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Everything We Know About Halsey's New Album: Listen To New Song "The End"
In their new song "The End," the singer born Ashley Frangipane straightforwardly and bracingly confronts their lupus diagnosis. It's the first single from their promised fifth album — here's what we know about it so far.
Just as May gave way to June, Halsey posted an unflinching video depicting their illnesses, and released a poignant song about themselves: "The End."
But the end of what, exactly? The end of making music, which Halsey dragged themselves from poverty to doggedly pursue? God forbid, the end of a life? No, they're referring to something even more bracing: the end of all things.
"If you knew it was the end of the world / Could you love me like a child? / Could you hold me in the dark," Halsey sings in the chorus of the aching ballad. "If you knew it was the end of the world / Would you like to stay a while? Would you leave when it gets hard?"
Listening to the brutally honest, detail-stuffed "The End," you practically squint under fluorescent hospital lights: it's one of the most personal, and risk-taking, singles Halsey has ever penned. And there are a lot more where that came from. Along with the song, Halsey also announced they've recorded a new album, the title of which they haven't disclosed just yet.
"Let's try something different this time and start at 'The End,'" the three-time GRAMMY nominee wrote on Instagram, before sharing a carousel of photos and videos detailing their brutal health journey. Here's everything GRAMMY.com could find about their forthcoming fifth album.
First Things First: They're On A New Label
If you need a refresher, Halsey had a very public break with their previous label, Capitol Records, whom they were with for eight years. The snafu was over their single, "So Good," which Halsey claimed was on ice until "they can fake a viral moment on TikTok."
A year later, Halsey left Capitol, and soon inked a deal with Columbia Records. Their fifth album will be their debut with Columbia.
They're Eyeing A "Rebirth" — And A Path To Wellness
Within said Instagram carousel, Halsey reveals the state of their physical vessel — and their burning desire to get right with their body.
"I'm giving myself two more years to be sick," the 29-year-old says, rubbing their legs to soothe the pain. "At 30, I'm having a rebirth, and I'm not gonna be sick, and I'm gonna look super hot and have so much energy, and just get to re-do my twenties in my thirties."
"Long story short, I'm Lucky to be alive," they wrote in the caption. "Short story long, i wrote an album." As such, expect the new album to tackle all of the above, and unfold it into unexpected shapes and dimensions.
They've Unveiled A New Website
Along with all this, Halsey has revealed a mysterious website, ForMyLastTrick.com. Peruse its array of digital badges; they undoubtedly, cryptically tie into their new album, from a cigarette butt (they quit a few years ago) to a cartoon X-ray machine to a Casper-like ghost clutching a sign: "You won't find me here." Whatever the intent behind that statement, you'll find a lot of Halsey in this collection of symbols.
It's Going To Be Emotional
Last fall, Halsey hinted that their fifth album would be a highly personal, internal affair. "Not pictured: me splitting myself in two everyday so that I can give you my deepest wounds (and a handful of perfect joys) for the 5th time in 10 years," they wrote on Instagram.
Thankfully, Halsey's in one piece — and seemingly on the creative roll of their lifetime. As the "chaos and confetti of big singles and album releases" continues, keep checking this piece for up-to-date information on Halsey's latest offering.
15 Must-Hear Albums In June 2024: Charli XCX, Kehlani, Peso Pluma, Normani & More
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15 Must-Hear Albums In October: Halsey, Samara Joy, Pixies & More
October's thrilling lineup of album releases includes Coldplay's 'Moon Music,' a posthumous release from rock legends MC5, the 2023 GRAMMYs' Best New Artist Samara Joy and 2024 Best New Artist nominee Jelly Roll, among many more.
Blink and 2024 will be over — that's the feeling when you realize the tenth month of the year is just around the corner. With falling leaves and jack-o-lanterns, October also brings with it an infusion of new music by icons and new artists, from country to EDM.
Right out the gate, stadium experts Coldplay will release their tenth LP, Moon Music, and FINNEAS (Billie Eilish's brother and creative partner) will come forth with For Crying Out Loud! on October 4. In the following week, new records from Becky G, The Offspring, Jelly Roll, and Justin Moore will hit the streaming platforms (and shelves) with the best of Mexican music, punk rock, and classic country.
The month will also feature the return of MC5 after 53 years with Heavy Lifting, Halsey's confessional The Great Impersonator, and Joe Jonas' sophomore solo, Music for People Who Believe In Love. Rapper Drake has also announced Untitled with PARTYNEXTDOOR — although there's no further info yet.
To make the best of this exciting season, GRAMMY.com compiled a list of 15 inspiring albums dropping in October 2024.
Coldplay — 'Moon Music' (Oct. 4)
October opens up with the arrival of Coldplay's tenth studio album, the Max Martin-produced Moon Music. Dropping Oct. 4, the LP is a sequel to 2021's From Earth with Love and part of their Music of the Spheres project and ongoing tour.
The band raised expectations with singles "feelslikeimfallinginlove" and "We Pray" featuring Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna, and Tini, and also with a series of immersive listening pop-up events, which will happen in cities like San Juan, London, Beijing, Auckland, and Santiago between October 1–7.
As one of the most sustainably focused bands in the business, Coldplay maintains their commitment in making this record as eco-friendly as possible. Moon Music touts itself to be the world's first album to be released as 140g EcoRecord vinyl and EcoCD, originating from recycled PET-plastic bottles and polycarbonate, and providing an 85% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to usual productions.
Thee Sacred Souls — 'Got A Story To Tell' (Oct. 4)
With their sophomore record, Got A Story To Tell, San Diego-based Thee Sacred Souls want to show that they aren't just a fad. Following their 2022 self-titled debut and a lengthy tour through North America and Europe, the upcoming 12-track LP finds a "darker, more mature" tone to their music, according to a press statement.
Read more: Thee Sacred Souls' Self-Titled Debut Is A Sweet Soul Love Story
"As we got busier, we were all dealing with things back home, trying to balance life and music and touring," said drummer Salvador Samano. Got A Story was mostly written on the road, and vocalist Josh Lane said that all the emotions and personal stories they went through during the tour "were sprinkled into the songwriting to create a potent blend of truth and imagination."
For a preview of those tales, the trio shared the ethereal "Lucid Girl." One week following the release, they will hop back on a new tour through North America and Europe, including stops in New York, Toronto, Mexico City, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Samara Joy — 'Portrait' (Oct. 11)
Samara Joy, Best New Artist at the 2023 GRAMMYs, will follow up on 2022's otherworldly Linger Awhile with her new album Portrait. Set to release on Oct. 11, Portrait sees the rising jazz star stepping up into the role of co-producer along Brian Lynch, as well as expanding her singing and songwriting skills into arrangements and leading her touring band.
"Eight musicians, eight fresh perspectives and musical backgrounds — all joined together in a context designed for growth and exploration," explained Joy of the ensemble in a press release. "I'm often the fifth voice, the fifth horn. I hope listeners will see that I'm a musician too." According to her, the band's work in this project represents "a well of inspiration that never runs dry because of the different streams that flow in."
Among their creations are new interpretations of "You Stepped Out Of A Dream" and "Autumn Nocturne," as well as fresh lyrics to music by Charles Mingus, Sun Ra, and more. Joy will tour the U.S. for the remainder of 2024, including stops in Florida, New Jersey, California, Arizona, South Carolina, and New York, followed by her A Joyful Holiday Tour in December.
The Offspring — 'Supercharged' (Oct. 11)
Four decades deep, punk rock pros The Offspring are still Supercharged — or so goes their forthcoming album title. "We wanted this record to have pure energy," said frontman Dexter Holland in a press statement. "From the height of our aspirations to the depths of our struggles, we talk about it all on this record."
A celebration of "the life that we share and where we are now," Supercharged surges ahead with "Make It Alright," a single about relying on your "partners in crime," and "Light It Up," which channels punk rock's cathartic aggressions. Produced by Bob Rock, the album was recorded in Maui, Vancouver, and in the band's studio in Huntington Beach, California. "I feel like this is the best we have ever sounded!" added Holland. "We've been rocking out and headbanging to it for months! And we can't wait for you guys to hear it!"
After performances at festivals Louder Than Life and Oceans Calling in September, the band will head to San Diego's Punk in the Park on November 16, and then to a sold-out show in Melbourne, Australia, on November 24.
Jelly Roll — 'Beautifully Broken' (Oct. 11)
Following a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2024 GRAMMYs, a slew of CMA awards, and the record-breaking success of his country music debut, Whitsitt Chapel, Jelly Roll will keep the momentum going with his new album, Beautifully Broken.
Set to release on Oct. 11, the tracklist includes hits "I Am Not Okay," "Liar," and ESPN's 2024 College Football Season anthem, "Get By." "I'm looking for songs that have purpose," said the multifaceted singer in an interview with New York Times Magazine. "When I go to put out a song under the name Jelly Roll, I think to myself, Why? Because for the first time in my life, it has nothing to do with a financial decision. I'm well past putting out anything for money."
Beautifully Broken was named after Jelly Roll's ongoing tour, which launched Aug. 27 in Salt Lake City, UT, and will cross more than 30 cities in the U.S. before wrapping up on Nov. 23 in Jacksonville, FL.
Justin Moore — 'This Is My Dirt' (Oct. 11)
This Is My Dirt is an album about appreciating your hometown and the simple things in life. "There are some home sentimental, family value type songs on it but also of course some humor, beer drinking hell raising, stone cold country music on there!" shared Arkansas-born singer Justin Moore on Instagram. "It's also the first album that my touring band has recorded with me which is exciting for us, and something I'm very proud of."
Featuring collaborations by Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, and Randy Houser, This Is My Dirt is one of Moore's "most confident records to date." Through 12 tracks, he "still sings about his small town USA," and keeps "true to his roots, honoring the military and even adding a fun, light-hearted tune or two" that put life as both a dad of four and touring artist in a nutshell.
Moore has been on the Country Round Here Tonight tour with Randy Houser since September, but still has a few dates scheduled for October and November, including stops at Indianapolis, Saint Louis Place, and Myrtle Beach.
The Blessed Madonna — 'Godspeed' (Oct. 11)
The Blessed Madonna's (aka Marea Stamper) debut studio album has been a long time coming, but Godspeed will finally see the light of the day on Oct. 11. The 24-track collection also features appearances from Kylie Minogue, A-Trak, Jamie Principle, and Shaun J. Wright.
The word Godspeed "marks the beginning of a journey and sometimes the end of one," Stamper explained on instagram. "After nearly a year in lockdown, when I signed the paperwork and knew that I was going to be allowed to make this album, I called my dad in Kentucky to tell him the good news. He could not contain his pride and in a way his relief. I was going to be ok. He says it better than I do at the beginning of the record."
Stamper lost her dad shortly before the first recording session, but states "his voice will live in Godspeed forever and make a million more journeys to everyone who hears it." The rest of the tracklist continues to balance "the twin flames of rave and religion" with personal themes, as can be seen in pre-releases "Godspeed" featuring DJ E-Clyps, "Serotonin Moonbeams," "Mercy" with Jacob Lusk, "Happier" with Clementine Douglas, and "Edge of Saturday Night" featuring Kylie Minogue.
MC5 — 'Heavy Lifting' (Oct. 18)
It's not everyday that a band releases a new record after 53 years, which makes MC5's posthumous Heavy Lifting even more anticipated. Plus, the album features the final studio recordings of founding guitarist Wayne Kramer and drummer Dennis Thompson, who both passed away earlier this year.
"It's very heavy," producer Bob Ezrin said in a statement. "It has a revolutionary message but also a good sense of humor. There's a little bit of heavy metal. There's quite a bit of funk. But it is a heavy record, and it's a guitar record left, right and center. Just a wall of guitars most of the time, and mostly driven by Wayne and his ethos." Ezrin also mentions that they feel "a responsibility to make sure his work is heard, and he is celebrated."
The LP is spearheaded by single "Boys Who Play With Matches," and features stellar guest appearances, such as Slash, William DuVall, Tim McIlrath, and Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello, who features on the title track.
Shawn Mendes — 'Shawn' (Oct. 18)
After the announcement of his much-anticipated fifth studio album, Shawn, Shawn Mendes shared on Instagram: "Music really can be medicine. 2 years ago I felt like I had absolutely no idea who I was. A year ago I couldn't step into a studio without falling into complete panic. So to be here right now with 12 beautiful finished songs feels like such a gift…Life can be brutal but having a small group of people you deeply trust to walk you through makes it so much better."
The Canadian star has always been honest about his struggles with anxiety, which led him to cancel his 2022 tour after just seven shows. Shawn was crafted in that aftermath, drawing "deeply from his travels and experiences over the last few years," per a press statement. "It represents his most musically intimate and lyrically honest work to date, guiding listeners through a profound self-dialogue with each song."
So far, Mendes has shared "Isn't That Enough," "Why Why Why," and "Nobody Knows" off the project, where country-leaning riffs and soulful lyrics reflect his internal growth journey. To celebrate the beginning of a new chapter, the singer announced a series of intimate concerts in North America, taking place from Oct. 14 to Nov. 25.
Joe Jonas — ‘Music for People Who Believe In Love' (Oct. 18)
The first and last time Joe Jonas released a solo album was in 2011, with the club-ready Fastlife. "I have so much love for those songs — they actually aged pretty well!" Jonas told Billboard in a recent interview. "But it feels like a different person."
Since then, the Jonas Brothers' resident middle child founded the pop collective DNCE, reunited with the JoBros for the release of "Sucker," got married to actress Sophie Turner, welcomed two kids, and went through a turbulent divorce in 2023. "I was going through a lot of life changes," he reflected. "Finding out who I was as a person and father and friend, and living under the microscope of what the music industry can be. And I think, at such a crazy time in my life, I looked to music as an outlet."
The result is Music for People Who Believe In Love, Jonas' sophomore solo album, set to drop on Oct. 18. "It was scary at times, and also freeing," he said of the experience. "I'm not trying to come for anyone on this album. I'm not trying to put stuff on blast. I have a beautiful life that I'm grateful for. I've got two beautiful kids. I'm a happy person, and the music needed to resemble that — but also, the journey to get here."
Halsey — 'The Great Impersonator' (Oct. 25)
"I spent half my life being someone else. I never stopped to ask myself: Is this a person you're proud to leave behind? Is it even you?" singer/songwriter Halsey asks in the album trailer for her upcoming fifth LP, The Great Impersonator.
Described as a "confessional concept album," The Great Impersonator sees Halsey time-travel through the decades, reimagining what her sound and life could have been like. "I really thought this album might be the last one I ever made. When you get sick like that, you start thinking about ways it could've all been different," she says in the video, recalling her Lupus SLE and T-cell disorder diagnoses. "What if I debuted in the early 2000s, the '90s, the '80s, the '70s… am I still Halsey every time, in every timeline?"
She dares to find out in the Britney Spears-inspired "Lucky," the moody new metal of "Lonely Is the Muse," and, most recently, the pop rock of "Ego." The Great Impersonator follows Halsey's 2021's If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power.
Kelsea Ballerini — ‘Patterns' (Oct. 25)
Country popstar Kelsea Ballerini is also gearing up to release her fifth album, Patterns, out Oct. 25. Recently, she told The Associated Press that the album is an "accurate snapshot" of her life as a whole — not just its good parts. "I think that people probably expect this really happy-go-lucky, love, mushy, gushy record from me. That's not the case, and I'm really proud of that." Patterns is a record about "analyzing yourself and the people that you love the most in order to grow," Ballerini added.
In the album trailer, she also reflects that "we have the ability to look at our patterns and find the ones that serve us, and then we look at the ones that we don't want to carry with us, and…change them. I think that we make patterns so they don't make us."
That perspective appears in singles "Two Things," "Sorry Mom," and "Cowboys Cry Too" with Noah Kahan — the only feature in the album. Ballerini will celebrate the release with a sold-out performance at New York's Madison Square Garden on Oct. 29.
Pixies — 'The Night the Zombies Came' (Oct. 25)
Just in time for Halloween, veteran indie band Pixies will drop their tenth studio album, The Night the Zombies Came. Following 2022's Doggerel, this is their first release with new vocalist and bassist Emma Richardson, formerly of Band of Skulls, who replaced Paz Lenchantin in March of this year.
Off the 13-track project, Pixies have shared an eclectic bundle of singles, including "Oyster Beds," "Chicken," "You're So Impatient," "Que Sera, Sera," and the recent '90s rock of Berlin-inspired "Motoroller." Of the track, vocalist Black Francis explained in a statement: "This is one of those kinds of songs where there's little threads you can follow and they take you somewhere, but they're not required for the experience. You can just start fishing around in the lyrics, and maybe you won't find exactly what the story is, but you'll find a story related to the city of Berlin. So just have fun with the clues that are there."
The band will go on tour with Pearl Jam in Australia and New Zealand this November, and announced a 2025 European tour kicking off on April 25 in Utrecht, Netherlands, and concluding on May 24 in Manchester, UK.
Amyl and the Sniffers — 'Cartoon Darkness' (Oct. 25)
Australian punk rock quartet Amyl and the Sniffers are gearing up to release their third LP, Cartoon Darkness, on Oct. 25. Recorded at Foo Fighters' 606 Studios in Los Angeles, it follows 2021's Comfort to Me, and sees the band take a layered approach to the world's current status.
"Cartoon Darkness is about climate crisis, war, AI, tip-toeing on the eggshells of politics, and people feeling like they're helping by having a voice online when we're all just feeding the data beast of Big Tech, our modern-day god," vocalist Amy Taylor shared in a statement. "It's about the fact that our generation is spoon-fed information. We look like adults, but we're children forever cocooned in a shell. We're all passively gulping up distractions that don't even cause pleasure, sensation or joy, they just cause numbness."
Singles "Big Dreams," "Chewing Gum" and "U Should Not Be Doing That" give a taste of Taylor's words, kicking the door open to the band's new era. "The future is cartoon, the prescription is dark, but it's novelty. It's just a joke. It's fun," Taylor adds. Following the release, AatS will embark on a European tour in November.
Soccer Mommy — 'Evergreen' (Oct. 25)
For her upcoming fourth LP, Evergreen, Nashville singer Sophie Allison — better known as Soccer Mommy — wanted a new approach to her delicate music. "I wanted to change things up a bit on this one and play around with some more organic textures," she wrote on Instagram. "It was really important for me that the songwriting shone through everything and came to the forefront."
Allison revealed "Lost," "M," and "Driver" out of the 11-track collection, showcasing that she's as atmospheric and poignant as ever, crafting even more intricate songs. The album was recorded at Atlanta's Maze Studios with the help of producer Ben H. Allen III, and will be out Oct. 25.
Starting 2025, Allison will hit the road with a comprehensive tour across North America, including cities like Chicago, Toronto, San Francisco, Dallas, and her hometown of Nashville.
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New Music Friday: Listen To New Songs By Linkin Park, Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion & RM And More
The start of September is full of musical surprises, long-awaited albums and star-studded collabs. Check out 11 dynamic new releases here.
August has given way to September, and while the leaves may not be ready to start changing quite yet, the fall release schedule promises to be filled with music as colorful and diverse as the soon-to-be autumn leaves.
New albums released this week include Paris Hilton's long-awaited sophomore effort Infinite Icon, Danielle Bradbery's self-titled Danielle and Jackson Dean's On The Back Of My Dreams, while blink-182 and Camila Cabello drop deluxe editions of their latest LPs, ONE MORE TIME…PART-2 and C,XOXO - Magic City Edition, respectively.
Meanwhile, on the new song front, Post Malone teams up with Dwight Yoakam for their first official recording together, "I Don't Know How To Say Goodbye (Bang Bang Boom Boom)"; Tanner Adell unveils "Silverado"; Toosii gets an all-star assist from Gunna on "Champs Eleysee"; and Above & Beyond reunite with Richard Bedford for "Heart of Stone."
Below, GRAMMY.com details 11 other new releases worth parsing through this weekend, including the surprise reforming of Linkin Park, a full-length 10 years in the making for LL Cool J and a pulsating collaboration between Alesso and David Guetta that will give you one last reason to hit the dance floor before summer is officially through.
Linkin Park — "The Emptiness Machine"
Seven years after the devastating passing of Chester Bennington, his bandmates announced on Thursday (Sept. 6) that Linkin Park would be making music again — complete with new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara and drummer Colin Brittain.
"The Emptiness Machine" serves as not only the two-time GRAMMY winners' first original release since 2017, but it's also the lead single of the band's forthcoming eighth album, FROM ZERO, which is slated to drop Nov. 15 via Warner Records. Armstrong's voice adds a dynamic new counterpoint to Mike Shinoda's vocals as she snarls, "Going around like a revolver/ It's been decided how we lose/ 'Cause there's a fire under the altar/ I keep lying to" before launching into the hard-charging chorus.
LL Cool J — 'The FORCE'
It's been more than a decade since LL Cool J last graced the world with a full-length studio set, and he's assembled quite the impressive entourage to help usher in his latest body of work, The FORCE.
In addition to previously released singles with Rick Ross and Fat Joe ("Saturday Night Special") and Saweetie ("Proclivities"), the five-time GRAMMY Awards host's 14th album features a star-studded track list that includes everyone from Snoop Dogg (opener "Spirit of Cyrus") and Eminem ("Murdergram Deux") to Nas ("Praise Him"), Busta Rhymes ("Huey in Da Chair") and trio of hip-hop upstarts Mad Squablz, J-S.A.N.D. and Don Pablito ("The Vow").
Halsey — "Ego"
"I really thought this album might be the last one I ever made," Halsey confessed just last week in the trailer for her studio set The Great Impersonator. And the mood on "Ego" — which the singer released 24 hours after officially announcing the album's Oct. 25 release date — is just as dire.
On the track, the nonbinary pop savant leans into both '90s alt-rock and 2000s emo as she wails, "I think that I should try to kill my ego/ 'Cause if I don't, my ego might kill me/ I'm all grown up and somehow lately/ I'm actin' like a f—in' baby/ I'm really not as happy as I seem." "Ego" is the latest taste of the decade-jumping concept album, following Britney Spears homage "Lucky" and the hard-rocking "Lonely Is the Muse."
George Strait — 'Cowboys and Dreamers'
George Strait's 31st studio album — and first since 2019's Honky Tonk Time Machine — is a testament to life and loss.
Dedicated to the memory of his longtime manager Erv Woolsey, fiddle player Gene Elders and road manager Tom Foote, all of whom passed away within a few weeks of each other in the spring of 2024. The LP features the last studio recordings by Elders, who played fiddle on four of its tracks.
The heartfelt studio set was preceded by singles "MIA Down in MIA," "The Little Things" and "Three Drinks Behind," and includes three songs Strait co-wrote with his son, Bubba. Perhaps the album's most poignant track is its closer, "The Journey of Your Life," which is full of life lessons and a fitting message in the chorus: "You'll need a angel flyin' by your side/ On thе journey of your life."
Queen Naija — "Good Girls Finish Last"
Queen Naija drapes her silken voice in a dreamy soundscape reminiscent of classic R&B on latest single "Good Girls Finish Last."
Over gorgeous strings and vintage production, the Capitol Records signee laments, "No matter what I change/ It's clear I can never change your mind and/ I thought it'd get better with the time, but/ It's finally time to say goodbye" as she walks away from a relationship that's not working despite her best efforts.
The single marks the one-time "American Idol" competitor's first release since her 2023 YoungBoy Never Broke Again collaboration, "No Fake Love," and should certainly whet fans' appetites as they wait for a full-length follow-up to her 2020 debut album, Misunderstood.
Megan Thee Stallion & RM — "Neva Play"
Just days after first teasing another collab with RM, Megan Thee Stallion has reunited with the BTS star for "Neva Play," a chant-ready back-and forth that finds both rappers racking up points in a digital video game and anime-inspired soundscape in the accompanying music video.
"One, two, three, fo'/ Five, six, seven, eight/ Let 'em know we on the way/ Countin' zeros every day/ You know dat we neva play," Meg brags before the K-pop idol steps in to deliver icy, final boss-level flow with his verse: "You know that we neva play/ Yeah, we gon' forever slay/ Me and Megan on the way/ For Asia, man, we paved the way." Consider it a T.K.O. — and for a 2x combo this Friday, check out "BBA," the Queen of the Hotties' brand new song with Paris Hilton on Infinite Icon, too.
Read More: How Paris Hilton Reclaimed Her Narrative With 'Infinite Icon'
Alesso, David Guetta & Madison Love — "Never Going Home Tonight"
Earlier this summer, Alesso and David Guetta each remixed Shaboozey's breakout hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" before it began its ongoing reign atop the Billboard Hot 100, and now the two DJs have joined forces on new single "Never Going Home Tonight."
The emotive track features vocals from Madison Love, who recently helped Kesha pen her comeback single "Joyride" and declares early in the first verse, "DJ, play that sad song one more time." From there, the two EDM titans build tension over an undulating piano line before the beat drops and whips the chorus into a whirlwind of hypnotic ecstasy — complete with Love's repetitive refrain of the song's escapist title.
Rex Orange County — 'The Alexander Technique'
The Alexander Technique , Rex Orange County's fifth studio album, finds the artist born Alexander O'Connor stripped down to his most vulnerable parts. From the very first line of lead single (and album opener) "Alexander," the English troubadour lays bare his innermost thoughts on jealousy, chronic pain, wanderlust, the unrelenting passage of time and much more over understated, introspective soundscapes filled with gentle guitar, plaintive keys and — on the track list's lone collaboration — chill-inducing harmonies with James Blake.
Rex Orange County will bring The Alexander Technique to life in major U.S. cities and London, FINALLY: A Theatre Tour by Rex OrangeCounty. The trek will kick off with two shows in Chicago on Oct. 4 and 5.
Ashe — 'Willson'
With the release of her new album Willson, Ashe completes the personal triptych she began with 2021's Ashlyn and continued on 2022's Rae — with the trio of titles making up the full name behind her stage persona. (Ashlyn Rae Willson…get it?)
However, Willson also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the indie pop darling's career as her first full-length as an entirely independent artist. It's also the first for Ashe to appear entirely on her own across its 12 gauzy, confessional tracks, with past collaborators like FINNEAS, Niall Horan and Diane Keaton nowhere to be found.
G Herbo — 'Big Swerv'
G Herbo's latest mixtape, Big Swerv, may take its title from one of his many alter egos, but the rapper born Herbert Randall Wright III is exploring all kinds of fresh new ground on the 14-track project.
Rather than revisit some of the darker, more tumultuous themes on past albums like 2020's PTSD, 2021's 25 and 2022's Survivor's Remorse, the Chicago MC shifts into party mode with help from collaborators like 21 Savage ("In the A"), Sexyy Red ("Ten") and Chief Keef ("No Pics").
Joss Stone — "Loving You" featuring Shaggy
Fresh off celebrating the 20th anniversary of her 2003 debut album The Soul Sessions, Joss Stone reinvents her latest single "Loving You" with a little help from Shaggy.
On the remix, the two GRAMMY winners ride a sultry groove as the slow jam unfolds into a heartfelt letter full of unrequited love. "Won't you come back to me?/ I'm the girl of your dreams/ I sure try to be/ 'Cause I be loving you," Stone yearns in between Shaggy's spoken word adlibs before tossing the mic to the reggae artist for his own laidback verse.
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New Music Friday: Listen To New Songs From Halsey, MGK And Jelly Roll, XG & More
As July comes to a close, there's another slew of new musical gems to indulge. Check out the latest albums and songs from Paris Hilton and Meghan Trainor, Mustard and more that dropped on July 26.
July has graced us with a diverse array of new music from all genres, lighting up dance floors and speakers everywhere.
The last weekend of the month brings exciting new collaborations, including another iconic track from Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding, as well as a fierce team-up from Paris Hilton and Meghan Trainor. Halsey and Muni Long offered a taste of their forthcoming projects, while Jordan Davis and Miranda Lambert each delivered fun new country tunes.
In addition to fresh collabs and singles, there's a treasure trove of new albums to uncover. Highlights include Ice Spice's Y2K!, Rakim's G.O.D., Sam Tompkins' hi, my name is insecure, Wild Rivers' Never Better, Tigirlily Gold's Blonde, and kenzie's biting my tongue.
As you check out all the new music that dropped today, be sure you don't miss these 10 tracks and albums.
mgk & Jelly Roll — "Lonely Road"
Although fans anticipated Machine Gun Kelly's next release to mark his return to hip-hop, no one seems to be complaining about "KellyRoll." Embracing the trend of venturing into the country genre, mgk teams up with fellow GRAMMY-nominated artist Jelly Roll on their newest track, "Lonely Road."
The genre-blending track interpolates John Denver's classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads." However, unlike Denver's sentimental ode to the simplicity of rural life, mgk and Jelly Roll reinterpret the track through the lens of romantic relationships that have come to a, well, lonely end.
As mgk revealed in an Instagram post, "Lonely Road" was a labor of love for both him and Jelly Roll. "We worked on 'Lonely Road' for 2 years, 8 different studios, 4 different countries, changed the key 4 times," he wrote. "We finally got it right."
Halsey — "Lucky"
In another interpolation special, Halsey samples not one but two classics in their latest single, "Lucky." The song's production features elements of Monica's 1999 hit "Angel of Mine," while the chorus flips Britney Spears' fan-favorite "Lucky" into a first-person narrative.
While Halsey has always been a transparent star, their next project is seemingly going to be even more honest than their previous releases. After first revealing their journey with lupus with the super-personal "The End" in June, "Lucky" further details their struggles: "And I told everybody I was fine for a whole damn year/ And that's the biggest lie of my career."
Though they haven't revealed a release date for their next project, Halsey referred to her next era as a "monumental moment in my life" in an Instagram post about the "Lucky" music video — hinting that it may just be their most powerful project yet.
Read More: Everything We Know About Halsey's New Album
Paris Hilton & Meghan Trainor — "Chasin'"
Ahead of Paris Hilton's forthcoming album, Infinite Icon — her first in nearly 20 years — the multihyphenate unveiled another female-powered collaboration, this time with Meghan Trainor. Co-produced by Sia, "Chasin'" is a lively pop anthem about discovering self-worth in romantic relationships and finding the strength to walk away from toxicity.
"She is the sister I always needed and when she calls me sis, I die of happiness inside," Trainor told Rolling Stone about her relationship with Hilton. Coincidentally, Trainor first wrote the track with her brother, Ryan, but the pop star was waiting for the right collaborator to hop on the track — and Hilton was just that.
"We made something truly iconic together," Trainor added. "It was a bucket list dream come true for me."
Empire Of The Sun — 'Ask That God'
A highly awaited return to music after eight years, Australian electro-pop duo Empire Of The Sun are back with their fourth studio album, Ask That God.
"This body of work represents the greatest shift in consciousness our world has ever seen and that's reflected in the music," says member Lord Littlemore in a press statement.
Like their previous work that transports listeners to a different universe, this album continues that tradition with trancey tracks like lead single "Changes" and the thumping title track. Ask That God offers a chance to reflect on the blend of reality and imagination, while also evoking the radiant energy of their past songs.
Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding — "Free"
Dance music's collaborative powerhouse, Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding, are back with another summer hit. Their latest track, "Free," marks the fourth collaboration between the duo — and like their past trilogy of hits, the two have another banger on their hands.
The track debuted earlier this month at Harris' show in Ibiza, where Goulding made a surprise appearance to perform "Free" live. With Harris delivering an infectious uptempo house beat and Goulding's silky vocals elevating the track, "Free" proves that the pair still have plenty of musical chemistry left.
Post Malone & Luke Combs — "Guy For That"
Post Malone's transition into country music has been anything but slow; in fact, the artist went full-throttle into the genre. The New York-born, Texas-raised star embraced his new country era with collaborations alongside some of the genre's biggest superstars, like Morgan Wallen and Blake Shelton. Continuing this momentum as he gets closer to releasing F-1 Trillion, Post Malone teams up with Luke Combs for the new track "Guy For That."
The catchy collaboration tells the story of a relationship that has faded, where the protagonist knows someone who can fix almost anything, except for a broken heart. It's an upbeat breakup song that, like Post's previous F-1 Trillion releases, can get any party going — especially one in Nashville, as Malone and Combs did in the track's music video.
Forrest Frank & Tori Kelly — "Miracle Worker"
Just one month after Surfaces released their latest album, good morning, the duo's Forrest Frank unveiled his own project, CHILD OF GOD — his debut full-length Christian album. Among several features on the LP, one of the standouts is with GRAMMY-winning artist Tori Kelly on the track "Miracle Worker."
Over a plucky electric guitar and lo-fi beats, Frank and Kelly trade verses before joining for the second chorus. Their impassioned vocals elevate the song's hopeful prayer, "Miracle Worker make me new."
Their collaboration arrives just before both artists hit the road for their respective tours. Frank kicks his U.S. trek off in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 31, and Kelly starts her world tour in Taipei, Taiwan on Aug. 17.
XG — "SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT"
Since their debut in 2022 with "Tippy Toes," Japanese girl group XG has been making waves and showing no signs of slowing down. With their first mini album released in 2023 and now their latest single, "SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT," the group continues to rise with their distinctive visuals and infectious hits.
The track features a nostalgic rhythm reminiscent of early 90s R&B, showcasing the unique personalities of each member. As an uptempo dance track, it's designed to resonate with listeners from all across the globe.
"SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT" also serves as the lead single for XG's upcoming second mini album, set to release later this year.
Mustard — 'Faith of a Mustard Seed'
For nearly 15 years, Mustard has been a go-to producer for some of rap's biggest names, from Gucci Mane to Travis Scott. On the heels of earning his first Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper as a producer with Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," he's back with his own collaboration-filled project.
Faith of a Mustard Seed features a robust 14-song track list with contributions from Vince Staples, Lil Yachty, Charlie Wilson, and more. The LP marks Mustard's fourth studio album, and first since 2019's Perfect Ten.
In an interview with Billboard, Mustard shared that the album's title is an ode to late rapper Nipsey Hussle, who suggested the title during one of their final conversations before his untimely death in 2019. And once "Not Like Us" hit No. 1, Mustard knew it was time to release the long-in-the-making album.
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Loving Olivia Rodrigo's "Vampire"? Check Out 15 Songs By Alanis Morissette, Miley Cyrus & More That Reclaim The Breakup Narrative
From the soft hums of Carole King's "It's Too Late" to GAYLE's fiery rage on "abcdefu," these 15 songs encapsulate the expansive emotions of women who put problematic exes in their place — far behind them.
Since the 2021 release of SOUR, critics and listeners alike have touted Olivia Rodrigo for her knack to eloquently pen the relatable woes of adolescence and the pitfalls of falling in love too hard. Her latest single, "vampire," is no different.
Despite trading in her "drivers license" teenage loverboy for an older man, the perfectly executed expression of agony remains. As Rodrigo wails on the chorus, "You made me look so naïve/ The way you sold me for parts/ As you suck your teeth into me/ Bloodsucker, famef—er/ Bleeding me dry like a g——n vampire."
But before there was Rodrigo, there was Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, and Alanis Morissette — none of which would be where they were without pioneers of diaristic songwriting, Carole King and Carly Simon. Thanks to the immortalization of their music, we can relive the shift from poetic disclosures of hurt, which King exemplifies on "It's Too Late," to more unrepentant, straightforward jabs (like Kate Nash says on "Foundations," "Don't want to look at your face 'cause it's making me sick") and harrowing battle cries (as Miley Cyrus roars, "I came in like a wrecking ball").
Below, revisit 15 songs by empowered women, from 1971 all the way to 2021, who reclaimed the breakup narrative with their fervent sentences of damnation — because, as the age-old saying goes, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
Carole King — "It's Too Late" (1971)
When Carole King released "It's Too Late" in 1971, it marked a new era of songwriting. Discussions about divorce were generally unheard of, but even more so when initiated by a woman. Yet, King carried on to unapologetically release "It's Too Late," which later won a GRAMMY for Record of the Year and is lauded by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
On this folky track, King and her husband's inevitable parting is on the horizon, but she isn't resentful per se. Instead, she's more troubled by the embarrassment of her husband's growing discontent, admitting, "I feel like a fool." And at this point, she's ready to move on and can be grateful for the times they've shared.
Carly Simon — "You're So Vain" (1972)
In her '70s chart-topper, Carly Simon narrates the tale of an arrogant man who believes every woman is enchanted by his aura. But the folk songstress wants to make it very clear she's not impressed by his embellished stories or luxurious closet.
Usually, it's easy to guess the subject of a breakup song, but "You're So Vain" has led to decades of speculation. Many have assumed it could be about James Taylor, who Simon married in 1972 and divorced in 1983, or Mick Jagger, who provided vocals to the track (a theory that was later debunked). To this day, she has only revealed the track's inspiration to a select few, including Taylor Swift, who names Simon as one of her role models.
Joan Jett And The Blackhearts — "I Hate Myself For Loving You" (1986)
Joan Jett might not give a damn about her bad reputation, but she despises nothing more than her ex-lover making her look like a lovesick fool.
On "I Hate Myself for Loving You," the '80s chanteuse wraps herself around a classic glam rock beat, unveiling her contempt for a man who's neglected her. Stripped of her pride, Jett begins to resent herself for holding onto her feelings — as evidenced by the song's title.
She tries to hide her dwelling desires ("I want to walk, but I run back to you") but ultimately fails to rid herself of the emotions, leaving her to fantasize about the sweet justice of one day roping him back in, just to leave him.
Alanis Morissette — "You Oughta Know" (1995)
It's impossible to talk about scathing breakup songs without acknowledging Alanis Morissette's quintessential heartbreak anthem, "You Oughta Know." At the time of its release, the Jagged Little Pill single contained some of the most honest and vitriolic lyrics in existence.
Morissette begins with an illusive statement, "I want you to know that I'm happy for you," which, by the second verse, crumbles into a revelation, "I'm not quite as well, you should know." As she culminates into her most confessional, the instrumental rises into an addicting ruckus, with Morissette revealing the thoughts most of us would be too ashamed to admit: "It was a slap in the face how quickly I was replaced/ And are you thinkin' of me when you f— her?"
Shania Twain — "That Don't Impress Me Much" (1997)
Shania Twain has a particular superpower of delivering each of her lyrics with an air of lightheartedness and confidence. So, when you hear a track like "That Don't Impress Me Much," her disappointment and irritation becomes undetectable.
A quick examination of Twain's story proves — despite the song's bouncy melodies — she's jaded by her ex's preoccupation with his vehicle, appearance and intelligence. Sure, he might be perfect on paper, but he lacks the qualities of a forever lover, and his unmerited ego should be reserved for true big shots like Elvis Presley and Brad Pitt.
Michelle Branch — "Are You Happy Now?" (2003)
In the opening verse of "Are You Happy Now?," Michelle Branch pleads, "No, don't just walk away/ Pretending everything's okay, and you don't care about me." At first, she is in disbelief that her once admirer would swiftly brush her off, but as she reaches the chorus, she begins to question whether his actions were a lie all along.
Her mind racing, Branch teeters between shameless questions of "Do you really have everything you want?" and "Could you look me in the eye and tell me you're happy now?" But by the song's end, she gets the most satisfying payback of all — peace without him: "I'm not about to break/ 'Cause I'm happy now."
Avril Lavigne — "My Happy Ending" (2004)
"My Happy Ending" finds 2000s pop-punk maven Avril Lavigne grasping onto the shards of a broken relationship and trying to pinpoint where everything went wrong. She could have said the "wrong" thing, or her partner's misfit friends might have spoken negatively about her. But there is one thing she does know with certainty: there is no way to pick up the pieces.
Coming to terms with the truth, Lavigne repositions her anger toward the other person for stripping her of her fairytale ending, sarcastically acknowledging him for their time spent together over a somber piano: "It's nice to know you were there/ Thanks for acting like you care/ And making me feel like I was the only one."
Kelly Clarkson — "Gone" (2004)
Kelly Clarkson has traversed almost every emotion in love, from her epic breakup anthems like "Behind These Hazel Eyes" to her most recent LP chemistry. But "Gone" may just be her most unrelenting to date.
Introduced by its Breakaway counterpart "Since U Been Gone," the mononymous "Gone" extends Clarkson's journey of healing — this time, with a more explicit and mature diatribe against her ex's character. Rather than using trivial attacks, Clarkson instead chooses to call out his assumption she'd run back into his arms, later declaring an end to her toleration: "There is nothing you can say/ Sorry doesn't cut it, babe/ Take the hit and walk away, 'cause I'm gone."
Lily Allen — "Smile" (2006)
With "Smile," Lily Allen gets her sweet revenge through the sight of her former flame's tears and misfortune. But the lyrics of Allen's breakthrough single doesn't exactly clarify the specifications of her antics, only an explanation for its origins.
After a cheating scandal ends her relationship, her mental health plummets — until he comes crawling back for her mercy. Upon hearing his pleas, she comes to a realization: "When I see you cry, it makes me smile." And as the conniving music video shows, anyone who cheats on her will get their karma — perhaps in the form of organized burglary, beatings, and a laxative slipped into their morning coffee.
Kate Nash — "Foundations" (2007)
Following in the footsteps of her mentor Lily Allen, Kate Nash vividly paints the tragedy of falling out of love, made prismatic by her plain-spoken lyrics ("Your face is pasty 'cause you've gone and got so wasted, what a surprise!") and her charming, thick London accent.
In this story, Nash has not quite removed herself from the shackles of her failing relationship. In fact, she'd like to salvage it, despite her boyfriend's tendency to humiliate her and her irresistible urge to sneer back with a sarcastic comment. By the end of the track, Nash, becoming more restless, packs on new ways to inconvenience him — but in the end, still wonders if there's any saving grace to preserve their once blazing spark out of a fear of loneliness.
P!nk — "So What" (2008)
The year P!nk wrote "So What," she already had a bevy of platinum singles under her belt. With a gleaming social status and peaking career, she was apathetic to the temporary separation from her now husband, Carey Hart. Feeling the highs of newfound singlehood, P!nk was ready to incite personal tyranny, whether that meant not paying Hart's rent, drinking her money, or starting a fight.
Ironically, Hart appears as the antagonist in the music video, which P!nk revealed via her official fan website was a testament of their growth: "Carey hadn't heard the song before he did the video. That's how much he trusts and loves me [...] He gets it. He gets me," she said.
Taylor Swift — "Picture To Burn" (2006)
Taylor Swift has long solidified herself as the reigning queen of love songs, from ballads honoring the most committed relationships to diss tracks of heartbreaking adolescent flings. The latter houses one of the earliest (and most twangy) hits in Swift's sweeping catalog: "Picture to Burn."
In this deceivingly upbeat tune, Swift vows to seek vengeance on a boyfriend after he leaves her to date one of her friends — from getting with his friends to having her father give him a piece of his mind. And along the way, she will gladly dish out a few insults: "You're a redneck heartbreak who's really bad at lying/ So watch me strike a match on all my wasted time/ As far as I'm concerned, you're just another picture to burn."
Miley Cyrus — "Wrecking Ball" (2013)
Closing the door on her Hannah Montana days, Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" saw the childhood pop star in her most grown-up and vulnerable state to date. Months before the release, Cyrus had called off her engagement to her longtime boyfriend, Liam Hemsworth, paving the way for her thunderous performance on the Bangerz single.
Just as affecting as Cyrus' belting vocals is the track's iconic music video. Cyrus climaxes with a deafening cry — "All you did was wreck me" — as she swings across the screen on an actual wrecking ball, breaking down all her physical and metaphorical walls.
Halsey — "You should be sad" (2020)
By the mid-2010s, the industry had put angst on the back burner in exchange for feel-good EDM and trap beats. Well, that is, at least, until Halsey entered the picture.
After just two years in the limelight, Halsey had cultivated a vibrant assortment of sonic melodrama — from the dirt and grime of toxic, failed love on tracks "Bad at Love" and "Colors" to the Bonnie and Clyde-esque heated passion of "Him & I."
In 2020, Halsey rounded out her discography with the genre-bending, introspective Manic, where a track like "You should be sad" commands your attention with matter-of-fact, vindictive comments: "I'm so glad I never ever had a baby with you/ 'Cause you can't love nothing unless there's something in it for you."
GAYLE — "abcdefu" (2021)
Unlike most love songs, GAYLE refuses to point her fury on "abcdefu" solely toward her heartbreaker. The then-16-year-old singer, instead, rages against his mother, sister and pretty much anyone (and anything) he's associated with — other than his dog — across a searing melody with a bewitching bassline.
Earlier this year, GAYLE revealed to GRAMMY.com that she was "angry at him and was angry at the people who enabled him and his behavior." That animosity was palpable in "abcdefu," creating a magic as empowering as it is cathartic — and, like many songs that came before it, proving that there can be power in pain.