Popular Western music [February 2025]

A Stone Only Rolls DownhillOK Go

OK Go – A Stone Only Rolls Downhill (Official Video)

Breaking more than a decade of silence, American rock band OK Go has finally released new material.

Building on their signature powerful, catchy sound with added depth, the new track brilliantly captures the balance between hope and anxiety in modern society.

It weaves in the universal theme of how to convey justice and hope to children, delivering a resonant message alongside a melodious progression.

An innovative music video employing 64 smartphones is also making waves, showcasing a fresh challenge while staying true to OK Go’s identity.

A North American tour is planned from April to June 2025, and they’re confirmed to perform at Fuji Rock 2025 in July of the same year.

Serving as the lead single from their fifth album, “And the Adjacent Possible,” this song is perfect not only as a driving soundtrack but also for moments when you feel stuck.

Pookie’s Requiem (feat. Summer Walker)SAILORR

SAILORR, Summer Walker – POOKIE’S REQUIEM [hehe look y’all I made it longer] (Official Music Video)

Sailor, a Vietnamese American R&B artist who sings candidly from the depths of the heart.

Released in January 2025, this work is a re-release of the song that went viral on social media in 2024, now featuring powerhouse R&B vocalist Summer Walker as a guest.

Their translucent voices blend beautifully, creating a stunning harmony, while the protagonist’s aching longing and unshakable feelings press in on the listener alongside the refined production.

It’s a gem of a ballad—perfect for a night drive or for moments when you want to spend some quiet time.

Call Me When You Break UpSelena Gomez, benny blanco, Gracie Abrams

Selena Gomez, benny blanco, Gracie Abrams – Call Me When You Break Up (Official Video)

The collaborative track by Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, and Gracie Abrams—masterfully portraying the complex emotions of human relationships—has been drawing attention since February 2025.

Delicately expressing lingering feelings after heartbreak and the complicated emotions toward a former lover, the song stands out with its gentle acoustic guitar tones and upbeat drum groove.

Selena’s warm, embracing vocals and Gracie’s fragile delivery create a sublime harmony.

As the lead single from the album “I Said I Love You First,” it has garnered acclaim as a memorable piece that portrays lingering attachment and hope toward a finished relationship, along with the struggle against reality.

With lyrics that anyone wrestling with love can relate to and a refreshing melodic line that provides a compelling contrast, it’s a track you’ll want to play again and again.

Cry For MeThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Cry For Me (Official Music Video)

This work, released in January 2025 by Canada’s The Weeknd, weaves synthesizers and powerful drum beats into an emotional sound that evokes deep empathy.

Its distinctive worldbuilding—like a lonely soul trapped in a penthouse confronting inner pain—is a must-hear.

It’s a track from the album “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” featuring producers Mike Dean and Metro Boomin.

At the Grammys in February 2025, he captivated the audience with a performance alongside Playboi Carti, joined by dancers dressed in red.

It’s a recommended song for moments when you want to face loneliness and inner conflict, or when you seek a profound emotional experience.

ExtraLJENNIE & Doechii

JENNIE, Doechii – ExtraL (Official Video)

This is a collaborative track by BLACKPINK’s Jennie and the rising American rapper Doechii, whose recent Grammy win catapulted her to fame.

The song powerfully celebrates women’s independence, blending an innovative electro-pop and hip-hop sound where Jennie’s cool vocals and Doechii’s energetic rap mesh perfectly, creating an empowering appeal that gives listeners a boost.

Released in February 2025, the track is slated for inclusion on Jennie’s first solo album, Ruby, and is also featured in a commercial for the global fashion brand Calvin Klein.

Their performance on the popular American show The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon generated significant buzz.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to cherish their individuality and move forward in life with positivity.

Revolving doorTate McRae

Tate McRae – Revolving door (Official Video)

Tate McRae, the Canada-born artist who broke out globally after starting as a dancer and becoming a singer-songwriter, released her new album “So Close to What” in February 2025—a work that distills the raw appeal of her candid, emotion-laden vocals.

Among its tracks, one song stands out for its masterful portrayal of the subtle, complex feelings that come with love.

Its energetic, dancehall-infused sound pairs perfectly with lyrics that frankly express the struggle of being unable to sever ties with a partner.

With production by Ryan Tedder and others shining throughout, this release is sure to resonate with anyone wrestling with the conflicts of romance.

PompeiiBastille

Bastille – Pompeii (Official Music Video)

Bastille captivates with a distinctive musicality that blends indie pop with cinematic elements.

Centered around Dan Smith—who was influenced by film director David Lynch—the band formed in London in 2010.

Their 2013 debut album, Bad Blood, topped the UK Albums Chart and quickly drew widespread attention.

Known for extensive sampling from films and television, their innovative sound transcends genres, spanning indie pop, synth-pop, and electropop.

They won the British Breakthrough Act at the 2014 BRIT Awards and were also nominated for a Grammy the same year.

Combining cinematic grandeur with refined pop sensibilities, their music is perfect for listeners who seek lyrical melodies and deep, narrative-rich storytelling.