May Playlist Additions
In the final month of spring, here are some new releases that should grace your playlists before summer arrives
New music has definitely been meeting the high standards of quality lately. From a plethora of album releases to debut singles and teasing upcoming projects, it feels as though most artists are truly putting their heart and soul into their work. It is refreshing to see such visionary and singular artistry from either veterans of the industry or even novices breaking out of the herd impressively.
drop dead - Olivia Rodrigo
Ahead of the GRAMMY award-winning singer-songwriter’s third studio album you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, which is set to release on 12th June 2026, Olivia Rodrigo released her first single from this project, titled ‘drop dead’. The song is unexpectedly not a defiant and brutal (no pun intended) heartbreak anthem as the title may insinuate, but is in fact a heartwarming, youthful and energetic love song. The concept follows the buzz and excitement felt after a perfect first date, and the singer absolutely achieved this brief. Indie-pop is moulded in Olivia Rodrigo’s own authentic manner, and this song is all about the build-up. Its structure offers anticipation that explodes into elation before simmering into a dreamy heart-eyed sanctuary. She did not disappoint after a three-year-long break between albums, and I am excited to see how the project will see her evolve.
Deny Deny Deny - Noah Kahan
Ahead of Noah Kahan’s latest album The Great Divide, which released on 24th April of this year, I was anticipating ‘Deny Deny Deny’ immediately after seeing the tracklist. It inexplicably suggested to me that the uptempo indie energy of songs like ‘She Calls Me Back’ from his previous album Stick Season was coming back, and I was right, to some degree. This song is somewhat playful, and the pace is carried on really well by the indie-rock influences that are brought in by the accompanying instrumentation. I really appreciated that Noah Kahan did not abandon his stellar songwriting skills, as the lyricism was so visually realistic that it painted such a strong picture when I listened. In a sentiment that reminded me of ‘A Thousand Bad Times’ by Post Malone, I was reminded of his storytelling ability through this song. The album itself is impeccable too, no doubt about it.
BOY IN RED - Isaiah Rashad feat. SZA
If any album has made it onto my playlists accidentally, or more without my foresight, it is Isaiah Rashad’s latest release IT’S BEEN AWFUL, which released on May 1st. This album has lots to offer: from the introspective and reflective rapping to the laid-back Southern hip-hop influences, the project makes for perfect driving music. ‘BOY IN RED’ is no exception. In fact, it is probably the most appropriate for this concept. It incorporates what Isaiah does best, which is meshing consistently entertaining lyricism with a hazy hip-hop beat that flows so effortlessly. I couldn’t help but think that Steve Lacy would have been a perfect feature for this song, and that is before I heard SZA glide in. She has never disappointed me with a feature, as her instantly recognisable tone is always a refreshing addition to the song. Her verse was filled with stunning songwriting and a flow that kept up the pace of the song. The entirety of the track is impressive from start to finish, though is only one of 16 tracks that blew me away.
Labrinth - SHUT YOUR DAMN 95.7892
I cannot help but think that my rediscovery of Labrinth’s impeccable production skills has been borne out of the clear lack of his presence in the new season of Euphoria. His lack of influence over the latest season has been clearly noticeable, and the soundtrack has not received good reviews, given the show does not feel the same, nor does Hans Zimmer’s replacement soundtrack offer a substantial alternative. Nevertheless, the artist released a punchy and intense song of defiance on 12th April this year, (definitely not coincidentally) the same day as Euphoria season three premiered on HBO with its first episode. The song blends electronica, rap and unique instrumentation in perfect Labrinth fashion, and marks a shift into his new album COSMIC OPERA ACT II, coming 29th May 2026. The song is very impressive, and it is honestly a perfect response to the breakdown of Labrinth’s intended collaboration with the show.
Little Simz - That’s A No No
I have been anticipating Little Simz’s latest EP Sugar Girl as I wondered how it would evolve from her album Lotus, which was only released last June. This EP definitely feels inspired by summer, with a focus on dark but bouncy melodies that blend rock and rap flawlessly. ‘That’s A No No’ opens the EP, and comes in hot with an infectious electric guitar melody. It is a perfect introduction, delivering us such an anthemic and powerful track, which is something that Little Simz has always been so talented at. I felt this new track was experimental for Little Simz, as it embraced electronic hip-hop, characterised by a prominent use of autotune which only worked in its favour. The song is empowering, aggressive and bold, and I appreciated how the artist refused to stay in one lane, endeavouring to evolve and experiment with her sound in fresh ways.
I have been thoroughly enjoying the new music releases as of late, and look forward to even more groundbreaking songs that are to come in summer. For now, the fresh and exciting music from this list definitely matches the season, whether it offers us feelings of fresh love and painting powerful pictures, promising evolution and exercising self-assured defiance or simply gives us that spring feeling. I hope at least one of these tracks makes its way onto your playlist after having a listen!