The Best Songs of January 2025 // New Music Friday!
"Basic Being Basic" by Djo
Djo is back with the lead single off of his upcoming album The Crux! "Basic Being Basic" is such a playful and simultaneously thought-provoking look at internet culture and superficiality. Of course, Joe's signature enigmatic performance style is on full display, as he sings about yearning for deeper, more meaningful connections. In a press release, he said that it is a "kind of a shot fired to anyone who's trying to be of the moment." It may be too early to say, but I can definitely see The Crux becoming one of my top favorite albums of the year - I can't wait to hear more from it!
"The Abyss" by The Weeknd
The third and final installment of The Weeknd's After Hours trilogy of albums is here with Hurry Up Tomorow. "The Abyss" comes toward the end of the sprawling hour and a half long album, symbolizing much of what this end of an era means for him as an artist. It also features uncredited vocals from his frequent collaborator, Lana Del Rey. The song is intense and chilling as he details a love and a world that are simultaneously crumbling, while Lana repeatedly sings "is a threat not a promise". The music they have made together over the past several years has been such a highlight of both of their careers and I always look forward to hearing more from them. This was such a perfect way to close out this chapter of The Weeknd's artistry, as Hurry Up Tomorrow is not only the final installment of this album trilogy, but also is said to be his last album released under The Weeknd stage name. I am looking forward to hearing him explore a new creative direction in the future, as he is said to eventually release his next project under his real name, Abel.
"5 Dollar Pony Rides" by Mac Miller
Balloonerism was released earlier this month, which marks the second posthumous album by the late artist Mac Miller. The album was originally recorded in 2014 and is a vibrant mix of influences and genres. It is deeply introspective and reflective, often exploring themes of life and death. "5 Dollar Pony Rides" is one of my favorite songs from the album, but the entire album is incredible. Now that Balloonerism has been released over a decade after recording it, just proves how ahead of his time Mac was in so many regards.
"Limerence" by Lucy Dacus
"Limerence" is one of the two new songs that Lucy Dacus released this month, along with the announcement of her new album Forever Is A Feeling, coming this March. This is a hauntingly beautiful song, one that captures the delicate emotions of unrequited love.
"A Question of You" by Inhaler
Inhaler just keeps getting better and better, it feels like every new song they have released so far from their upcoming album I just keep loving more than the last! Open Wide is set to be their best work yet and I can't wait to hear the rest of it very soon!
"Sylvia" by Julien Baker & TORRES
"Sylvia" is a song about true love, specifically in the connection we share with our pets. It was written by Torres and inspired by her experience adopting her dog, Sylvia, who the song is named after. It beautifully captures that unconditional love and the special connection shared with a beloved pet. It is a very personal song that has a very universal message at the same time. This is the second song released so far off of Julien Baker and Torres' collaboration album, which was officially announced this month. I love the direction they're going in so far with this music and can't wait to hear more!
"Your New Favorite Song" by Wallows
"Your New Favorite Song" was originally released as a vinyl exclusive bonus track from Wallows' most recent album Model, but now has been officially released on streaming. It is such a warm and intimate song that is a beautiful continuation of the rest of the album.
"Bovine Excision" by Samia
This is such a haunting and atmospheric track from Samia, taking the listener on a journey of self-discovery and existentialism. She is such an incredible lyricist, and the production is on another level. It's so different than anything I have ever heard Samia make before and can't wait to see how it ties into her upcoming album Bloodless.
"Orlando in Love" by Japanese Breakfast
"Orlando in Love" is the lead single off of Japanese Breakfast's upcoming album For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), which explores themes of the longing and desire. It is inspired by Matteo Maria Boiardo's Renaissance poem titled "Orlando Innamorato". The storytelling is so striking and vivid, which pairs so beautifully with the stunning orchestral production.
"Wants Needs" by Bartees Strange
Bartees Strange is set to release his upcoming album Horror next month, and I have been loving all of the songs he released so far from it. I love the innovative blend of genres he has throughout his music, "Wants Needs" presents a really cool and experimental sound. The song was co-produced by Jack Antonoff, as well - I have loved hearing their collaborations over the past year and I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of the album soon!
It's so exciting that this is the very first New Music Friday post of the year! I am looking forward to hearing all of the exciting new releases that are to come throughout 2025, it's already off to a great start! In the comment section below, be sure to let me know what artist you are most anticipating new music from this year! Check out more of past New Music Friday posts here.
This month I started a new series sharing a new song of the week every Monday - the first four are up now which I would love for you to check out! Week one was "the 1" by Taylor Swift, week two was "California" by Joni Mitchell, week three was "Love It If We Made It" by The 1975 and week four was "That's So True" by Gracie Abrams. It's been really fun to write those posts so far and I'm looking forward to expanding the series in the coming months. I have a ton of exciting new content planned for February, I hope to see you back here soon to check some of it out! ✨
Thanks for reading!
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