[2025 Edition] Upbeat Western Music! Latest Hits and Popular Songs

squabble upKendrick Lamar

squabble up

On November 22, 2024, Kendrick Lamar—the strongest rapper in modern hip-hop—suddenly released his sixth studio album, GNX.

The second track, squabble up, had already been teased at the beginning of the music video for 2024’s smash hit Not Like Us, and with its easy-to-remember, catchy chorus, it’s an undeniable banger.

Lyrically, it’s a full-throated celebration of Kendrick’s hometown of Compton, California, and West Coast culture at large.

Combined with production that incorporates elements like G-funk, it stands as a quintessential emblem of West Coast hip-hop.

Die With A SmileLady Gaga, Bruno Mars

Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars – Die With A Smile (Official Music Video)

An irresistibly upbeat track has been brought to life through a collaboration between Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

This work from the two American artists is a pop, emotionally charged ballad that skillfully blends elements of dance and country.

Released in August 2024, the song features a striking musicality centered on acoustic guitar and synthesizers, depicting the final moments spent with a loved one.

Its lyrics convey a message of “ending with a smile,” offering a positive perspective on the end of life.

A music video with a 1970s country-style aesthetic has also been released, generating buzz and delighting fans.

Showcasing both artists’ exceptional vocals, this piece is profoundly moving.

CinnamonBENEE

BENEE – Cinnamon (Official Video)

BENEE, the New Zealand singer-songwriter known for her global TikTok hit “Supalonely,” released this new track in August 2025.

Set to a bouncy electropop sound, it captures her personal feelings amid the chaos of moving to LA, expressing a wish to remain sweet and kind.

A highlight is the bridge featuring her friend Sora’s cello—so moving it brings BENEE herself to tears.

The song is a lead single from her second album, “Ur an Angel I’m Just Particles,” due out in November 2025, which also includes a track featured on the Minecraft Movie soundtrack.

It’s the kind of song that will likely make you feel gentle and reassured when you’re feeling a bit uneasy in a new environment.

Dance With Me (ft. Tyga)Ciara

Ciara – Dance With Me ft. Tyga (Official Music Video)

Ciara, who leads the R&B scene with her outstanding dance performances, continues to evolve musically and drops high-style tracks every time.

Her new song on CiCi, her first album in six years, features rapper Tyga, renowned for his flow.

Ciara herself has called it a “song of the summer” contender—an energetic dance tune.

Its lyrics, which directly invite you to the dance floor, express the confidence she’s cultivated over her career and the joy of stepping onto a new stage together with her fans.

The music video includes touches that will delight longtime fans, such as recreating her 2010-era style.

It’s a perfect fit for a weekend drive or party when you want to elevate your mood.

Jealous TypeDoja Cat

Doja Cat – Jealous Type (Official Video)

Doja Cat, who captivates fans around the world with her one-of-a-kind persona and genre-blending musicality, has released a lead single from her album Vie, set for release in September 2025.

Produced by Jack Antonoff and Y2K, the track features an ’80s-tinged disco-funk sound.

Surprisingly, the lyrics set over the glitzy track explore the complex theme of jealousy.

They deftly capture raw, straightforward emotions—yearning for love while wrestling with doubt.

The contrast between the danceable groove and introspective lyrics reveals her depth as an artist.

The song garnered major attention when it was used in a Marc Jacobs ad in May 2025.

It’s a perfect pick for drives and parties, and also rewarding to listen to while unpacking the lyrics.

PoloKim Petras

Kim Petras – Polo (Official Visualizer)

A fearless club anthem from German-born pop star Kim Petras, who’s even taken home a Grammy! It explodes with such high-octane energy that it’s hard to believe it was made while she had three broken toes.

The track portrays a protagonist stripping off the clothes of others’ expectations and unleashing their true self.

Its provocative message—“Look at me more”—hits hard and shakes listeners to the core.

Premiered at PRIDE festivals and buzzing even before its official June 2025 release, this song might just make you feel unstoppable, ready to smash through any wall.

Love is Like (ft. Lil Wayne)Maroon 5

Maroon 5 – Love is Like ft. Lil Wayne (Official Video)

Maroon 5, a band boasting worldwide popularity for their groovy sound, return with a track from Love Is Like—their first album in about four years since the 2021 masterpiece Jordi—featuring rapper Lil Wayne.

The song draws you into a provocative lyrical world that likens love’s irresistible allure to a drug.

Its funky beat, sampling Valerie Simpson’s classic, and the warm, organic instrumentation make it a perfect fit for a drive.

This marks their fourth collaboration with Lil Wayne, showcasing their strong chemistry.

Set for release in August 2025, it’s a track that highlights a fresh side of the band.