Lorde Releases New Album Virgin Globally June 27

This week’s New Music Friday features a diverse array of releases across genres, highlighting significant new albums and singles. Lorde returns with her album Virgin, a bold exploration of identity and gender fluidity, marked by beat-forward pop sounds and expressive visuals such as chest binding to convey personal struggles. Hip-hop sees notable releases including Pi'erre Bourne’s Made in Paris, Russ’s W!ld, and Lizzo’s mixtape My Face Hurts From Smiling, which marks her return to rap roots with collaborations from Doja Cat and SZA. Emerging artists like Brisbane’s ixaras and FELIVAND offer deeply personal and queer-centered tracks, blending pop-punk and introspective sounds to powerful effect. The week also highlights electronic and dance music releases from artists such as Joe Goddard and Roy INC., alongside robust entries in metalcore and alternative scenes, with bands like King Yosef and Surfaced delivering innovative sounds. Overall, this Friday showcases a rich spectrum of music reflecting current cultural themes and genre experimentation.