10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of July 18, 2025
For music lovers, summer 2025 truly has been the gift that keeps on giving.
The last seven days had a little something to offer everyone, from a showstopping new aespa track to Max McNown's new album, hot new songs from Toosii and Reneé Rapp and so much more. Whether you're obsessed with pop, country, rock, R&B or K-pop (or, like us, a little bit of everything), it's been pure heaven. Curious about the songs that have our hearts? Keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of July 18, 2025.
(Photo credit: SM Entertainment)
1. Alessi Rose Can't Believe the Audacity of an Ex in 'Everything Anything'
Rising 22-year-old pop artist Alessi Rose is poised to be music's next big thing, and if you're not yet familiar with her work, Everything Anything" is the perfect place to start. The witty and scathing alt-pop bop a perfect example of her confessional yet fun style as she finds out her ex has moved in right next to her, shocked by the fact he hasn't said a word. In no time at all, they've gone from lovers to strangers, and she's become obsessed with his silence. The song will also appear on her next EP, Voyeur, will be out next week on July 25.
"'Everything Anything' pokes fun at the utter absurdity of having someone who you once were so close and intimate with now becoming a total stranger," Alessi shared in a press release. "It's vulnerable but also deeply ironic and feels like the stream of consciousness, confessional rant you'd share with a friend at a sleepover."
2. John K Contemplates the Many Facets of Life in New Album LIGHT + SALT
John K's powerful third album, LIGHT + SALT, is all about contrasts. He recognizes that life is made up of pain, grief, loss and struggle, but also healing, hope, love and celebration, and he channels those ideas beautifully in 13 profoundly catchy tracks. These bold pop songs are tied together by their universality, and though the details may not be the same, the experiences are something we've all been through, creating a sense of connection and togetherness for listeners, whatever life is throwing their way.
"SALT + LIGHT comes from pain, reflection, healing and hope. The phrase itself is rooted in my spirituality, but for me, it's also deeply personal," John shared in an interview with Sweety High. "Salt represents the rawness—the wounds, the tears, the parts of life that sting. And light is the healing, the clarity, the hope that comes from facing those wounds head-on. This album is me searching those hidden places and deciding to bring them into the light, no matter how uncomfortable. That journey felt like the thread that connected every song—so naming it SALT + LIGHT just felt honest. Like a journal entry turned into sound."
Also read about: John K Discusses the Process of Pain, Hope and Healing Behind His New Album, SALT + LIGHT
3. Em Beihold Tackles Jealousy and Comparison in 'Brutus'
It'd been a minute since we heard from Platinum singer-songwriter Em Beihold, but her new release has been worth the wait. Her first release of 2025 is titled "Brutus," serving as a vulnerable yet cutting critique on the way we compare ourselves to others and how always wishing we could take what others have can only keep us from growing. It's the first step into a brand new musical era for Em, reflecting on her journey of introspection and self-discovery.
"Writing 'Brutus' really helped me see the light from a deep, dark hole I didn't know how to get out of," Em said in a press release. "After 'Numb Little Bug,' I was lost, burnt out, experiencing heavy writer's block and dealing with a case of self-comparison so constant that it almost felt chronic. In the depths of my depression, I couldn't help but crave the lives of some other female artists who had everything going for them with constant creative output and growing fanbases. 'Brutus' was the first song that released me from this place of stuckness where I finally felt a piece of myself come back. Ultimately, comparison is just a mirror for the things we feel deficiencies in, and I've started to look at jealousy more as a way to gain data about the things I really want rather than a feeling of bitterness that tears me down."
Also read about: Everything You Should Know About 'Numb Little Bug' Artist Em Beihold
4. JUNHEE and AleXa Transform Into KPop Demon Hunters Characters in Their Cover of 'Free'
The first time we caught a glimpse of JUNHEE and AleXa's cover of "Free" from Kpop Demon Hunters, we thought it was AI-generated—that's how accurate it is to the movie's version. The entire recreation is stunning, bringing one of our favorite songs from the film to life. AleXa and JUNHEE perfectly embody the physicality and voices of Hunter Rumi and the demonic yet divided Jinu in a romantic and touching moment that's pivotal to the viral animated film.
Also read about: AleXa Gets Real About Her Emotional Single 'sick' and Exploring the Pop-Rock Genre
5. Liamani Wonders About What It Means to Find 'True Love'
16-year-old singer-songwriter and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series actress Liamani continues to impress with her angelic vocals and evocative songwriting. Her third single, "True Love" may be her most gorgeous release yet. It's a dreamy and soulful R&B-pop track that shows Liamani struggling in her relationship and wondering about the nature of love and whether true love is even real. The song has us even more eager to hear all of Liamani's debut EP, Dear Little Me, set to release on Aug. 15.
Also read about: Liamani on Celebrating Her 16th Birthday With Debut Single, 'Sunkissed'
6. Ruel Teases His Upcoming Sophomore Album With 'I Can Die Now'
Australian pop star Ruel is ready to step into a new musical chapter. He's just announced that his eagerly anticipated sophomore album is set to arrive before the end of 2025, and given us an irresistible taste with new single "I Can Die Now." The song isn't quite what you'd expect from the title, creating a laidback yet energetic pop sound as he sings about completely falling for someone new, and feeling so content he could die. Its music video is also set to release next week, featuring Ruel suffering from a made-up medical condition called Intense Conditional Desire Neurosis Syndrome as the result of his infatuation.
"I've been waiting for what seems like forever to get 'I Can Die Now' out," Ruel revealed in a press release. "I love the juxtaposition between the title and the theme and energy of the song—once you listen to it, you'll know what I mean. On top of that, ICDN is the first taste of what my new album might be like…"
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About 'Painkiller' Artist Ruel
7. Max McNown Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up)
Just two days ahead of his 24th birthday, country-folk singer-songwriter Max McNown has released the unforgettable the deluxe version of his album Night Diving, subtitled (The Cost of Growing Up). While the original album was 10 songs long, the deluxe take more than doubles the length to a whopping 21 tracks, with 11 striking new songs that explore heartache, all-encompassing infatuation and what it means to grow older and wiser.
"Even though Night Diving was the length of a full album, in my heart it never felt complete to me," Max shared in a press release. "All of these songs were written in the same time period, and my intention was always to have them be one body of work."
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About 'A Lot More Free' Singer-Songwriter Max McNown
8. Reneé Rapp Laments Being the Other Woman in 'Why Is She Still Here?'
Reneé Rapp is generating all the buzz ahead of her upcoming sophomore album, BITE ME, releasing Aug. 1, and her new single "Why Is She Still Here?" is one of her hardest-hitting yet. The song comes to life with a breezy yet mournful pop-R&B sound as Reneé details an affair. She begrudges her lover for not breaking up with their partner, while also realizing she's partially to blame for the situation she's gotten herself into. Reneé is also embarking on her BITE ME headlining tour across North America, starting Sep. 23, and we don't plan to miss it.
Also read about: 16 Vulnerable Lyrics From Reneé Rapp's Snow Angel to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
9. Toosii Shares a Bittersweet Goodbye With 'Even Then'
Viral artist Toosii has been a household name ever since the 2023 release of his hit "Favorite Song," and we think his newest track, "Even Then," has everything it takes to be just as big. It's a unique and vulnerable and resilient single about realizing you need to let someone go, and the bittersweet push and pull between independence and isolation.
"I haven't dropped in so long!" Toosii shared in a post on Instagram. "I wanna apologize for the delay. I've been getting my life together… no more breaks tho!"
Check out the stunning live performance of the song below, performed at River on the Rooftop in Nashville.
Also read about: Toosii Shares the Inspiration Behind His Viral Hit, 'Favorite Song'
10. aespa Team Up With PUBG for Fierce New Anthem, 'Dark Arts'
K-pop phenoms aespa are having a big moment in 2025, and with the release of their new song, "Dark Arts," they've also become action stars. The song and its music video were made in collaboration with PUBG: Battlegrounds, putting the quartet at the center of a clash in the world of the iconic battle royale game. The dynamic and energetic track matches the video's frenetic excitement as they declare their strength and determination, embracing the thrill of battle. aespa will also be performing the song live for the first time ever at the PNC 2025 Grand Finals on July 27 in Seoul.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of July 11, 2025.