March is behind us, leaving an impressive collection of great music. We saw the highly anticipated return of Lady Gaga, who unleashed Mayhem, her first project since Chromatica. The album produced several hit singles, including “Abracadabra” and “Die with a Smile.” One year after Eternal Sunshine, Ariana Grande expanded the tracklist with the Brighter Days Ahead edition, featuring standout tracks like “Twilight Zone” and “Hampstead.” Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco celebrated their relationship with their joint album, I Said I Love You First.
In the K-pop scene, BLACKPINK’s JENNIE followed in her bandmates’ footsteps by releasing her debut solo album, Ruby, while LE SSERAFIM returned with a new EP, Hot.
As we look ahead to what April has in store, here’s a rundown of the best albums of March, based on our ratings.
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Accidentally On Purpose – Seulgi (6.9)
Following her successful solo debut, Seulgi continues to showcase her artistry with Accidentally On Purpose. The Red Velvet member treats fans to six new tracks, ranging from the energetic, funk-infused lead single “Baby, Not Baby” to the introspective ballad “Weakness.”
Deep Thoughts – Lil Durk (6.9)
Lil Durk returns with Deep Thoughts, his highly anticipated ninth studio album. After months of delays and speculation, the project is finally here, marking his first full-length release since Almost Healed and Nightmares in the Trenches in 2023. In this LP, Durk takes a reflective approach, addressing personal struggles and growth.
OMW2 Rexdale – NAV (7.1)
NAV revisits his roots with OMW2 Rexdale, a deeply personal album that pays tribute to his upbringing in Toronto’s Rexdale neighborhood. The title—short for On My Way to Rexdale—symbolizes a return home, both physically and emotionally. The album blends NAV’s signature moody trap beats with introspective lyricism, making for an intimate yet familiar listening experience.
Air – Yeji (7.2)
Yeji officially kicks off her solo career with Air, her debut EP. The ITZY leader becomes the first member of the K-pop group to release a solo project, a move that had been anticipated since the start of the year. The four-track EP is a strong introduction, with standout songs like the title track “Air” and “258.”
Hot – LE SSERAFIM (7.28)
LE SSERAFIM returns with their fifth EP, Hot, the final installment in a trilogy that also includes Easy and Crazy. While the title track leads the release, it’s “Ash” that truly steals the spotlight, proving to be one of the album’s most captivating moments.
For Melancholy Brunettes (And Sad Women) – Japanese Breakfast (7.3)
Japanese Breakfast delves into themes of melancholy, introspection, and the human experience on For Melancholy Brunettes (And Sad Women). Released via Dead Oceans, the album features frontwoman Michelle Zauner teaming up with Grammy-winning producer Blake Mills to create a record where instrumentation takes center stage.
I Said I Love You First – Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco (7.4)
Selena Gomez makes her long-awaited return to music with I Said I Love You First, a collaborative album with her fiancé, Benny Blanco. The project chronicles their relationship, from the 2019 single “I Can’t Get Enough” to “Scared of Loving You.” Guest appearances include Gracie Abrams and The Marías, while GloRilla makes a surprise appearance on “Cowboy.” Sonically, the album leans into pop, with tracks like “Don’t Wanna Cry” embracing disco influences. The Charli XCX-co-written “Bluest Flame” brings BRAT energy to the mix.
Music – Playboi Carti (7.5)
After years of anticipation—and a last-minute delay—Playboi Carti finally drops his third studio album, I Am Music. At 30 tracks and 76 minutes long, it’s his most extensive release yet. The LP boasts collaborations with major hip-hop figures, including Travis Scott on “Crush,” “Philly,” and “Wake Up F1lthy,” as well as Kendrick Lamar on “Mojo Mojo,” “Backd00r,” and “Good Credit.”
Ruby – JENNIE (7.5)
With Ruby, Jennie fully embraces her artistic versatility. The album doesn’t adhere to a single genre but instead explores a mix of rap, pop, funk, and R&B. While this eclectic approach might make the LP feel less cohesive, it highlights Jennie’s ability to shift effortlessly between styles. “Experimental” is perhaps the best way to describe Ruby.
Paid In Memories – Jessie Reyez (7.8)
Jessie Reyez delivers a masterful genre-blending album with Paid In Memories. Her third studio LP sees the singer seamlessly navigating hip-hop, R&B, alt-rock, soul, and Latin influences. The album kicks off with the high-energy opener “I Never Said I Was Sane” and features well-crafted collaborations with 6LACK, Lil Wayne, and Lil Yachty, each adding depth to the project.
Mayhem – Lady Gaga (8)
Lady Gaga makes a triumphant return to her dance-pop and house roots—the sound that originally defined her career—and the result is exactly what fans have been waiting for. Mayhem is filled with infectious tracks, from the club-ready “Abracadabra” to the electrifying “Zombieboy.” The album also draws inspiration from 1980s synth-pop, especially on standout tracks like “Don’t Call Tonight” and “Killah,” the latter of which samples David Bowie’s Fame.
Eternal Sunshine: Brighter Days Ahead – Ariana Grande (8)
Ariana Grande expands the Eternal Sunshine era with Brighter Days Ahead, the final chapter of her Grammy-nominated album. Now featuring 22 tracks, the deluxe edition introduces new highlights like “Twilight Zone” and an extended version of “Intro (End of the World).” Accompanying the album is a 26-minute short film that delves into Peaches’ past, revealing key moments from her childhood and family life.
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