Justin Bieber – “DAISIES”
After a four year hiatus, Justin Bieber shocked the world by dropping his seventh studio album SWAG as a complete surprise on July 11th, with “DAISIES” currently sitting at number 5 on the Official UK Singles Chart. What makes this track special is how stripped down and genuine it feels, with critics saying Bieber has never “sounded more real”. The lo-fi, folky approach captures an intimate moment between Bieber and his wife Hailey, recorded during a 2023 vacation in Monaco, and it’s this authenticity that has everyone from Drew Barrymore to his former manager Scooter Braun calling it a standout moment.
Wolf Alice – “The Sofa”
British indie rockers Wolf Alice are preparing for their fourth studio album The Clearing with “The Sofa,” a piano-driven ballad that reflects on getting older without achieving every dream you once had. Singer Ellie Rowsell explains it’s about “not trying so hard to figure everything out” and finding peace in simple moments like rewatching your favorite TV show for the thirteenth time. The accompanying music video shows Rowsell traveling through North London on a sofa, perfectly capturing the song’s themes of acceptance and finding contentment in ordinary moments.
Jaba Khalid – “Outside” (feat. Miri)
London based artist Jaba Khalid releases his debut single “Outside” featuring Miri on July 12th, delivering a blend of contemporary R&B and dancehall that feels both fresh and familiar. The collaboration creates a musical conversation about vulnerability and connection, with Jaba’s smooth delivery carrying the weight of romantic pursuit while Miri adds depth and balance to the narrative. For an artist who spent three years rebuilding his life after a peripheral neuropathy diagnosis, “Outside” represents more than just a debut, it’s a statement of resilience and stepping beyond comfort zones that arrives perfectly timed for summer.
Barry Can’t Swim – “Childhood”
Scottish electronic producer Barry Can’t Swim continues his hot streak with “Childhood” from his new album Loner, sampling Otis Redding’s “Pain in My Heart” and Willie Hutch’s “I Choose You” to create something entirely his own. The track serves as an emotional anchor point that showcases his evolution from the Mercury Prize nominated debut, feeling like a meditation on growing up and the bittersweet nature of looking back at simpler times. It’s dance music that hits you in the feelings, working equally well in headphones or on a dancefloor.
Cloud – “Punk Never Dies”
Japanese solo artist Cloud has delivered exactly what 2025 needed with his explosive new single “Punk Never Dies,” taking punk spirit and applying it directly to the chaos and uncertainty of modern life. What immediately grabs you is the authentic guitar work that feels completely unforced, avoiding the cosplay feeling that plagues much modern punk. With powerful drumming from French collaborator Alexandre Di Pasquale, the track works as both personal statement and cultural commentary, proving that punk’s core values of authenticity and rebellion remain as relevant as ever.
Skepta – “Friendly Fire”
UK grime legend Skepta has officially thrown down the gauntlet in the ongoing UK versus US rap debate with “Friendly Fire,” a confrontational track that specifically targets American rapper Joyner Lucas. The song emerged from social media tension and takes aim at hip hop media personalities before putting the Massachusetts native into his crosshairs. With Drake recently declaring that the best lyricists come from London, this feels like the opening shot in what could become a much larger cultural conversation about regional rap scenes and authenticity.
Von Venn – “You Can Talk To Me”
Irish indie rockers Von Venn are building serious momentum with “You Can Talk To Me,” the first taste from their upcoming album Forgetting the Fall. The track opens with a striking guitar riff and unfolds as a nocturnal conversation between two lost souls, with the narrative blurring the line between truth and façade. Dublin based songwriter Gary Cox has crafted something that channels classic British indie rock through a thoroughly modern lens, understanding exactly when to pull back and when to surge forward for maximum emotional impact.
