New Music Friday – May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025 Ben Pagani

It’s New Music Friday and this week is headlined by one of pop’s biggest superstars ever. Read on to view a complete list of the most highly-anticipated singles, EPs and albums out now. First, here’s an in-depth look at Miley Cyrus’ latest record.

The Best of New Music Friday:

Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful

Miley Cyrus Sometbing Beautiful Album Cover Art — Miley Cyrus | ‘Something Beautiful’ Album Cover Art

Miley Cyrus has finally shared her highly-teased and highly-anticipated ninth studio record, Something Beautiful. It’s probably the most experimental album Cyrus has ever shared–but it’s still very much a pop LP. This go around, Cyrus has decided to draw influences from the freeform pop music of the 70’s and 80’s. This record rocks and touches on psychedelic vibes at times. It’s the most “all over the place” release of her career and that also places it among the most interesting. While not a “career left turn” by any means, the different courses Cyrus takes on throughout Something Beautiful forces listeners to stay very attentive.

Cyrus demands attention on songs like “Reborn” and “Walk of Fame.” Both these tracks exceed 5 minutes in length, which is not normal in today’s pop world. “Reborn” is an expansive tune that builds throughout. “Walk of Fame” is a dancier song, featuring Brittany Howard, who is known for her solo venture and anthemic psych pop tracks, in addition to her work with Alabama Shakes. Cyrus shows off a southern twang over a beat that combines her typical pop sound with rhythms that sound like they were left on the cutting floor of Howard’s most recent album What Now.

Cyrus previously promised to embrace experimentation as her career evolved. Something Beautiful breaks down pop barriers while holding onto characteristics like featured artists, and electro undertones. It takes on new challenges like interludes and heavily repeated instrumental sections. Cyrus lets things breathe on an album that doesn’t waste a second of its listener’s time.

The reason for these song lengths and psychedelic direction? The Wall by Pink Floyd. It’s no-doubt one of the most influential albums ever–and it’s cast its prism on Cyrus. “My idea was to remake The Wall, but with a better wardrobe, more glamour, and full of pop culture,” Cyrus told Harper’s Bazaar earlier this year. Whether or not that vision comes to life remains to be seen–however, pop culture is bigger and better than it was in the 70s. It’s safe to say the majority of Cyrus’ fans would rather have her rendition of an artistic masterpiece. That’s why she’s delivered with Something Beautiful.

New Music Friday Top Picks:

Aesop Rock – Black Hole Superette [Rhymesayers Entertainment]

Caroline – Caroline 2 [Rough Trade]

Illuminati Hotties – Nickel on the Fountain Floor EP [Hopeless]

Lorde – “Man Of The Year” [Universal]

Mariah Carey – The Emancipation of Mimi (20th Anniversary Edition) [Def Jam]

Matt Berninger – Get Sunk [Book/Concord]

TOPS – “Chlorine” [Ghostly]

Ty Segall – Possession [Drag City]

Which of these tracks from New Music Friday will you add to your favorite playlists today? Any we missed? Let us know in the comments or on Instagram!

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Ben Pagani

Music Projects Manager at Beyond The Stage Magazine

Ben is a music journalist living and working in Chicago. They joined Beyond The Stage as an intern and have stayed on the staff for several years. Now serving on the editorial board, Ben is proud to be BTS' Music Projects Manager, coordinating coverage between international record labels and our staff. Ben has interviewed, photographed and written about bands from across the world. Ben has lived all over the United States working in television and media. They are an Emmy Award-winning writer. Ben can be found spinning records as 'DJ Wearing Sunglasses' in clubs and basements across the US.