The Best New Songs We Heard in April 2025

“Ever since Lorde teased this song with a video of herself stomping through the grounds of Washington Square Park, I knew we were in for an awakening. The first single off her next album, Virgin, ‘What Was That’ is electric and poetic, harkening back to her Melodrama days but also previewing the next stage of her evolution.”—Erica Gonzales, deputy editor, culture

“The third release from Miley Cyrus’s upcoming visual album, Something Beautiful, is as joyous as it is melancholic, with an upbeat production mixed with anxious lyrics about the end of time. The song is reminiscent of Cyrus’s album Younger Now, a shocking transition for a pop star who has recently embraced some more edge.”—Samuel Maude, content strategy manager

“Addison, I too need a cigarette to make me feel better. You just understand me. The viral star returns with the fourth single from her upcoming album, Addison, featuring her signature speak-singing approach. Like it or not, she is the musical moment, so much so that we had to put her on our cover. Oh diva, our headphones are so on.”—SM

“The jazz-inspired sensation Laufey seems to be teasing a new album, and this single is a sweet place to start. It tiptoes in with mellow guitar strums before sweeping us off our feet with a darkly romantic message. ‘If you go to hell, I'’l go there with you,’ she sings in the chorus. Hopeless romantics, this one’s for us.”—EG

“The moment I heard ‘CUNTISSIMO,’ a martini appeared in my hand, a floppy hat landed on my head, and I suddenly looked like Meredith Blake from The Parent Trap. The song feels like summer by the pool, ideally in Lake Como. With the third single from her upcoming album, Princess of Power, it feels like Marina is returning to her roots, heading back to a time of The Diamonds.”—SM

“It’s nice to see Bon Iver collaborate with a younger artist who’s following in his footsteps, such as Dijon. Paired with Flock of Dimes, they make a great combo over sparse but soulful piano chords and electronic accents.”—EG

“Rachel Chinouriri is currently dazzling on Sabrina Carpenter’s tour, and dropping some funky tracks at the same time. The young Brit is a revelation on ‘23:42,’ where the drums and guitar feel like they’re straight out of Heartstopper. We have a coming-of-age track on our hands.”—SM

“Moody and bass-y, the verses of The Marías’ latest single creep in with lead singer María Zardoya’s delicate vocals. The resulting effect is eerie, but it makes sense for a breakup song—sometimes lost loves linger and haunt you.”—EG

“I've seen claims that ‘this is Zara Larsson’s ‘Espresso’’ across all of my social media platforms, and while I don’t know if I agree, I believe Larsson has a complete banger on her hands. ‘Pretty Ugly’ is a true dance bop. With its cheer-fueled chorus and rap-inspired verse, Larsson has put together a masterpiece. Today, I’m proud to feel pretty ugly.”—SM

“This is PinkPantheress’s version of Estelle’s ‘American Boy.’ (She even seems to interpolate the melody in the hook.) But instead of inviting a special someone to the U.K., the young Brit follows her lover across the pond to the States—all over a pulsing beat.”—EG

“Summer feels within reach on this hot and flirty Destin Conrad single that celebrates queer love. It’s seductive but also brings the party vibes with echoes of Lionel Richie’s ‘All Night Long’ in the melody.”—EG

“I first came across a preview of ‘New Girl’ on TikTok, and I’m so glad the algorithm brought me back. Jai’Len Josey’s blend of R&B and house makes you want to get out of your seat.”—EG

“The Dare is headed to the afters on ‘LCA,’ a track off the deluxe version of his most recent album, What’s Wrong With New York? The synths and drums on this one are perfect for a 3 A.M. club night, or perhaps for a closing set at Coachella, where The Dare played just a few weeks ago.”—SM

“This track from Wet’s latest album, Two Lives, lives up to its name. Ethereal and light, it feels like you’re levitating.”—EG

“Sasha Keable gives a soulful reminder to her partner: If you wanted to, you would, so act right. Her riffs float effortlessly above the steady, rocking beat, and those choral accents in the second verse? Divine.”—EG

“Megan Thee Stallion’s first solo release of the year is equal in bite and humor. ‘One bitch, two bitch, three bitch, four’? Oh, Dr. Seuss has been real quiet since this dropped.”—EG

“Two of country music’s biggest rising stars team up for what could be the yeehaw collab of the year. Shaboozey and Myles Smith work together to create a banjo-pounding track, one that fully feels like a night out in the country.”—SM

“Leon Thomas earned his well-deserved flowers after his Tiny Desk earlier this year, and he followed up that viral moment with this cool and bluesy single. Halle Bailey was a great pick for a feature as her angelic vocals complement Thomas’s rich notes. Despite what he sings in the hook, Thomas shines as much a collaborator as he does as a soloist.”—EG

“If you thought a song with this title wouldn’t resonate with an Aries like me, then think again. With the first single from their next album, Moisturizer, Wet Leg give us a cheeky, headbanging clapback for the men who bother you at the bar. Lines like ‘I just threw up in my mouth / When he tried to ask me out’ and ‘I don’t want your love / I just wanna fight’ sum up the feeling perfectly. Save it for your next girls’ night out.”—EG

“Jensen McRae shows off her songwriting prowess on her latest album, including on this track, which is equal parts relatable and heartbreaking. ‘Maybe I could change him...unless he doesn’t wanna change,’ she sings in the chorus.”—EG