This week’s New Music Friday is stacked with headline-worthy moments and long-awaited returns!

Conan Gray ushers in his next era with Wishbone, a shimmering, emotionally-charged pop statement ready to take over his upcoming tour. Cardi B keeps her foot on the gas with Imaginary Playerz, a swagger-heavy nod to Jay-Z that’s pure New York fire. Chance the Rapper makes his six-year comeback with the expansive Star Line, loaded with heavyweight collaborations, while Jordan Davis delivers heartfelt storytelling on his third album Learn The Hard Way.

From viral sensations like Ash Ruder’s gut-punch ballad “Blue Genes” to Old Dominion’s smooth, end-of-summer groove “Late Great Heartbreak,” this week proves that August is ending on a chart-topping note.

Wishbone (Album) – Conan Gray

Conan Gray treats fans’ ears with his fourth studio album Wishbone. Preceded by singles “This Song” and “Vodka Cranberry,” the LP captures Conan’s signature pop polish while diving into the raw vulnerability that’s defined his rise. From glittering hooks to confessional ballads, Wishbone cements Gray’s place in the modern pop canon. He’ll take the record on the road for his Wishbone Pajama Show tour in September and October 2025, promising fans an intimate yet electrifying live experience.

“Coming Home Tomorrow” – Dylan Marlowe

Written by Marlowe alongside Johnny Clawson and Joe Fox, “Coming Home Tomorrow” channels the bittersweet push and pull of touring life. The upbeat track pairs Marlowe’s pop-punk influences with heartfelt lyricism, capturing the gratitude and longing of an artist on the road. “I think most artists will relate to the feeling of being so grateful… but missing home,” Marlowe shares. With its high-energy melody and grounded emotion, this is a love letter to the places and people who wait for us.

“Couldn’t Care Less” – Priscilla Block

Platinum-selling artist Priscilla Block opens the door to a vulnerable new chapter ahead of her sophomore album Things You Didn’t See (out October 10). “Couldn’t Care Less” is a soul-baring letter to the music industry, underscoring the hurt of feeling misunderstood. Known for her bold personality and infectious confidence, Block strips it back here, revealing a depth and self-awareness that makes this track a striking reset in her career journey.

“Imaginary Playerz” – Cardi B

Cardi B unleashes "Imaginary Playerz," the second single from her upcoming sophomore album Am I The Drama?. Inspired by Jay-Z’s 1997 classic “Imaginary Player,” the track pays homage to its source while delivering Cardi’s signature swagger. From the production to the nod-filled visuals, it’s all big New York energy — and it’s setting the tone for an album that’s bound to keep the spotlight firmly on her. An accompanying music video will drop alongside the single, amplifying the hype.

“Girlfriend” – Karley Scott Collins

Karley Scott Collins turns heartbreak into playful storytelling on “Girlfriend,” a clever twist on unrequited love. Inspired by a real-life dating confession, Collins teamed up with Alex Kline and Summer Overstreet to imagine the other woman as impossibly cool — funny, poetry-reading, and a Nirvana fan. The result is equal parts witty and wistful, wrapped in Collins’ sharp lyricism and warm, dynamic vocals.

“Smile” – Joey Myron

Joey Myron flips a familiar trope on its head with “Smile,” a flirty, feel-good anthem that blends classic country storytelling with smooth R&B influences. Co-written by Lucky Dog’s James Shelley and Michel Heyaca, the song spotlights a hard-working man being told to lighten up by the woman who sees his worth. Playful production and heartfelt lyrics make this a lighthearted yet romantic standout.

Star Line (Album) – Chance the Rapper

Six years after The Big Day, Chance the Rapper returns with Star Line — a kaleidoscopic mix of social commentary, gratitude, and inventive collaborations. Led by the Lil Wayne- and Smino-assisted “Tree,” a witty meditation on dispensary weed and a salute to “high moms,” the album features Vic Mensa, Jamila Woods, Jazmine Sullivan, Young Thug, and more. With the And We Back Tour launching next month, Chance is stepping back into the spotlight with his most expansive work yet.

“Late Great Heartbreak” – Old Dominion

Old Dominion offers a final taste of their upcoming sixth album Barbara (out next week) with “Late Great Heartbreak.” Known for their arena-ready hooks, the country superstars ease into a soul-inflected groove here, flexing their songwriting versatility. It’s a breezy, end-of-summer cut that bridges their signature style with subtle experimentation.

Learn The Hard Way (Album) – Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis drops his highly anticipated third album Learn The Hard Way, reinforcing his reputation as one of country’s most consistent hitmakers. With over 8.4 billion streams and multiple “Song of the Year” wins under his belt, Davis celebrates the release with a star-studded Nashville event featuring Marcus King and Carly Pearce. Tracks like “Louisiana Stick” and “Mess With Missing You” highlight Davis’ modern storytelling prowess.

“Love Is Like” – Maroon 5 feat. Lil Wayne

Maroon 5 teams up with Lil Wayne on the high-energy title track from their new album Love Is Like. The playful, fast-paced anthem blends Adam Levine’s polished pop delivery with Wayne’s unmistakable flow. Directed by Aerin Moreno, the accompanying video captures a whirlwind day in New York City, matching the song’s kinetic energy beat for beat.

“Devil Ain’t Done” – Atlus

Making his BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville debut, viral sensation Atlus releases “Devil Ain’t Done.” With over a billion on-demand streams, platinum singles, and a fiercely loyal online following, Atlus brings a gritty, self-penned edge to his major-label launch. It’s a raw, powerful entry point for new fans and a rewarding moment for the ones who’ve been there since the underground days.

“Can We Pretend We Just Met at a Bar?” – Ana Luna

Ana Luna delivers an aching, dreamlike ballad with “Can We Pretend We Just Met at a Bar?” Built on hypnotic rhythms and warm, cinematic production, the track unpacks denial and longing with intimate, emotionally charged vocals. It’s the kind of song that lingers — quiet yet devastating in its honesty.

“Blue Genes” – Ash Ruder

Ash Ruder’s “Blue Genes” is a heartfelt homage to her family’s resilience, written four years ago when she first moved to Nashville. Reflecting on her father’s battle with addiction, her mother’s depression, and her own struggles with disordered eating and anxiety, the track has already gone viral ahead of its official release. Ruder’s soaring, vulnerable delivery transforms personal history into universal healing.

“You Don’t Look At Me The Same” – Mimi Webb

Mimi Webb follows her summer single “Love Language” with the poignant ballad “You Don’t Look At Me The Same,” offering a taste of her upcoming sophomore album Confessions (out September 12). The track’s stripped-back production and emotive vocals reveal the raw, unfiltered side of Webb’s artistry, marking a defining moment in her evolving sound.

“Through a Screen” – Ty Myers

Eighteen-year-old Ty Myers tackles the highs and lows of digital-age romance on “Through a Screen.” Written solely by Myers, the song’s lyrical honesty and melodic ease have been eagerly awaited by his growing fan base. It’s a testament to his artistry — and proof that emotional depth knows no age limit.

“Daughter” – Elizabeth Nichols

Elizabeth Nichols’ “Daughter” turns that feeling into a karmic gut-punch. Already striking a chord on social media with over 6.8 million views and 1M+ engagement on TikTok, the poignant ballad imagines the day an ex finally understands his damage — when he sees it happen to his own daughter. It’s a powerful mix of intrusive thoughts, sad truths, and Nichols’ cutting lyrical delivery.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of @conangray on IG