Another Friday, another flood of music you cannot afford to miss. From deluxe pop eras exploding with new emotion to cinematic soundtrack magic and some of the most gripping country storytelling of the year, this week’s lineup proves that every genre is fighting for the spotlight. Whether you’re chasing a heartbreak anthem, a holiday cry, or a high-voltage collab, we’ve got you covered.

So Close to What??? (Deluxe Edition) – Tate McRae

Tate McRae sharpens her already razor-edged pop era with the expanded So Close to What??? deluxe edition, adding new chapters that feel even more intimate and narratively rich. The added songs deepen the album’s theme of navigating adulthood in real time, with McRae’s vocals carrying a newfound bite as she sifts through heartbreak, self-doubt, and the emotional fallout of very public relationships. Her pen is sharper, the production is moodier, and the storytelling feels more specific than ever — a clear sign that McRae is stepping into her next artistic gear.

I Hope You’re Happy (Deluxe) – BigXthaPlug

BigXthaPlug keeps rewriting the rulebook with the deluxe version of I Hope You’re Happy, adding three new tracks that push his country-trap fusion into bold new territory. His Post Malone collaboration “Cold” hits with icy confidence, while “Holy Ground” strips things down for a raw, reflective moment alongside Jessie Murph. He closes with the gritty “From the Bottom,” a victory-lap anthem that nods to his come-up with swagger and heart. It’s proof that BigX isn’t just dabbling in country — he’s becoming one of its most intriguing disruptors.

Wicked: For Good — The Soundtrack – Wicked Movie Cast, Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande

The second half of the Wicked film soundtrack arrives with a sweeping sense of scale, bringing Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande back together for a dramatic, emotionally layered collection. Alongside beloved classics, fans are treated to two newly written Stephen Schwartz songs that deepen the story’s emotional stakes: Erivo’s raw, world-weary “No Place Like Home” and Grande’s powerful “The Girl in the Bubble,” which soars with cinematic intensity. The soundtrack captures everything the movie’s world stands for — wonder, heartbreak, and showstopping performances.

Hate That I Love It – Hayden Coffman

Hayden Coffman leans straight into emotional conflict on “Hate That I Love It,” a track that pairs smoldering production with the kind of honesty that cuts deep. His weathered rasp lands every line with punch as he sings about clinging to things — and people — he knows are no good for him. Simple on the surface but rich in feeling, the song channels the tug-of-war between logic and longing, spotlighting Coffman’s natural gift for grounded, relatable country storytelling.

No Wake Zone – Nick Walker

Nick Walker’s debut album No Wake Zone drifts between sun-soaked escapism and reflective songwriting, blending the breeziness of coastal country with the thoughtful sensibility of a lifelong storyteller. Drawing inspiration from the writers and musicians who shaped him, Walker crafts an album designed to be taken in as a full experience — a soundtrack for not just where he’s been, but who he’s become. Listeners are invited into a world that’s warm, nostalgic, and refreshingly sincere.

Big Deal – Randall King

Randall King turns small-town swagger into a full-blown anthem on “Big Deal,” a playful country rocker that celebrates the humorous ways local legends are made. With tongue-in-cheek charm and a booming chorus, King nods to all the quirks that earn people reputations in tight-knit communities. It’s energetic, charismatic, and packed with personality — everything fans love about him rolled into one loud, fun hit.

If You Ever Loved Me – Ian Harrison

Ian Harrison’s latest track, “If You Ever Loved Me,” captures the quiet heartbreak that comes when two people finally confront the end of a relationship. Built on sweeping production and a pleading, emotional vocal performance, the song finds him asking for one last gesture of truth. Harrison leans into vulnerability as he reflects on how letting go can be the final act of love — turning a heavy moment into something haunting and beautifully human.

Barefoot and Pregnant – Dylan Marlowe

“Barefoot and Pregnant” brings out Dylan Marlowe’s lighthearted side, offering a joyful snapshot of early married life and the excitement of growing a family. Written right after he learned he and his wife were expecting twins, the song radiates celebration, humor, and small-town charm. Acoustic textures and bright country production make it as catchy as it is heartfelt — a warm, upbeat entry in Marlowe’s rising catalog.

Pullin' From A Bottle – Greylan James

Greylan James adds another chapter to his unfolding narrative with “Pullin' From A Bottle,” a stripped-back reflection on a relationship that’s run out of road. Guided by acoustic warmth and a steady, introspective pulse, the song floats in the moment where both people realize love is slipping away. James’ writing is sharp yet gentle, offering a perspective that’s more resigned than angry — the sound of someone finally facing the truth.

Mistletoe Missin’ You – Ashley Ryan

Ashley Ryan channels classic holiday nostalgia with “Mistletoe Missin’ You,” a bittersweet Christmas release wrapped in shimmering production and tender, expressive vocals. The song paints the picture of a festive season that feels incomplete without the person who once made it magical. With storytelling full of longing and warmth, Ryan delivers a holiday track that’s both timeless and modern, perfect for cozy playlists and candlelit nights.

Come Home to You – Emily Ann Roberts

Emily Ann Roberts steps into emotional territory with “Come Home to You,” a heartfelt portrayal of a marriage fraying at the seams. Her performance carries a raw ache as she sings about the widening distance between two people who once promised each other the world. With its classic-country feel and powerful narrative, the song highlights Roberts’ ability to bring complex stories to life — whether they mirror her own experiences or reflect someone else’s truth.

One More Time (EP) – Aerosmith & Yungblud

Aerosmith and Yungblud collide in a high-voltage collaboration with the One More Time EP, marking the rock legends’ first new release in over a decade. The collection merges Aerosmith’s iconic grit with Yungblud’s genre-bending intensity, resulting in four new tracks co-written by both acts. A revamped version of “Back in the Saddle” adds a nostalgic punch, creating an EP that feels both reverent and rebellious — a fiery meeting of two generations.

Goodbye Thing – Faith Schueler

Faith Schueler lays her heart on the line in “Goodbye Thing,” a breakup anthem that captures the exhausting cycle of trying to walk away from someone you can’t quite quit. With emotional vocals and vivid lyrics, she breaks down the late-night calls, old habits, and lingering attachments that make closure so hard to find. It’s vulnerable, honest, and deeply relatable — a standout moment for Schueler’s rising artistry.

Home – Matt Cooper

Matt Cooper’s “Home” arrives just in time for holiday roads and long-awaited reunions, offering a cleansing reminder of what matters most. With a soaring chorus and heartfelt writing, the song reflects on the comfort of returning to familiar places and people. Simple but powerful, it’s the kind of track that feels like a warm exhale at the end of a long year.

I’m Always on Stage – Sam Fender

Sam Fender revisits a fan-favorite rarity with “I’m Always on Stage,” pulling it from a vinyl-exclusive release into the spotlight ahead of his upcoming People Watching deluxe edition. The song blends his trademark grit with introspective storytelling as he reflects on the grind of constant performance — emotional, artistic, and literal. It’s a compelling preview of what’s to come as Fender expands one of his most anticipated projects.

Bought A Boat – Brian Kelley

Brian Kelley sails into brighter days with “Bought A Boat,” a breezy, carefree anthem about finding healing on the water. Fueled by sharp hooks and coastal-country charm, the track captures the feeling of leaving stress on the dock and drifting into a fresh start. Kelley’s laid-back delivery and sunny production make it an instant lake-season staple — even in winter.

How Do I Let You Go – Parmalee

Parmalee opens up their most personal chapter yet with “How Do I Let You Go,” a moving tribute to the loved ones the band has lost. Matt Thomas leads with a stirring vocal performance that reflects on childhood dreams, family roots, and grief that never fully fades. The song balances heartache with gratitude, offering a moment of quiet connection that lingers long after the last note.

I’m Still Thinking – Myles Lloyd

Myles Lloyd returns with I’m Still Thinking, a richly atmospheric R&B album that blends nostalgic influences with modern moods. His smooth falsetto and introspective writing create a world for listeners who feel deeply — weaving themes of love, overthinking, and self-discovery. It’s a major step forward for the Montreal artist, showcasing a fully realized sound that’s both sleek and emotionally raw.

Photo Credit: Tate McRae on IG