Trending Western Music [May 2025]

IllegalPinkPantheress

PinkPantheress – Illegal (Official Video)

Despite still being a college student, UK-born PinkPantheress took the top spot in the BBC’s Sound of 2022.

Influenced by ’90s drum’n’bass and UK garage, her sound—paired with a soft yet resolute vocal—exudes a distinctive allure.

Released in May 2025 after a hiatus, this track opens her mixtape “Fancy That.” Skillfully weaving in a sample from Underworld, the lyrics, centered on a forbidden love, vividly capture the emotions of youth.

The music video, directed by Ethan & Tom, unfolds a dreamlike visual world that blends live action with animation, further elevating the song’s mood.

Nostalgic yet refreshingly new, it’s a track best savored on a late-night drive or in the quiet of your room.

Friend Of MineRihanna

Rihanna – Friend Of Mine (from the Smurfs Movie Soundtrack)

This track, recorded by Barbados-born Rihanna for the animated film The Smurfs slated for release in May 2025, features flowing strings, lively Afrobeats, and a catchy melody line.

Produced as part of the soundtrack for a project in which she also appears as a voice actor, it blends warm synth textures with rhythmic drum patterns, making it a perfect addition to summer playlists.

It’s her eagerly awaited new work since the 2016 album ANTI, and the song—sung from the perspective of the character Smurfette—radiates a bright, hopeful vibe.

It’s a must-listen not only for movie fans but also for music lovers who enjoy dance tracks.

Family MattersSkye Newman

Skye Newman – Family Matters (Official Audio)

Sky Newman, a rising singer-songwriter born in South Africa, raised in Australia, and now based in London, is drawing attention for her sharp lyrics and soulful vocals.

Informed by a unique perspective shaped by a challenging adolescence, her latest work—released in May 2025—is a moving R&B track that weaves a story of family bonds and personal growth.

The result is a gorgeous ballad that broke into the UK Official Singles Chart Top 10.

With its warm vocals and candid, relatable lyrics, it’s the perfect song for reflecting on connections with family and loved ones.

A remix by Man Like Twin has also been released, showcasing the song’s many compelling facets.

Bloom Baby BloomWolf Alice

Wolf Alice – Bloom Baby Bloom (Official Video)

A new work brimming with fresh appeal from Wolf Alice, the alternative rock band from London, UK.

Its refined sound blends elements of art rock and pop rock, with Ellie Rowsell’s powerful vocals leaving a strong impression.

Where her voice once tended to be buried under the instruments, it now takes center stage, making this track feel like the dawn of a new era.

Teaming up with Grammy-winning producer Greg Kurstin, the song pairs lyrics themed around personal growth and renewal with production that resonates deeply.

As the lead single from the album “The Clearing,” slated for release in August 2025, it’s already generating significant buzz.

If you’re looking for a fresh breeze in English-language rock, this is a track you should definitely hear.

How I’m FeelingBAK Jay

BAK Jay – How I’m Feeling (Official Video)

Atlanta-born rapper BAK Jay has been winning over younger audiences with a captivating style that fuses genres like trap and drill.

Featuring striking Auto-Tune effects that highlight his own voice and melodic vocals laid over trap beats, this track has been buzzing on social media since its release.

Dropped in May 2025 and produced by Fingotit, the music video surpassed 500,000 views in just five days.

It’s a track that brilliantly crystallizes the musicality he showcased on the album “Meet The Reap.” Perfect for listeners who want to enjoy a blend of raw messages about street life and relationships with an emotional sound.

My WorldChuckyy

Chuckyy – My World (Official Music Video)

Based in Chicago, Chucky is an artist who represents the new-generation drill rap scene born from the city’s street culture.

His singular style blends eerie, horror film–like beats with his distinctively nasal vocals to create a sound that’s truly one of a kind.

Released in April 2025, this ambitious work fuses a heavy bassline with delicate melodies, weaving in deep emotional expression centered on themes of inner worlds, conflict, and personal growth.

Continuing to rack up high play counts on Apple Music and Spotify, this track is recommended for listeners seeking new forms of expression within drill rap.

what i preferDDG

DDG – what i prefer (Official Music Video)

This track, released from DeeDGee’s album “Blame The Chat” in May 2025, is a love song marked by a soft vocal performance over a melodic trap beat.

It delicately expresses ideals for a partner and values in relationships, and its music video—striking with blue and purple lighting—crafts a dreamlike world featuring model Wendy Ortiz.

With contributions from popular rappers Wiz Khalifa and Offset, the song showcases the broad range of musicality of an artist who has transitioned from YouTuber to musician.

Its moody vibe is pleasantly soothing, making it perfect for a relaxed nighttime drive.