New music releases this week are headlined by a surprise R&B single from Beyoncé, the third studio album from singer-songwriter Suki Waterhouse, and a heartbreak ballad from Teddy Swims. These releases arrive alongside new projects from veteran acts like The Rolling Stones and emerging collaborations from The Linda Lindas and Chris Lake.
Beyoncé Returns to R&B Roots
Beyoncé surprise-dropped a new downtempo R&B single, "Morning Dew (Donk)," over the weekend. The track marks a stylistic shift for the artist following her recent explorations into country and dance music. According to industry speculation, the release has prompted renewed debate regarding the sonic direction of her rumored ACT III project, which some fans previously expected to lean toward a rock aesthetic.
Suki Waterhouse Releases ‘Loveland’
British singer-songwriter Suki Waterhouse officially released her third studio album, Loveland, today. The project follows her 2024 sophomore effort, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin. Waterhouse described the new album on X as a "memorialization of the places that made me," characterizing the collection as a reflection on the transition toward personal growth and the pursuit of reality.
Teddy Swims Debuts ‘Break Up In Reverse’
Teddy Swims released his latest single, "Break Up In Reverse," a downtempo ballad centered on the conclusion of a romantic relationship. Swims stated that the song was inspired by the narrative structure of the NAS track "Rewind," which tells a story in reverse. The artist confirmed he is currently working on his next full-length album, drawing from his personal experience with a recent breakup.
New Projects from The Rolling Stones and Collaborators
The Rolling Stones have released their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues. The 14-track collection spans just over an hour and features vocals from Mick Jagger.
In other releases:
- The Linda Lindas and Hayley Williams: The band released "Closer," their first single since signing with Reprise/Warner in June. The collaboration follows a long-standing creative relationship between the group and Williams, who previously joined them onstage to perform "Racist, Sexist Boy."
- Chris Lake & Tiga: The producers collaborated on the new single "Party Time," featuring vocals from Aatig. The track is released via Lake’s own label, Black Book Records.
- Chris Avantgarde: The producer released his debut album, Hyperreal. Avantgarde, known for his previous work with Anyma and Adam Beyer, described the 90-minute project as a personal statement that traverses club beats and ambient soundscapes.
Key Takeaways
- Genre Shifts: Beyoncé’s latest single signals a move back toward R&B, distancing the artist from the country and dance sounds of her recent work.
- Collaborative Efforts: The Linda Lindas’ latest single formalizes their long-term association with Hayley Williams, marking the band’s first release under a major label.
- Producer Milestones: Chris Avantgarde and the Chris Lake/Tiga pairing highlight a busy week for electronic music, with both projects leaning into distinct, established sonic identities.