As summer fades, streaming platforms aresurging with major new drops. Fromalt-poptoR&B,rapand dance music, these three albums don’t just ride the wave, they barrel surf it.Each one marks a career milestonefor its artist.
If yourplaylist needs a boost this week, start with these essential late-summer releases.
3Wishbone - Conan Gray
Wishboneis Conan Gray’s fourth studio album, released a year after the successfulFound Heaven. Grayleans into the strength of vulnerabilitythat has endeared audiences to his music since the early days of his career.
This album is for lovers of all kinds: those in the honeymoon phase, those in love, and those that are navigating a break-up. Through the well-structured indie-rock-infused pop album, listeners are taken through the highs and lows of a relationship that has run its course.
Conan Gray proves that his abilities are ever-growing ashe showcases not only his best writing but his best vocal performance to dateonWishbone.
2HYPERYOUTH - Joey Valence and Brae
Joey Valence and Brae’s junior albumperfectly captures the dissonance of growing up. The double-edged sword of nostalgia is expressed as crippling pain and soothing comfort throughout the album. Despite the mixed emotions of the album,it is endlessly danceable.
In their quest to never grow up, the duo keeps chasing chaos and thrills. While often compared to the Beastie Boys for their delivery, their most powerful similarity is genius-level sampling. Gen Z listeners will especially feel the nostalgia hit with the use of introspective BMO monologs fromAdventure Time—heartstring moments buried in the beats.
Even the surprise Rebecca Black feature adds emotional punch, resurfacing memories of “Friday” for those unaware of her new queer dance-pop era. The entire album moves with intention and energy, never skipping a beat. It’s bold, self-aware, and playfully sincere. From top to bottom, this is a perfectly executed record—and one that refuses to sit still.
1Baby! By Dijon
Dijon’s sophomore album createsan ethereal image of familyas the singer-songwriter-producer looks forward to his life with his growing family. Despite the stark difference between the sonic elements of the albums, the domestic bliss found on this record is akin to Paul McCartney’sRam.
Dijon layers echoing,distorted drums with hazy synths, crafting rich, textured compositions across the album. His raw vulnerability and unconventional style create an intimacy that’s hard to resist. It’s music that feels both fresh and familiar; like hearing a memory you forgot you had.
An experimental edge, Dijon never sacrifices pleasure. His twists and turns feel intentional, not chaotic, every shift a new exploration of what the track could become. There’s no filler here, just bold, genre-defying artistry. It’s safe to say:this is one of 2025’s most compelling and rewarding releases.
