Friday has arrived, and so has another batch of new music worth making room for. This week’s New Music Friday picks move across country, pop and singer-songwriter territory, with four artists bringing something distinctly their own to the conversation.
Whether you’re looking for a little confidence boost, an honest unpacking of the things we usually keep to ourselves, or simply something fresh for your weekend playlist, these are four releases worth having on your radar.
So, headphones on and let’s get into it.
Sarah Hardwig – “Breaking Away”
Sarah Hardwig channels hard-earned resilience into “Breaking Away,” a fiery country-rock anthem about taking control of your future and choosing your own path. Built around gritty guitars, fearless storytelling and powerhouse vocals, the track captures that pivotal moment when looking ahead feels more powerful than looking back.
“I wanted to face the future head-on and with love and grace toward myself,” Hardwig says of the song, which she wrote while preparing to graduate high school. “Breaking away is my way of life.” With its unapologetic spirit and determined energy, the single makes a strong case for Hardwig as an artist who turns personal experience into music that moves forward.
Sam Paige – “Anxiety”
Sam Paige arrives with her debut full-length album, I Am Sam, a nine-track collection that blends country storytelling with modern pop and plenty of unfiltered honesty. While the album digs into personal territory, “Anxiety” stands out as a particularly candid look at the invisible battles that can exist behind an otherwise composed exterior. Paige brings that tension into sharp focus with a vocal performance that feels both vulnerable and assured.
“I wanted my first album to reflect who I really am, without any apologies,” Paige says. I Am Sam does exactly that, offering a portrait of an artist leaning into vulnerability rather than smoothing out the edges.
Jordan Davis – “Mess”
Jordan Davis leans into the messy side of heartbreak with “Mess,” a sharp, playful country track about the one person you know can wreck your peace, yet somehow still want back in your life. Written with Jacob Davis, Travis Wood and Paul DiGiovanni, the song plays with that familiar push and pull between knowing better and giving in anyway.
Davis keeps things candid and self-aware, turning bad decisions, lingering chemistry and emotional backsliding into an instantly memorable country confession. “Mess” arrives as the latest release from the multi-platinum hitmaker following his acclaimed album Learn The Hard Way, adding another dose of his sharp-witted storytelling to an already strong run.
LØLØ – “pretty little wreck”
LØLØ embraces the beautifully chaotic parts of herself on “pretty little wreck,” an introspective pop-rock track that turns emotional messiness into something infectious. Upbeat rhythms and lively guitar riffs give the song an early-2000s feel, while LØLØ’s candid writing captures the decision to stop hiding the parts of yourself that do not fit neatly together.
“I wrote ‘pretty little wreck’ when I decided to embrace the chaos instead of apologizing for it,” LØLØ says. The new single follows her sophomore album god forbid a girl spits out her feelings!, continuing her knack for pairing vulnerability with the punchy, irreverent energy that has become central to her sound.
Found a new favourite this Friday? Tell us what’s been on repeat over on X and Instagram, and keep exploring more music stories on Lyrical Muse.
Missed our last New Music Friday? Catch up here and find your next listen.
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