Olivia Rodrigo & Alex Warren Lead Best New Music: Friday Music Guide

The latest wave of new music this week brings a diverse array of releases from artists across genres, with Olivia Rodrigo, Alex Warren, and JENNIE leading the charge according to Billboard’s Friday Music Guide.

Olivia Rodrigo has unveiled “Serena Joy,” a track previously exclusive to physical editions of her recent album, now made available digitally just ahead of her debut headline festival in Irvine, California. The song draws inspiration from a complex literary figure, reflecting layered themes that align with Rodrigo’s distinctive storytelling style. It is anticipated to become a fixture in her live performances moving forward.

Following the success of his breakout debut, Alex Warren returns with his second studio album, WILDCHILD. This release showcases a blend of introspective ballads and energetic uptempo tracks, highlighting Warren's vocal range and evolving artistic identity. The album’s title hints at a more uninhibited approach, offering several potential hits suited for summer playlists.

K-pop soloist JENNIE contributes to the week’s noteworthy releases with Fallen Angel, a three-track EP marking her first solo project since 2025’s Ruby. The acoustic-driven title track and the previously released single “Less than a Lover” complement the standout ethereal track “Heaven,” which explores the complexities of toxic relationships with a confident tone.

In the realm of hip-hop and R&B, Rod Wave delivers his seventh full-length album, Don’t Look Down. Since his debut in 2019, Rod Wave has steadily expanded his discography, and this latest offering features collaborations with several emerging R&B artists, enriching the album’s depth and variety.

Indie-pop newcomer flowerovlove introduces her debut album Mini Skirt Warrior, featuring a notable collaboration with Willow. The album closes with the vibrant track “girls will be girls,” which, alongside earlier singles, highlights her emerging presence in the indie scene.

Alabama Shakes makes a significant return with I Must Be Dreaming, their first album in over a decade following the 2015 chart-topping Sound & Color. The album is distinguished by the powerful vocals of Brittany Howard and includes standout singles such as “Another Life” and “Waist Deep.” The band is currently touring, with a notable upcoming performance at Radio City Music Hall.

In regional Mexican music, Natanael Cano revisits his signature corridos tumbados style with Natanael Cano, Vol. 1. This 15-track project melds traditional instrumentation with personal storytelling and features collaborations with prominent artists in the genre. It marks a return to the roots that initially established Cano’s innovative reputation.

Expanding genre boundaries, Guadalajara’s Ladrones release their third album, Arriba La L, which intensifies their unique fusion of nu metal, hip-hop, and Mexican musical elements. The album’s heavy instrumentation and emotionally charged lyrics underscore the band’s growing confidence and their refusal to conform to genre constraints.

Erykah Badu reenters the music scene with Before the World Blows, her first comprehensive project in over a decade. Co-produced with The Alchemist, the album explores themes of loss, hope, and passion, featuring a diverse lineup of collaborators from various musical backgrounds.

Reggae artist Ky-Mani Marley presents Love and Energy, his first album in a decade, which honors his lineage while showcasing artistic growth. The project includes collaborations with respected reggae artists, maintaining a strong connection to the genre’s roots.

Belgian electronic artist Angèle is set to release Instinct this October, following the success of her earlier electronic hit “What You Want.” The upcoming album is anticipated to blend electronic and pop influences, featuring collaborations with notable figures in the dance music world.

Finally, Chase & Status announce their forthcoming album Generic Everything with the release of the emotionally charged single “Gone Too Far,” featuring British vocalist Debbie. The album, scheduled for release in October, promises collaborations with prominent names across electronic and hip-hop genres.

Together, these releases illustrate the dynamic range and creative vitality present in today’s music landscape, offering fans a rich selection of sounds and narratives to explore.