Summary of Western Music Releases [May 2025]

Bad As I Used To BeChris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton – Bad As I Used To Be (From F1® The Movie) [Official Visualizer]

This standout track by American country powerhouse Chris Stapleton was released in May 2025 as part of the soundtrack F1 The Album for the much-talked-about film F1 starring Brad Pitt.

Portraying the journey of confronting one’s past and reigniting lost passion, the song features Stapleton’s characteristically soulful vocals and a bluesy guitar riff, delivering a weighty sound where country, soul, and rock fuse beautifully.

Co-produced with his longtime collaborator Dave Cobb, the piece ties closely to the film’s story and carries a powerful message aimed especially at adults facing turning points in their lives.

3rd Time LuckyAJ Tracey

AJ Tracey – 3rd Time Lucky (Official Video)

AJ Tracey, a London-born rapper known for blending diverse genres, released a new track in May 2025 that he describes as “my most personal song to date.” The song is based on his mother’s experience battling cancer and carries an emotional message centered on resilience and hope.

It serves as the lead single for his album “Don’t Die Before You’re Dead,” scheduled for a June release, with a portion of the proceeds going to the UK cancer support charity Maggie’s.

While rooted in hip-hop and R&B, the track features an introspective melody, making it a comforting work for listeners facing similar challenges.

Fame is a GunAddison Rae

Addison Rae – Fame is a Gun (Official Video)

Addison Rae, a U.

S.

-born star who made a glamorous transition from TikTok to the music scene, released a new track in May 2025.

Blending synth-pop and dance-pop into a sparkling sound, the standout song explores the duality of fame.

Co-written and co-composed by Rae herself along with Elvira Anderfjärd and Luca Cacciatore, it serves as the fifth single from her debut album, “Addison.” The music video—set at a lavish dinner party with wigs and sunglasses—has also become a hot topic.

A must-listen for pop fans!

AfterlifeAlex G

Alex G – Afterlife (Official Video)

Alex G, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born in 1993 and hailing from Pennsylvania.

The track released in May 2025 showcases his signature falsetto vocals and a dreamy sound palette built around mandolin and synthesizers.

Coupled with poetic lyrics themed around life’s turning points and renewal, it’s a work that feels nostalgic yet distinctly contemporary.

This song is the lead single from the album “Headlights,” slated for release in July 2025, and marks his major-label debut with RCA Records—a milestone track.

It’s highly recommended for listeners who want a touch of the extraordinary in the everyday, or who enjoy introspective music.

Lovin MyselfAva Max

Ava Max – Lovin Myself (Official Music Video)

Ava Max, the American artist who rose to global pop stardom with the smash hit “Sweet but Psycho,” returns with a track centered on self-love and independence.

This electropop number powerfully portrays a woman moving forward after heartbreak.

Released in May 2025 as the second single from the album “Don’t Click Play,” the song is a deeply personal piece that she describes as “one of my most honest tracks.” Its catchy melody and the music video featuring her signature “Max Cut” hairstyle have sparked plenty of buzz, making it an empowering anthem for anyone who wants to live authentically.

BackseatBalu Brigada

Balu Brigada – Backseat (Official Visualiser)

The New Zealand-born brother duo, Vallë Brigada, are releasing their new single “Backseat” in May 2025.

Formed by brothers Henry and Pierre Beasley, they’re a rising act who signed with Warner Music Australia in 2022.

Described by the band as their “most ambitious track to date,” the six-minute epic blends elements of neo-disco and funk for a seriously cool sound.

Its powerful bassline and reverb-soaked guitar riffs will feature on their debut album, Portal.

If you enjoy boundary-pushing experimentation or are into groovy pop-rock, be sure to check it out.

Momma SongBenson Boone

Benson Boone – Momma Song (Official Music Video)

Benson Boone is a young singer-songwriter, born in 2002, who embodies a style characteristic of his generation: after earning rave reviews on the hugely popular audition show American Idol, he chose to leave the program to prioritize his creative freedom and went on to build a powerful fan base through social media.

Released in May 2025, this song is an emotional ballad included on his second album, American Heart, scheduled for release in June of the same year.

It expresses deep love and gratitude to his mother, and its simple, piano-centered arrangement highlights Boone’s delicate vocals, making it a standout track.

As a song about family, it will undoubtedly become something special for many people striving far from home.