Today is Friday, meaning it’s time for yet another new music round-up. With Summer closing out and Fall cresting upon us, new music drops have been slow. Still, there are some new albums of note, specifically from Ari Lennox, Yeat, and Kane Brown. This was also a great week for collaborations, whether it be John Legend and Jazmine Sullivan, Ari Lennox and Chloë (Chloe Bailey), or even Kane Brown and Blake Shelton. 

Let’s get into this week’s best releases:

“Leak It” by Ari Lennox ft. Chloë

After begging and begging for a new Ari Lennox album, she has finally dropped back on the scene with the incomparable “age/sex/location.” This album took hard work; Lennox was recently photographed next to a list of 80 possible songs, which have been narrowed down to just 12 for this album. Those 12 songs are, of course, perfection. If you listen to any song off the album, go with the audacious, sultry “Leak It” featuring Chloë (of Chloe x Halle fame). The song features jaw-dropping vocals, staggering riffs, and lyrics that may leave you feeling frisky. You might just go ‘head and leak it!

“CHIRI” by ROSALÍA

After the cultural bomb of “MOTOMAMI” (just look to all those gum-chewers on TikTok), it shouldn’t be surprising that the new tracks on “MOTOMAMI+” shine bright. A standout is “CHIRI,” which overlays ROSALÍA’s wistful voice on a pounding club beat. These new tracks effortlessly capture the magic of the original album.

 “Flawlëss” by Yeat ft. Lil Uzi Vert

Yeat is certainly a controversial rapper, with his serial references to Osama Bin Laden and popping Percs. Still, if you can get a whole crop of Gen-Z boys to see Minions: Rise of Gru in suits, you certainly have some cultural caché. Off his new album “Lyfë,” the standout is clearly his collaboration with Lil Uzi Vert, “Flawless.” The beat hits, the bars flow, and it’s certainly danceable. It may just leave you feeling like a rich minion. 

“Forget Me” by Lewis Capaldi

The “Somebody You Loved” singer returns with his usual acoustic stylings on this new single, evoking comparisons to Niall Horan, Sam Smith, and even Hozier. For fans of the traditional pop ballad, Capaldi relights that fire. 

“Different Man” by Kane Brown ft. Blake Shelton

Kane Brown’s new album, “Different Man,” is an all-around well written and thought out creative piece. Still, the most interesting song seems to be Brown’s collaboration with Blake Shelton. In a time when country music seems to be split between the old guard and the new, a collaboration between Brown and Shelton shows a mending of bridges. 

“Playa” by NAV ft. Gunna

NAV’s new album “Demons Protected By Angels” is a great example of the power of collaborations. His verses may get a bit tired but, layered with other rappers and artists, the album stays fresh. His track with Gunna, “Playa,” is a highlight. The two rap seamlessly over one another, and the beat holds up. 

“1994” by Cavetown

For indie pop lovers, this one’s sure to be a hit. The woozy, infectious guitar flairs and pounding drum fills make this new Cavetown single pop. The lyrics also evoke images of aging and losing youth that can be viscerally felt: “Overtook the months, slow back down / Put a child in a daisy crown.”

“Cool Kids (our version)” by Echosmith

Nine years after releasing their iconic “Cool Kids,” and just months after the song went re-viral through celebrity TikToks, Echosmith reclaims their pop hit with a more mature, alt twist. Plus, a brand new bridge!

“Love” by John Legend ft. Jazmine Sullivan

John Legend is yet another artist who has mastered the art of the collaboration. On his new album “LEGEND,” you can hear features from Rick Ross, Free Nationals, Ty Dolla $ign, Saweetie, and personal favorite Jazmine Sullivan. Their collaboration “Love” is soulful, sexy, and has riffs on riffs on riffs. What’s not to love. 

“curious/furious” by WILLOW

The “Meet Me At Our Spot” singer continues to embrace her emo, pop-punk side with raging guitars and wails. With no new Paramore albums since 2017, why not fill that need with some of WILLOW’s screams.