Summary of Western Music Releases [May 2025]

The RiverAlicia Keys & Amanda Reid

Alicia Keys & Amanda Reid – The River (From “Hell’s Kitchen”) [Official Video]

This duet by Alicia Keys, one of America’s leading R&B divas, and Broadway actress Amanda Rea is included as a bonus track for the Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen.

Based on episodes from Alicia Keys’s life, it portrays the inner conflict and growth of Ali, a 17-year-old girl in the story, expressing a longing for freedom through the innovative concept of a dialogue with her future self.

Released in May 2025, it drew major attention when the two delivered a perfectly synchronized performance during the Season 27 finale of NBC’s hit show The Voice.

This beautiful ballad, blending soulful piano with R&B sensibilities, is sure to resonate deeply with anyone embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

HigherBreanna Nix

Breanna Nix – Higher (Official Audio)

Singer-songwriter Briana Nix from Denton, Texas, is drawing attention after placing third on American Idol Season 23 in 2025.

Co-produced by 19 Recordings, Inc.

and BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, this work is a masterful crossover rooted in Christian country while incorporating elements of pop and gospel.

The track features powerful vocals and an emotionally rich melody.

Just a few days after its release in May 2025, it topped the iTunes chart, winning over many listeners.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to feel uplifted or motivate yourself, and it’s recommended not only for fans of country and gospel, but for any music lover seeking a voice that truly resonates.

Alleys of My MindCarpetman, Black Soil

Carpetman, Black Soil – Alleys of My Mind

The Ukrainian sibling duo, Carpetman and Black Soil, unveiled a captivating musical work in May 2025.

Melancholic yet refined, the piece stands out with introspective lyrics that feel like a journey through the maze of the heart, poised to resonate with a broad audience beyond the boundaries of alternative pop.

The crystalline vocals riding over soulful melodies, perfectly balanced with the production, deeply connect with listeners’ emotions.

It has sparked a major response on social media as well, going viral with numerous user-made cover videos.

Whether for a calm night drive or a quiet moment of self-reflection, this track is sure to strike a chord.

Return of YouthDIIV

DIIV – Return of Youth

DIIV, the Brooklyn, New York indie rock band that deftly weaves in elements of shoegaze and dream pop, has released a new track roughly a year after their album Frog in Boiling Water.

Spanning nearly seven minutes, the sweeping song was born from frontman Zachary Cole Smith’s difficult experience of losing his home to a wildfire, and it tells a story of personal loss and renewal.

With delicate guitar arpeggios, a weighty bassline, and introspective vocals, the track offers a sense of finding small moments of beauty and hope in everyday life.

A tour across Europe and the UK is slated for the summer of 2025, pointing to even further evolution ahead.

Zombie LadyDamiano David

Damiano David – Zombie Lady (Official Visual Video)

With boldly infused ’80s flair and an atmospheric pop-rock sheen, Måneskin frontman Damiano David fully asserts his individuality as a solo artist.

This track from his debut solo album, “Funny Little Fears,” is an ambitious work themed around love and death.

Alongside his lustrous vocals that resonate throughout, American singer and actress Dove Cameron lends backing vocals, deepening the song’s immersive world.

Released in May 2025 as part of the album’s tracklist, it coincided with MTV’s airing of the short film “FUNNY little STORIES,” which features four songs.

Drawing inspiration from the film “Corpse Bride,” the piece fuses a gothic aesthetic with the universal theme of eternal love, resulting in a song that tenderly embraces anyone nursing a bittersweet heart.

AYODaylyt

DAYLYT “AYO”

Based in Los Angeles, USA, Daylyt is an artist who stands out in the battle rap scene.

He has racked up over 70 battles and amassed more than 35 million total views on YouTube, making him a charismatic figure.

This work was born out of a beef with Joey Bada$$ and Loaded Lux, and its shocking rhyme skills are packed with the power to overwhelm both of them.

Released in May 2025, it climbed to No.

26 on YouTube Music’s trending chart in just 12 hours, sparking a rapid response.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience a high-stakes showdown at the forefront of the hip-hop scene in real time.

WRD2MIMVADaylyt

WRD2MIMVA

In May 2025, Daylyt, an artist from California, released a diss track aimed at Joey Bada$$, a leading figure in the East Coast hip-hop scene.

Over a heavy beat sampling a Jay-Z track, he delivers razor-sharp wordplay and a provocative flow that fully showcases the advanced skills he honed in battle rap.

The release became a hot topic involving both East and West Coast hip-hop scenes, and with West Coast artists like Reason and Ray Vaughn joining the fray, it has sparked a new flashpoint for interregional rivalries.

It’s a recommended listen for music fans—from newcomers to veterans—who are interested in hip-hop history and rap beefs.