piano and a more classical ending. The amount of times she says "super" gets on my nerves, though.
Try Your Luck – Julia Michaels (4/10)
So predictable, and the energy she gives is so flat.
K*ll You Off – Julia Wolf (5/10)
It's not simple or predictable, but I still lost focus due to the song not connecting with me.
Tell me something – Hazlett (8/10)
WOAH!! Get this song to be more noticed; it's a formula. It is Chezile's. Slow-moving, it captures you in the moment with a pace and vocal affect that feels rightly put on.
The Cost Of Growing Up – Max McNown (4.5/10)
4 minutes and 30 seconds of your life that you'll never get back – stereotypical American country music should not last that long.
DNA – Kyra Machida (4/10)
Electronic hyperpop that reminds me of Charli XCX.
Marlay Park - Amble (6.9/10)
Amble is a name I've been familiar with for the past few months due to his appearances on the Irish top 50, but it's only now I've heard him, and he sounds like George Ezra with the easy guitar music that has gentle and more breezy rather than sad chord choices.
Cole's Response – Yaelokre (7.1/10)
That went by quickly! With one of the more niche releases I've heard today, Yae uses an enjoyable folk background mixed with weird choices in the production that end up working. She didn't need the laughs at the end, though.
Baggy Jeans – The Band CAMINO (5.5/10)
Another song that goes by in the moment as enjoyable, but you totally will never remember anything about it after.
Good Thing – I-Die (7.3/10)
Typical K-pop mixed with less typical electropop to make something that's really interesting! See, I don't hate all dance music; if only Charli could do it like this.
Like I Like It – Mau P (8/10)
Great for the workout, great for the club – just a full-round vibe that keeps you going.
Dads Don't Die - Nate Smith (6/10)
This reminds me of the accounts that create AI videos of fake songs by big artists, mainly because of the wording and just overall it sounding like a simple song to master. Really not going to lie, Nate sounds like he cares though, which is nice to see.
Moviestar – Remy Bond (8/10)
1000% this has to be inspired by ABBA. It sounds like if it was released by ABBA, it would've been a big hit.
Cowboy Sh*t – Karley Scott Collins (5/10)
You could probably guess by the title that it's country music… and I'm here to tell you it's nothing worth a listen unless you want to be bored by the common country sound.
Somewhere Over Laredo – Lainey Wilson (7/10)
Lainey's vocals can actually make simple country sound really good. Hopefully she delivers something that tops her last album.
WHY – Jon Bellion/Luke Combs (7.2/10)
Luke adds to this and gives a rougher tone to make this a lot better.
Take it! Take it! - Yaeger (6.7/10)
Good Swim – Ryan Woods (7/10)
Ooooh, that's an interesting production! Chilled summer feelings.
DROGA – Mora, C. Tangana (5/10)
At least the Spanish/Mexican scene is starting to take somewhat of a less simple route.
Expiration Date – Madelline (7/10)
A loud girl-pop song about being past your prime.
Letting You Run - Jack Dine/Tone Stith (7.5/10)
Time After Time – Sam Feldt (7/10)
New cool but usual EDM song from his new album.
Don't Cry, Put Your Head On My Shoulder – Tom Odell (7/10)
Tom isn't in his greatest form right now, but he sure gives it effort, and it pays off. It's a nice emotional song that's simple yet sweet.
Turquoise Cowboy - Ink (6.5/10)
Godspeed – House Of Protection (8/10)
90s and 2000s-sounding punk rock that can follow up to basically anything and still sound great.
EVIL EYE! – Low.bõ/Elujay (6/10)
Who Are You To Me - Three twenty (6/10)
DEYA - Kito/Nonso Amadi (5/10)
Lose You – Zach John King (7.5/10)
I don't often enjoy US country music this much, but the way he brought country into this chill, upbeat mainstream song made it fun.
Helium – G-Eazy/X Ambassadors (8.2/10)
Modulated vocals with some breathy parts that make a special hip-hop/rap with R&B song.
Bones And All – Love Spells (8/10)
This has a nice, natural and easy-to-listen-to sound.
Headlock – Spotify Singles – Luna Li (8.6/10)
A better cover where stringed instruments and the harp come through more and make the song better than the original! Might be the best Spotify Singles session yet.
Fly Up – RIIZE (8/10)
I don't usually like K-pop this much; this was so fun and just felt like a true show of the genre's classic sound without sounding bang average.
About To Begin – Barry Can't Swim (8.4/10)
I see why he's winning awards! Such a great electronic club jam – well made. I'd really recommend this if you're into some more modern electronic music.
LOOK OUT FOR ME – Turnstile (8.4/10)
Guitar and drums on a less hardcore, ear-catching song – I recommend.
EBVSY - Christian Nodel/Neton Vega (7/10)
Neton's usual, but despite not going for any new direction, it actually sounds surprisingly decent – I'm questioning if it's because of him or Christian.
JOURNEY – Shae Universe/S'ABLE sounds (8.8/10)
R&B, jazz and piano beautifully composed into such a well-put-together song. Must listen.
Where Oh Where – ELEVATION RHYTHM (8.3/10)
This is what Christian music should be – real vocals and a beautifully executed ascending hook!
Violent Nature – I Prevail (8/10)
Heavy rock that truly does fit violent nature.
You're Invited – Vedo/Kenyon Dixon (8/10)
Really smooth R&B/soul – it would be super interesting to see Silk Sonic get on a remix of this.
Tacklebox – Ruby Fields (6/10)
The song doesn't do much for me.
GoROUND - Logic (7.6/10)
Fun and slightly experimental hip-hop with a more gripping sound that hooks you.
Left to right – Rommulas/2 hollis (8/10)
I don't know how to describe what I just heard, but it sure is getting added to my liked songs.
Supernova – Jane Remover/funeral (7/10)
I haven't heard much by Jane, but this is my new favourite by her, quite niche but also quite good… like an improved version of some of the singles from "Revengeseekerz".
malibu – Ruskwsky (6.9/10)
Chill Spanish pop that gives a good but not good enough impression.
Happiness – Lizzie Berchie (6.8/10)
More could've been done to space this song out from others.
Achilles And - Runner (7.9/10)
Beautifully composed.
Plenty Motion - Bossman Dlow (4/10)
I just know there's going to be some Twitch streamer nodding their head to the same typical rap crap, bobbing their head, going "Hard" and "bros cooking".
HOLLYWOOD - YG/Shoreline Mafia (4.5/10)
The second vocal performance ruined the song. Gangsta rap that ends up having no real effect on the genre – it just exists.
I believe it – Chef Boy (6/10)
Forgettable rap.
Staring Into The Sun – DJ HEARTSTRING (5/10)
Bro gave us the David Guetta special ?; really quickly made and boring EDM. Actually… it has a little bit of nice summer vibes, but you know… mainly just forgettable… not as bad as David, though.
Return of Youth – DIIV (6/10)
The last two minutes are unnecessary, and the song feels dragged on for its 7-minute runtime. In no means is it terrible, though.
Watchin' U – A. K. Paul (5/10)
Big City Life – Smerz (7.8/10)
Alternative R&B and art-pop ventures to new places on this.
Bemused - Double Virgo (6.4/10)
EL GORDO – Marilina Bertoldi (7.5/10)
Oooh, those rock guitars add a lot to the song!
Nirvana – Vintage Culture/Layla Benitez/Max Milner (7.3/10)
Nice synths and overall just a really well-made EDM song that's good despite its simplicity.
Closer - JOSHUA LAZER (6.1/10)
Die Young - Reggie Becton (7.2/10)
Chilled pace beat.
Closer To Me – edit – kokoroko (6/10)
This won't stick with me for anywhere near long.
I Know – Sheryl Crow (5/10)
Love the soft vocals, but the rest of the song was too basic to make even the most minuscule dent into what I'll be listening to in the next week.
Boys These Days - Sports Team (7.2/10)
Rock to the more higher-pitched side that catches on.
Elderberry Wine - Wednesday (7/10)
Loved the tone and the way this song was presented.
Transmuted Matter – Stereolab (5/10)
This honestly just bored me.
Crash Dummy - Joey Bada$$ (8.4/10)
Honestly, this was a great diss with lines that flowed well and stuck and something that radio could pick up and make the 2025 version of "Not Like Us".
My Town - Joey Bada$$ (8.3/10)
Not as good as his other diss track, but it's still good; it's less of a radio song and more of a brutal knock against other rappers.
WRD2MIMVA - Daylyt (8.5/10)
Great response to Joey; it has the gritty energy, the loud and clear bass and the toughness that makes it what it is.