The Best New Songs We Heard in May 2025

“Laufey recently told ELLE that her next album, A Matter of Time, would have ‘more extroverted’ sounds, and this single proves it. After teasing that climactic bridge on TikTok ahead of the release, the jazz-loving artist unveiled the full song and showed her stepping out of her comfort zone while staying true to her signature, romantic sound. With rhythmic guitar strums and dreamy orchestrations and harmonies, Laufey calls out an ex’s tendency to ‘lie and cheat just like you did to the actress before me, oops, she doesn’t even know.’ Tea! Has a diss track ever sounded this beautiful?”—Erica Gonzales, deputy editor, culture

“Just two days before Pride month, the mother of Pride returned with a fun, steamy pop song. It’s perfect for summer in the gay club, when you’re dripping sweat and making eyes at someone from across the dance floor. Everyone say thank you, Betty.”—Samuel Maude, content strategy manager

“Keke Palmer can really do it all, and on her new song ‘Off Script,’ she makes a case for a fruitful music career, with smart lyrics and excellent R&B production. Also, the high note on the word ‘pregnant’ sent me to the stars; I’m not quite sure why, but it’s really just a spectacular moment.”—SM

“Leon Thomas’s album Mutt gets better with every listen. Luckily, he just released a deluxe edition, Heel, with even more tracks. One notable addition is this duet with Kehlani, a sweet song for lovers. Its upbeat R&B feel and the blend of their voices is reminiscent of Daniel Caesar’s duets, but is memorable in its own right. Has Thomas’s tour started yet?”—EG

“This song completely altered my brain chemistry, and rest assured, I will be posing to it for the remainder of the year. Miley Cyrus delivers a fashion anthem with Naomi Campbell, whose spoken word ignites the track. It’s a true standout on Cyrus’s Something Beautiful, and if she plays her cards right, it could be her next big hit.”—SM

“Mention a cigarette in a song, and I’m unfortunately sold. Rising star Cil has a banger in ‘hot shit.’ The song slowly propels to its chorus, which is a windows-down summer jam. If all is right in the world, I will be blasting this track from a boat.”—SM

“The Olivia Dean hive is strong among the ELLE.com team. The British musician just gave us another reason to love her with the release of this new song (the first single off a new album due this fall). It boasts Dean’s jazz influences and addresses some issues with modern dating. ‘I don’t want a boyfriend, but we could be nice to each other,’ she says in one verse. A concept!”—EG

“Lil Tecca’s ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ sample is incredibly effective in this rap track. As a self-proclaimed pop lover, I’m hooked. Tecca’s bars are also impressive, giving him a contender for song of the summer.”—SM

“Say it with me, everyone: Addison Rae was born to be a pop star. She’s currently shooting 100 with her no-skip singles, proving that she’s more than an influencer. In fact, she’s about to be a music mogul. If fame is a gun, she’s truly been shot.”—SM

“Erika de Casier is like a quintessential Copenhagen It girl—stylish and cool without even trying. On her surprise EP, released this month, she’s got an enviable nonchalant flair on this particular track. ‘You can call me delusional ’cause I’m imagining things, that’s usual, I know it well,’ the Danish singer, songwriter, and producer sings. Being delulu and not caring? Inspiring.”—EG

“Tate McRae is dropping songs like the dollars I drop at a gay bar on a Friday night (spoiler: it’s a lot). With this track from the F1 film soundtrack, McRae provides another banger. Its beat is infectious, and McRae proves she knows how to make a quick pop track. This is one that will be driving summer forward.”—SM

“Spanish producer and DJ rusowsky made seemingly incongruent sounds blend—a clattering rhythm, harp-like strums, and a pounding bass—woven together with Ravyn Lenae’s heavenly vocals. The whole album is a fun ride.”—EG

“Reneé Rapp returns with a track that’s a bit of a departure from her last album, Snow Angel. However, it’s a welcome change and seems to match her no-filter personality. With this first single off her upcoming album, Bite Me, it seems like we’re in for a Reneé summer.”—SM

“PinkPantheress’s music needs to be put under an intense investigation, because what on earth is she putting on these records? How are they all so addictive? This favorite from her latest EP, Fancy That, is bass-bumping and romantic at the same time. If Romeo and Juliet were alive in 2025, they would definitely dance to this at the club.”—EG

“Men I Trust put out two albums in a span of three months and both are rather impressive. On their latest LP, Equus Caballus, the track ‘Carried Away’ might be the fan-favorite, but the one I can’t get over is ‘Come Back Down,’ with its Fleetwood Mac-like feel. (Doesn’t that slide in the intro remind you of ‘Dreams’?)”—EG

“Lola Young is slowly becoming your favorite pop star’s favorite rising star. Young, whose viral smash ‘Messy’ dominated the spring, delivers another excellent single with ‘One Thing,’ She seems to have a long career ahead, leaving one-hit-wonder territory behind.”—SM

“Miley Cyrus stretches her limits and embraces ’80s pop on her new album, Something Beautiful; nowhere is that clearer than on ‘Walk of Fame,’ a spanning synth-filled journey complete with spoken word and moody ad libs. Brittany Howard is a genius addition to this track.”—EG

“Anyone who’s ever mothered (but couldn’t stay away from) an immature ex will feel these lyrics to their core: ‘I don't wanna be your mom / But you’re not strong enough / The world isn’t shaking like you are.’ From ‘T&A’ to ‘23’s a Baby,’ there are plenty of great tracks on the indie rock artist’s latest record. Make sure you don’t skip this one.”—EG

“Jorja Smith and house music are just an irresistible combo for me. It’s exciting to see her lean into the genre—am I sensing a dance-inspired project on the horizon? If so, it couldn’t arrive at a better time with summer just around the corner.”—EG

“Catch me poolside this summer with this little bop playing through my headphones. Aminé is setting the vibes right on this vacation anthem straight from the opening lines: ‘Somewhere sunny, sweatin’ with two spritz in my tummy.’ Credits to producers Dahi and Ely Rise for that addictive beat.”—EG