10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of May 23, 2025
We are so ready to celebrate Memorial Day and the unofficial start of summer with a three-day weekend, and our favorite artists have given us the perfect soundtrack to kick everything off with a bang.
The last seven days saw the release of more sweetly irresistible music from Benson Boone, a brand new album from Joe Jonas, and i-dle's latest mini-album, and that's just the beginning of the fun. If you can't wait to dive into everything we adored, just keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of May 23, 2025.
(Photo credit: CUBE Entertainment)
1. TiaCorine Shares a Colorful New Music Video for 'Ironic'
TiaCorine just dropped the new music video for her second single of the year, "Ironic," and it's precisely the brash, confident and unapologetic anthem we need to kick off the summer vibes this weekend. Driven by otherworldly synths and sleek drum and bass, it's got a cool, nostalgic sound that perfectly suits the self-assured lyricism. We also adore the imagery in the music video, featuring Rube Goldberg machines and gravity-defying feats bathed in vibrant aquas, pinks and lime greens.
2. Carter Vail Can't Move on From a Love Gone Cold in 'Stunner'
We know Carter Vail as a guy who posts hilarious tongue-in-cheek joke songs on TikTok, often forgetting he's also a legitimate artist with some truly iconic releases. His latest release, "Stunner," is in instant favorite. It's a funky '70s-infused indie rock track about recovering from the throes of a toxic relationship and the way bad love can leave us feeling hollowed out.
"'Stunner' is about a love story, but one that leaves you feeling like roadkill," Carter shared in a press release. "Less Jim & Pam, more Jigsaw and his victims. The best kind of love there is. I wrote and recorded it in my house, and it's my favorite."
3. Calum Scott Teases His Next Album With the Soulful 'Die For You'
We're counting down the days until the release of English singer-songwriter Calum Scott's third album, Avenoir, releasing on Sep. 12. If the rest of the songs are anything like his new single, "Die for You," it's going to be a real treat. Featuring Calum's powerful vocals, fluctuating between deep and soaring and his evocative falsetto, the song is a pure and powerful declaration of love, with the true tenderness shining through in each and every word.
"'Die For You' is now finally yours," Calum wrote in an Instagram post. "I don't know if I've ever been excited about a release like I am about this one. I just know this is special, down to my bones. Thank you for the love so far—I can't wait to see the journey this song goes on. Love ya."
4. Julia Michaels Showcases Her Evolution With Second Self EP
Singer-songwriter extraordinaire Julia Michaels has always had a talent for writing ridiculously catchy pop tracks that get straight to the point, but with the release of her Second Self EP, she's holding absolutely nothing back. That's in part because the EP was released via her indie label, GFY Records, marking not just a musical but also a personal step into full independence, and showcasing her powerful evolution into a brand new self. It's six songs are vulnerable, bold and authentic, with breezy and fun pop sounds propelled by Julia's razor-sharp wit. Check out the new music video for "Try You Luck," which shows Julia holding literal auditions to win her love, pitting men against each other in tests of wit and might to weed out the duds and find the one.
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About Grammy-Nominated Singer-Songwriter Julia Michaels
5. Reneé Rapp Has All Eyes on Her With the Release of 'Leave Me Alone'
Reneé Rapp has been turning everyone's heads this week with the release of her slick and edgy new single, "Leave Me Alone," accompanied by the nnouncement of her sophomore album, Bite Me, dropping on Aug. 1. It's the beginning of something fresh and new from the singer-songwriter and actress, with provocative lyrics as she asserts her right to do what she wants. The music video is also buzzing with Reneé's signature sense of chaos, showing the star going out and having the time of her life, intercut with a pillow fight between Reneé lookalikes, complete with flying feathers.
Also read about: 16 Vulnerable Lyrics From Reneé Rapp's Snow Angel to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
6. Lainey Wilson Gets Introspective With 'Somewhere Over Laredo'
Country hitmaker Lainey Wilson is gearing up to release her upcoming album, Whirlwind (Deluxe), on Aug. 22, and with the release of its newest single, we know those deluxe tracks are going to be something special. The lush country song is called "Somewhere Over Laredo," referencing The Wizard of Oz's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," capturing the introspection and yearning for home that can come with traveling the world.
"When I'm flying between shows I catch myself looking out the window, talking to God, dreaming or even reminiscing," Lainey shared in a post on Instagram. "'Somewhere Over Laredo' tells a story that speaks to that. I've always been inspired by putting myself into other peoples' shoes and telling stories from others' perspective, but I've found a new creative avenue with this one putting myself back into a pair of shoes that I wore years ago."
7. RIIZE Have a Full-Circle Moment With 1st Full-Length Album, ODYSSEY
K-pop boy group RIIZE are just shy of the second anniversary of their debut, and they're marking the occasion in a big way with the release of their first-ever full-length album, ODYSSEY. The album continues the group's ongoing journey of self-discovery, featuring 10 eclectic songs showcasing their range, from spacey pop to heart-pumping hip-hop, high-energy anthems, '50s-inspired rock sounds, soulful R&B and everything in between. The music video for the lead track, "Fly Up," was filmed in L.A., where the group shot their earliest music videos. It's a powerful return to their roots, and a full circle moment in their quest so far. We're eager to see where it takes them all next.
"Our first full-length album ODYSSEY captures the identity of RIIZE as a team that embodies the message of 'Rise & Realize,'" shared the group in a press release. "The album features 10 tracks, including the title song 'Fly Up,' and showcases our signature genre of 'emotional pop.' 'Fly Up' is an upbeat and high-energy track that makes it hard to stay still while listening. The performance is staged with a musical-like structure, making it visually engaging from start to finish. We're incredibly excited to finally share our first studio album, and we hope listeners enjoy every track. Please continue to show lots of love and support for RIIZE!"
Also read about: SMTOWN Live in Los Angeles Was a Monumental Night of Music and Memories
8. Benson Boone Celebrates the People Who Brought Him Into the World With 'Momma Song'
We've said it before and we'll said it again—Benson Boone never misses—and his latest release, "Momma Song," is a heartfelt ode to the parents who've always supported him, and how much he misses their presence when they're apart. It's honest and emotional, with Benson's vocals backed by swelling strings and pounding drums, and we can count on hearing a lot more of it as the summer ensues.
"I know that not everybody is lucky enough to, one, have their parents around, but, two, have parents that support them in what they do," Benson shared, speaking at Sips & Sounds Musical Festival. "It is becoming less and less common these days. I would like to say, my mother and my father are absolutely the reason I'm here today. They are the best people in the world; I love them to death. This song is about my parents. So, if you have anyone, whether it's your mom and dad, aunt and uncle, someone that raised you, anyone that you look up to, this song is for them."
Also read about: How Writing 'In the Stars' Helped Benson Boone Grapple With Loss
9. Joe Jonas Bares His Soul With Music for People Who Believe in Love
Superstar Joe Jonas is ready to love again as he enters a bold new creative chapter, and for proof, you don't have to look any further than his new solo album, Music for People Who Believe in Love. Its 14 songs are more vulnerable and intimate than ever as Joe explores the different facets of his identity and the power of the connections we forge. It's soulful, yearning and highly personal, highlighting the power of collaboration with features with everyone from Sierra Ferrell and Louane & Tiny Habits to Luisa Sonza, Franklin Jonas and DOMi & JD Beck.
"This album speaks to the experiences of being a father, being a friend to oneself and others, and the happiness I've found in doing what I love for a living," Joe shared in a post on Instagram. "I feel incredibly fortunate to travel the world and connect with people through my music as well as having had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented musicians, songwriters, and producers on this project."
Also read about: 28 Lyrics From Joe Jonas's Music for People Who Believe in Love as Instagram Captions
10. i-dle Enter a New Era With 8th Mini-Album [We are]
This is a game-changing moment for K-pop sensations i-dle. The group recently celebrating their seventh anniversary together as (G)I-DLE, before switching things up, dropping the "G" and parenthesis from their name to remind listeners that being girls isn't what defines them and that they can't be bound by the limitations of any expectations. The quintet are also showcasing this new musical era with [We are], their eighth mini-album, and their first group of original tracks under their new name. [We are] consists of six high-energy and confident tracks that tread into new musical territory, combining a sharper edge with a rich pop sound that's just as listenable as ever.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of May 16, 2025.