10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of August 8, 2025
Some New Music Fridays are packed with so much magnificent new music it's a struggle to narrow down our favorites to just 10 picks, and this week definitely belongs to that category.
The last seven days featured some many eagerly anticipated releases, from new albums from mgk, Jenevieve and Ethel Cain to surprise singles from Cavetown and Bakar and so, so much more. Ready to jump into the very best this summer has to offer? Keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Aug. 8, 2025.
(Photo credit: Sam Cahill)
1. Ethel Cain Unveils More of Her Story So Far With Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You
After releasing her debut album, Preacher's Daughter, in 2022, singer-songwriter Ethel Cain is back today with her sophomore album (and its heart-wrenching prequel), Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You. Its 10 songs weave a fictional story around Ethel's first love, the titular Willoughby Tucker, and their ill-fated courtship. Some of these moody and evocative titles were penned at the very start of Ethel's career, seeming to blur the lines between reality and pretend with how tender and authentic they feel.
"Somehow it's harder to believe that this one is finally out than it was with Preacher's Daughter," Ethel wrote in an Instagram post. "What I initially mistook for hating this record was actually realizing that this record still resonates a lot deeper with me than Preacher's Daughter did by the time it came out. It still feels raw and too close to home. I realized I don't hate this record, I'm just still overwhelmed by how real it feels. This is the scariest record i think I've ever made."
2. Lily Rose Gets Stuck on Lost Love in 'Of Course I Do'
Country singer-songwriter Lily Rose's new album, I Know What I Want, drops on Oct. 3, and after hearing the new single "Of Course I Do," we couldn't be more excited to hear the rest of it. The track combines Lily's signature country sound with an angsty pop-punk beat as she gets vulnerable in the face of a breakup, revealing that the heartbreak remains as raw as present as ever and she hasn't stopped thinking about her ex.
"I've been writing for this project for almost five years now and during that time, I have spanned the spectrum of peaks and valleys," Lily said in a press release. "Through these years, I have known what I want but have been navigating how to get there… and I feel like I finally made it. When it comes to my catalog of songs, a lot of them were written to bring energy to the live show–'Of Course I Do' is the poster child for that. It's the song I'm most excited to crank up to 10 in my car and play live."
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About Country Singer-Songwriter Lily Rose
3. Jenevieve Is Ready to Emerge From Her Cocoon With the Release of New Album, CRYSALIS
Alt-R&B hitmaker Jenevieve just released her sophomore album, CRYSALIS, and as the name implies, it seems she's done cocooning herself and has finally stepped back out into the world fully developed and ready to make a statement. Its songs, including the title track and singles "Haiku" and "Head Over Heels," are signature Jenevieve, infused with retro disco, funk and soul sounds while also feeling entirely grounded in the present day. Together, they tell a story of embracing individuality and finding a sense of self-understanding as she paves her own path.
"I can't believe the full album is finally yours to hear," Jenevieve shared in an Instagram post. "It's been such a journey bringing this to life, can't wait for you to hear ❣️"
4. Bakar Celebrates Love With 'Lonyo!'
Viral English artist Bakar is priming himself to enter a new musical era, and he's given us all a taste with the release of his new single, "Lonyo!" The track samples DJ Lonyo's Y2K hit "Summer of Love," creating an intoxicating garage music love song about surrendering to the moment. We dare you not to instantly fall in love with the music video, featuring vibrant choreography as the local school kids groove along to his latest "unreleased" hit.
"Big love ! to all boys n girls in this film man," Bakar wrote in a post on Instagram about the music video. "This city got too much talent I had to show it fr! The kids, always for the kids. This is just a lil part of my story looking forward to telling even more of it."
5. EVNNE Showcase a More Mature Approach With LOVE ANECDOTE(S)
K-pop boy group EVNNE have made a name for themselves curating their image as boyish troublemakers, but with the release of their fifth-mini-album, LOVE ANECDOTE(S) they're ready to flaunt a new side to their abilities. It features six brand-new tracks that showcase their versatility and a new sense of maturity and musical evolution, including the flirtatious and laidback hip-hop title track "How Can I Do."
"We tried working on various genres to show how much we have matured so far through [LOVE ANECDOTE(S)]," the group's MUN JUNGHYUN shared in a press release. "I hope you give much love and support to the new side of EVNNE that hasn't been shared yet!"
Also read about: EVNNE Discuss Choosing Between Truth or Dare for Their 3rd Mini-Album, RIDE or DIE
6. KiiiKiii Embrace the Single Life With 'DANCING ALONE'
After a triumphant debut marked by captivating teasers earlier this year, K-pop girl group KiiiKiii is back this week with the irresistible new digital single, DANCING ALONE. In addition to the playful B-side "Strawberry Cheesegame," the effervescent title track is sure to enchant brand new fans to the rising group. It's an '80s synth-infused city-pop number about embracing singledom and the unique sense of connection you can create with others when you're not tied to someone who held you back.
"As we go through this journey together, our bond just keeps getting stronger," the group's KYA shared in an interview with Sweety High. "We've been through so much together—laughs, tears, everything. That's how we've become a team—KiiiKiii."
7. Lucy Dacus Unveils Unreleased Tracks 'Bus Back to Richmond' and 'More Than Friends'
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus isn't just one third of boygenius but also a powerful soloist in her own right. After the thrilling success of her latest album, Forever Is a Feeling, she's decided to share a couple of tracks that didn't make the cut—and we're so glad she has. Both "Bus Back to Richmond" and "More Than Friends" and moody and stripped-back acoustic guitar tracks that take a diaristic approach to exploring the complexities of a relationship.
"I wrote 'Bus Back To Richmond' and 'More Than Friends' years ago, they were the first two songs meant for Forever Is a Feeling," Lucy revealed in an Instagram post. "By the time it was done, it didn't feel like they fit. You may have seen me play either of them at shows over the years—thank you for not filming them at my request, I guess at this point if you actually did, you can fess up. My arbitrary idea at the beginning of making this record was to write about falling into and out of love without using the word love at all. I broke it a few times (three songs I think?) but these two fit the rule."
Also read about: 37 Heartfelt Lyrics From Lucy Dacus's Forever Is a Feeling to Use as Your Next Caption
8. Aiyana-Lee Bares Her Soul With Title Track 'Highest 2 Lowest'
Next week, on Aug. 15, Spike Lee's eagerly anticipated crime thriller HIGHEST 2 LOWEST hits theaters. Starring Denzel Washington, it tells the story of a successful music executive whose whole world is upturned when his son, Trey, is kidnapped and held for ransom. The film's soundtrack, featuring 19 songs, also promises to be unforgettable, with tracks by A$AP Rocky, Jensen McRae and English artist Aiyana-Lee, who also appears in the film. We got a first taste with Aiyana-Lee's title track, a soaring and heartfelt ode to the recognizing your own power, ignoring the naysayers and never giving up on your dreams.
"'Highest 2 Lowest' is a soulful, triumphant journey," she shared in a press release. "One rooted in vulnerability and hope. It's a song and story close to my heart that proves even in the darkest moments, light always finds its way through."
9. Cavetown Finds Self-Acceptance Through Love With 'Baby Spoon'
With six Platinum singles under his belt, English artist and producer Cavetown has rapidly become one of the most celebrated young artists working today. His new single, "Baby Spoon," is his first release after recently signing with Futures Music Group, complete with a heartfelt and dreamy music video. It's a vulnerable reflection on self-acceptance as Cavetown sings about the kind of love that allows you to unmask and be your truest self.
"'Baby Spoon is a reminder to my partner that I'll always be there to talk to her and make her feel better," Cavetown shared in a press release. "Growing up as a transmasc guy, I went through a phase of overdoing masculinity because I thought that's what was expected of me. With her, I can be delicate, soft, I can be the baby spoon."
10. mgk Finds His Reinvented Self With lost americana
Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter and rapper reinventing mgk has been on a path of self-discovery in recent years, and with the release of his seventh album, lost americana, it's clear he's ready to embrace a brand new side of his artistry. After releasing hip-hop and pop-punk albums in the past, lost americana's 13 tracks are planted firmly in guitar-driven alt-pop as he unpacks the myth of the American dream. mgk Day is officially on Aug. 13, but he's also celebrating the release this weekend in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio with a series of fan events.
"Get in your car this weekend, start driving and press play," mgk wrote in a post on Instagram. "It's time for lost americana."
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Aug. 1, 2025.