Summer Albums 2025: 6 Genre-Bending Releases You Need to Hear
Summer 2025 is shaping up to a particularly exciting one for new music! Whether you're into rock, genre-defying pop, or headbanging metal, this summer’s slate of album releases has something for every kind of listener. With icons returning with bold new projects, and solo ventures from stars like Måneskin's Damiano David and Marina releasing independently for the first time, now’s the time to update your playlists ready for those chill days and warm nights. Here's a little guide to some of the season’s most anticipated albums and why they should be on your radar this year!
Damiano David – Funny Little Fears
Måneskin frontman, Damiano David, ventures out on his own with Funny Little Fears, a dark-pop, rock-infused solo debut promising to “break the moulds of expectation, both sonically and lyrically”, according to a press release. Collaborating with Labrinth and Jason Evigan, the album is rich with personal themes, blending crooning vocals with cinematic arrangements, as David set to “bravely journey deep within the confines of his own mind as he confronts his fears.”
As the face of the Grammy-winning Måneskin, Damiano helped bring glam rock back to the global stage with their international success starting at Eurovision in 2021. With his solo debut, he turns to a more introspective side, without losing his electric presence. Whilst we often think of bright daylight and sunny spells with summer, this one is more for those warm nights and late drives. Hitting physical and digital shelves on May 16th.
Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful
After months of cryptic teasers and hits to new music, Miley Cyrus announced her upcoming ninth studio album Something Beautiful last month. Something Beautiful is set to be a genre-fluid visual album inspired by Pink Floyd’s The Wall. Opening with a spoken word track simply titled "Prelude", it is supported by electronic instrumentals with lyrics exploring existential thoughts and contemplating the duality of beauty. The album dives deep into self-reflection and rebirth, blending rock, folk, and cinematic pop.
From her Disney roots as Miley Stuart and Hannah Montana to rock rebel and now pop icon, Miley has done it all- and this album dropping on May 30th might be her most creative yet, and seems like it'll be perfect for those slow sunsets.
Marina – Princess of Power
Marina’s first independent release Princess of Power is a manifesto of self-empowerment and liberation, with her describing its themes as “freeing younger women of the feeling that our bodies don't quite belong to us.” She also stated that the record is “very playful and has a character-led concept”, which is evident in its single “CUNTISSIMO”, which has been described as “an anthem for the unapologetic.” Princess of Power sees Marina return to bold, synthy pop with a sharpened lyrical bite and fearless creative control.
From her The Family Jewels debut to politically charged LOVE + FEAR, Marina has always been about artistry on her own terms. Now free of record labels, Princess of Power is unapologetically her, and it's full of empowering bops that belong on any poolside playlist or feminist summer soundtrack when it drops on June 6th.
Babymetal – METAL FORTH
Set to release worldwide on June 27, 2025 and following 2023’s THE OTHER ONE which saw the J-pop-metal group veer in a slightly different (but equally fun and eccentric) direction, METAL FORTH sees the trio return to form. METAL FORTH features some epic collaborations with artists like Poppy, Electric Callboy, Spiritbox, Tom Morello, Bloodywood, Polyphia, and Slaughter To Prevail, reflecting the band's global musical connections over the past decade.
Since their formation in 2010, Babymetal have taken the world by storm and revolutionized the metal genre by blending J-pop with heavy metal, creating a unique sound referred to as "kawaii metal.” Their music is heavy enough to appeal to metalheads and cutesy enough to appeal to a more general audience, and paired with their energetic live performances, they have garnered a dedicated international fanbase. With METAL FORTH, Babymetal continue to push boundaries, offering a dynamic listening experience which is high energy, lots of fun and perfect for your summer playlists.
Halestorm – Everest
Halestorm? In summer? The rockers return with Everest, a raw and defiant album that promises to be their boldest yet, describing it as “a rollercoaster of epic musical detours, great songwriting and completely unhinged twists and turns." Recorded in a house in Savannah, Georgia with legendary producer Dave Cobb, frontwoman Lzzy Hale calls it their “most human” record yet, adding “we weave a tangled web of melancholy, frustration, anger, and the vast purgatory of love and love lost.”
Initially formed in the 1997 by Lzzy and her drummer brother Arejay Hale, Halestorm burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut album in 2009. Since then, have built their reputation on explosive live shows and platinum-selling rock anthems. With Everest dropping on August 8th, they bring back their edge while evolving into something more fearless, saying that the album is “an auditory representation of the four pillars of Halestorm. Let us reintroduce ourselves and invite you into our world…if you dare." Think of those long road trips, loud speakers, and letting off steam in the sun.
Craig David – Commitment
Craig David has a place on everybody’s summer playlist. Don’t lie. The two-time Grammy nominee is responsible for some of the biggest hits to come from the UK since 2000 like “7 Days” and “Walking Away.” His upcoming ninth studio album Commitment, aims to blend the different elements of his music until now. He described its leading single “Wake Up” as “my way of not only respecting my garage roots, but also keeping alive the cultural foundation of the sound from where it all started.”
Craig David has reinvented himself countless times but never lost his signature flair. With features from Tiwa Savage and JoJo, the album is out towards the end of summer on August 8th, but Commitment feels like that late summer romance, and perfect for the warm nights and weekend vibes.
Whether you’re cruising down the highway, dancing at a festival, or simply soaking in the sun, these albums offer the perfect audio backdrop! What are you looking forward to this summer?
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