New Releases: Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion and more!

Sisters are most definitely doing it for themselves on New Releases this week, with a torrent of exciting singles and albums dropping tonight from some of the hottest female acts in the world right now.

Let's jump right into albums, where Olivia Rodrigo will finally unveil her much-awaited second album, GUTS, in full. Bolstered by its lead track vampire finally ascending to Number 1 in the UK last week, GUTS is perhaps the greatest clue yet that Olivia. while often sign-posted as one of the great pop hopes of the next generation, is actually way more interested in being a rock star. You can hear the influence of Fiona Apple, Michelle Branch and Courtney Love as much as you can Katy Perry (who gets a cheeky reference in the LP's closing track, teenage dream). 

Romy (aka Romy Madley Croft aka Romy from the xx) is now ready to unleash her debut album since teasing material since 2020 (!). Most of that material, as with the whole album, called Mid-Air, has been co-produced by fred again.. and Stuart Price, two of the finest dance producers working right now. An elegant, banging collection of instant club classics, Mid-Air proves that, actually, The xx are now 3 for 3 for its members' solo album's succeeding in deepening and defining their own personas. 

Other albums out this week also include US R&B-pop savant Tinashe (BB/ANG3L) and enigmatic British singer, songwriter and producer extraordinaire James Blake (Playing Robots Into Heaven), who will be hoping to secure a fifth UK Top 10 album. 

As for singles, bring a bucket and a mop because Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are back to gift us with the WAP single we've been crying out for. Bongos, going by its gregarious, colourful artwork alone, is going to be another trip. 

Coming off the success of her elegant debut single Don't Say Love (an instant Top 20 hit!) earlier this summer, Leigh-Anne is not done yet! She's continuing her solo project with the release of My Love, which also features rising Afrobeats starr, Ayra Starr. 

Other brand new singles launching this New Music Friday come from Baby Queen (Quarter Life Crisis), Marshmello & Dove Cameron (Other Boys) and Purple Disco Machine, Duke Dumont and recent UK Number 1 Album recipients Nothing But Thieves (Something On My Mind),