Summary of Western music releases [April 2025]

this is what floating feels likeJVKE x Tori Kelly

JVKE x Tori Kelly – this is what floating feels like (official music video)

This jewel of a duet by popular singer-songwriters Jake and Tori Kelly beautifully fuses a floating, piano-driven melody with a refreshing beat.

Wrapped in heartwarming harmonies, it gently captures the exhilaration of happy love, overflowing with a sense of freedom that feels as if you’re truly drifting through the sky.

Jake released a solo version in February 2024, but with the addition of Grammy-winning Tori’s expressively soulful voice, the song was reborn in April 2025 with a brand-new brilliance.

This work is the latest entry in his emotion-themed song series known for the signature piece “golden hour,” and it splendidly portrays the bliss of falling in love.

It’s the perfect track for basking in happiness or sharing a heartwarming moment with someone special.

SMHJae Stephens

Jae Stephens – SMH (Official Music Video)

Jay Stevens, a Dallas, Texas native who blends early-2000s R&B with a modern pop sensibility, calls herself an “R&B-pop futurist” and solidified her unique sound with the 2023 album SELLOUT.

Her new song dropping in April 2025 is a polished slice of R&B-pop woven from crisp handclaps and sleek synths.

Centered on themes of freedom and agency in love, it showcases her agile falsetto and catchy, conversational rhythmic phrasing.

The music video features cameos from Maeta and TA Thomas, and she’s slated to open for UK girl group FLO on their AAA Tour in spring 2025—making this track a promising sign of what’s to come.

You and Me Time (ft. Sheryl Crow)James Bay

James Bay – You and Me Time (Lyric Video) ft. Sheryl Crow

A warm, intimate duet song arrives from UK singer-songwriter James Bay.

This collaboration with American luminary Sheryl Crow is a gentle pop tune wrapped in a soothing atmosphere, marked by the pleasant strum of acoustic guitar and a handclap rhythm.

It’s included on the deluxe edition of the album “Changes All The Time,” released in April 2025, which also features four newly recorded tracks with star collaborators, including “Sunshine in the Room” with Jon Batiste.

Tenderly celebrating the preciousness of time spent with loved ones, this track is sure to set the scene for a lovely time—perfect for a holiday drive or as relaxing weekend background music.

Dreams Don’t DieJelly Roll

Jelly Roll – Dreams Don’t Die

A beautifully moving ballad where nostalgic country and rock blend seamlessly.

The track is marked by Jerry Roll’s uniquely expressive vocals and a soul-stirring melody line—hallmarks of the American artist.

Reflecting a new level of artistic maturity, this work was produced in April 2025 as a tie-in with the DVD drama “Fire Country.” Centered on themes of renewal and hope in life, it paints a warm, inviting world.

Released by a powerhouse artist nominated for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, this song is recommended for moments when you want to feel encouraged or are seeking music that stays close to the heart.

The artist is absentJenny Hval

Jenny Hval – The artist is absent (89 second rewrite) [Official Video]

Norwegian artist Jenny Hval, who has pursued a singular musical identity while traversing a wide range of genres from shoegaze to art pop, returns with a track where her alluring vocals glide comfortably over a buoyant breakbeat.

The song was inspired by her experience of becoming interested in perfume as a substitute for live music lost during the pandemic.

Released as the second single from her forthcoming album “Iris Silver Mist,” due out on 4AD in May 2025, it comes in two versions: the standard track and an extended mix titled “89 seconds rewrite.” A music video directed by Jenny Berger Myhre is also out now, showcasing a piece that blends experimental flair with an irresistibly catchy pop sensibility.

Blue StripsJessie Murph

Jessie Murph – Blue Strips (Official Visualizer)

American artist Jessie Murph delivers gangsta-country that makes your heart race, her vocals reclaiming confidence after past pain.

The innovative sound fusing trap beats with country brims with a fresh allure reminiscent of Beyoncé and Lana Del Rey.

Her 2024 album “That Ain’t No Man That’s The Devil” reached No.

24 in the U.S., and she was nominated for New Female Artist of the Year at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards.

This work was also showcased at the Coachella Festival in April 2025, where it drew a huge response.

It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking genre-defying music where edgy production and down-to-earth lyrics blend beautifully.

stickJim Legxacy

Jim Legxacy – stick

Jim Legacy, a UK-born rapper, singer, and producer who showcases a wide-ranging musicality, released a captivating track in April 2025 featuring his distinctive sound that deftly blends multiple genres, including hip-hop, R&B, soul, and indie rock.

His new release on XL Recordings is characterized by a melodious flow reminiscent of Drake and Frank Ocean, paired with striking lyrics that weave in childhood experiences and self-reflection.

The music video, directed by longtime collaborator Rohan Blair-Mangat, incorporates footage shot on a nostalgic BlackBerry that evokes Y2K nostalgia, while layering in contemporary interpretations—earning high praise as a visual work.

A must-listen for music lovers who appreciate diversity in sound.