This week’s New Music Friday roundup zeroes in on the new wave of breakout artists reshaping the music landscape,  even as ZAYN, the former One Direction heartthrob, teases fans with a new track from his forthcoming album KONNAKOL, due April 17. 

If you’re hunting fresh tracks to elevate your weekly rotation, this roundup delivers the standout names to watch and songs to play on repeat. 

ZAYN – "Die For Me"

ZAYN’s "Die For Me" is a quiet knockout. Think breathy vocals, stripped-down beats, and little moments of silence that somehow make the whole thing hit harder. It feels personal and cinematic at once, with subtle vocal percussion and South Asian flavors that tease the KONNAKOL vibe without overdoing it. If you loved the rawness of Mind of Mine, you’ll appreciate how this sounds like the next step – familiar but grown-up. It’s the kind of song that sneaks into your head after one listen. It's emotionally honest, great for late-night replay, and a promising taste of a bolder, more textured ZAYN.

XO SOUNDTRACK - "Talk About Me" 

"Talk About Me" is a sharp situationship song. It's messy, in-between love where one person’s left waiting, while the other still gets talked about. This track is equal parts petty, sad, and quietly satisfied. Fans should listen because it’s instantly catchy, emotionally specific without melodrama, and produced to feel polished yet intimate so the chorus sticks and the feelings land. XO Soundtrack proves they can turn small, real moments into memorable pop hooks. With confident songwriting, sleek production, and a knack for balance, they’re a band to watch with genuine superstar potential.

Sam Paige - "Growing Pains"

Sam Paige’s "Growing Pains" feels like a chat with a friend who says the exact thing you’ve been thinking but couldn’t put into words. It’s country-pop that’s easy to listen to – bright production and catchy chorus. However, it’s the lyrics that stick. Lines like "Like a storm… like a fire… growing pains, yeah they cut so deep" are simple but hit hard because they’re honest. Paige sings with a quiet vulnerability that makes the song feel personal, like she’s letting you in on her late-night worries about life moving too fast. The music sounds hopeful even when the words admit there aren’t any neat answers, and that mix of warmth and realness is what makes the track relatable. Bottom line, if you’re dealing with the confusion of growing up or just like a good, honest pop-country tune, give "Growing Pains" a spin. It’s comforting, catchy, and somehow manages to say exactly what you didn’t know you needed to hear.

Kelsey Hart – "Anything Like You"

Kelsey Hart’s "Anything Like You" opens like a hushed, quiet heart-to-heart. With an acoustic guitar in the background, listeners hear a dad admitting his fears and falling in love all at once. He doesn’t put on a brave face, he talks about sleepless nights, awkward reassurances, and worrying if he’ll do right by his child. Then melts those fears with the image of a newborn who’ll "steal his heart just like her mama did." The sparse production keeps the words front and center, making everything feel intimate and lived-in. The chorus sticks quietly in your head, the small, domestic details hit emotionally, and the whole thing is tender enough for late-night drives, baby showers, or any moment you want something real. If you prefer country that favors feeling over flashy hooks, this one’s a heartfelt standout.

Jenna Paulette –  Horseback (Deluxe Version)

Jenna Paulette’s Horseback (Deluxe) arrives just in time for the weekend. 20 songs of unpretentious, lyric-first country that prove she’s more than an aspiring cowgirl, she’s a bona fide singer-songwriter with superstar potential. From the cinematic tenderness of "The Prophet (Grandaddy’s Song)" to the live grit of "Cowboy In Me (Live)," Paulette’s storytelling cuts deep, her voice is authentic, and her work ethic shows in every hook and detail. If you love Kacey Musgraves’ observational heart, Dolly Parton’s timeless warmth, or Lainey Wilson’s modern grit, this collection will feel both familiar and fresh. 

Troy Cartwright – "That’s Alright”

Troy Cartwright’s "That’s Alright" upends the breakup ballad with sharp storytelling, arresting vocals, and a hip-swaying groove that won’t let you sink into sorrow. "That’s Alright" is about breakup and moving on – not with bitterness, but with acceptance and a little celebration. Within the track, Cartwright recognizes the end of a relationship, acknowledges the loss, then chooses closure over pity. He’s grateful and relieved, they let the other person go and reclaim their own life. Bright instrumentation and an irresistible rhythm turn what could be a tired trope into a small celebration, perfect for driving, dancing, or blasting with friends. Fans should care because "That’s Alright" is a refreshing reminder that sometimes the best breakup song is the one that makes you smile.

Lakelin Lemmings – Get Around Boy 

Lakelin Lemmings’ debut EP Get Around Boy is a striking introduction. The project pairs youthful urgency with surprising emotional maturity. The project is anchored by the title track’s coast-to-coast road anthem. Its equal parts sing-along chorus and an honest reckoning about the cost of chasing dreams. Meanwhile, standouts like the kinetic, detail-rich "Parking Lot," the hooky "What Are We Doin," and our personal favorite "American Dreamin’" serve as the wistful, cinematic heart of the EP. With balanced production that spotlights Lakelin’s confident storytelling and a clear artistic identity, Get Around Boy is a compact, memorable debut that demands repeat listens.

Mike Parker  – "My Heart Your Hands"  

Mike Parker’s "My Heart Your Hands" is a warm, modern love song that stakes his claim at the crossroads of country and R&B. Backed by top-tier writers and producer Jimmy Robbins, the track pairs a clean, contemporary country pulse with Parker’s soulful phrasing and subtle vocal runs. Lyrically it captures the push-and-pull of trusting love. It's honest, relatable, and never overwrought. Fans should care because it’s both radio-ready and emotionally rich, a strong first look at a debut album that promises sincere genre-blending. Keep your eye on Mike Parker, he’s making waves in the industry and will make 2026 his year. 

Olivia Wolf – "Brown Liquor"

This track is made for a dive-bar. "Brown Liquor" is a  playful, vintage blues-rock banger that hits like last call. The gritty intro hooks you instantly, and her attitude-laced twang keeps you glued to every line. Crunchy guitars, a steady backbeat, and smoky production give it a lived-in swagger that’s impossible to ignore. It’s the ultimate drinking song with memorable riffs, sly lyrics, and a voice that owns the room. Fans should care because it’s equal parts nostalgia and fresh personality. Add it to your weekend playlist and don’t bother listening without a glass in hand.

Photo Credit: Nabil Elderkin