This week’s New Music Friday lineup is stacked with bold singles and major album releases from rising newcomers to certified superstars.
Ready to get listening to the tracks we adored? Keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of September 18, 2026.
(Photo credit: Kenneth Cappello)
1. Kareen Lomax Releases Debut Album NAJI
After years of writing for artists including ZAYN, Leon Bridges and Maroon 5, alt-R&B artist Kareen Lomax is embracing a chance to tell her own story. She just released her deeply personal debut album, NAJI, a 13-song project exploring grief, love, healing and identity.
The album takes its title from Kareen’s first name, confronting the duality between the version of herself who feels deeply and the more direct, confrontational side she has named Naji.
“I’m stepping forward with this project where people are getting to know me,” Kareen shared in an interview with Sweety High. “I think I got to step into my whole truth. There’s this whole other side of me. Like, I’m adopted. I wasn’t given a new name, but for whatever reasons, my adopted parents went with ‘Kareen,’ and that’s what I know. Naji was always just an entity in the room that I didn’t really know about, so that’s what I wanted to set forward with. I felt like the best way was my truth of who I actually am. Those names are now gonna be side my side. NAJI by Kareen Lomax. I felt like that was how to put my best foot forward.”
Also read about: Kareen Lomax on Tackling Identity and Duality Within Herself With Debut Album, NAJI
2. aron! Shares His Debut Album Too Close For Running
“Cozy-pop” artist aron! has released his debut album, Too Close For Running, a 12-track coming-of-age story about college, moving to New York City and falling in love. It’s an exploration of intimacy and realizing you’ve fallen into the deep end of your relationship.
“You get close with someone, and you’re like, shoot, we’ve reached the point of no return,” aron! explained in a press release. “That’s the idea of the album—that moment where we’re too close to start running away now.”
The release also comes alongside the new music video for “Tandem Bike,” which vibrantly captures the early, hopeful days of a new relationship.
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About ‘table for two’ Singer-Songwriter aron!
3. Blossoms Shares ‘Husband’ Ahead of Their New Album
English indie rock band Blossoms have released the buzzy and upbeat new single and music video for “Husband,” which is also featured in the soundtrack for EA Sports FC 27. The video stars English actor Jack O’Connell, who made waves with his role in Sinners and stars in Danny Boyle’s upcoming film, Ink.
“Big love to Jack O’Connell for making our idea for the video come to life, and making a banging cottage pie for us haha!” the band shared in a post on Instagram.
The single arrives two weeks ahead of their sixth studio album, Songs From The Wedding Cake, which is set to drop on Oct. 2.
4. CLOSE YOUR EYES Previews New Era With ‘Open Your Eyes’
Rising K-pop group CLOSE YOUR EYES just released their pre-release single “Open Your Eyes,” offering the first glimpse at their upcoming fourth mini-album, 256th Note.
The track reinterprets jazz improvisation through hip-hop and R&B built around an experimental piano loop and driven by fast-paced percussion, further cementing the group’s unique ability to fuse diverse sounds into something bold and cohesive.
“I think that diversity is one of our biggest strengths,” shared the group’s SONG SEUNGHO in a press release. “Even though we all grew up speaking different languages and in different cultures, we’ve learned to understand and learn from each other through our activities.”
Also read about: CLOSE YOUR EYES Introduce 256th Note With Pre-Release Single ‘Open Your Eyes’
5. REI AMI Reclaims Her Sound With ‘2LOUD’
REI AMI is back with “2LOUD” in her very first solo release since her breakout year as the singing voice of Zoey in KPop Demon Hunters.
The explosive dancefloor-ready track is REI’s reclamation of her own sound following years of being told she’s too loud. She’s embracing her place in the world and ready to respond by dialing up the volume even further.
“If you think I’ve been too loud, then I don’t know what to tell you because I’m about to get even louder,” REI declared in a press release. “Cry about it or get some ear plugs.”
Also read about: 30 Bold REI AMI Lyrics to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
6. Bea Miller Releases New Album, Mr. Peaked in High School
Bea Miller just dropped her new album, Mr. Peaked in High School, which explores identity and reinvention after experiencing pop superstardom at a young age. The thrilling pop project tells a reflective coming-of-age story about mental health and finding yourself again when the world thinks they know who you are.
“I think it’s funny to say I’m Mr Peaked in High School, because then the rest of the lyric is, ‘But I never even went,’ because I didn’t go to high school,” Bea revealed in a press release, referencing the secondary school experience she missed while building her career.
She’ll also be celebrating the release with shows in Brooklyn tonight Sep. 18) and in Los Angeles on Sep. 25.
Also read about: Don’t Apologize for Using These Bea Miller Lyrics as Instagram Captions
7. Anderson .Paak and Cordae Team Up for ‘A Good Day’
Anderson .Paak and Cordae have joined forces for “A Good Day,” the first single off their upcoming collaborative album, Heavy Is the Crown, out Oct. 23.
The witty and charming new track weaves in elements of Bill Withers’ iconic “Lovely Day” alongside Fatman Scoop’s legendary adlibs to create something both contemporary and timeless, with a comedy-packed music video to boot. The video also stars Jennifer Freeman, paying homage to the cult classic film Friday.
8. beabadoobee Drops New Album, Pylon
beabadoobee has released her new album, Pylon, a wide-ranging and emotional project that captures the breadth of the human experience by being angry, lonesome, ecstatic and deeply in love all at once.
It’s led by “Write Me A Letter,” featuring production from Matty Healy and George Daniel of The 1975.
“I had to write these songs on tour or between tours because I had to understand what was going on in my head,” Bea said in a press release. “It’s this idea of letting go and accepting change. When I was on tour, I was yearning for something, and it made me think: How do I make myself feel comfortable? What does it mean to grow up? I was just missing how things were.”
She also kicks off her first-ever arena run, the Powerlines Tour, on Oct. 1.
Also read about: These 70+ Beabadoobee Lyrics Make Killer Instagram Captions
9. Miley Embraces Her New Era With 10th Studio Album, Bass Persuades
Miley has a new name—and a new project—with the release of highly anticipated 10th studio album, Bass Persuades, anchored by its chart-topping title track.
The release comes alongside the music video for “Let’s Get Married,” directed by Mert Alas and featuring Miley’s fiancé, Maxx Morando.
“This album happened fast but that’s been my life for 20 years,” Miley shared in a post on Instagram. “Once I started wishing to land a role that would make L.A. my home it’s been nonstop. This album is a reflection of everywhere I’ve been along the way and the peace that came with starting to slow it all down. Thank you for celebrating this release with me. It’s a special record and it’s bliss to share with you. Love always. ❤️”
She’ll also be celebrating the drop with a sold-out, two-night stand at the Hollywood Bowl on Oct. 16 and 18.
Also read about: 90+ Striking Miley Lyrics to Use as Instagram Captions
10. ROSÉ Flips Her Attitude With ‘new trick’
BLACKPINK icon ROSÉ has released “new trick,” a new, high-octane solo single selected for Apple’s latest “Shot on iPhone” campaign.
The dreamy alt-pop anthem channels ’90s rom-com energy alongside an early-aughts punk-rock edge, fusing into an earworm that won’t be leaving our heads for a while.
“Possibly the cutest thing we have ever made together,” ROSÉ told Vogue, speaking of her collab with Amy Allen and teasing more new music to come next year.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top picks for the week of September 11, 2026.
