New Music Friday: Sept. 25, 2026
By Ricky G. | Austin, Texas
It’s Friday. Last week was such a loaded Friday for new releases, which was a sign a major star was about to drop. Well, they all smelled the music industry beast, Taylor Swift, and dropped a week early. That should probably be a podcast episode, because I’m sure Eric has some questions about it.
Here are the big drops this Friday, some that deserve your time, and one that might not.
Listen — New Music Friday: Sept. 25, 2026: Spotify · Apple Podcasts · YouTube
Albums
On this project, Tinashe wants you to know she’s a popstar. In a recent interview, she talked about how, for years, labels and fans pushed her into other lanes, and none of them were pop. On this album, she’s showing everyone that you should never put her in a box, because she’s going to decorate it, break it and become bigger than that box. It’s an interesting listen for sure. She makes some creative choices that make you turn your head and move your body, starting with the opener, Sunglasses.
The beats throughout this album are intriguing. Nobody Wanna Dance Anymore joins a growing list of songs about people not dancing. Harry Styles and Miley Cyrus have touched on the same idea. It’s one of my favorite tracks on this record, along with the title track, Popstar.
If you give this a listen, play it in order. Tinashe said on social media she spent a lot of time building a storyline with the sequencing.
Leon Bridges — Happiness Anytime
We already heard most of these songs across two previously released EPs. But now we have all of the songs together. It’s a solid project. I’m glad Leon stepped outside his usual sound to experiment. It’s a fun listen. It's one of those albums you put on when you pour yourself a drink and sit by the water. Cheers!
Rebecca Black — Age of the Exhibitionist
Well, that title grabs attention. And yes, you know that name. If you listened to this week’s episode of the podcast, you know why I’m talking about this artist. Rebecca has come a long way since Friday. This project is really solid. Honestly, why aren’t we talking about her more? Are y’all still upset over Friday? It’s time to get over it. Corsetry is one of my favorite songs. It’s very reminiscent of what JADE and Addison Rae are doing: a high-camp blend of pop, disco and dance. I think it’s described as “Frankenstein pop,” which might be self-explanatory. It’s not for everyone, but worth giving her a chance.
EPs
Taylor Swift — The Life of a Showgirl: Encore
I’m not going to sugarcoat it but these songs are not for me. My patience are at zero.
The beat on Patient Zero sounded promising, like a perfect drop for fall. But somehow Taylor jumbled a bunch of words that made the phrasing sound off. Think of it like she was tasked with hitting a word count or needed to include 20 words.
And sadly the other new songs from her sounded about the same, except for the happy upbeat tracks. I don’t want to bash too much. But I think fans, critics and Taylor herself have set such a high bar for her that when something falls flat, it’s hard for us to say so. I hope that people on her team are not just saying “yes.” In a recent interview, she said the answer should be 'yes, and.' I feel like the 'and' is missing here.
Singles
Madonna & Charli XCX — Danceteria
This is solid. Madonna picks the perfect collaborators, especially in her Confessions II era. Her vocals have blended so well with Sabrina Carpenter, then Kylie Minogue and now Charli XCX. I hope she continues remixing these songs and adding collaborators.
It’s not a long song but it’s a very good song. It’s a well written song and the piano and Ingrid’s vocals sound polished without being overproduced. Her emotion cut through. I think it’s a beautiful, jazzy little tune. I love Ingrid and I’m glad we got new music from her.
Michelle Branch & Maren Morris — Goodbye to You
Maren’s voice… WOW! Her vocals sound so good on this. It sounds like one take, because there are these small imperfections that make it feel meaningful and authentic. I really like this duet. I guess I didn’t know that Michelle was dipping her toe into the country music world. Collaborating with Maren doesn’t mean she’s going country, but she was added to the Two Step Inn music festival lineup in Georgetown, Texas, for spring 2027. It’s worth a listen.
Rex Orange County — Grandma Song
Was that a whale? Listen and maybe you’ll hear it. I know I’m not selling it, but trust me it’s a pretty song. I would describe this as a windows-down, cold-morning drive as the sun comes up. That's a specific scene, but it's a specific song. It doesn't sound like anything else. I love everything about it, from Rex's vocals to that stacked saxophone. Oh, I’m a sucker for a sax.
Labrinth — I Want to Know What Love Is
This is a Foreigner cover. I assumed it was meant for Euphoria, but it sounds like Labrinth recorded it for New York Fashion Week. It’s a nice way to honor the original production while also injecting something new into the classic. At first, you think it’s going to be a ballad and stick to the original production, but Labrinth switches it up on you. I can visualize a movie scene with this. Let’s also talk about that afrobeat-leaning rhythm that has me moving my body but crying at the same time. I really like this. The Mariah Carey version used to be my favorite cover of this song, but this might replace it.
Bops of the Week
Popstar by Tinashe and Grandma Song by Rex Orange County.
Let me know what you’re listening to and I hope you listen to something new today.
Xoxo Ricky G.