Summary of Western Music Releases [May 2025]

CPRWet Leg

Wet Leg – CPR (Official Video)

Since their 2021 debut, Wet Leg—the female duo from the Isle of Wight—have achieved global breakout success with their irony-laced, humor-packed post-punk.

This track opens their second album, “Moisturizer,” slated for release in July 2025, and portrays the perils of romance with the striking lyric, “Is this love, or suicide?” It also features a playful touch: a tempo set to 115 BPM, matching the recommended rhythm for real-life CPR.

Although Rhian Teasdale once described herself as “allergic to love songs,” this piece—born from a new romantic experience—showcases their musical growth.

It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone who wants to look back on past relationships while moving forward.

HollywoodYG

YG – HOLLYWOOD (feat. Shoreline Mafia) [Official Music Video]

This track, released in May 2025 as a collaboration between veteran Compton rapper YG and Shoreline Mafia, sharply portrays the vanity and hypocrisy lurking behind Hollywood’s glamour.

The sound—driven by a heavy bassline and contemporary beats—carries on the lineage of West Coast hip-hop he established from his landmark album My Krazy Life through I Got Issues, while signaling a fresh evolution.

It’s a song poised for a viral moment on TikTok, and one that will especially resonate with adult listeners familiar with the realities of the music industry.

ZombiYungblud

YUNGBLUD – Zombie (Official Music Video)

Hailing from Doncaster, UK, singer-songwriter and rock star YUNGBLUD is hugely popular in Japan as well.

Released in May 2025, this track is an introspective ballad themed around emotional numbness and apathy in contemporary society, marking a new direction distinct from his previously energetic punk-rock style.

Its blend of minimal synth textures and emotive vocals carries a powerful message that reflects the dulling of feelings caused by the “information overload” of the digital age.

The song is the third single from the album ‘Idols,’ scheduled for release on June 20, and its music video—featuring Oscar-nominated actress Florence Pugh—has also drawn attention.

It’s a perfect recommendation for anyone feeling worn out by daily life or looking for a quiet, reflective night.

Better DaysYellowcard

Yellowcard – Better Days (Official Music Video)

This track is the lead single from the Florida-born pop-punk favorites Yellowcard—known for featuring a violinist—and comes from their first full-length album in about nine years, where they sing candidly about themes like gratitude, forgiveness, and hope.

Produced and drummed by Blink-182’s Travis Barker, it brilliantly fuses the band’s matured musicianship with fresh creativity.

It’s also the title track of the self-titled album slated for release in October 2025, and its unique music video—featuring the members dressed as characters from 1980s films—has been generating buzz.

It’s a song I highly recommend for anyone feeling worn out by life or ready to make a fresh start.

TOP TINGZYoungboy Never Broke Again

YoungBoy Never Broke Again – TOP TINGZ [Official Music Video]

YoungBoy Never Broke Again, a hugely popular rapper born in 1999 and hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Released after his prison release in March 2025, this track marks an important turning point, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in his music career.

It’s a hip-hop number defined by hard-hitting beats and energetic rapping, produced by K10Beatz, and has garnered over 800,000 streams on Spotify.

Infused with a powerful message that only someone who has overcome adversity can convey, it’s a song that resonates with anyone seeking a fresh start.

Before MidnightA.K.A

a!ka – Before Midnight (Official Audio)

Aika, a promising new pop/R&B artist from the Philippines, released a luscious new single in May 2025.

After her cover videos went viral on TikTok and led to her debut, she unveiled her third original track following June 2024’s “Leave a Message” and October’s “Coffee.” Although the title might suggest a romantic love song at first glance, it’s actually a breakup song that captures the emotions at the moment of parting—an intriguing twist.

The poignant lyrics set to a gentle R&B-infused pop tune, along with the polished sound co-produced with her older sister, are particularly captivating.

It’s the perfect track for embracing the end of a relationship with a positive outlook.

mary poppinsbbno$

bbno$ – mary poppins (official music video)

Born in 1995 and hailing from Vancouver, Canada, rapper bbno$ has been steadily growing his fan base, with his 2019 track “Lalala” released with Y2K surpassing one billion streams worldwide.

His new song released in May 2025 is a striking piece featuring his signature “hip house” style, blending an electronic beat with satirical lyrics.

The music video for the track also reflects his sense of responsibility as an artist, as it includes a statement about donating to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund in consideration of social issues.