Popular Western music [February 2025]

Pink Pony ClubChappell Roan

Watch CHAPPELL ROAN perform “PINK PONY CLUB” live at the 2025 GRAMMYs

Singer-songwriter Chappell Roan from Missouri has been gaining attention following her performance at the Grammy Awards.

Her vocals powerfully convey the feelings of a young person who leaves a conservative hometown and finds freedom in the Los Angeles club scene.

Set to dynamic synth-pop, this work tells a story of self-discovery and liberation.

It was released by Atlantic Records in April 2020 and is also included on her 2023 album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.

A special on Apple TV+ in August 2024 drew buzz, including a segment featuring her parents.

Her performance, which sings of the joy of finding one’s place and the struggles with those around her, is sure to resonate deeply with anyone searching for their true self.

I Will Not BreakDisturbed

Disturbed – I Will Not Break [Official Audio]

A powerful new track from the American metal band Disturbed that boldly conveys overcoming hardship and an unbreakable will.

Released to the world by Mother Culture Records in February 2025, this work reflects vocalist David Draiman’s inner battles and psychological struggles.

Its heavy guitar riffs and passionate melodies deliver a sound that truly represents the band’s essence.

The progression builds from a thundering low end into swelling exhilaration, stirring listeners’ hearts and instilling courage.

As a song that stands beside those facing mental conflict or a sense of hardship in life, offering strength to move forward, it is sure to resonate with many listeners.

NosebleedsDoechii

Doechii – Nosebleeds (Audio)

Released as if to sound a victorious fanfare right after winning the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, this work comes from U.S.-born Doechii.

Emerging onto the music scene from Washington State, Doechii has drawn attention for her distinctive sound that fuses hip-hop with pop and soul.

In this piece, she powerfully conveys pride in her dazzling success and a rebuttal to critics, paired with an aggressive bassline that evokes her hometown of Tampa, Florida.

She reflects on the path to glory and expresses gratitude to the friends who supported her.

While grounded in trap beats, the diverse sound incorporating drum’n’bass stands as a symbol of her innovation.

Her August 2024 album, Alligator Bites Never Heal, received high acclaim, and she is expected to continue rising as an artist who captivates listeners with confident, expressive artistry.

LV Bag (feat. j-hope from BTS & Pharrell Williams)Don Toliver, Speedy

Don Toliver, Speedy – LV Bag (feat. j-hope from BTS & Pharrell Williams) [Official Audio]

Hailing from Houston, Texas, Don Toliver was born into a musical family—his father is also a rapper—and has a unique background, having switched from opera singing to rap at a young age.

Premiered at the finale of Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Fall/Winter 2024 show, this track is a star-studded collaboration featuring j-hope and Pharrell Williams.

Riding a swagger-filled beat, the three distinctive vocal styles blend seamlessly.

This fresh attempt to fuse a luxurious aesthetic with hip-hop has drawn attention as an innovative piece that transcends the boundaries between fashion and music.

It’s a perfect track to set a sophisticated mood as BGM for a drive or a party scene.

ELEVATOR OPERATORElectric Callboy

Electric Callboy – ELEVATOR OPERATOR (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A playfully spirited work from the German electrocore band Electric Callboy.

Skillfully fusing EDM and metalcore, it’s a standout piece that portrays an elevator operator from a unique perspective.

Cast as the king of levers controlled by a sunglasses-wearing man, it tells the stories of people moving up and down while elevating them with grand, cosmic imagery.

Since its release in January 2025, it has sparked global buzz, and the humorous music video starring Uke Bosse has received major acclaim.

Chosen as the theme song for WWE’s “Bash in Berlin,” this track brims with party energy and is sure to become an indispensable crowd-pleaser at clubs and events.

A Stone Only Rolls DownhillOK Go

OK Go – A Stone Only Rolls Downhill (Official Video)

Breaking more than a decade of silence, American rock band OK Go has finally released new material.

Building on their signature powerful, catchy sound with added depth, the new track brilliantly captures the balance between hope and anxiety in modern society.

It weaves in the universal theme of how to convey justice and hope to children, delivering a resonant message alongside a melodious progression.

An innovative music video employing 64 smartphones is also making waves, showcasing a fresh challenge while staying true to OK Go’s identity.

A North American tour is planned from April to June 2025, and they’re confirmed to perform at Fuji Rock 2025 in July of the same year.

Serving as the lead single from their fifth album, “And the Adjacent Possible,” this song is perfect not only as a driving soundtrack but also for moments when you feel stuck.

GIMME A HUGPARTYNEXTDOOR & DRAKE

PARTYNEXTDOOR, Drake – GIMME A HUG

This gem of a track by PARTYNEXTDOOR, a Canadian artist based in Toronto, teams him up with his mentor of sorts, Drake.

It’s a mellow piece with a warm atmosphere that reflects their relationship, woven together by lush synth sounds.

Drake’s powerful rap and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s supple melodies create an exquisite harmony.

The song is included on the album “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” and was released on Valentine’s Day in February 2025.

It’s a perfect pick for a leisurely night drive or as relaxing background music on a laid-back day.