Welcome to another edition of New Music Friday, where we dive into the latest and greatest releases that you need to add to your playlist right now. This week, we've got an exciting lineup that spans genres and moods, showcasing the diverse landscape of contemporary music. Here are ten standout tracks you should be listening to this week.

"Beaches" - beabadoobee

beabadoobee’s latest single, "Beaches," is a shimmering indie-pop anthem that captures the essence of summer with its breezy, nostalgic vibe. Written during her time at Rick Rubin’s legendary Shangri-La studios in Malibu, the track radiates a sense of liberation and nostalgia. It's a standout from her new album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, and sees Bea embracing a more polished yet still deeply personal sound. This track is perfect for those late summer drives with the windows down.

“Why Why Why" - Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes returns with "Why Why Why," a heartfelt ballad that delves into the complexities of love and regret. Mendes' emotive vocal delivery paired with the song's minimalist production allows the raw emotion to shine through. It's a powerful addition to his discography, continuing his trend of introspective songwriting that resonates with fans across the globe.

“Sorry Mom" - Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini's "Sorry Mom" is a stunning pop confessional that reflects on the challenges of growing up and the inevitable moments when we fall short of our mothers' expectations. Ballerini's lyrical honesty is matched by a melody that balances sweetness with a touch of melancholy, making this track relatable and memorable. Clean electric guitars, Ballerini's soft, raspy vocals, and immaculate production make this a quick standout for fans from her upcoming Patterns.

"For Cryin’ Out Loud!" - FINNEAS

FINNEAS’s latest single, "For Cryin’ Out Loud," is a masterclass in capturing the agony of unrequited love. Known for his minimalistic yet emotionally potent production, FINNEAS delves deep into the raw emotions of heartache and longing. The track stands out with its haunting melodies and layered synths, providing a melancholic backdrop that perfectly complements the vulnerability in his vocals. The song, which also serves as the title track for his upcoming album, is notable for its intricate balance between brass instrumentation and electronic elements. This marks a shift from his previous work, where FINNEAS was more accustomed to working solo in a confined space. For this album, however, he embraced collaboration, inviting live musicians into the studio to create a richer and more expansive sound. The result is a track that not only showcases his growth as a producer but also highlights his ability to tell a story through music, making "For Cryin’ Out Loud" a track that lingers in the mind long after it ends.

“You’re Invited" - The Dare 

The Dare's "You’re Invited" is an electrifying track that channels the raw energy of early 2000s punk with a modern twist. With its driving guitars and catchy chorus, this song is sure to become an anthem for those who live life unapologetically. It’s a perfect addition to any “Brat Summer” party playlist.

"Raw Feel" - King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard deliver yet another delicious, genre-defying track with "Raw Feel," a standout from their latest album Flight b741. The song embraces a 70s bluesy hard rock vibe, with fuzzed-out guitars, intense drumming, slick harmonica riffs, and gritty vocals that channel a raw, almost primal energy. The production on this track is notably robust, with a warm, analog feel that enhances its retro aesthetic. "Raw Feel" captures the band’s ability to infuse classic rock influences with their unique, high-octane style, making it a must-listen for fans of both Gizzard’s old-school rock style and modern psych-rock experimentation.

“We Were Never Gonna" - Josh Kerr & Abbey Cone

"We Were Never Gonna" by Josh Kerr and Abbey Cone is a stellar duet that explores the inevitable end of a relationship that was doomed from the start. Kerr and Cone's harmonies are beautifully intertwined, adding depth and emotion to the track. The song's simplicity in its arrangement makes the poignant lyrics shine, resonating with listeners who have experienced the bittersweetness of love lost. This collaboration showcases both artists' strengths in storytelling and vocal delivery, making it a standout in contemporary country music for the both of them.

“Give You Up" - Julia Raye

Julia Raye's "Give You Up" delivers a fresh take on the familiar struggle of falling for the wrong person. With candid lyrics about a damaging yet irresistible relationship, Raye’s track perfectly balances sass and vulnerability. Her confident delivery and dynamic vocal range bring the song’s emotional highs and lows to life. Supported by a lively, upbeat production, "Give You Up" is a catchy, honest anthem that showcases Raye’s knack for turning personal experiences into memorable pop moments.

“Diet Pepsi" - Addison Rae

Addison Rae's latest single, "Diet Pepsi," marks a bold step in her evolution as a pop artist. The song itself is a synth-driven, flirty anthem that showcases Rae's growing confidence in her music career.  The track's sound is reminiscent of early 2000s pop, yet it carries a modern twist that keeps it fresh and engaging. Lyrically, "Diet Pepsi" blends clever wordplay with tongue-in-cheek humor, reflecting Rae’s classic carefree attitude and unending confidence.

“The Straw" - Kassi Ashton

Kassi Ashton’s "The Straw" is a fiercely evocative country track that tells the story of a relationship pushed to its breaking point. Ashton’s vocal delivery is raw and powerful, perfectly matching the intensity of the song’s lyrics. The track’s gritty production, featuring twangy guitars and a driving beat, underscores the emotion at its core, making "The Straw" a standout in her discography. Ashton’s ability to convey deep emotional truths through her music is fully displayed here as she turns personal pain into a universally relatable anthem.

Photo Credit: @radvxs on Instagram.