Harry Styles, XG, Arctic Monkeys & More

This Friday brings a diverse range of new music releases, from highly anticipated returns to impressive debuts. Billboard’s weekly guide highlights key tracks and albums poised to dominate playlists and conversations this weekend and beyond, featuring established artists and rising stars alike.

New Music Highlights

Harry Styles’ Dancefloor Evolution

Harry Styles is back with “Aperture,” the lead single from his upcoming album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. Described as a “transcendent” track, “Aperture” marks a shift for Styles, delivering a straight-up dance song that draws comparisons to artists like Hot Chip and LCD Soundsystem, while maintaining his signature pop appeal. The song clocks in at over five minutes, building slowly to a “dazzlingly satisfying” climax.

Louis Tomlinson’s Accomplished Solo Work

Louis Tomlinson, also of One Direction fame, released How Did I Get Here?, his third solo album. This project is described as his most accomplished to date, showcasing “blissful diversions and successfully anthemic singles” that finally reflect the confidence he demonstrated as a performer within One Direction.

XG’s Defining Debut

The group XG has released their debut full-length album, The Core. Described as a “defining artistic statement,” the album presents the group’s complete aesthetic, with “Hypnotize” as a standout track, complemented by the strong pairing of “Rock the Boat” and “Take My Breath.”

Arctic Monkeys Contribute to Charity Compilation

Arctic Monkeys are participating in a sequel to the 1995 Help! compilation, benefiting War Child. The band’s contribution, “Opening Night,” is a “scuzzy lounge-rocker” that coincides with the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. Other artists on the compilation include Pulp, Beabadoobee, Fontaines D.C., Beck, and Olivia Rodrigo.

An Unexpected Collaboration: Fred again.. & Young Thug

Young Thug and Fred again.. have teamed up for the new single “Scared.” The collaboration is described as an unexpected pairing, with Thug’s vocals blending seamlessly into Fred again..’s signature sentimental production style, creating a sound that is both new and familiar.

Editor’s Pick: Holly Humberstone’s Emotional Resonance

Holly Humberstone’s new single, “To Love Somebody,” is highlighted as an editor’s pick. The song is a “gratifyingly frenetic” exploration of the emotional complexities of love and loss, set to a breezy acoustic-disco beat, and delivers the observation that “To love somebody/ To hurt somebody/ To lose somebody/ Is to know you’re only human, honey.”

Did You Know? Harry Styles’ new album is titled Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.

Expert Insight: The simultaneous releases from Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson highlight the continued individual success of former One Direction members, demonstrating their ability to evolve and maintain relevance in the music industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of sound does Harry Styles’ new single, “Aperture,” have?

“Aperture” is described as a straight-up dance song, recalling electro-indie cuts by Hot Chip and LCD Soundsystem, but still carrying pop-superstar gravity.

What is significant about Louis Tomlinson’s new album, How Did I Get Here??

How Did I Get Here? is described as Tomlinson’s most accomplished solo LP to date, showcasing confidence and anthemic singles.

What does the press release say about XG’s album, The Core?

The press release describes The Core as “a defining artistic statement for XG.”

With such a diverse range of releases this week, which artist’s new music resonates most with your personal taste?