Friday has rolled back around, which means it’s time for yet another New Music Friday. This week’s a bit quieter on new releases, which I think we all deserve after the rush of music last week. Still, with new Maude Latour and Kid Cudi projects, plus a Paramore revival, there’s a lot to be listening to. 

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

“This Is Why” by Paramore

After begging and begging for new music, Paramore is officially back! Many have tried to replicate their sound, from Olivia Rodrigo to WILLOW, but nobody seems to do it like Paramore. “This Is Why” proves to be yet another pop punk hit, with an anthemic chorus that’ll keep you screaming. 

“Better Thangs” by Ciara feat. Summer Walker

New Ciara will always go over well in our books. The “One, Two Step” singer returns with a more refined R&B sound, clearly inspired by big-name artists of today like SZA. Plus, a killer Summer Walker feature. It’s pure fun, in the best possible way. 

“Living It” by Maude Latour

With the release of 001, Maude Latour has thoroughly proved her indie-pop versatility. In some shameless editorializing, I should note that I saw Latour live last night at her Boston concert. “Living It” was Latour’s rock star moment, screaming her lyrics into the mic as lights flashed down on her. It was utterly cathartic, one of those songs you must see live. 

“Body Paint” by Arctic Monkeys

After “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball,” we all had high expectations for Arctic Monkeys’ follow-up single. They surely delivered, continuing with that slowed-down jazzy vibe and exquisite instrumentals. The bridge is a highlight: “And I’m keeping on my costume / And calling it a writing tool / And if you’re thinking of me / I’m probably thinking of you.” 

“Maybe So” by Kid Cudi

Kid Cudi’s new album “Entergalactic” is a beautiful piece of work, one that captures some of the best aspects of his previous projects. With “Maybe So” he slows it down, supplementing with some haunting lyrics: “And they say that I’ll heal in time / Maybe so, maybe not / Take it slow and you’ll soon be fine / Maybe so, maybe not.”

“Fleez” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Cool It Down is Yeah Yeah Yeah’s triumphant return to electropop, forming a collection of hauntingly beautiful songs scored by fascinating instrumentation and sound effects. “Fleez” is one of those songs that catches you in your tracks, making you wonder what music itself can be. Thrashing guitars and overscored laughs provide for an innovative, wild banger. 

“Home Again” by Lucy Dacus

Lucy Dacus, master of sad girl pop, has reemerged with a new Carole King cover. “Home Again” verges on folk, with those wistful croons of longing that Dacus does so well. As an homage to Carole King, and as an entity itself, “Home Again” is utterly beautiful. 

“new body rhumba” by LCD Soundsytem

For that funky ‘80s sound, seek out LCD Soundsystem, king of retropop. “new body rhumba” was written for White Noise, the new Noah Baumbach film filled with frizzy permed hair. What a great fit, with LCD Soundsystem’s synth aesthetic. 

“Amour, Haine et Danger” by Angèle

Okay, hear me out: French pop is doing something that American pop (or any pop written in English) is not. Angèle is a star, that’s for sure. Listen to her album Brol, or even her Dua Lipa feature, for signs of that stardom. The newest single is yet another addition to this vast repertoire, and, so long as you can get past the language barrier, it hits hard. 

“There I Said It” by Valencia Grace

Rising singer-songwriter Valencia Grace gives fans an intimate look into her artistry in her new song. Inspired by Etta James, Amy Winehouse, and Adele, the 18-year-old delves into a messy, complicated relationship. And to celebrate the release, Valencia released a video for a live piano rendition of the song that highlights her evocative vocals.

 

“Don’t Tell My Mom” by Reneé Rapp

After “In The Kitchen,” we all knew that a new Reneé Rapp song would hurt. But this… this another level. The riffs are masterful, the tone is beautiful, but more than anything the lyrics sting: “So don’t tell my mom, I’m fallin’ apart / She hurts when I hurt, my scars are her scars / She’ll talk to her friends, impress all of them / At least in her mind, hеr daughter is fine.” Oof.