[2026] Great for drives too! A roundup of the latest stylish Western music

IllegalPinkPantheress

PinkPantheress – Illegal (Official Video)

PinkPantheress, a highly skilled singer-songwriter and producer from the UK, unveiled this lead track in May 2025 from her second mixtape, “Fancy That.” Drawing inspiration from British electronic music of the ’90s and early 2000s, the sound perfectly balances the freshness of a young artist with a refined musical maturity.

The austere beat—sampling a track by Underworld—pairs exquisitely with her delicate, ephemeral vocals, and the lyrics themed around a forbidden love leave a strong impression.

The music video, which captures the work’s unique world, is also a must-see, offering a dreamlike visual beauty that blends live action with animation.

It’s a highly recommended track for music fans who gravitate toward dark, melancholic atmospheres.

Colourblind (feat. Loyle Carner)Tom Misch

Tom Misch – Colourblind (feat. Loyle Carner) (Official Lyric Video)

A track by UK-born Tom Misch featuring popular rapper and longtime friend and collaborator Loyle Carner is making waves.

Built on a minimal drum machine beat and captivating guitar tones, it unfolds a breezy groove with a relaxed feel.

Blending Tom Misch’s intimate yet spacious musicality with Loyle Carner’s distinctive, resonant flow, the song draws listeners into the effortless groove the two create together.

It serves as the title track of the new EP “Colourblind,” released on December 6, 2024, with lyrics that compellingly explore attempts to understand other people’s situations and emotions.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy music that fuses elements of jazz and hip-hop.

Bout URema

Rema – Bout U (Lyric video)

A gem of a love song where sweet, shimmering melodies blend seamlessly with the dynamic rhythms unique to Afrobeats.

Nigeria-born Rema is a proven talent who has made remarkable strides in the Afrobeats scene—from his 2019 EP “Rema” to his collaboration with Selena Gomez on “Calm Down.” His 2024 show at London’s O2 Arena was a resounding success, and in April 2025 he also performed at Coachella, one of the world’s largest outdoor festivals.

This track features an enchanting sound that fuses Afrobeats and R&B, highlighted by stylish guitar work.

With an aura that hints at the sparkle of new love, it’s perfect for driving playlists or party scenes.

Could’ve Been Different (feat. Blu & Shamir)McKinley Dixon

McKinley Dixon – Could’ve Been Different (feat. Blu & Shamir) (Official Lyric Video)

McKinley Dixon, an artist based in Richmond, Virginia, has built a unique musical world with sophisticated hip-hop infused with elements of jazz and soul.

From his forthcoming album “Magic, Alive!” due out in June 2025, he has released an advance single featuring BLU and Shamir.

Over a soulful, expansive arrangement woven from strings, saxophone, piano, and more, he delivers poetic rap that reflects on life’s crossroads, his present perspective, and questions for the future.

The project is an ambitious attempt to craft the perfect end credits, and he’s slated to perform it on Butcher Brown’s U.S.

tour starting in March 2025.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking boundary-crossing musical expression.

Make Me ForgetSub Urban

Sub Urban – Make Me Forget (Official Music Video)

Sub Urban, the American singer-songwriter known for his dreamlike soundscapes and introspective lyrics.

Having studied classical piano since the age of six and shifted to digital music production at fifteen, this track signals a bold new chapter for him.

Its inventive sound—anchored in alternative pop and fused with Latin guitar and electronic beats—leaves a strong impression.

Serving as a lead single from the album “If Nevermore,” scheduled for release on June 6, 2025, the song arrives alongside a surreal music video directed by Sterling Larose, offering a work that showcases his artistry both visually and sonically.

With themes of personal identity and memory, it’s a deeply introspective piece—perfect for a quiet night drive or as a soundtrack to time spent alone.

Late Night TalkingHarry Styles

Harry Styles – Late Night Talking (Official Video)

A heartwarming, melodious number by UK-born Harry Styles that portrays a form of love nurtured through late-night conversations.

Included on the album “Harry’s House,” the track harmoniously blends a retro vibe reminiscent of 1970s pop music with a contemporary sound that fuses synth-pop and R&B.

Released in June 2022, it earned high acclaim worldwide, reaching No.

3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

While fearing change, it tenderly sings of a devoted resolve to go anywhere for a loved one, carried by a light, upbeat rhythm.

Recommended as a comfortable song for an afternoon drive on a day off or for quiet moments with someone special.

Every Summertimeniki

NIKI – Every Summertime (Official Video)

A bittersweet coming-of-age story spun by NIKI, an artist from Jakarta, Indonesia.

This heartwarming song gently captures universal moments of love—like tender memories with a partner she met in America and the nervousness of introducing a boyfriend to her father for the first time.

Included on the soundtrack album for Marvel’s film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, it was released in August 2021 and climbed the charts across various Asian countries.

It also comes with the remarkable anecdote of having been created in just one hour.

Its bright, poppy rhythm is perfect for a May afternoon drive under fresh green leaves or as background music for a weekend picnic.

With a soothing melody that wraps around the feeling of being in love, it stays close to the heart.