10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of August 15, 2025
Excuse us if we're a little distracted, because Taylor Swift's big album announcement this week is all we can think about, and we're anticipating that will be the case for the foreseeable future.
Of course, we can't let that anticipation completely dominate this New Music Friday, because this week's new releases are just as worthy of your time. We got a groundbreaking new album release from Chance the Rapper, multi-hyphenate Liamani's debut EP, vibrant new singles from Bryant Barnes, Cat Burns and Mimi Webb and so much more. Keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Aug. 15, 2025.
(STAR LINE via Chance the Rapper)
1. Taylor Swift Teases Her Next Album, The Life of a Showgirl
This was a whirlwind week for Taylor Swift fans, who were greeted with a glittery orange countdown timer before discovering the title of Taylor Swift's upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl. She also made her first-ever podcast appearance on New Heights, hosted by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and his brother, Jason, where she spent two hours opening up about touring, regaining control of her masters, football and, of course, the new album. Not only did she talk a little bit about its recording process, unveil the 12 track titles and show off the album cover, but she also let us in on its release date of Oct. 3.
(The Life of a Showgirl via Taylor Swift)
Also read about: Everything We Know So Far (and Predictions) About Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl Track List
2. AtHeart Drop Their Debut EP, Plot Twist
If you're not already in love with breakout K-pop girl group, AtHeart, it's not too late to get obsessed. They just released their debut EP, Plot Twist, with five tracks capturing their high-energy dance-pop sound. It features songs "Push Back," "Dot Dot Dot…," "Knew Me" and "Good Girl," plus our favorite, the title track "Plot Twist." The a cappella segments give us chills as the group weaves a story about unexpectedly falling in love and finding themselves by fully allowing those feelings into their lives. We're also captivating by the music video, showcasing some brilliant choreography and a cameo from Girls' Generation's Sooyoung, who's served as a mentor to the new group.
3. Karley Scott Collins Wishes She Were the One in 'Girlfriend'
We've always found that Nashville artist Karley Scott Collins has a way with standing out in the country music scene, and her latest single "Girlfriend" is definitely one that'll turn heads and win her new fans. It's an angsty country-rock exploration or infatuation and being stuck on a guy who only wants to talk about another woman. We love the way Karley layers the aspects of her jealousy. She doesn't just want to take the girlfriend's place in the relationship—she also wants to be her.
"On the surface, you'd think 'Girlfriend' was about being in love with someone who just wants to talk to you about how they're in love with someone else," Karley said in a press release. "In reality, I wrote this song because I was dating someone and he told me about a date he went on with someone else before me—I don't know her name, I don't know what she looks like or anything about her; but I'm an Olympic athlete when it comes to conclusion jumping. So, I told my friends Alex Kline and Summer Overstreet about it, and we had a whole lot of fun making up a story about her being pretty dang cool. So whoever she is, I hope she is funny, does listen to Nirvana, and reads a whole lot of indie poetry—'cause if all that's true, she's way too cool for that guy anyways."
Also read about: Karley Scott Collins' Gorgeous Country Hit 'Tattoos' Is the Perfect Metaphor for a Broken Heart
4. Jade LeMac Promises Her Unconditional Love in 'Running Home'
After her breakout song "Constellations" put her on the map in 2023, Canadian artist Jade LeMac hasn't slowed down in the slightest. Her new EP, It's Always at Night, releases on Nov. 7, and its new single, "Running Home" is sure to have you hooked. With string instrumentation providing a stirring and anthemtic feel, the song serves as a promise. She's making a commitment to unconditional love, letting her special someone know they're safe and secure, and that Jade will always come home to them.
"It's a song about reassurance," Jade shared in an interview with Sweety High. "Telling your partner no matter what, you'll always come back to them. I wouldn't say it's based on my relationship but I will always draw certain inspirations from it."
Also read about: Jade LeMac Revisits Her Hit Song 'Constellations' and Its Continued Success
5. Claire Rosinkranz Falls in Love in a Moment in 'Dancer'
Indie-pop singer-songwriter Claire Rosinkranz has had many a viral moment in recent years, and we think her latest single, "Dancer," is poised to be yet another megahit. It captures Claire's signature catchy yet soul-baring and eccentric approach, backed by a groovy bass and synths, as she sings about sharing a special moment with someone, unaware they're about to become the most important person in your life. The sweet visualizer also stars her boyfriend, Max Norman.
"It's about the moment you meet someone, not knowing they'll change everything" Claire revealed in a press release. "That they'll be yours and you'll be theirs. And how loving them feels like dancing."
Also read about: Claire Rosinkranz Breaks Down Every Track on Her Debut Album, Just Because
6. Mimi Webb Tackles Drifting Love in 'You Don't Look at Me the Same'
English pop star Mimi Webb is gearing up to release her sophomore album, Confessions, on Sep. 12, and we anticipate her vulnerable, raw and emotionally open storytelling to be in top form. We think that her new single, "You Don't Look at Me the Same," confirms it will be just that. Its echoey and atmospheric sound aches with tension, highlighting the sensitivity of Mimi's vocal performance as she witnesses the heartache of watching two people slowly stop loving each other.
"'You Don't Look at Me the Same' is the most vulnerable song I've ever released," Mimi shared in a press release. "It's written from the perspective of a child, telling the story of two people you love who are no longer on the same page—and you slowly watch them grow apart. Writing this was incredibly therapeutic for me, and I hope it brings the same sense of comfort and understanding to anyone who listens."
7. Liamani Crafts Messages to Her Young Self With Debut EP, Dear Little Me
16-year-old multi-hyphenate Liamani has a huge future ahead of her as a singer-songwriter and actress (best known for her work on The High Musical: The Musical: The Series), and she's already leaving a lasting impression with the release of her debut EP, Dear Little Me. Its six soulful R&B-pop tracks serve as messages to Liamani's younger self, recounting her experiences as a teenage girl through heartbreak, sisterhood and growing up.
"'Dear Little Me' as a song is a sweet note to my younger self telling little Liamani that she's proud of herself for living out her dreams of making her own music and how far she's come," Liamani shared in an interview with Sweety High. "The title track to sum up all the songs on the EP is perfect because each song on the EP symbolizes a special person or event that has taken place in my life that has impacted me in some way. Dear Little Me doesn't necessarily have to mean I'm talking to my little self, it just means that each song is a note to me in my past."
Also read about: Liamani on Celebrating Her 16th Birthday With Debut Single, 'Sunkissed'
8. Cat Burns Turns Loss Into Inspiration to Live to the Fullest With 'All This Love'
English artist Cat Burns combines a truly unique perspective with evocative musical artistry to create songs that make us see the world in a whole new light. Her latest single, "All This Love," might be our favorite yet, with lyrics that are bound to leave you misty eyed. It's a warm and uplifting anthem to the power of persisting love, and how the healing process after losing someone can teach you to transform pain and grief into inspiration to fully live your life. Cat also has a new album set to release sometime this fall, and the song has eagerly anticipating more news.
"'All This Love' is my idea of what grief actually is, which is love with no place to go," Cat explained in a press release. "Instead of making a really sad song about the people I've lost I wanted to make a happier song about life since losing the person, and how I've been finding new places to put all this love I can't give to them anymore."
Also read about: Cat Burns Shares the True Story That Inspired Her Breakout Song 'Go'
9. Bryant Barnes Recognizes the Value of Love in 'Priceless'
R&B singer-songwriter has had a pretty explosive year in 2025, with smash singles including "Why Can't You," "Heaven" and "Two Sides of Goodbye," as well as traveling the country supporting d4vd on his WITHERED Tour. He's captured our attention—and our hearts—yet again with the release of his latest single, "Priceless." Featuring lush synths and driven by Bryant's signature falsetto, it's a smooth R&B love song for the ages. It's richly romantic and swelling with emotion as he sings about wanting to be with his incomparable love for the rest of time. "Priceless" will also appear on his debut album, SOLACE, releasing on Oct. 17.
Also read about: Bryant Barnes Shares the Inner Turmoil That Inspired Hit Single 'Don't Want a Love Song'
10. Chance the Rapper Explores Black Resilience With Sophomore Album Star Line
It's been six years since the release of Chance the Rapper's debut album, The Big Day, and it's evident that hes seriously evolved as both a human being and an artist in that time. Today, the Grammy-winning rap sensation finally released his sophomore album, Star Line, and we think it was the right decision to let this one cook all that tie. Featuring 17 daring tracks, the album title references Marcus Garvey's Black Star Line, a shipping line that ran in the early 1900s, designed to connect the Caribbean and Africa with the Americas. Similarly, these songs show Chance at the top of his lyrical game as he digs into his experience as a dad, an artistic force, a son and a Black man living in America, reflecting on the state of the world as he rallies against oppression, division and inequality, with some help from with features with BJ The Chicago Kid, VIN MENSA, Joey BadA$$, Lil Wayne, Young Thug and so many more.
"This album is a culmination of my travels, my experiences and my deep dive into the history that connects us all," Chance shared in a press release. "It's about legacy, the resilience of Black people and the beautiful, complex story of our existence. From Chicago to Accra, this is my art, unfiltered. Star Line is a vessel for that story, and I'm thrilled that everyone can finally get on board."
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Aug. 8, 2025.