Happy spooky season to all who celebrate! We just scored another major treat this Halloweekend, being heaps of fantastic new music. Rihanna is back and SZA is making music not associated with “Ctrl.” All is right in the world (or, at least the music world). 

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

“Lift Me Up” by Rihanna

She hath risen! After years of claiming that she wouldn’t make new music, Rihanna has officially made her return. For the upcoming Wakanda Forever, Rihanna created the beautiful lullaby “Lift Me Up.” A testament to her genuine vocal prowess, “Lift Me Up” is not only a stellar return to the industry, but a sign that more may be to come. 

“Shirt” by SZA

SZA is one of the most promising artists of our generation. After gaining mass acclaim for her album “Ctrl,” she teased and teased that more music was coming. With a deluxe edition and multiple features on other tracks, though, fans were feeling dejected. “Shirt” marks a new era, new terrain. We’ve made it to new SZA. 

“For The Night” by Chlöe feat. Latto

Everything’s coming up roses for the Bailey sisters. With “The Little Mermaid” premiering soon, Halle Bailey has officially gone full Disney. Chloë, though, can be a bit more sultry, a bit more scandalous. “For The Night” is yet another addition to Chloë’s repertoire of sex anthems, maybe the best yet. Plus, a delicious Latto feature.  

“Bad Idea” by Dove Cameron

After the smash hit of “Boyfriend,” many were left wondering how Dove Cameron would continue her win streak. “Bad Idea” proves the answer is in consistency. We love those semi-gothic pop bangers, dripping with revenge and lust. Cameron provides yet another for our listening pleasure, and we should be so grateful.  

“highway 95” by Baby Keem

In a surprise to fans everywhere, Baby Keem released a deluxe edition of his 2021 album “The Melodic Blue.” Featuring artists like Lil Uzi Vert and PinkPanthress, the seven additional songs all pull their weight. But “highway 95” is the clear standout, a sonic departure from Baby Keem’s classic rap aesthetic while putting his talent on clear display. 

“What a Shame” by Valencia Grace

The 18-year-old returns again this Friday with a new single, “What A Shame.” Over an acoustic guitar loop, Grace pours her heart out. And as she introduces us to her unique and breathy vocals, she proves she’s one to watch in the coming months.

“Crash Cart” by ella jane

This is for all the sad girls out there, looking for their next Phoebe Bridgers or Lorde. For fans of ella jane, “Crash Cart” is in the same vein as “Thief,” those acoustic songs that rip at your heart. Her lyricism remains unmatched: “I’m done taking chances with my heart. I’ll breathe for the both of us.”

“Snowbank Blues” by The Backseat Lovers

The indie folk genre is exploding right now, and The Backseat Lovers are surely along for the ride. With wailing vocals and simple instrumentalization, “Snowbank Blues” is the closest you’ll get to live music through streaming. That sense of vocal intimacy is jarring, but ultimately so freeing.

“Dracula” by Julia Wolf

Just in time for Halloween, Julia Wolf releases her new single, “Dracula.” As someone who loves dark magic and all things mysterious, this song digs deeper and explores what it’s really like to be fake.

“Casual” by Chappell Roan

Ever listen to a song and think, “I didn’t know pop music could do that?” That’s what Chappell Roan is doing, making music that plays with the form in wholly inventive ways. Everything from the scoring to the storytelling is spot-on, as the music evokes such joy and loss at the same time. It’s Taylor Swift meets Alanis Morissette meets… well who knows, somebody we have yet to meet. 

“Dancing in the Rain” by Yung Gravy

You’ve definitely heard of Yung Gravy, whether it be his TikTok hit “Betty (Get Money)” with its Rick Astley sample or his brief stint with Addison Rae’s mom. Either way, Yung Gravy is capturing the cultural zeitgeist right now. We can sit here and doddle on just how serious Gravy is, but why? It’s stupid, it’s playful, it’s fun. 

“Mother” by Matt Maltese

Matt Maltese is one of those artists where it can be just him, a piano, and his feelings. Sure, the drums and production help him out, but what makes a Matt Maltese song is the intensity of emotion. “Mother” is no exception to the rule, with striking lyrics: “You’d never thought you’d grow a blood bond to another / You didn’t birth but that’s the joy of human nature / Some people stumble into your heart for all time”