Summer’s creeping in, and the music drops are getting hotter. From Rihanna’s long-awaited return to Kesha’s hyper-pop chaos, DJ Snake’s genre-defying rework, and Linkin Park’s emotional new chapter — this week’s New Music Friday is stacked with bold comebacks, sonic curveballs, and the kind of tracks you’ll have on repeat all weekend.
Whether you’re into euphoric dance beats, unhinged pop bangers, or anthemic rock rebirths, there’s something here to soundtrack your every mood.
Rihanna — “Friend of Mine”
Yes, you read that right — Rihanna is back, and this time, she’s bringing the vibes and the voice of Smurfette. The superstar drops her first new song since 2022 with “Friend of Mine,” a sunny Afrobeats-tinged track for the upcoming Smurfs movie, where she also voices Smurfette and serves as producer.
The feel-good single, previewed in a recent trailer, blends warm synths, bouncy drums, and Ri’s signature smooth vocals, feeling like summer in a bottle, or maybe a mushroom house? Between this bubbly bop and her surprise baby bump reveal at the Met Gala, Rihanna’s in full cool-mom mode — and we’re loving it.
Kesha — “Boy Crazy”
Kesha is off the leash and unapologetically obsessed on her new single “Boy Crazy”, a glitchy, high-energy hyper-pop anthem dripping in desire and delirium. Over fizzy production and robotic vocal effects, she playfully proclaims, “boys are my cocaine,” fully leaning into her wild-hearted alter ego.
The track marks the fourth single off her upcoming album Period (stylized as “.”), out July 4 via her own label, Kesha Records. Following the country-flavored “Yippe-Ki-Yay” and the brooding “Delusional,” “Boy Crazy” is pure chaos-pop — sexy, silly, and delightfully unhinged. Kesha’s era of freedom has never sounded so fun.
DJ Snake — “Paradise”
Fresh off a record-breaking Paris show (80,000 fans, no big deal), DJ Snake returns with new single “Paradise” — a lush, lo-fi house reimagining of Phil Collins’ 1989 classic “Another Day in Paradise.” Blending soulful vocals, smooth R&B textures, and a wave of throwback emotion, Snake introduces a new generation to a timeless track, now with a hypnotic club-ready sheen.
“Paradise” also reunites him with Bipolar Sunshine, the voice behind their global hit “Middle.” It’s the latest preview of Snake’s third album Nomad, due later this year, and if this is any indication, we’re in for an era full of genre-bending magic.
Linkin Park — “Let You Fade”
Linkin Park’s latest single, “Let You Fade,” arrives as the emotional centerpiece of the From Zero (Deluxe Edition), and as a powerful marker of transition. Originally written during the album’s sessions, the track finds its final form post-release, now featuring new vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain.
Anthemic, moody, and unmistakably Linkin Park, “Let You Fade” follows previous deluxe singles “Up From The Bottom” and “Unshatter,” continuing the band’s sonic evolution while honoring their roots. With Emily’s towering vocals and a cathartic chorus, this track captures the spirit of resilience that defines their new chapter — and it hits just as hard as ever.
Craving more fresh music drops, pop culture tea, and film/TV gems? Head to Lyrical Muse for more deep dives, reviews, and the culture you actually care about.
Missed last week’s New Music Friday? Catch up here. Follow us on Instagram and X for regular updates, chaotic takes, and all things music.
Leave a Reply