Lyrical Muse

New Music Friday never fails to deliver, but this week’s lineup feels like it’s been tailor-made to soundtrack every mood: from heart-twisting storytelling to pure dancefloor euphoria.

We’ve got Ed Sheeran bringing back one of his most iconic music video characters (and giving him an even more surreal wedding day), Marshmello and Jelly Roll cooking up a genre mash-up that’s as bold as it is addictive, Wolf Alice taking a krautrock-inspired detour into reflections on identity and belonging, and James Hype unleashing a summer anthem destined to dominate club sets and festival mainstages.

Whether you’re here for the goosebumps, the groove or the pure chaos of a bride turning into Ed Sheeran, these four drops demand a spot in your weekend rotation. Let’s dive in.

Ed Sheeran — “A Little More”

Ed Sheeran is back with a new single, “A Little More,” and he’s brought along an old partner-in-crime — Rupert Grint, reprising his infamous stalker role from 2011’s “Lego House” video. This time, the Harry Potter star’s character is fresh out of prison, trying to turn over a new leaf, but Ed’s face seems to be everywhere — from billboards to strangers’ faces — making moving on nearly impossible.

The mid-tempo track carries a bittersweet punch, with Sheeran crooning, “I used to love you, now every day I hate you just a little more,” as Grint spirals through this surreal, darkly funny tale. The wedding twist ending? Let’s just say even the bride isn’t safe from Sheeran’s omnipresence.

“A Little More” is the latest taste of Sheeran’s upcoming album “Play“, out September 12, and if this video is any indication, it’s going to be just as unexpected as it is addictive.

Marshmello & Jelly Roll — “Holy Water”

Marshmello and Jelly Roll join forces for “Holy Water” — a genre-defying collision of booming beats and country soul that feels tailor-made for late-summer nights. Jelly Roll’s gravel-edged vocals cut through the mid-tempo production as he sings, “Two tears for the soul departed, pour out a little holy water,” giving the track a gritty emotional pull while Marshmello layers in his signature pulse.

The duo teased the release in true showman style, each donning the producer’s iconic white helmet — one even customized with Jelly’s face tattoos — and clearly enjoying the absurdity. Following Marshmello’s past country crossovers with Kane Brown, this collab pushes the experiment further, delivering a track that’s both anthemic and unexpectedly moving.

Wolf Alice — “White Horses”

Wolf Alice keep the momentum rolling toward their upcoming album “The Clearing” with “White Horses” — a soaring, krautrock-tinged track that marks a rare turn for drummer Joel Amey on lead vocals. His steady, driving beat underpins harmonies with Ellie Rowsell, creating a sound that’s both expansive and intimate.

Lyrically, the song reflects on identity, chosen family, and the shifting idea of “home,” drawing from Amey’s own family history and years on the road. It’s anthemic yet tender, a perfect bridge between the band’s past glories and the reflective tone promised for “The Clearing”, due August 22.

James Hype — “Waterfalls”

James Hype is back with another contender for song of the summer, this time teaming up with Sam Harper and Bobby Harvey on “Waterfalls.” The track is a rush of club-ready beats, sleek melodies, and Harper’s smooth yet commanding vocals, all elevated by Harvey’s distinctive touch.

It’s the kind of dance anthem that feels equally at home in packed festival fields and sweaty late-night club sets — no surprise it’s already been sending crowds into overdrive during Hype’s live shows. With a summer calendar that includes his SYNC residency at Hï Ibiza, festival mainstage takeovers, and a Las Vegas run, “Waterfalls” isn’t just riding the seasonal wave — it’s set to define it.

Don’t forget to check out our full New Music Friday playlist on Spotify!

That’s a wrap on this week’s New Music Friday. Which track is claiming your repeat button? Join the conversation and catch more music breakdowns, reviews and behind-the-scenes finds on X, Instagram and at Lyrical Muse

Missed last week’s NMF? Find it here.