Billboard’s Friday Music Guide
This Week’s Essential Releases
The music world is always abuzz with new releases, and Billboard’s Friday Music Guide is here to give you the lowdown on the most essential tracks. From pop to rock, hip-hop to electronic, we’ve got you covered. This week, Linkin Park is back with a new frontwoman, Halsey suffers a hard-earned ego death, A$AP Rocky is swagged out on his way to church, Camila Cabello makes a return trip to Magic City, and more. Check out all of this week’s picks below.
Linkin Park, "The Emptiness Machine"
Yes, Linkin Park is back – with a new tour, a new singer, and a new single, "The Emptiness Machine." You can read all about the story behind their remarkable comeback here, including how they connected with frontwoman Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara, and you can hear the first sounds of the partnership now with the hard-charging "Machine." If longtime fans were worried the band’s new lineup would feel too far removed from their classic sound, they should be pretty easily won over by the time of the new song’s chorus, which could not feel more textbook LP as Armstrong belts: "Let you cut me open just to watch me bleed/ Gave up who I am for who you wanted me to be/ Don’t know why I’m hoping for what I won’t receive/ Falling for the promise of the emptiness machine."
Halsey, "Ego"
With an October 25 release date now set for her album The Great Impersonator, Halsey is giving fans at least one more advance taste of the new LP with this week’s "Ego." The dizzying pop-rock blast is absolutely prime Halsey, a lyrically frenetic plea to "go back to the beginning, when it all felt right… didn’t give a f–k if I was winning," with a brutal refrain admitting "I’m really not as happy as I seem… I’m really not that happy being me." It’s a welcome reminder that 10 years into their career, Halsey remains one of the most vital songwriters and performers in either pop or rock.
Megan Thee Stallion feat. RM, "Neva Play"
Following the exciting LP releases from both earlier this year – Right Place, Wrong Time in May and Megan in June – RM and Megan Thee Stallion link up for the first time this week for the one-off "Neva Play." The song’s speeding-up geiger counter of a beat prompts both artists to keep coming harder, as Megan spits "Money talks, and it’s my first language," and RM meets her with "We just bossin’, pour out the sauces in the face of the big bosses." The all-star collab has an anime-inspired music video, because of course it does.
A$AP Rocky feat. J. Cole, "Ruby Rosary"
The slow drip of new songs from A$AP Rocky’s upcoming Don’t Be Dumb continues with the slow piano creep of the Alchemist-produced "Ruby Rosary," with the rapper spitting about his jewel-encrusted religious necklace and generally phenomenal swag ("They ain’t seen drip like this since Rick the Ruler"). Last year’s assist king J. Cole also comes through for a guest verse, but don’t ask him for him to repeat his previous highlights: "When they ask for the old you, ignore ’em," he advises. "Going backwards is boring, b–ch, and I’m not Michael Jordan, I don’t do the retro."
Camila Cabello, C,XOXO – Magic City Edition
Camila Cabello released fourth solo album C,XOXO back in June to somewhat mixed critical and commercial reaction – though even its biggest critics would have to admit the album was pretty interesting, if nothing else. It’s even more fascinating now in its extended Magic City Edition reissue, which tacks on four new songs, including the pulse-racing "Baby Pink," the frisky "Can Friends Kiss?" and the thundering now-closer "Godspeed." These new pieces don’t necessarily make the C,XOXO puzzle feel complete, but they do make the final image even more sprawling, weird and beautiful.
Fred again.., Ten Days
Prolific U.K. dance sensation Fred again.. released three installments in his Actual Life LP series in about an 18-month period over 2021 and 2022, but it’s been almost two years now since his latest full-length. The (very minor) drought is now over with this week’s release of Ten Days, with a loaded guest list featuring Sampha, The Japanese House, Anderson.Paak, country legend Emmylou Harris, and of course, supertrio producer buddies Skrillex and Four Tet. Like Fred’s previous albums, it’s a huge album built around small moments, like Irish singer-songwriter SOAK admitting of a revelatory romantic experience, "I remember thinking to myself… don’t you dare get used to this," on early highlight "Just Stand There," or the producer himself singing "You’re further away now than you used to be/ But darling I saw you and you saw me" on album centerpiece "I Saw You."
Conclusion
This week’s essential releases offer a diverse range of styles and sounds, from Linkin Park’s comeback to Halsey’s latest pop-rock blast, and from Megan Thee Stallion’s anime-inspired anthem to A$AP Rocky’s slow-burning R&B. Whether you’re a fan of hip-hop, rock, electronic, or pop, there’s something for everyone in this week’s picks. Check out the tracks, explore the artists, and stay tuned for more from Billboard’s Friday Music Guide.
FAQs
Q: What is the Billboard Friday Music Guide?
A: The Billboard Friday Music Guide is a weekly roundup of the most essential new music releases, featuring a diverse range of styles and sounds from the worlds of hip-hop, rock, electronic, and pop.
Q: Who are some of the artists featured in this week’s guide?
A: This week’s guide features Linkin Park, Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion, A$AP Rocky, Camila Cabello, and Fred again..
Q: What kind of music can I expect to find in this week’s guide?
A: You can expect to find a range of music styles, from hard-charging rock to anime-inspired hip-hop, and from slow-burning R&B to pulse-racing pop.
Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest music releases?
A: Follow Billboard’s Friday Music Guide for the latest updates on new music releases, and check out our social media channels for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews with your favorite artists.