Summer is (almost) here, and a wave of new music is on the way. While we can’t wait to dive into the projects set for June, it’s time to look back at the releases that made May 2025 unforgettable. We enjoyed new music from some of pop’s biggest stars, including Miley Cyrus, Joe Jonas, and Kali Uchis, as well as exciting newcomers like Meovv and Chloe Qisha. Based on our ratings, here’s a rundown of the best albums released in May.
Related
Love & Light – Maddie and Tae (6.7)
Maddie & Tae’s fourth studio album, Love & Light, arrived on May 2, 2025, offering a heartfelt blend of country tradition and contemporary flair. Across 16 tracks, the duo explores themes of resilience, healing, friendship, and self-worth, crafting a project that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
We Are – i-dle (6.7)
K-pop powerhouse (G)I-DLE—now rebranded as i-dle—make a striking return with their eighth mini album, We are, released on May 19, 2025, via Cube Entertainment. Produced by leader Soyeon, the six-track project marks a confident new chapter for the group, celebrating their evolution while reaffirming their identity. Unlike the introspective themes of their previous “I” series, We are embraces unity and collective strength. The star-shaped album cover, formed from five stylized “i” characters, reflects this spirit—each member distinct yet stronger together.
Jonatan – Yung Lean (6.9)
With the release of his fifth studio album Jonatan, Yung Lean opens a new, introspective chapter in his musical journey. Named after his birth name—Jonatan Aron Leandoer Håstad—the project dropped on May 2, 2025, via his own World Affairs label. The 13-track album blends his signature cloud rap sound with bold, experimental flourishes, signaling both growth and a return to personal storytelling.
Tilt – Irene & Seulgi (7)
Irene & Seulgi of Red Velvet are back as a dynamic duo with TILT, their highly anticipated second mini-album, released on May 26, 2025. Five years after their debut Monster, the pair return stronger than ever with a bold, genre-blending six-track collection that highlights their artistic growth and polished musical identity. TILT blends smooth R&B, sleek pop, and cutting-edge visuals, delivering a fresh yet sophisticated sound.
Funny Little Fears – Damiano David (7)
Måneskin frontman Damiano David is carving out a new path—this time on his own. With the release of his debut solo album Funny Little Fears on May 16, the Italian rock star trades in the band’s signature glam-rock swagger for a more vulnerable and emotionally rich pop sound. At 26, Damiano steps into the spotlight with raw honesty, offering listeners a softer, more introspective side of himself. His solo era began in early 2024 with the Labrinth-produced single “Silverlines,” followed by “Born with a Broken Heart,” “Next Summer,” and “Voices”—each track peeling back layers of his personal journey. Accompanied by the evocative short film Funny Little Stories, the rollout painted a vivid picture of the themes that drive the album: anxiety, heartbreak, identity, and the search for hope.
Open VVide – Meovv (7.1)
K-pop’s newest breakout act, MEOVV, is stepping into the spotlight with confidence and creativity. After introducing themselves to the world with the infectious debut single “Meow” in late 2024, the five-member girl group—Sooin, Gawon, Anna, Narin, and Ella—has officially launched their first EP, My Eyes Open VVide, under The Black Label. Blending Korean and English lyrics across six genre-bending tracks, the project fuses hip-hop, funk, and experimental influences to craft a distinctive sonic identity. High-energy songs like “Hands Up” and “Meow” showcase MEOVV’s bold charisma, while deeper cuts like “Toxic” reveal a more vulnerable side, diving into emotional struggle and introspection.
Modern Romance – Chloe Qisha (7.2)
Chloe Qisha is a rising star you’ll want to keep an eye on. Born in Malaysia and now based in the UK, she first caught attention with her debut EP in 2024. This year, she’s back with her second EP, Modern Romance, which dropped on May 15, 2025. The new project explores all the messy, exciting, and complicated sides of love today — from dating struggles to finding yourself and opening up emotionally. Chloe describes this EP as the “rambunctious and daring younger sibling” to her first release, full of passion and honest feelings.
Music For People Who Believe In Love – Joe Jonas (7.2)
Joe Jonas is back as a solo artist with his second studio album, Music for People Who Believe in Love, released today through Republic Records. It’s his first solo project since 2011’s Fastlife, and this time, he’s bringing a more personal, genre-blending vibe. After years making hits with the Jonas Brothers and DNCE, Joe’s new album shows a more grown-up take on love and life. The 14-track record mixes pop, garage rock, alt-pop, and even hints of ’90s country — proving how much he’s evolved as a musician. He’s teamed up with a diverse group of collaborators, including Domi & JD Beck, Sierra Ferrell, Louane, Tiny Habits, Luísa Sonza, and his brother Franklin Jonas.
Fancy That – PinkPantheress (7.2)
PinkPantheress returned with Fancy That, a nine-track mixtape released on May 9, 2025, via Warner Records UK. Serving as the follow-up to her 2023 debut album Heaven Knows, this new project once again showcases her knack for crafting infectious, emotionally rich songs wrapped in early-2000s nostalgia. Staying true to her signature blend of UK garage, drum and bass, and dreamy Y2K pop, Fancy That is both danceable and introspective.
Second Self – Julia Michaels (7.2)
Julia Michaels is stepping into a new phase of her career with the release of her latest EP, Second Self. This six-track project is more than just new music — it’s her first release under her own label, GFY Records, sending a clear message that Julia is taking full control of her artistry.
Sincerely – Kali Uchis (7.2)
Sincerely, Kali Uchis’ fifth studio album, is her most intimate project to date—shaped by profound life moments, including the birth of her first child and the loss of her mother. These deeply personal experiences anchor the album in themes of love, grief, healing, and transformation, creating a raw and reflective body of work. Originally conceived as a series of letters to herself and those she holds dear, Sincerely blossomed into a 14-track collection infused with poetic vulnerability and emotional clarity.
Something Beautiful – Miley Cyrus (7.25)
Miley Cyrus’s ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, is a daring and genre-blurring journey. Released on May 30, 2025, the album tackles powerful themes like love, destruction, identity, and self-reflection. From the edgy experimental rock of the title track “Something Beautiful” to the heartfelt vulnerability of “More to Lose,” Miley pushes her creative boundaries like never before. Featuring collaborations with artists such as Brittany Howard and Naomi Campbell, and with production from Shawn Everett and Maxx Morando, the album fuses pop, rock, funk, and spoken word into a rich, immersive experience.
Dreamsicle – Maren Morris (7.4)
With Dreamsicle, Maren Morris embarks on a bold new era. The 35-year-old artist moves beyond her country roots, leaning into a pop-forward sound infused with touches of soft rock and bluegrass—all anchored by her signature powerhouse vocals. To shape this fresh musical identity, Morris teamed up with top-tier producers like Jack Antonoff, Greg Kurstin, and The Monsters & Strangerz. The album’s 14 tracks reflect a deeply personal journey, shaped by pivotal life changes—most notably her 2023 divorce from Ryan Hurd and her recent coming out as bisexual.
I’m the Problem – Morgan Wallen (7.5)
Morgan Wallen is making a bold statement with his fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, out now via Big Loud, Republic Records, and Mercury Records. Following the record-shattering success of One Thing at a Time—which spent 19 weeks atop the Billboard 200 and ended 2023 as the best-selling album in the U.S.—Wallen doubles down on scale and emotion in this expansive new project. Spanning 37 tracks, I’m The Problem delivers a mix of heartfelt storytelling and traditional country themes, as Morgan reflects on love, heartbreak, regret, and redemption. The album features collaborations with major names including Eric Church, Hardy, Post Malone, and Tate McRae, and includes chart-toppers like “Love Somebody” and the poignant fan favorite “Superman.” Tracks like “Smile” and “Just in Case” further highlight the emotional and sonic range of the LP.
Echo – Jin (7.6)
Jin is back—and this time, he’s diving even deeper. Released on May 16, Echo marks the BTS member’s second solo EP, following the success of 2024’s Happy, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and gave fans beloved tracks like “Running Wild” and “I’ll Be There.” The record opens on an emotional note with “Don’t Say You Love Me” and “Nothing Without Your Love,” before picking up energy with the gritty “Loser” and the anthemic “Rope It.”
Leave a Reply