10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of August 29, 2025
We can't be the only ones who are more than ready to jump into the long Labor Day Weekend, and the unofficial start of fall—but first, it's time to celebrate one of the biggest New Music Fridays of the year.
This week seemed to feature more unforgettable new releases than we can count, with new albums from everyone from Blood Orange, CMAT and Sabrina Carpenter to thrilling collabs, surprise singles and so much more. This one was a doozy, so keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Aug. 29, 2025.
(Photo credit: Bryce Anderson)
1. CMAT Bares Her Soul With New Album, EURO-COUNTRY
Irish artist CMAT has recently emerged as one of today's most exciting global pop stars, and if she's not already fully on the map, her new album EURO-COUNTRY is going to put her on it. Made up of 12 songs (the first being a recording of a documentary capturing the unique and heartwarming oddness of Ireland), the album encapsulates her signature raw, candid and clever lyricism, paired with an anthemic country-pop (EURO-COUNTRY) sound as she navigates her complex and often precarious relationship with her home country of Ireland. As much as she loves it, she also refuses to ignore its deep flaws.
"Today is the day that EURO-COUNTRY is out in the world," CMAT shared in an Instagram post. "I am so happy that we made it even though it was the hardest job I have ever had in my life. I hope you can hear how much work went into it, along with a genuinely quite large part of our souls."
2. Olivia Marsh Makes a Comeback With 'Lucky Me,' Featuring Wonstein
South Korean-Australian K-pop artist Olivia Marsh has enchanted us again and again with her lush vocals, and her latest comeback single "Lucky Me," featuring Wonstein, is bound to win over many new fans. The emotional pop-R&B ballad is a song of romance and conflict. Even as Olivia sings about how lucky they both are, she's caught up in the pain and struggle of the uncertainty of the relationship. Despite it all, the two come to the conclusion that they're willing to cling to what they have, eager to push through the pain and make it work.
3. Laci Kaye Booth Makes the Most of What She's Been Dealt in 'Luck of the Draw'
Leave it to country artist Laci Kaye Booth to release one of the most beautiful yet heart-wrenching tracks of the year in the form of "Luck of the Draw." It's a gorgeous and lullaby-like country lament about lying about being okay as the whole world seems to be falling apart around you. Despite the lyrics, there's an optimism to the melody as she accepts and finds peace in the fact that none of the badness is her fault—it's just the luck of the draw.
"'Luck of the Draw' is about growing up in the chaos, finding beauty in the wreckage and owning the hand you're dealt," Laci Kaye shared in a press release.
4. Artemas Keeps the Magic Going With Double Release of 'eat me alive' and 'u don't have to tell me'
25-year-old singer-songwriter and producer Artemas's "i like the way you kiss me" has been everywhere since it dropped last year, becoming a viral sensation and part of Spotify's Billions Club, but he's refusing to rest on his laurels. He just released two more moody and evocative alt-pop tracks, "eat me alive" and "u don't have to tell me," both of which feel destined to be his next big hits. Both are songs of love and lust, with the dark '80s-inspired synths of "eat me alive" telling a story of adoration spilling into obsession, and "u don't have to tell me" taking a more soulful approach as he sings about knowing how his lover feels, even if they can't express themself.
5. Alabama Shakes Make a Triumphant Return With 'Another Life'
It'd been more than a decade since Grammy-winning group Alabama Shakes released an original song together, which makes the arrival of new single "Another Life" a truly momentous occasion. In classic Alabama Shakes fashion, the song feels epic and larger than life, pulling together atmospheric organ sounds, a stomping beat and blues guitars, plus frontwoman Brittany Howard's soaring, otherworldly vocals, for a fully transportive listening experience. It's a song about renewal, healing and second chances, and it couldn't be a more perfect return for the group—especially with the announcement that their third album is also on the way.
"When I wrote Another Life, I was thinking about all the lives we carry," Brittany explained in a press release. "The ones we're living right now, the ones that slipped away because of different choices, the what ifs, the what wasn't meant to be, the goodbyes and the chance encounters that feel divine. This song is about those threads and how they stretch across time and space, connecting every version of who we are. It's about letting them come together, letting them harmonize and realizing that goodbye isn't really goodbye. It's more like I'll see you later. A collective story that never stops unfolding. I'm glad we opened this door into this reality of us making music together again."
6. BENEE Stays Kind, Despite It All, in 'Cinnamon'
Get excited, but New Zealand alt-pop phenom BENEE just announced that her sophomore album, Ur An Angel I'm Just Particles, is dropping on Nov. 7. The announcement also comes with the official release of "Cinnamon," a track fans have been begging for since first hearing it live during BENEE's shows supporting Tate McRae on tour this summer. The diaristic songs describes BENEE's tumultuous move to Los Angeles, and her insistence on choosing kindness even as things fell apart around her and she felt forced to let go of the negativity leading her in the wrong direction.
"I wrote 'Cinnamon' with my friend Ryan Raines, who is an incredible producer," BENEE revealed in a press release. "We made it about a year ago, and I have loved the song from the start. I'm so stoked to be sharing it with the world, it means a lot to me. I wrote it about moving to L.A. and feeling a little bit lost in the chaos, like everything was falling apart. It felt like nothing was working. The chorus is quite ethereal and a nice let go for me. I thought, 'Well even if everything around me has turned to s***, I'm going to stay sweet, still be kind and attract the right kind of people.' I got my friend Sora to play the cello in the bridge, which I love. I cry sometimes when I listen to that part. And it's such a fun song to perform live!"
7. ONE OR EIGHT Embrace Imperfection With 'Young & Reckless'
J-pop group ONE OR EIGHT are setting out to break the mold, and they've definitely captured out attention with the release of their newest single, "Young & Reckless." The smooth pop-hip-hop track is a declaration of their desire to take over the world, embracing a punk aesthetic and an edgier approach than other Japanese pop groups. They're ready to rebel against perfection, instead welcoming their flaws and the power that comes with not taking life too seriously and allowing yourself to enjoy youth.
"When people listen to this song, I really want them to be taken back to their childhood—those moments when everything felt exciting, when we were endlessly curious and not afraid of failing," the group's NEO shared in a press release. "As we grow older, it's so easy to get caught up in fear, doubt, or overthinking, and sometimes we stop ourselves from taking on challenges. This song is a reminder to embrace that fearless spirit again, to chase after new experiences with the same courage and curiosity we had as kids. I hope the fans not only enjoy the sound and energy of the track, but also take the message to heart, because that's what makes the music meaningful for us."
8. GIRLSET Know Their Worth With Debut Single, 'Commas'
JYP Entertainment's newest global girl group GIRLSET is one worth watching, especially with the release of their debut single, "Commas." The high-energy track is a confident and daring anthem, with members Camila, Kendall, Lexi and Savanna beautifully show off in the song's new choreography video. It's a track about independent and knowing your own worth, letting the world know that their hearts cannot be bought with money, no matter how many commas might be on the price tag. It's a captivating debut from the quartet, and we seriously can't wait to see what they'll be up to next.
9. Blood Orange Makes a Big Comeback With New Album Essex Honey
English artist and producer Devonté Hynes (known professionally as Blood Orange) has been doing some soul searching lately, and it's culminated in his first album in six years, and one of his best yet, Essex Honey. The album's 14 tracks reflect on his life growing up in Essex, outside London, exploring grief, the uncertainty of growing up, and the intrinsic role music has played in each and every aspect of his life. The songs come to life like hazy daydreams, with cool vocals over minimalist instrumentals, and featuring collaborations with everyone from Lorde and Caroline Polachek to Daniel Caesar and so many more.
10. Sabrina Carpenter Ups the Game With the Release of Man's Best Friend
It's hard to believe it's already been a year since Sabrina Carpenter's iconic and genre-defying Short n' Sweet album, and she's at it yet again with the release of her equally irresistible new pop album, Man's Best Friend. Over its dozen tracks—including megahit "Manchild"—Sabrina displays her signature tongue-in-cheek sass, natural storytelling ability and positively infectious melodies, so you'll be hooked from start to finish.
"Man's Best Friend is out now," Sabrina wrote in a post on Instagram. "How special to make something out of pure inspiration and zero pressure. I don't think I've had greater memories making something before. I made the whole record with three of my best most brilliant friends Amy, Jack and John. And if I could turn back time and relive these memories I would … we had so much fun! And you can hear it! It's a real party for heartbreak, a celebration of disappointment! It's laughing at yourself and your poor choices as everything is falling apart, it's wondering how loyalty and love always gets you back to third wheeling, spoken sarcastically like a true 25 year old!"
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Aug. 22, 2025.