Summary of Western Music Releases [May 2025]

Bad As I Used To BeChris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton – Bad As I Used To Be (From F1® The Movie) [Official Visualizer]

This standout track by American country powerhouse Chris Stapleton was released in May 2025 as part of the soundtrack F1 The Album for the much-talked-about film F1 starring Brad Pitt.

Portraying the journey of confronting one’s past and reigniting lost passion, the song features Stapleton’s characteristically soulful vocals and a bluesy guitar riff, delivering a weighty sound where country, soul, and rock fuse beautifully.

Co-produced with his longtime collaborator Dave Cobb, the piece ties closely to the film’s story and carries a powerful message aimed especially at adults facing turning points in their lives.

MADMartin Garrix & Lauv

Martin Garrix & Lauv – MAD (Official Video)

Expressed as a dance-pop track that captures the chaos and aching feelings after heartbreak, this work is an emotional anthem marking the first collaboration between Dutch producer Martin Garrix and American singer-songwriter Lauv.

The protagonist’s torment—trying to forget a past lover yet seeing traces of her everywhere in daily life—is beautifully fused with Lauv’s emotive vocals and Garrix’s polished production.

Premiered at Ultra Music Festival in Miami in March 2025 to a rapturous crowd reaction, the guitar riffs and synth-driven sound make it a perfect song for summer drives or for anyone looking to move on from a breakup.

Easy LoverMiley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus – Easy Lover (Official Video)

A standout track from Miley Cyrus—who is hugely popular in Japan as a global star—featured on her highly anticipated latest album “Something Beautiful,” released in May 2025.

The sound incorporates elements of ’80s slow funk and disco-pop, evoking an homage to ’70s disco-pop icons like ABBA and Cher.

The lyrics portray a passionate yet complicated romantic relationship, delicately expressing the emotional turbulence where love and inner conflict intersect—an especially striking aspect.

Interestingly, the song was originally written for Beyoncé’s album “Cowboy Carter,” but ultimately ended up on Cyrus’s own record.

It’s a recommended track for listeners who can relate to the complexities of love.

3rd Time LuckyAJ Tracey

AJ Tracey – 3rd Time Lucky (Official Video)

AJ Tracey, a London-born rapper known for blending diverse genres, released a new track in May 2025 that he describes as “my most personal song to date.” The song is based on his mother’s experience battling cancer and carries an emotional message centered on resilience and hope.

It serves as the lead single for his album “Don’t Die Before You’re Dead,” scheduled for a June release, with a portion of the proceeds going to the UK cancer support charity Maggie’s.

While rooted in hip-hop and R&B, the track features an introspective melody, making it a comforting work for listeners facing similar challenges.

Fame is a GunAddison Rae

Addison Rae – Fame is a Gun (Official Video)

Addison Rae, a U.S.-born star who made a glamorous transition from TikTok to the music scene, released a new track in May 2025.

Blending synth-pop and dance-pop into a sparkling sound, the standout song explores the duality of fame.

Co-written and co-composed by Rae herself along with Elvira Anderfjärd and Luca Cacciatore, it serves as the fifth single from her debut album, “Addison.” The music video—set at a lavish dinner party with wigs and sunglasses—has also become a hot topic.

A must-listen for pop fans!