10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of May 16, 2025
We've officially hit the midpoint of May, and as we step ever closer to the freedom of summer, we're feeling more and more of those sunshiney vibes and a sense of freedom in each week's new music releases.
This New Music Friday is no different, from the unstoppable energy of JIN's sophomore solo album to surprise comebacks from some of the world's biggest artists and so much more. For everything we've got playing on repeat, just keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of May 16, 2025.
(Image courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC)
1. G Flip Reflects on a Fleeting Fling With 'Disco Cowgirl'
if you're hunting for the perfect anthemic backdrop to kick off your summer, look no further than G Flip's new single "Disco Cowgirl." The Australian singer-songwriter, producer and instrumentalist is moving into a brand new musical era with her first release since her drumless EP in 2024, telling the story of an intense romance that was over as quickly as it started. Featuring glittery '80s-inspired synths, it feels ripped out of a coming-of-age soundtrack, and it begs to be played again and again.
"'Disco Cowgirl' is the first taste of a new era," G Flip shared in a press release. "It's the first stop on a larger ride that I can't wait to share with the world."
2. Lola Young Only Wants 'One Thing' in New Single
These days, we can't scroll through TikTok for more than a few minutes without hearing English singer-songwriter Lola Young's viral hit song, "Messy." We're already preparing ourselves for countless new videos featuring her latest single, "One Thing." It highlights all of the things that put Lola on the map, from her rich vocals and enchanting spoken lyrics to her unending wit as she creates a sleek and provocative ode to lust, without the immediate desire for any kind of meaningful connection. We also adore its playful music video's unique twist on traditional gender roles.
"It's a song that on first listen sounds like I'm talking about one thing. Sex," Lola explained in a press release. "Which I am, of course. However sex in itself is never about one thing."
3. Corbyn Besson Brings Us Back to Y2K With 'Tied Up'
Pop phenom Corbyn Besson has been on a mission to prove he's more than just one fifth of boy band Why Don't We, and there's no question that he's got what it takes as a solo sensation. His new single, "Tied Up," takes us back to the early 2000s with pop-R&B tailor-made to sweep you off your feet. It's an upbeat celebration of young love and wanting to get lost in someone, with Corbyn's silky falsetto making each moment even sweeter.
"One of my biggest goals this year is to make music that makes people feel good—and this track is just the beginning," Corbyn said in a press release.
I want my fans to feel like they can turn their bedroom into a dance floor."
Also read about: Corbyn Besson Dishes on His Solo Debut With New 'Self-Love Anthem,' 'Love Me Better'
4. Rico Nasty Showcases Her Evolution With New Album Lethal
Rap-rock artist Rico Nasty has come a long way since she first became a breakout star as a teenager, and her unique growth—both as a human being and an artist—is evident with the release of her third album, Lethal. While in her youth she made her mark with a larger-than-life onstage persona, the new album dares to show a more authentic side of the artist that encapsulates a bigger piece of her experience. The female rage that's always driven her music is ever-present, but it's mixed with sensitivity, thoughtfulness and versatility as she plays with new sounds and allows herself to grow.
"It feels so good to be releasing LETHAL finally," Rico Nasty revealed in a press release. "I started working on this album well over a year ago and so much has changed for me since then. All things I'm proud of. I've been in singing lessons, voice therapy, acting lessons, dancing lessons, parent teacher conferences, on planes, on stages (though more to come there 😝) on set filming a TV show… all in the midst of creating and releasing an album I'm really proud of. It's one that showcases all sides of myself, sides the fans may not have seen yet. And somehow it still feels like my most cohesive (and authentic) body of work to date. I hope you guys love it. I know I do 😍"
5. MEOVV Show Us What They're Made Of With Debut EP, MY EYES OPEN VVIDE
MEOVV is a multinational K-pop girl group made up of SOOIN, GAWON, ANNA, NARIN and ELLA, from South Korea, the United States and Japan, and together, they prove to be an unstoppable unit that demands to be heard. This week, they released their debut EP, MY EYES OPEN VVIDE, creating something that's truly more than the sum of its parts. The EP's six tracks are the perfect reflection of its members' versatile talents, never firmly planted in just one genre, language or style, and allowing all five young women to shine, whether they're performing breezy pop tracks, slick R&B sounds, funky or upbeat anthems. We're especially hooked on the title track, "DROP TOP," and its warm summer vibes, creating an emotional story about self-discovery and the power of togetherness and the destiny of friendship.
6. Jazzie Young Shares Anti-Situationship Anthem, 'Mr Casual'
Indie-pop singer-songwriter Jazzie Young has had a very busy 2025 so far with the release of buzzy singles "Waiting on You!" and "Miss You Already," but it's her latest, "Mr Casual," that's really bound to resonate with new listeners and avid fans alike. The track serves as a rallying cry for the downtrodden and anyone wronged by a situationship and dealing with the hurt and destruction caused by unclear intentions and false hope. It's perfectly moody and revenge-tinged, with fuzzy guitars, a dark bass riff and a hazy atmosphere that couldn't better suit the message.
"Thank you to @thisisntjohnv for being the best co-writer and producer," Jazzie wrote in a post on Instagram. "It was so fun to get weird and bratty and dive into this unexplored sonic world. And thank you @ben_barter for adding the coolest live drums to this track."
Click HERE to check out the track on Spotify.
7. Finneas Puts on an Act in New Music Video for '2001'
Finneas's sophomore album, For Cryin' Out Loud!, is the gift that keeps on giving, and the new music video from beloved track "2001" has made us fallen even harder for it. Taking some unforgettable musical cues from Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, it's appropriately cinematic itself, with Finneas playing an actor, in turn playing an astronaut in a film. He's fallen madly in love with the director (played by Kate Hudson), who has better things to do than notice the romantic advances of her star.
"When I first started conceptualizing this music video, I knew I wanted to pay homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey, with nods to some of the film's most iconic set ups like the fisheye lens and the upside-down sequence, along with a few little easter eggs from the behind-the-scenes of the film (Finneas shaking his head while traveling through space, the diorama reveal at the end)," music video drector Claudia Sulewski said in a press release. "To play off Finneas's lyrics, I wanted to mix in some light, cheeky moments between Finneas and Kate. An actor hopelessly in love with his director, who couldn't care less and is only focused on making a great film."
8. Noah Cyrus Is at One With Everything in 'I Saw the Mountains'
Singer-songwriter Noah Cyrus's latest musical era has been her most striking and compelling yet, with new single "I Saw the Mountains" further enriching her tale. Propelled by a dreamy country sound, with gentle verses and swelling choruses, it's a song about feeling at one with the earth, not just experiencing its wonders but knowing that nature is also seeing her back, and how that sense of interconnectedness can help us all feel a bit less lonely when we need it most. It comes complete with an enchanting music video with Noah atop a majestic white horse across an evocative and otherworldly dreamscape.
"We all want to connect with our past while also being aware of the present moment," Noah explained in a press release. "Music does that for me, and this new collection of songs was made with that in mind. I want to evoke that feeling of a comforting friend—and allow us all to heal."
Also read about: 32 Heartbreaking Lyrics From Noah Cyrus's The Hardest Part to Use as Instagram Captions
9. Jessie J Celebrates the Power of Joy in 'Living My Best Life'
English Multi-platinum music phenomenon Jessie J is making 2025 her year, and after releasing the deep and soulful R&B track "No Secrets" last month, she's back with new single "Living My Best Life." The song is the perfect counterpoint to "No Secrets," with a bombastic '80s-inspired synth-pop sound. It's a high-energy celebration of joy and self-love, and it's the ultimate musical pick-me-up for anyone who might need it.
"I love the sense of moving upwards, so 'Living My Best Life' has that same feeling," Jessie shared in a press release. "It feels timeless, classic, '80s. It makes you want to dance."
10. BTS' JIN Refuses to Slow Down With 2nd Solo Album, Echo
It's no exaggeration to say that K-pop group BTS is the world's biggest boy band at the moment, but member JIN isn't resting on those laurels in defining himself as a solo artist. Just six months after the release of his first solo album, Happy, he's back at it with his sophomore album, Echo, and even in that short time, it's clear how much he's evolved as a musician. Echo is shaped by the resonant moments in life that refuse to leave us alone, maintaining persistent echoes even long after they pass. JIN helped to write most of the seven songs on the album, telling memorable stories of self-discovery, love and friendship, and incorporating an eclectic mix of sounds, from Japanese rock and Brit-pop to pop-punk and even country.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of May 9, 2025.