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

BaddiesAya Nakamura & Joé Dwèt Filé

Aya Nakamura & Joé Dwèt Filé – Baddies (Clip officiel)

This track has been gaining popularity on Instagram Reels and TikTok.

It’s a collaboration between Aya Nakamura and Joé Dwèt Filé, carrying a powerful message about agency in relationships and self-affirmation.

Released in May 2025, its blend of R&B and Afrobeats makes it perfect for summer drives and moments by the beach.

The duo’s back-and-forth captures a modern view of love, making it a must-listen for anyone who values authenticity or wants to take the lead in romance.

Be sure to add it to your playlist!

Offa MeDavido

Davido – Offa Me (Official Video)

This track offers an enchanting blend of Afrobeats and R&B that resonates on summer nights.

A collaboration between Nigerian star Davido and American R&B singer Victoria Monét, it was released in April 2025 as the fourth single from the album “5ive.” Born from their meeting at the 2024 Grammy Awards, the song achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.

2 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.

Its sensual melodic lines and soothing groove are perfectly balanced, making it ideal for summer drives or relaxing at dusk.

It’s also recommended for those who want to experience the harmony between African rhythms and Western sounds.

Starlight (ft. PinkPantheress)Danny L Harle

Danny L Harle – Starlight (ft. PinkPantheress)

This is a collaboration between London-based producer Danny L Harle and PinkPantheress, who is known for topping the BBC Sound of 2022.

For Danny L Harle—whose work with Caroline Polachek earned a Grammy nomination—this eagerly awaited track is his first since his 2021 album Harlecore.

Its shimmering sound evokes ’90s Eurodance, melding with PinkPantheress’s wistful vocals to create a distinctive atmosphere described as “ecstatic melancholy.” The lyrics, which portray a sweet yet frustrating longing akin to yearning for the light of a distant star, are likely to resonate with many listeners.

It’s perfect for moments spent gazing at the night sky or when you want to sink into a sentimental mood alone.

Let yourself be carried away by the sweeping waves of synthesizers.

Victory Lap TwoFred again.., Skepta, PlaqueBoyMax & Denzel Curry

Victory Lap Five

This is a star-studded track by two of London’s finest talents, Fred again.

.

and Skepta, joined by PlaqueBoyMax from the American streaming scene.

Fred again.

.

, known as a Grammy-winning producer, delivers his signature emotional sound, interwoven perfectly with the heavyweight grime presence of Skepta and the energetic flow of a new-generation rapper.

It’s packed with positive energy—like a victory declaration—that celebrates the journey so far while aiming even higher.

Released in July as Part 2 of a track that dropped in June 2025, this version boasts an even more luxurious lineup with Denzel Curry added as a guest!

Rock With You (feat. Takuya Kuroda)José James

José James – Rock With You feat. Takuya Kuroda (Official Audio)

The dance classic by Justin Timberlake and The Neptunes, which revived the sparkle of ’70s disco with fresh energy in the 2000s, returns to you with even greater allure.

José James faithfully carries forward the original’s romantic atmosphere with his soulful vocals and refined arrangement, while Takuya Kuroda’s lustrous trumpet weaves an emotive melodic line that blends beautifully with it.

Recorded live in a single take to analog tape, this track serves as a centerpiece of the album “1978: Revenge of The Dragon,” wrapped in an underground vibe reminiscent of the old Mudd Club.

It’s the perfect song for nights when you want to surrender to a smooth groove or share a romantic moment with someone special.

IllegalPinkPantheress

PinkPantheress – Illegal (Official Video)

PinkPantheress, a highly skilled singer-songwriter and producer from the UK, unveiled this lead track in May 2025 from her second mixtape, “Fancy That.” Drawing inspiration from British electronic music of the ’90s and early 2000s, the sound perfectly balances the freshness of a young artist with a refined musical maturity.

The austere beat—sampling a track by Underworld—pairs exquisitely with her delicate, ephemeral vocals, and the lyrics themed around a forbidden love leave a strong impression.

The music video, which captures the work’s unique world, is also a must-see, offering a dreamlike visual beauty that blends live action with animation.

It’s a highly recommended track for music fans who gravitate toward dark, melancholic atmospheres.

HelixNight Tapes

Night Tapes – Helix (Official Video)

Night Tapes is a three-piece dream-pop unit made up of members from the UK and Estonia, bottling the feel of London’s night air in their music.

This song portrays the precarious balance at the start of a romance—wondering whether the person you’re about to meet is a destined partner or a source of confusion.

It sings of the complex truth of love: sometimes the wrong person can lead you to the right place.

Airy synths, grunge-tinged guitars, and beautiful vocals intertwine to create a dreamy yet subtly shadowed sound world.

The track is taken from their debut album, “portals // polarities,” set for release in September 2025.

It’s the kind of song that will gently stay by your side on those nights when your heart flutters at the promise of new encounters, even as a hint of unease lingers.