Summary of Western Music Releases [May 2025]

Pretrial (Let Her Go Home)FIONA APPLE

Fiona Apple – Pretrial (Let Her Go Home) (Official Music Video)

Fiona Apple, one of America’s defining singer-songwriters, has released a new song from her first album in eight years, Fetch the Bolt Cutters.

It’s a track marked by a piano-centered, minimal arrangement and strikingly raw drums and percussion.

Her wistful vocals and lyrics with a strong social-justice message blend beautifully, resulting in a moving piece.

Inspired by the activist Marial Anderson, the song serves as a lead track from the album that won Best Alternative Music Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards.

It’s a perfect pick for listeners seeking highly artistic music.

Hand That FeedsHalsey & Amy Lee

Halsey, Amy Lee – Hand That Feeds (From the Film Ballerina – Official Audio)

A bold new work blending intense post-hardcore elements with an alternative pop sensibility has been released.

American singer-songwriter Halsey has realized a collaboration with Evanescence’s vocalist Amy Lee.

Drawing on her own experiences, Halsey powerfully portrays a narrative of emotional abuse and gaslighting transformed into empowerment.

Created as the theme song for the film “Ballerina: The World of John Wick,” the track also saw the pair’s first joint performance at Halsey’s concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

Built on mutual respect and admiration, the piece seamlessly fuses their distinct personalities, culminating in a compelling song where dark rock sounds meet alternative melodies.

It’s Only LoveJames Marriott

James Marriott – It’s Only Love (Official Music Video)

UK-raised multi-talented artist James Marriott released the third single from his second album, “Don’t Tell the Dog,” in May 2025.

It’s a track where his distinctive indie rock sound—shaped by influences like Foals, The Strokes, and Bloc Party—blends seamlessly with approachable vocals honed through his experience as a YouTuber.

His skill shines throughout this release: his 2023 debut album, “Are We There Yet?,” reached No.

17 on the UK charts, and he’s steadily built his career by joining tours with Jake Bugg and Lovejoy.

The energetic guitars and polished melodies make it perfect for when you’re in the mood to sweat it out at a live house or need a companion for a long-distance drive.

HaikuJenevieve

Jenevieve – Haiku (Official Music Video)

Miami-born singer-songwriter Genevieve captivates with a richly expressive vocal style, from translucent, airy tones to summer ballads.

After drawing attention with her 2021 album “Division” and 2022 EP “Rendezvous,” she returns from a roughly two-year hiatus to release an R&B/soul mover on Interscope Records in May 2025.

Enveloping listeners in dreamlike melodies and soundscapes, the track strikingly portrays the delicate emotions of being in love, beautifully fusing everything from ’80s soul to contemporary indie pop.

Co-produced with longtime collaborator Elijah Gaber, it’s crafted to resonate with a wide audience—from soulful R&B fans to indie listeners.

THE FINALSJoey Bada$$

Joey Bada$$ – THE FINALS (Official Audio)

The Brooklyn-born hip-hop artist Joey Bada$$ returns with a dynamic new track—a diss record born from a clash with a rival.

Over a triumphant beat crafted by Boi-1da and others, his provocative, razor-sharp flow explodes.

Having proven his prowess—like peaking at No.

5 on the Billboard 200 in January 2015 with the album B4.DA.$$—his poetic lyricism and meticulous delivery remain fully intact.

Teaming up with producers highly regarded in the underground scene, he unveils a stunning soundscape woven from a heavy bassline and resonant synthesizers.

Blending 90s flavors that recall hip-hop’s golden era with modern elements, this track is a must-hear for both classic rap aficionados and a new generation of listeners.

BOY CRAZY.Ke$ha

BOY CRAZY.

Kesha, a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, has released an ambitious new work on her own label, Kesha Records.

While it recalls the danceable beats of her “TiK ToK” era—which topped the U.S.

singles chart for nine consecutive weeks—it boldly incorporates hyperpop elements for a striking, cutting-edge sound.

The track, the fourth single from her upcoming album “Period,” slated for release in July 2025, is a captivating blend of candid lyrics about free-spirited love and contemporary production.

Her standout performance on The Drew Barrymore Show has also generated buzz.

It’s a song you’ll want to play in active settings like drives and parties!

NeverlandKid Cudi

Kid Cudi – Neverland (Official Lyric Video)

Kid Cudi, hailing from Ohio and long celebrated as a pioneer who fuses electronica and hip-hop, returns with a tie-in track for a short film directed by Ti West, set to screen at the Tribeca Film Festival in May 2025.

Built around acoustic guitar, the song delivers a seamless blend of alternative rock and pop that resonates warmly.

Also serving as a lead single from the album “FREE,” this ambitious piece evokes eternal love and escapism through the motif of Peter Pan.

Co-created with producer Shawn Wasabi, it’s a fresh, melodic track perfect for summer nights—sound-making that will resonate with a broad spectrum of listeners, from rock fans to R&B audiences.