[2025] Great for drives too! A roundup of the latest stylish Western music

updownpiri, Tommy Villiers

piri, Tommy Villiers – updown (official video)

“updown” is a track released in 2023 by Piri & Tommy, the young UK drum and bass duo of Piri and Tommy Villiers.

The song conveys a provocative, dynamic passion, celebrating confident strength and an approach that upends traditional gender norms.

It sublimates a relationship of mutual desire and testing—one that refuses to bow to social expectations—into music with remarkable finesse, making it a surefire conversation starter and a dynamic soundtrack for your drive.

Although it’s only been out a short time, its edgy, stylish sound has already captivated many listeners.

SPACE INVADERKAYTRANADA

KAYTRANADA – SPACE INVADER (Official Audio)

This track was produced by Canadian producer Kaytranada, who won two major categories at the 2021 Grammys.

Released in August 2025, it was created as a lead single from the album “Ain’t No Damn Way!” Its retro beat reminiscent of 80s dance music pairs perfectly with synth tones that feel like a journey through space.

The repeated phrase, “Sometimes I just want to run away somewhere,” seems to capture the protagonist’s earnest desire to break free from the constraints of everyday life.

It’s the perfect BGM when you want a change of pace or to immerse yourself in something.

MS. PAC MANSudan Archives

Sudan Archives – MS. PAC MAN (Official Music Video)

This is a track by Sudan Archives, a U.

S.

-born musician, where nostalgically familiar game sounds and Y2K vibes are brilliantly fused.

With its electropop beat and synth tones, many listeners will likely find their bodies moving before they know it.

In this work, the image of pushing through the labyrinth of fame is superimposed onto a game protagonist who powers up to overcome obstacles.

The playful backstory—born from studio improvisation—is uniquely charming as well.

The song will be unveiled in August 2025 and included on the album “THE BPM,” releasing that October.

Its lead single has even been used in a Chanel show, underscoring the buzz around it.

It’s the perfect track for when you want an energetic beat to lift your mood or to treat challenges like a game and power through them!

Lover GirlLaufey

Laufey – Lover Girl (Official Music Video)

Laufey, a singer-songwriter from Iceland who performed with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra at the age of 15.

Gracefully navigating between classical and jazz, she released this work in June 2025—a jazz-pop song that portrays a growing longing for a faraway lover.

By setting the loneliness of being unable to meet to a light, bossa nova–inspired rhythm, the expression paradoxically highlights the heart’s concealed ache—masterfully so.

The track comes from her third album, A Matter of Time, following the acclaimed Bewitched, which won the 66th Grammy Awards.

In July 2025, a music video filmed during her visit to Japan was also released, and the song is currently generating major buzz.

Mr. CoolKenya Grace

Kenya Grace – Mr. Cool (Official Audio)

Kenya Grace, a South Africa-born, UK-raised artist who wrote, composed, and produced her own track that topped the UK charts in 2023, has surprised the world from her bedroom.

Her new single, released in June 2025, is a pleasantly groovy dance tune that blends her signature drum and bass with the textures of house music.

The song portrays the glittering facade of someone who repeats fleeting relationships, while revealing the loneliness and emptiness hidden beneath.

Another highlight is the sonic evolution—this is the first time she’s brought in an external producer.

It’s a richly layered track that fits both a night out at the club and moments when you want to sink into your thoughts.

All NightMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – All Night (Lyric Video)

The funky sax solo and bouncy groove seem to carry in that carefree summer feeling.

Released in June 2025 by the globally popular band Maroon 5, this track signals a return to the organic funk sound reminiscent of their early days.

It’s the lead single from their eighth album, “Love Is Like,” and Adam Levine’s energetic, beautiful vocals vividly capture the sparkle of a night spent with someone special.

With its back-to-basics sound, it blends seamlessly into settings like a drive or a party with friends, making for the perfect background music.

place of my ownPurity Ring

Purity Ring – place of my own (official audio)

Have you ever found yourself suddenly dreaming of a sanctuary where no one can disturb you? This track by Canadian electro-pop duo Purity Ring transforms that longing into a euphoric trance anthem.

The shimmering, dreamlike synths—fitting for a song said to have been born in the misty forests of the mountains—create a floating sensation, as if you’re drifting through the clouds.

The earnest desire to seek a personal sanctum and release your heart into the beauty of nature gently invites listeners into a kinder world.

The song comes from their fourth album, Purity Ring, set for release in September 2025.

When you want to step away from the bustle of the city and quietly sink into your thoughts alone, it’s sure to stay close by your side.