New Music Friday – June 12, 2026

It’s New Music Friday and this week is headlined by one of pop’s biggest superstars. Read on to view a complete list of the most highly-anticipated albums out now. First, here’s an in-depth look at Olivia Rodrigo’s latest record.

The Best of New Music Friday:

Olivia Rodrigo – you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Olivia Rodrigo exploded from acting phenom to beloved pop star. Three albums later, and she’s moved on from lyrics claiming she can’t even parallel park to ones where she for certain knows the bar closes at 11. Many fans have grown alongside Rodrigo, and even the ones who haven’t can stand behind her latest venture you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love. This LP is a contender for pop album of the year.

Rodrigo has written and recorded a very balanced album with flow. Off the heels of lead single and album opener “drop dead,” she immediately switches right over into her more instrumental type tracks, frontloading the album with songs featuring strings and slower rhythms. “Honeybee” is a song that gracefully shows off Rodrigo’s understanding of general music theory. She sings down a simple ladder, while pianos dance and violins sway. “A face I swear that I could spend my whole life knowing, here’s to hoping,” she sings and dreams.

There’s also plenty of room for Rodrigo’s wacky upbeat-sounding pop tunes with fun beats and great delivery. “My way” is a fun track while “u + me =

The playful lyrics and well-formed pop songs are all on you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, and from now through the rest of her career, all eyes will be on Olivia Rodrigo.

New Music Friday Top Picks:

Baauer – U [LuckyMe]

Fruit Bats – The Landfill [Merge] 

La Sécurité – Bingo! [Mothland]

Ruth Garbus – Profound [Orindal]

Sublime – Until the Sun Explodes [Atlantic]

Which of these tracks from New Music Friday will you add to your favorite playlists today? Any we missed? Let us know in the comments or on Instagram!

Ben is a music journalist living and working in Chicago. They joined Beyond The Stage as an intern and have stayed on the staff for several years. Now serving on the editorial board, Ben is proud to be BTS’ Music Projects Manager, coordinating coverage between international record labels and our staff. Ben has interviewed, photographed and written about bands from across the world. Ben has lived all over the United States working in television and media. They are an Emmy Award-winning writer. Ben can be found spinning records as ‘DJ Wearing Sunglasses’ in clubs and basements across the US.

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