To help you stay on top of the latest and greatest, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 albums you need to hear right now. This week’s highlights feature Sabrina Carpenter’s chart-topping pop brilliance, Elijah Blake’s soulful innovation, and Matty Marz’s vibrant electro-pop debut. From LA Laura Paris’s electrifying entrance onto the global stage to Jazmin Bean’s genre-bending extended release, this roundup showcases the diverse and exciting landscape of today’s music scene. With a mix of fresh sounds and established artistry, dive in and discover your new favorite album!
1. Sabrina Carpenter — Short N’ Sweet
Of course, our top 10 opens with the most discussed album of recent times: Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet. This standout release debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking her first time at the top of the charts. With 362,000 equivalent album units in its first week, it’s the year’s third-largest debut. The album’s success, driven by hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” and Carpenter’s strong social media presence, highlights her versatility and creativity. Short n’ Sweet blends playful fun with introspective depth, confirming Sabrina Carpenter’s dynamic presence in the pop music scene.
2. Elijah Blake — elijah.
Elijah Blake‘s latest album, elijah., secures the second spot on our list of the most exciting new releases, and it’s no surprise why. Known for his ability to seamlessly fuse classic R&B with contemporary production, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has once again delivered a bold and innovative body of work. The standout single “Ghostbuster” sets the tone for an album that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern, diving deep into themes of love and emotional complexity with a new edge. Blake’s masterful blend of soulful melodies and inventive beats is a proof of his lasting influence in the genre. A standout at this year’s BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, Blake continues to redefine what it means to be a leading voice in contemporary R&B.
3. Matty Marz — M.W.U
Matty Marz, the emerging electro-pop sensation from New York, has unveiled her debut album, m.w.u, an exhilarating foray into pop that blends infectious melodies with a deep introspective journey. This seven-track collection is a testament to Marz’s ability to merge maximalist production with nuanced emotional narratives, exploring the delicate interplay between joy and sorrow, light and darkness. Through tracks like “Ain’t Sorry” and “Spring Cleaning,” Marz crafts a vibrant, dynamic soundscape that mirrors her personal evolution and self-discovery as a trans woman. m.w.u is not just an album but a celebration of living fully in the present, promising to resonate with listeners on both a musical and emotional level. As Marz steps into the limelight with this compelling debut, she establishes herself as a groundbreaking artist poised to leave a significant mark on the pop music landscape.
4. Xavier Omär & ELHAE — Truth Be Told
Xavier Omär and ELHAE have channeled their undeniable chemistry into a compelling new project with their collaborative Truth Be Told EP. This eagerly anticipated release pairs Omär’s smooth, introspective style with ELHAE’s sultry, genre-blending sound, culminating in a collection that is both cohesive and dynamic. The EP’s lead singles, “Favourite” and “Luv 4 U,” set the tone with their infectious hooks and polished production. Complementing these tracks are three additional songs that enrich the project, showcasing the duo’s synergy and leaving listeners eager for more from both artists, whether in future collaborations or their solo endeavors. The Truth Be Told EP is a testament to their musical rapport, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the potential of their combined artistry.
5. LA Laura Paris — Underground Girl
LA Laura Paris has made an explosive entrance onto the global music scene with her debut album, Underground Girl, a project that cements her status as a rising force in electro-pop. Dubbed the “French Madonna,” LA Laura brings a distinct fusion of sophistication and edge to the table, with eight tracks that pulsate with energy and emotional depth. The title track, “Underground Girl,” sets the tone for a journey that feels both fresh and nostalgic, combining sleek production with bold, rebellious lyrics. Standout tracks like “Bad Boys” and “GAME OVER” showcase her knack for genre-blending, with the former tapping into the allure of forbidden love and the latter nodding to retro arcade influences with a cheeky, empowering twist. Paris’s vocal versatility shines on tracks like “Bonbon” and “Je te veux,” proving she can swing from sugary pop to a more intense, rebellious energy with ease. As Underground Girl unfolds, it becomes clear that LA Laura Paris isn’t just stepping into the electro-pop revolution—she’s leading it.
6. Nicky Jam — Insomnio
Nicky Jam’s eighth studio album Insomnio proves he’s not slowing down anytime soon. The Latin GRAMMY-winning artist explores late-night creativity across 14 tracks. The album’s lead single, “La Cyber,” featuring rising star Luar La L, immediately stands out with its infectious beats and vibrant urban sound. Nicky Jam’s collaborations with artists like Sean Paul, Eladio Carrión, and Feid elevate the album, showcasing his signature reggaeton style while weaving in genres like merengue mambo and electronic influences. Insomnio is a testament to his ability to evolve musically while maintaining the sound that made him a pioneer of reggaeton. This release marks a new creative peak in his long and celebrated career, further solidifying Nicky Jam’s legacy in the urban music scene.
7. PxRRY — FairXchange
PxRRY isn’t ready to close the chapter on the FairXchange era just yet. The Connecticut-based artist revisits his May release with a fresh addition of three new tracks. The update includes two solo records, “Minute” and “Ask For,” showcasing PxRRY’s distinctive style and lyrical depth. Adding to the excitement, he also drops a collaborative track, “Miss Me,” featuring Norman Perry. This new material promises to enrich the FairXchange experience, offering fans even more of PxRRY’s innovative sound and creative collaborations.
8. Camila Cabello — C,XOXO (Magic City Edition)
Camila Cabello‘s C,XOXO (Magic City Edition) is an electrifying expansion of her critically acclaimed album, C,XOXO, and it’s clear she’s pushing the boundaries of pop in bold, unexpected ways. With four new tracks, including “baby pink” featuring Eem Triplin and the emotionally raw “GODSPEED,” Cabello taps into a more vulnerable side while continuing to explore her Miami roots. Produced by El Guincho and Jasper Harris, this version feels more sonically adventurous, blending pop, reggaeton, and even hints of emo. The standout “Pretty When I Cry” perfectly captures the album’s essence, blending genre-bending beats with introspective lyrics. This release marks a pivotal moment in Cabello’s career, showing not only her growth as an artist but her willingness to experiment and redefine her sound. As the singer gears up for her live performance at the 2024 MTV VMAs, C,XOXO (Magic City Edition) is poised to make waves throughout the industry.
9. Jazmin Bean — Traumatic Livelihood (Extended)
Jazmin Bean has just released Traumatic Livelihood (Extended), a captivating addition to their acclaimed debut album, featuring acoustic renditions of fan favorites from the Strawberry House Sessions. Known for blending genres and crafting a unique soundscape, Jazmin takes listeners on a profound journey through vulnerability, persona, and recovery. The extended album release coincides with the start of their Traumatic Livelihood world tour, which kicks off in Vancouver, BC, and spans North America and Europe. With standout tracks like “Best Junkie You Adore” and “Stockholm Butterfly,” this project marks a pivotal moment in their career, continuing to cement their status as an alternative music breakout star. The tour will give fans another opportunity to experience Jazmin’s electrifying live performances across 30 cities.
10. Amanda Reifer — Island Files
Amanda Reifer is set to turn up the heat for the final stretch of summer with her latest release, Island Files. The Barbados-born singer’s new 5-track project is a vibrant ode to the Caribbean vibes she embodies, promising a perfect soundtrack to keep the energy high. Described by Reifer as “a lil island ting to sweat to while my album’s being mixed,” Island Files offers a tantalizing taste of her signature style, blending infectious rhythms with sun-soaked melodies. This project not only showcases Reifer’s talent but also keeps fans eagerly anticipating her upcoming album.
