NPR Music provides comprehensive reviews of new albums across various genres, including pop, rock, folk, jazz, blues, classical, world, and hip-hop. Here are some highlights of recent releases.
Christopher Beyer
Known for her sharp songs about previous relationships, Christopher Beyer explores all-consuming love in her latest work. The process faced challenges due to a breakup during its creation.
Drake
After a period of creative inactivity, Drake returns with three new albums: Iceman, Maid of Honour, and Habibti. His performance at Wireless Festival in London in July 2025 marked this prolific comeback.
Tiffany Day
On her second album, Halo, Tiffany Day addresses her rapid rise to fame. The album examines the emotional and personal impact of her new stardom.
The Great Divide by Kahan
Kahan’s fourth album is a fable about a prodigal son. The main character struggles to reconcile with the spaces he once called home.
MIKE and Earl Sweatshirt
New York-based collective Surf Gang produced a double album, Pompeii // Utility, featuring rappers MIKE and Earl Sweatshirt. This collaboration showcases their unique styles.
Roomful of Teeth
The Grammy-winning vocal ensemble partners with songwriter Gabriel Kahane on Elevator Songs. This album offers an emotionally intense and conceptually ambitious experience.
BTS
BTS returns with Arirang, their first full-length album since a break for military service. The album connects hip-hop, pop, and R&B, and aims to make a significant impact on the Billboard charts.
Yebba
The album Jean by Yebba is named after her grandmother. It presents an intimate and heartfelt collection of songs.
Harry Styles
Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally is Harry Styles’ latest album, blending disco vibes with his unique pop style.
Blackpink
Blackpink’s DEADLINE marks the Korean girl group’s first major project since 2022, showcasing their evolution as a dynamic music group.
Mitski
Mitski forays into concept albums with Nothing’s About to Happen to Me, telling a story about a woman retreating from society.
Baby Keem
Ca$ino is Baby Keem’s second studio album, where he confronts the difficult lessons from his Las Vegas upbringing.
Pekka Kuusisto
Classical violinist and conductor Pekka Kuusisto collaborates with Sam Amidon on Willows, featuring a reinterpretation of The Lark Ascending and several folk tunes.
Jill Scott
Neo-soul artist Jill Scott releases To Whom This May Concern, her first studio album in a decade, highlighting her deep creative spirit.
Ponthier
Everywhere Isn’t Texas explores the excitement and fear of self-discovery, marking Ponthier’s striking debut.
Don Toliver
Don Toliver’s fifth album, Octane, demonstrates his evolution as a musician, being his first self-executive produced album.
Gabriela Ortiz
The title track of Gabriela Ortiz’s recent album Yanga recounts the inspiring journey of an African prince’s emergence from enslavement in colonial Mexico.
Dave
British rapper Dave’s third album, The Boy Who Played the Harp, showcases his growth as a prominent figure in the rap scene.