10 New Albums You Should Listen to Now:

Amaarae: Black Star [Interscope]

Amaarae’s electrifying third studio album, Black Star, released August 8, 2025, marks her boldest artistic leap yet. Known for genre-defying soundscapes, she blends highlife, baile funk, Detroit ghetto-tech, Eurodance, and Afrofuturism into a futuristic pop fantasia that celebrates Black cultural roots—especially drawing from Ghana’s national emblem.

Lead singles like “S.M.O.” fuse ‘80s Ghanaian highlife with Detroit club energy and zouk rhythms, a heady mix that Dame Donna Summer meets Janet Jackson in the Control era. Energizing follow-ups like “Girlie-Pop!” and collaborations with PinkPantheress, Bree Runway, Naomi Campbell, and Charlie Wilson offer pulsing dance anthems and irresistible pop moments.

Critics highlight Black Star as a dizzying, audacious statement of pop ambition. Pitchfork applauds its “pan-diasporic dance album” energy, while NME celebrates its “dizzying pop fantasia”—a hedonistic, genre-melding playground.

Gunna: The Last Wun [Young Stoner Life/300 Entertainment]

On The Last Wun, Gunna sharpens his melodic trap craftsmanship into a sleek, reflective farewell statement. Across woozy beats, airy synths, and nimble flows, he blends the luxurious flexes that built his career with moments of vulnerability about fame, loyalty, and legacy.

Tracks like “From the Top” and “Heavy Crown” glide on hypnotic production while “Cold Shoulder” pulls closer to confessional territory, giving fans a glimpse beneath the iced-out exterior. With production from frequent collaborators and a few unexpected genre bends, the album feels like both a victory lap and a curtain call—polished, atmospheric, and purposefully paced.

Critics are already noting The Last Wun as one of Gunna’s most cohesive records, with a balance of bangers and introspection that shows an artist closing one chapter on his own terms.

No Joy: Bugland [Hand Drawn Dracula]

This marks their first full-length release in five years, following the acclaimed Motherhood (2020). The album was co-produced with Chicago experimental artist Fire-Toolz (Angel Marcloid), resulting in a genre-defying sound that blends elements of shoegaze, glitch, industrial pop, and ambient textures.

The collaboration between No Joy’s Jasamine White-Gluz and Fire-Toolz was described as “limitless,” with Marcloid noting that she could “easily relate to this album” and felt free to be herself creatively . The album’s production is noted for its lush and abrasive qualities, reflecting themes of transformation and the surreal .

Tracks like “Bugland” and “Jelly Meadow Bright” showcase this fusion, featuring glitchy electronics and ethereal vocals that create a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere. The album’s production is both lush and abrasive, reflecting themes of transformation and the surreal, inspired by White-Gluz’s move to a more rustic environment filled with nature’s peculiarities .()

With Bugland, No Joy continues to push the boundaries of genre, delivering a captivating and experimental listening experience.

Ada Lea: When I Paint My Masterpiece[Saddle Creek]

Following a period of creative rest and personal reflection, Levy returned to her artistic roots, studying painting and poetry while teaching, which deeply influenced the album’s creation. The result is a 16-track collection that emphasizes the beauty of the creative process over the pursuit of perfection.

The album’s sound is characterized by its minimalist instrumentation and introspective lyrics, offering a gentle, folk-tinged atmosphere. Tracks like “midnight magic” and “it isn’t enough” showcase Levy’s ability to craft intimate, emotionally resonant songs. Her stream-of-consciousness storytelling shines through in tracks such as “baby blue frigidaire mini fridge” and “bob dylan’s 115th haircut,” where she blends wit and vulnerability to explore themes of community, purpose, and self-worth. 

Recorded live in a small Ontario space, the album captures an intimate and spontaneous spirit, reinforcing Levy’s belief that creative success lies in embracing the journey, not just the destination. 

For fans of artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Sharon Van Etten, and Big Thief, When I Paint My Masterpiece offers a serene and thoughtful listening experience that celebrates the act of creation itself.

Osees: Abomination Revealed at Last[Deathgod]

Opening with the frenetic “ABOMINATION,” the album quickly establishes its aggressive tone, blending glitchy synths with blistering guitar riffs. Tracks like “SNEAKER” and “GOD’S GUTS” continue this high-octane energy, while “INFECTED CHROME” and “FLIGHT SIMULATOR” introduce more experimental elements, incorporating electronic textures and layered compositions. The album’s production, handled by John Dwyer, Enrique Tena Padilla, and Mario Ramirez, captures the band’s live energy, resulting in a sound that is both chaotic and cohesive.

Lyrically, Abomination Revealed at Last is Osees’ most overtly political work to date. Addressing themes such as environmental collapse, state-sanctioned violence, and the encroachment of technocracy, the album serves as a sonic protest against societal decay. John Dwyer has described the current state of the world as “lighting off,” providing ample fodder for the band’s creative expression .

The album is available in various formats, including limited edition vinyl variants such as cloudy green and half blue/half green, as well as a silver foil edition with neon pantones .

For those interested in a deeper dive into the album, a full-stream version is available on YouTube  .

Abomination Revealed at Last is a testament to Osees’ ability to evolve while staying true to their roots, offering a powerful and timely commentary on the state of the world.

Charley Crockett: Dollar a Day [Island]

Following the success of Lonesome Drifter earlier in the year, this 15-track album continues Crockett’s exploration of classic country sounds, blending elements of Western storytelling with his unique musical style. Co-produced with Shooter Jennings at the renowned Sunset Sound Studio 3 in Hollywood, the album features tracks like “Crucified Son,” “Woman in a Bar,” and “All Around Cowboy,” showcasing Crockett’s signature blend of honky-tonk rhythms and heartfelt lyrics. 

For fans of traditional country music with a modern twist, Dollar a Day offers a compelling continuation of Crockett’s artistic journey. The album is available in various formats, including vinyl, CD, and cassette, with exclusive editions offering unique packaging and artwork. ()

Crockett is also set to embark on a nationwide tour with Leon Bridges, bringing his music to audiences across the country. 

Big Freedia: Pressing Onward [Queen Diva Music]

Named after the Pressing Onward Baptist Church in New Orleans, where Freedia first discovered her passion for music, the album marks her return to gospel roots, blending her signature bounce beats with timeless hymns. The project is dedicated to her late partner, Devon Hurst, who passed away earlier in the year, adding layers of emotional depth to the work. 

The 14-track album features collaborations with artists like Billy Porter, Tamar Braxton, and K. Michelle. Notable tracks include the choir-backed rap standout “Pew,” the introspective “Celebration,” the mid-tempo ode to inner peace “Church,” and the lead single “Take My Hand.”  These songs reflect themes of love, acceptance, and perseverance through challenging times.

Pressing Onward has received praise from major publications such as Billboard, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and The Guardian, highlighting its fusion of gospel traditions with Freedia’s unique energy.  The album is available for streaming on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.   

Anamanaguchi: Anyway [Polyvinyl]

This third album sees the band embracing a full-band rock sound, recorded live to tape at Tarbox Road Studios under the guidance of producer Dave Fridmann .

The album’s aesthetic draws inspiration from early 2000s emo and indie rock, with comparisons to bands like American Football and Weezer. Tracks such as “Magnet” and “Darcie” showcase the band’s evolution, blending fuzz-driven guitars with the melodic sensibilities of their earlier work .

Anyway is available in various formats, including limited edition vinyl with red, black, and yellow splatter, as well as black-in-red variants. The album is also available digitally on platforms like Bandcamp and Apple Music.

Mechatok: Wide Awake [Young]

Known for his collaborations with Drain Gang and PC Music, Mechatok delivers a cohesive and emotionally resonant electronic pop record that blends elements of synth-pop, UK garage, and electro-house-trance. 

The album features a curated selection of collaborators, including Bladee, Ecco2k, Isabella Lovestory, Tohji, and F5ve. Notable tracks such as “Expression on Your Face,” “200,” and “She’s a Director” showcase Mechatok’s ability to craft memorable melodies and introspective lyrics.

Field Medic: Surrender Instead [self-released]

After a brief hiatus in 2024, the album represents a “rebirth,” capturing the introspective reflections of a musician transitioning from his twenties into his thirties .

This self-released project blends lo-fi indie folk with elements of synth-pop and electronic textures, offering a raw and vulnerable exploration of themes such as personal growth, love, and the complexities of the music industry. Tracks like “Melancholy” and “Opposite Fantasies” have been highlighted as standout moments, showcasing Sullivan’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music .