This week’s New Music Friday brings a mix of powerhouse collaborations, emotional ballads, and fresh hits that you won’t want to miss.

Sabrina Carpenter teams up with the iconic Dolly Parton for “Please Please Please,” Selena Gomez and fiancé Benny Blanco drop the heartfelt “Scared of Loving You,” and Addison Rae brings the fun, upbeat “High Fashion,” plus some of Nashville’s favorite rising stars.

Who are you listening to first? Keep reading for the full roundup and playlist.

“Scared Of Loving You” - Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco deliver pure emotional depth in “Scared Of Loving You,” a heart-wrenching ballad that showcases Gomez’s most vulnerable performance to date. The song is about the fear of fully surrendering to love, an introspective look at emotional walls, and the risk of tearing them down. Gomez’s voice glides over Blanco’s dreamy, melancholic production with delicate restraint, making every word feel personal and deeply felt.

The track, co-written with FINNEAS, masterfully balances heartbreak and hope, with lyrics cutting straight to the core. Blanco’s production is subtle yet powerful, weaving in soft piano chords and ambient beats that amplify the song’s raw sentiment. The stripped-back arrangement allows Gomez’s vocals to shine, reminding listeners why she remains one of the most compelling voices in pop. With an accompanying video that visually reflects the song’s aching honesty, “Scared Of Loving You” is a moment of quiet brilliance from two master collaborators.

“Dear Miss” - Zach Bryan

Zach Bryan proves once again why he’s country music’s most authentic storyteller with “Dear Miss”, a song that feels like a letter from the depths of a weathered soul. This acoustic-driven track leans into themes of longing, regret, and the deep yearning for a second chance. Bryan’s signature rasp and evocative delivery make every line resonate, pulling listeners into the intimate heart of the song.

The lyrics are both poetic and piercing, painting a picture of a man coming to terms with his past mistakes while holding onto the hope that love might still be within reach. The instrumentation remains understated — acoustic strums, subtle harmonies, and Bryan’s raw vocal at the forefront, giving the song a timeless quality. Fans of Bryan’s American Heartbreak era will appreciate the stripped-down honesty, but “Dear Miss” also feels like a bold evolution in his craft. This is storytelling at its finest, with every word hitting like a personal confession.

“High Fashion” - Addison Rae

Pop’s rising star Addison Rae delivers a glossy, high-energy banger with “High Fashion”, a track that exudes confidence, style, and unapologetic fun. Rae, who has been steadily carving her own lane in music, leans into a shimmering, uptempo sound that’s equal parts playful and polished.

From the first beat, “High Fashion” commands attention with its pulsating production, bringing in synth-heavy beats, a dance-ready groove, and Rae’s effortlessly cool vocal delivery. The song feels like a night out in neon lights—all about self-expression, glamour, and the joy of simply feeling yourself. With lyrics referencing luxury brands and a life lived in the spotlight, it’s a celebration of confidence and individuality, tailor-made for the pop playlists of 2024. For anyone who loved Rae’s debut EP, this track further cements her as a pop star in her own right. It’s a glitzy, empowering anthem that screams "main character energy," and it’s impossible not to love every second of it.

“Please Please Please” - Sabrina Carpenter (feat. Dolly Parton)

A dream collaboration comes to life with “Please Please Please”, as Sabrina Carpenter and the legendary Dolly Parton join forces for a song that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. The track’s retro 50s-inspired visuals add another layer of magic, showing Carpenter and Parton as outlaws on the run — a fitting metaphor for a song that begs for a love that won’t slip away. Carpenter’s sultry vocals blend effortlessly with Parton’s signature twang, creating a dynamic contrast that gives “Please Please Please” its undeniable charm. The lyrics, filled with longing and desire, showcase Carpenter’s growing artistry as a storyteller, while Parton’s presence adds a touch of country wisdom and warmth. The production is lush, with sweeping strings, crisp percussion, and a melody that lingers long after the song ends.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime duet, bridging generations and proving that great music knows no bounds. Carpenter continues to rise as a pop powerhouse, and having Dolly Parton’s blessing on this track makes it even more iconic.

“The End” - Anna Rose

Anna Rose’s new single “The End” is a stunning exploration of time’s emotional complexity, delivering an unforgettable listening experience. The track’s hauntingly smooth melodies and poignant, introspective lyrics reflect on the fleeting nature of life, capturing the emotional turmoil of living in a world where time slips away in an instant. The dynamic, driving beat underpins Rose’s rich, emotive vocals, creating a powerful sense of urgency and reflection. Written with Justin Glasco, “The End” expresses the paradox of time — the feeling that it both fades slowly and vanishes before you realize it.

With all proceeds from this release going to Mutual Aid LA Network, Rose’s commitment to social change makes this song even more meaningful. This is not just a track but a call for reflection and support. ‘The End’ captures Anna Rose’s ability to blend raw emotion with a haunting melody, delivering a song that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt time slipping through their fingers. Her commitment to giving back with the proceeds elevates this release beyond music — it’s a movement.

“Dressed Down” - Hudson Westbrook

Hudson Westbrook’s “Dressed Down” is a captivating red dirt country track that mixes romance, charm, and small-town sweetness. Written with Reid Haughton and Lukas Klingensmith, the song feels like an intimate snapshot of a couple finding comfort in each other’s company. The song’s easygoing vibe and sincere lyrics make it an instant classic for anyone who’s ever experienced the warmth of a quiet date night or a new fling. Westbrook’s vocals are warm and inviting, giving the song a sense of authenticity that’s rare in the modern country scene. “Dressed Down" is Hudson Westbrook at his finest.

“Wish You Well” - Vincent Mason

Vincent Mason’s “Wish You Well” delves into the aching complexity of love’s aftermath with an authenticity that’s impossible to ignore. The song effortlessly captures the emotional tug-of-war between lingering feelings and the quiet acceptance of a love lost. With a blend of heartfelt lyrics and his signature emotive delivery, Mason draws listeners into the raw vulnerability of heartbreak while expressing a surprising sense of grace and closure.

The melancholy melody flows seamlessly with Mason’s evocative vocals, painting a picture of longing that feels both personal and universal. The reflective lines, “I wish you would call, wish you would miss me,” are a perfect example of Mason’s ability to evoke emotion without overstatement. He doesn’t just sing about heartache — he makes it palpable, with every note and word feeling deeply earned.

“Wish You Well” showcases Mason’s ability to craft a song that’s both poignant and profound, proving that he’s more than a country artist—he’s a storyteller whose music transcends the ordinary, offering listeners an intimate connection to the universal experience of loss.

i kissed my friend last night” - Abbey Cone

Abbey Cone delivers one of her most introspective and vulnerable performances yet with "i kissed my friend last night," a song that beautifully captures the emotional whirlwind of post-breakup confusion. Produced by Matt Martin (who’s worked with Faye Webster and Delaney Bailey), this track sits at the intersection of indie-folk and confessional pop, weaving delicate instrumentation with deeply personal storytelling. Cone’s airy yet emotive vocals float effortlessly over a dreamy soundscape, creating a sense of intimacy that makes the listener feel like they’re sitting right beside her, sharing in her late-night revelations.

The lyrics explore the hazy, complicated feelings that come with crossing boundaries and questioning long-held definitions of love and friendship. Lines like "I gave you devotion but you wanted more," perfectly encapsulate the internal tug-of-war between impulse and meaning. There’s an honesty in the way Cone lays it all bare — no judgment, no conclusions, just a moment of raw emotion frozen in time. This song is both a bold statement of self-exploration and a soft, aching ballad that lingers long after the final note. Abbey Cone is proving she’s a songwriter unafraid to dive deep into the human heart, and this track is a standout moment in her already impressive catalog.

“Rooster” - Sheyna Gee

Sheyna Gee infuses the spirit of honky-tonk with a modern twist in "Rooster," a high-energy anthem that celebrates youthful exuberance and the thrill of uninhibited nights. From the outset, the track commands attention with its driving rhythms and spirited instrumentation, creating an atmosphere that is both electrifying and inviting. Gee's dynamic vocal performance exudes confidence and charisma, effectively conveying the song's themes of rebellion and carefree living. The lyrics, rich with vivid imagery, transport listeners to lively nights filled with music, dancing, and camaraderie. The chorus, with its catchy refrain and infectious energy, serves as the heart of the song, ensuring that "Rooster" will be an instant crowd favorite at country bars and summer festivals alike. Sheyna Gee's ability to craft a song that feels both fresh and steeped in tradition is a testament to her artistry and deep understanding of the country genre. The production is crisp, allowing the guitars to shine while giving Gee’s powerhouse vocals the spotlight they deserve. Her confident delivery makes it clear: this song isn’t just about having a good time — it’s about owning the moment, living without regrets, and embracing the wild side. "Rooster" is an anthem for those who love country music’s raw, untamed spirit.

“Never Gonna Get Married” - SmithField

SmithField delivers one of their most heartfelt and beautifully crafted songs yet with “Never Gonna Get Married”, an anthem that turns doubt into devotion. The duo’s stunning harmonies breathe life into the lyrics, which tell the story of someone who never saw themselves settling down—until they met the right person. The track’s opening verse is raw and introspective, painting a picture of a free spirit who once saw marriage as something far out of reach:

"White just ain't my color, and my family's kinda crazy, / I couldn't see me as a mother, and forever was just a maybe..."

But as the chorus swells, so does the song’s emotional impact, revealing that love, in its truest form, doesn’t feel like a cage—it feels like home. With acoustic-driven production, soaring melodies, and a deeply moving message, SmithField has crafted a timeless love song that will resonate with anyone who’s ever had their world changed by love.

“Miles On Me” - Chancey Williams

Chancey Williams embodies the spirit of a modern-day cowboy with “Miles On Me”, a song that blends restless wanderlust with deep emotional weight. Built on rich storytelling and classic country instrumentation, the song captures the heart of an artist who was born for the road. Williams’ gravelly vocals bring the lyrics to life, painting a vivid picture of open highways, distant skylines, and the loved ones left behind. And with a line as striking as: “Just a concrete cowboy flyin’ on these wheels of steel”, he cements himself as one of country’s most authentic voices. The balance of rugged independence and quiet longing makes this track an instant standout—one that feels like it belongs on every road trip playlist. Williams has built his career on honest, heartfelt country music, and “Miles On Me” is further proof that his songs are meant to be lived in, just like the miles they capture.

“Four On The Floor” - Adam Hood, Brent Cobb

When Adam Hood and Brent Cobb team up, you know you're in for something special, and "Four On The Floor" delivers in every way. This swampy, groove-driven track is a masterclass in Southern rock-infused country, blending smoky barroom storytelling with a rhythm that feels like it's built for backroads and jukeboxes. The interplay between Hood and Cobb’s voices is electric — they trade lines with the ease of old friends swapping stories over a beer, giving the song a lived-in, effortless charm.

Lyrically, "Four On The Floor" is all about the thrill of the open road, the feeling of rolling down the windows and letting the wind whip through your hair as you push the pedal down. The metaphor of a car’s four-on-the-floor transmission speaks to the unstoppable momentum of life — when you’re in motion, you don’t stop for anything. It’s a celebration of movement, independence, and the kind of music that makes you want to crank the volume up as high as it’ll go. "Four On The Floor" is a reminder of why Southern music still holds such power — it’s storytelling with soul, and Hood and Cobb are two of the best in the game.

“Heard About Me” - Drew Green

Drew Green closes out this week’s New Music Friday roundup with "Heard About Me," a swagger-filled track that puts his signature blend of country storytelling and hip-hop-influenced production on full display. Green, who has been making waves in the country scene with his modern-meets-traditional sound, delivers a song that feels equal parts confident, infectious, and effortlessly cool. The lyrics paint the picture of a man whose reputation precedes him, yet instead of trying to change the narrative, he leans into it with a smirk. The lyrics paint the picture of a man who has a reputation that precedes him, particularly with the woman he’s falling for. Rather than shy away from what others may have heard about him, he embraces it. His message is clear — he’s not afraid of the stories people tell, but when it comes to the woman he’s in love with, he doesn’t want her to think the version of him that’s been talked about is the whole truth.

Green’s delivery is smooth, with a slight drawl that adds to his undeniable stage presence, making it easy to see why he’s quickly becoming one of country’s breakout stars. The production is slick, with bass-driven beats and crisp instrumentation that give the song a fresh, contemporary edge. It’s country music for the modern listener—  one that respects tradition but isn’t afraid to evolve.

Photo Credit: @selenagomez on Instagram.