Queer Jams of the Week

Spring has officially sprung, meaning there’s no better time for you to update your playlists with some new songs from your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.

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From Japanese Breakfast’s stunning new album to yet another new Lil Nas X single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Japanese Breakfast, For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)

If Jubilee was Japanese Breakfast’s exploration on defiant joy, than consider For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women) as the inverse — a meditation on the darker sides of the singer-songwriter’s internal life. Throughout her fourth studio album, Michelle Zauner leans into dour narratives about lost love (“Honey Water”), paralyzing anxiety (“Picture Window”) and much more, all while teaming up with co-producer Blake Mills to render those visions through lush, understated melodies that bear even further depth the closer you listen.

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Lil Nas X, “Lean On My Body”

In the world of Lil Nas X, more is more. A week after he dropped five songs in a row, the pop-rap superstar unveiled yet another new single, and it’s one his fans have been waiting on for three years. “Lean on My Body,” the latest track to be released in Lil Nas X’s Dreamboy rollout, sees Lil Nas flexing harder than ever on his detractors, letting them know that they can pray for his downfall all they want — but he’s not going anywhere, “My next move always gon’ be better than your best one,” he spits. “You b–ches couldn’t even see Lil Nas-y in a warmup, a tryout, a test run.”

Ashnikko, “Itty Bitty”

Ashnikko is back baby, and she’s ready to keep your attention with her risqué new single. “Itty Bitty,” much like plenty of Ashnikko singles before it, sees the singer doing on a sexy, self-destructive rampage in the wake of a breakup, as she puts on her most revealing outfit and goes hunting. The gloriously chaotic production and pounding club rhythm gives “Itty Bitty” that little bit of extra oomph, meaning this new track from Ashnikko will be a surefire hit at a gay club near you.

Shamir, “Neverwannago”

Even though Ten, Shamir’s forthcoming new album, is slated to be the pioneering singer-songwriter’s final album, that doesn’t mean we should cry because it’s over; in fact, he’s encouraging you to smile because it happened. “Neverwannago,” the lead single off his last album, sees Shamir employing ’90s alternative pop to convey his deep, unyielding love for his partner, as he begs them not to leave him alone. “I don’t wanna go back to feeling empty,” he sings. “‘Cause I’m not well.”

Big Freedia, “Take My Hand”

In a time where the concept of Christianity is being wielded as a cudgel by a nefarious group of bigots wishing to strip people of their fundamental rights and freedoms, Big Freedia is here to offer a rebellious and joyful alternative. “Take My Hand,” the first track off the Queen of Bounce’s forthcoming gospel album, is still fueled by the same spirit fans of Freedia have come to know over the last few decades. Over a turbo-charged beat, a series of samples and some gorgeous choral vocals, Freedia reminds everyone that the point is to invite each other in — not push each other away.

Jake Wesley Rogers, “Hot Gospel”

If you’re a little too burned out from the religious side of it all for Freedia’s new song, might we recommend Jake Wesley Rogers’ tongue-in-cheek new pop jam, “Hot Gospel.” The song follows the rising singer-songwriter as he narrates a lifetimes’ worth of expectations that have led him to a therapist’s office to unpack his trauma. While he does that, he pulls out pure ’70s pop nostalgia to make an exceedingly catchy, deeply fun song about working through religious emotional damage.

Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, we’re happy to inform you that you are in luck — because some of your favorite queer artists have some new songs for you to blast all weekend long. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.

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See latest videos, charts and news

From Chappell Roan’s long-awaited return to Lil Nas X’s latest pop-rap jam, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

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Chappell Roan, “The Giver”

Service tops everywhere, you’re welcome. After debuting the track four months ago via a live performance on Saturday Night Live, the fast-rising pop superstar finally delivered fans a studio version of “The Giver,” her cheeky, excellent new country-inspired song. Swapping out her synths for fiddles and banjos, Roan gives her prospective lovers a guided tour of exactly what she could do for them, all while flaunting some of her career-best vocals over the top of a raucous country track. Roan is right about one thing for sure, especially when it putting together A+ songs: she gets the job done.

Lil Nas X, “HOTBOX”

In a particularly wild move, Lil Nas X decided to release not one, not two, but five singles this week, each dropping on a different day. And while there are plenty in that bunch to talk about, none goes quite as hard at “HOTBOX,” the rapper’s bawdy, rambunctious new offering that sees Lil Nas well and truly entering his new era with a splash. Over glittering R&B guitars and a killer beat, Lil Nas raps his way in and out of a romantic situation, all while asserting that he’s still got plenty more to offer his day one fans.

Lucy Dacus, “Talk”

After spending her last few singles sharing all the love, Lucy Dacus is ready to change gears a little bit. “Guess,” the latest track off Dacus’ forthcoming new album Forever Is a Feeling, takes the lyrical gymnastics of songs like “Ankles” and “Best Guess” and turns them into cutting examinations of a relationship hurtling towards its inevitable end. Droning guitar lines and a relentless drum beat slowly ratchets up the tension as Dacus brings this brutal post-mortem to its climax: “Do I make you nervous or bored?” she sings on the chorus. “Or did I drink you to thе last drop?”

Anitta, “Larissa”

Over the course of her career, Brazilian pop superstar Anitta has made it a habit to sing from a bossed-up point of view. Now, on her latest single “Larissa” (direct from her new Netflix documentary), Anitta is exploring what it means to strip that persona away. Gone are the loud, audacious production swings she normally takes, now replaced by simple melodies and a simple drum beat, as she lets her defenses down and sings a fragile, tender love song that is well worth your time.

Royal & the Serpent, “Death Do Us Part”

On her latest single “Death Do Us Part,” Royal & the Serpent is done toying with her sound — she’s found it, and she’s not letting it go. Throughout this ominous track, Ryan Santiago’s voice shrouds itself in multiple layers od distortion as she sings about the kind of love that you hold as tightly as you can, all while the soundscape behind her gradually grows from a simple, acoustic setup to a delirious gltich-rock anthem. “Wherever you take me, I’ll die in your arms,” she sings. “We’ll turn into daises, yeah, we’ll turn into stars.”

Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

Happy Mayhem day to all who celebrate! In between streams of Gaga’s new album, allow us to provide a few other new songs from queer artists to fill your ears with this weekend. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.

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See latest videos, charts and news

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From Lady Gaga’s long-awaited new album to Doechii’s surprise single drop, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

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Lady Gaga, Mayhem

“Choke on the fame and hope it gets you high,” Lady Gaga growls on “Perfect Celebrity,” an early standout from her bombastic new album Mayhem. “Sit in the front row, watch the princess die.” It’s a fitting line for the rest of Mayhem, an album where Gaga deals face-to-face with the reality of her own stardom nearly 20 years after her debut. The project shifts constantly between genres, whether she’s crafting disco-inspired club bangers (“Zombieboy”), earnest ballads (“Blade of Grass”) or ’80s glam-pop-rock (“Vanish Into You”). Some will call it a “return to form”

Doechii, “Anxiety”

Doechii is ready to have her big solo moment — after appearing on Sleepy Hallow’s 2023 rendition of the Gotye-sampling single, the swamp princess offered her own take on the songs fiery rap verses. Employing her top-tier flow and some acrobatic lyrics, Doechii continues to prove why she’s one of the hottest emcees currently in the game, even when she’s spitting bars about her own crippling apprehension.

SASAMI, Blood on the Silver Screen

In a recent statement, pop singer-songwriter SASAMI said that her new album is all about “learning and respecting the craft of pop songwriting.” By that simple standard, Blood on the Silver Screen is a masterpiece. Throughout this sweeping, dynamic new album, SASAMI toys with convention, genre and persona through some of her most detail-oriented songwriting to date. Combine that with the project’s high-octane, maximalist production, and you have one of the most thrilling albums of the year on your hands.

Elton John & Brandi Carlile, “Swing for the Fences”

Isn’t it nice to see two icons just having a blast together? That’s exactly the vibe on Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s “Swing for the Fences,” a raucous, joyful new anthem that sees the pair encouraging those listening to take their shot instead of fading into the background. Carlile and John’s voices blend naturally into an uplifting soft-rock anthem, and one that’ll make you want to try your hand and whatever you’ve been holding yourself back from ASAP.

yeule, “Skullcrusher”

After the glitchy, dark masterpiece that was 2023’s Softscars, fans of ambient synth-pop darling yeule have wondered what their next project might sound like. With her second single “Skullcrusher,” the artist is letting their fans know exactly what’s to come. On this brooding, spooky new single, yeule ratchets up the tension with each passing moment, only to unleash her pent up angst on the fiery chorus: “All I want to do is love you,” they pine. “But all you want to be is in a dream.”

Bob the Drag Queen, “Queen of the Underground”

In his forthcoming novel and on his stunning new single, Bob the Drag Queen asks what may seem like an odd question: if Harriett Tubman came back to life, what would she have to say about her legacy’s impact on the world today? On “Queen of the Underground,” Bob seeks to answer that very question, filtering the abolitionist’s voice through the lens of pounding hip-hop as she lambasts the state of affairs in America today. With bar after bar redifining Tubman as an American icon of our current moment, Bob delivers one final message to drive the point home: “No one is more hopelessly enslaved than the one that falsely believes he free.”

Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

Pisces season has officially begun! If you’re looking to celebrate the season by relaxing and staring listlessly into the distance, then why not do it to a soundtrack? Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.

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See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

From Dove Cameron’s highly-anticipated return to Doechii’s teamup with JENNIE, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Dove Cameron, “Too Much”

This one is for all the girls, gays and theys that were ever told by an ex that they were just a bit “extra.” Dove Cameron excoriates a former flame that just couldn’t handle her on the electro-pop jam “Too Much,” making sure that they understand who the real problem was. A relentless beat and Cameron’s crystal clear voice make this campy kiss-off a must-listen, as she proudly declares “If you say I’m too much, baby, go find less.”

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JENNIE feat. Doechii, “ExtraL”

What happens when you take the leading rapper from one of the most successful K-pop acts ever and team her up with one of the hottest names in contemporary hip-hop? Well, you get something like “ExtraL,” a thrilling, bossed-up anthem courtesy of BLACKPINK’s JENNIE and Doechii. The duo trade verses flexing their inherent worth on this A-list banger, encouraging the ladies listening to take charge. JENNIE gets more than a few bars in (“Said ‘f–k your rules’ is the mood, damn right” hits hard in the pre-chorus), but Doechii really elevates the song to new levels with her motormouthed appearance (“In the boardroom looking bored ’cause I’m not here for pleasin’ the men,” she spits.)

Perfume Genius ft. Aldous Harding, “No Front Teeth”

Don’t go into “No Front Teeth” trying to predict what Perfume Genius and Aldous Harding are going to deliver, because you’ll simply never be right. On this stunning, chaotic new single, the duo start things off in a soft, indie-rock atmosphere that fits both of them perfectly. Within the first two minutes, the song has become a raucous rock track with both stars reveling in their respective universes of clashing sounds. If you want to see things get even weirder, pop on their excellent music video and watch this excellent pairing bring even more havoc to this thrilling new track.

Durand Bernarr, Bloom

R&B star Durand Bernarr has a lot to say about love — the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all. Bloom, Bernarr’s excellent new LP, carefully examines love (both romantic and not) in all of its facets, whether that comes in the form of frustration (“Overqualified”), initimacy dynamics (“Impact”) or even just the simple act of matching someone’s energy (“Jump”). Throughout each of these funk-infused songs, Bernarr’s acrobatic voice shines the brightest, as he effortlessly shows off why he is one of the most talented vocalists in the game.

Chloe Moriondo, “Hate It”

The worlds that rising pop singer Chloe Moriondo has created are colliding, and we couldn’t be happier to see it. Taking the unhinged lyricism of a project like Blood Bunny and blending it with the pop soundscape of one like Suckerpunch, Moriondo’s new single “Hate It” provides the best of both worlds for this artist as she crafts an immediate pop earworm while also singing about wearing someone else’s face over their own. In short, “Hate It” is the exact kind of unhinged energy we’re looking for in 2025.

Blondshell, “Two Times”

Blondshell seems to keep getting bigger, which makes her sparing new single “Two Times” that much more fascinating to listen to. On her latest single off her forthcoming sophomore album, Sabrina Teitelbaum removes any artifice surrounding her to sing a simple love song about the simplicity of her relationship. Leaning heavily into a rich acoustic sound, Teitelbaum tells it exactly how it is on this phenomenal new song: “You’re not bad, you’re not mean/ You lie about my hair ’cause you love me.”

Hurray for the Riff Raff, “Pyramid Scheme”

We all, collectively, probably spend too much time on the internet — and Hurray for the Riff Raff would like to talk about that. On their new single “Pyramid Scheme,” Alynda Segarra rails against the system that has been built to divide peoples’ attention and empathy into simple bits of information and code, all while wondering aloud what those systems are doing to the perception of art in the modern age. It’s the kind of modern folk anthem that gives you the shivers when you first hear it, because you know looking back in a few years, it’s going to feel even more prescient than it does now.

Check out all of our picks below on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist:

Looking for some tunes to help you celebrate a queer-inclusive Valentine’s Day? Allow us to help: Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.

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See latest videos, charts and news

From Sam Smith’s lovestruck new single to Lucy Dacus’ stunning new track, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Sam Smith, “Love Is a Stillness”

Throughout their decade-plus in the music business, Sam Smith quickly became defined as a once-in-a-generation singer turning heartbreak into gorgeous ballads. Their most recent LP took Smith in a new, more joyous direction, embracing high-camp club pop aesthetics and lighter emotional these. Now, Smith is bringing those two worlds together on “Love Is a Stillness,” their new song marketed as a Valentine’s Day gift to fans. Bringing the beautiful balladry of In the Lonely Hour and melding it with the jubilant lyricism of Gloria, “Love Is a Stillness” sees Smith stripping themself down to their sparest elements in order to deliver a short, gorgeous ode to the simplicity of love.

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Lucy Dacus, “Best Guess”

When you take away the admittedly excellent artifice surrounding Lucy Dacus’ new single “Best Guess” — including its star-studded music video paying homage to “hot mascs” everywhere — you’re left with a rich love song that deserves more credit for its gorgeous lyricism. Dacus has long been one of the best songwriter’s currently working in the business, and that poetic streak certainly does end here. Add onto that the singer’s emotionally resonant and understated alto voice, and you’ve got a must-hear love song for this Valentine’s Day.

Japanese Breakfast, “Mega Circuit”

Got any toxic men in your life that need to be checked really quick? Press play on Japanese Breakfast’s new single “Mega Circuit,” and you’ll hear Michelle Zauner commiserating right along with you. Over a sometimes-spooky, always-catchy shuffle provided by legendary guitarist Jim Keltner, Zauner looks at the state of masculinity in 2025 with a rueful shake of her head: “Plotting blood with your incel eunuchs,” she sighs. “I could be the home you need.”

Jake Wesley Rogers, “God Bless”

It’s a sentiment that you do not need a reminder for yet bears repeating all the same: the world is chaos right now. But instead of succumbing to the inherent pain of that idea, Jake Wesley Rogers wants to embrace it. On “God Bless,” the singer invokes an original gospel-style hymn to point out all the inherent contradictions and paradoxes in our modern society, both good and bad, before settling on a mantra we all can get behind: “God bless, it’s a beautiful f–king mess.”

Rainbow Kitten Surprise, “Espionage”

After releasing their excellent album Love Hate Music Box in 2024, Rainbow Kitten Surprise is taking a victory lap with their new single “Espionage.” Over some truly groovy pianos and guitars, frontperson Ela Melo lets her laid-back vocal speak for itself, as she and the rest of the band join in to deliver this “anti-love anthem’s” irresistible chorus. If you’re not really feeling the love this V-Day, then let Rainbow Kitten Surprise take you somewhere else entirely.

Morgan Saint, Out of the Blue

Morgan Saint’s debut album Out of the Blue is an LP that might take some time to digest — the singer herself says that it took her a while to untangle all the emotions involved. But that’s also what makes this album such a remarkable listen; across 11 tracks, Saint explores a series of constant themes in all of our lives, from love (on the stunning title track in particular) to trauma (“Deep”), all over a series of increasingly great indie-pop tracks. She may have appeared Out of the Blue for you, but keep an eye on Morgan Saint. Now that she’s here, she’s sticking around.

Madison Rose, “She’s the One”

Let’s close this out with a certified club banger, shall we? Queer pop paragon Madison Rose’s “She’s the One” isn’t interested in being taken seriously, or being taken in any particular way for that matter — as Rose cooly declares halfway through the track, “if you call her a bitch, but that in front of it.” A growling beat, some banging production and Rose’s unparalleled confidence make for the perfect strut soundtrack. Looking for a pick-me-up this weekend? Look no further, because this song is, in fact, the one.

Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

With the 2025 Grammys in the rearview, it’s time to start looking for new hits from queer artists that will nab a few nominations in 2026! Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.

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See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

From Lady Gaga’s spellbinding new pop single to Doechii’s well-earned victory lap, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Lady Gaga, “Abracadabra”

There’s been a lot of talk online about Gaga reheating her nachos lately. But if “Abracadabra” is what reheated nachos taste like today, then pop open the microwave, because we’re seated for this meal. On the second single from her forthcoming album Mayhem, Gaga takes the familiar sounds of The Fame Monster, Born This Way and Artpop, chops them up and casts a spell over them to create an absolute pop killer. From her nonsense-word chorus to the immediately catchy beat breakdown to the haunting bridge, “Abracadabra” is Lady Gaga’s best song in years. Mother Monster, we’re happy to have you back.

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Doechii, “Nosebleeds”

Doechii haters, you might want to skip “Nosebleeds,” because the Grammy Award-winning rapper comes for her detractors’ throats on this fiery, chaotic victory lap. From the jump, Doechii quickly establishes her dominance at the 2025 Grammys and sets up her impeccable flow for a punchy set of verses. Gassing herself up and switching the beat at every given opportunity, the rapper leaves her haters with one impeccable thought: “Everybody wanted to know what Doechii would do if she didn’t win,” she declares, before shrugging and smirking at her audience. “I guess we’ll never know.”

Anitta, “Romeo”

After taking a foray into Brazilian funk last year, Anitta is diving back into reggaeton headfirst with her sultry new cut “Romeo.” The new single follows the singer on “a night of mischief” as she calls it in the Spanish chorus, tempting her soon-to-be lover with a good time. It certainly helps that it’s Anitta’s voice singing these words, as her silky smooth delivery makes bars like “Tonight, you’re going to be mine, I didn’t say maybe” land with the exact kind of swagger she’s looking to portray.

Elton John & Brandi Carlile, “Who Believes in Angels?”

Queer pioneers Elton John and Brandi Carlile have long spoken about their mutual adoration for one another — they’ve even collaborated a few times on tracks like “Simple Things” and “Never Too Late.” So, when it came time for them to link up on their new duet “Who Believes in Angels,” off their forthcoming duets album of the same name, fans knew what they would be getting. This 5 minute, dramatic ballad sees the pair play off one another’s voices well, as they shift their sound from pianos to guitars to synths to everything all together in this symphonic new song.

Olly Alexander, Polari

Since breaking out on his own from his trio Years & Years, Olly Alexander has been doubling down on the ’80s-tinged pop music that helped him become a star. Now, with his latest album Polari, the singer is taking a lifetime of experience and leaving it all on one LP. Taking on different facets of queer culture like cruising (“Cupid’s Bow”), gay slang (“Polari”), mythology (“Whisper in the Waves”) and more, Alexander creates his own escapist universe throughout his stunning solo LP, making it a ride you’ll want to be along for.

Serpentwithfeet, “Wanderer”

Need something a little more tender to listen to this weekend? We suggest “Wanderer,” the gorgeous, love-stricken new single from indie darling Serpentwithfeet. The star’s delicate vocal pairs beautifully with the sparse R&B production as he paints a vivid picture of desire, climbing to a beautiful declaration at the chorus: “My heart the ocean; mostly unexplored/ Won’t over-promise, but I could be yours,” Serpent croons.

Corook, “They!”

Sometimes even the silliest of songs can still be deeply affirming — that’s a fact Corook knows first hand. Their breakout 2023 track “If I Were a Fish” turned into an anthem for queer kids the world over. Now, the singer-songwriter is narrowing her focus to her own community with “They,” a song that takes their own experience being non-binary and explores it through the prism of bubbly, fun pop music. Across three minutes, Corook insists that “it’s no big deal, I’m more me now,” while reminding those listening who might be struggling with their own identity shouldn’t stress too much — someone out there gets it, which is sometimes all you need to hear.

David Archuleta, “Freedom” (George Michael cover)

It’s been 35 years since George Michael released the career-defining anthem “Freedom! ’90” — and now, American Idol alum David Archuleta would like to take a moment to celebrate its legacy. With his interpretation of the track, Archuleta keeps the formula simple — not quite recreating the song note for note, but sticking as closely as possible to Michael’s version as possible. Backed up by a full chorus and placing hismlarger-than-life voice front and center, Archuleta does a service to Michael’s legacy with this moving cover.

Wafia, Promised Land

In a time where our political reality is being defined by a relentless sense of upheaval, alt-pop singer songwriter is Wafia is here with a message for you that her mother shared with her: “Everything is already written.” Promised Land tracks Wafia’s own experiences as an immigrant, funneling the resilence (as on the stunning “House Down”) and hope that she’s crafted over the course of her life into a series of top-tier pop tracks. Let this be your sign to stop sleeping of Wafia — let her lead you to the Promised Land with this excellent LP.

Check out all of our picks below on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist:

The 2025 Grammys are nearly here! With a record number of LGBTQ+ nominees at Sunday’s show, take some time to get ahead of next year’s ceremony with these new tracks from your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.

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See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

From Sasami’s excellent collaboration with Clairo to Julien Baker and Torres’ new ballad, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

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Sasami ft. Clairo, “In Love With a Memory”

The best collaborations are the ones that put two artists together and push both of them to create a new sound within the context of a single song. That’s exactly what Sasami and Clairo accomplish on “In Love With a Memory,” the gorgeous new track off the former’s forthcoming album Blood on the Silver Screen. From the jump, the vibe of “Memory” is immediately pared down from the moody electropop Sasami has become known for, while also providing a jolt of energy to Clairo’s softer offerings. The result is a reflective mid-tempo pop track that sees both artists expertly blending their vocals to make a cinematic portrait of a relationship at its end.

Julien Baker & Torres, “Sylvia”

Speaking of successful collaborations, Julien Baker and Torres are back with yet another excellent example of their combined power. Where “Sugar in the Tank” felt like something of a thesis statement for their forthcoming country album, “Sylvia” leans into the pair’s respective singer-songwriter roots, as they sing an ode to Torres’ canine companion. Still sticking to their folksy, rooted sound, Baker and Torres manage to create something both nostalgic and fresh with this beautiful ballad.

Cat Burns, “Girls!”

Sometimes, you just have to say exactly what it is you’re singing about in the title of a song. UK pop artist Cat Burns has already made plenty of waves for her frank songwriting and buttery vocals, but “Girls!” adds even more dimensions to the singer’s artistry. This bubbly new track sees Burns sharing her admiration for all things female — including “different energies,” the spectrum of “masc and femininity” — all while letting her sound explode into a burst of funky guitars and cascading synths on the delirious post-chorus.

Skaiwater, “Pop”

For anyone looking for a pseudo-pop rap alternative to Travis Scott this week, may we humbly recommend this delectable new single from Skaiwater. “Pop” feels like a distillation of all the facets that have make the rising artist a critical darling into one 3 minute package. Disjointed beats manage to sync up perfectly with their digitized voice, as the rapper narrates the tale of a relationship that just cannot possibly work out. Skaiwater makes “Pop” sound like a stream-of-consciousness confession happening in real time, but just one listen tells you that their attention to every detail of their sound is what makes a record like this so deeply fascinating.

Miya Folick, “Fist”

Penting up emotions tends to lead to an explosion down the line. “Fist,” the latest track off Miya Folick’s upcoming album Erotica Veronica, takes that idea and translates it as literally as possible into music. Starting out with a simple acoustic guitar and soft vocals, Folick lets her partner know that all is not what it seems from the opening line: “I’ve been cooking dinner/ Hoping you’ll forgive me for not wanting to swallow you.” As the intesity builds, so does the instrumentation — guitars are plugged in, drums are added and eventually, there are no more words to describe how Folick is feeling. Only a guttural scream in the song’s last 90 seconds can encapsulate the whirlwind of emotion from this cathartic banger.

Maddie Zahm, “Sheets”

Maddie Zahm is ready to burn it all down on her latest single. A fiery bassline and small chorus of backup singers bring some weight to “Sheets,” but no production elements can evoke as strong an image as Zahm’s growling voice as she confronts her ex about how quickly they’ve moved on. The party is over and Zahm is ready to say it exactly how it is, bringing a “f–k around and find out” attitude we’ve yet to see from her. If you ever hurt someone bad enough to get them to write the phrase “did you tell her how you’ll kiss her ’til a new b–ch has you on your knees,” maybe take a moment to reflect on your choices.

Dreamer Isioma, “Did You Ever Care” / “Dead End”

Nigerian-American singer-songwriter Dreamer Isioma has always been interested in creating an aesthetic that no one has ever seen before with their performance. They’ve never been more successful at that feat than on their pair of new singles “Did You Ever Care” and “Dead End.” Swinging wildly between gothic pop and angsty rock, Isioma spends two songs painting a portrait of unrequited obsession followed by painful realization, all rendered through the prism of their otherworldly voice. If you haven’t managed to board the Dreamer Isioma hype train, now is an ideal time for you to get on board.

Charlie Houston, Big After I Die

Want to get in on the groud floor with a very talented new artist? Looking for good songwriting and killer production? Need something silly to cut some of the darker parts of being alive right now? Charlie Houston checks all of those boxes and then some on her debut album Big After I Die. Over the course of 9 songs, the singer-songwriter tackles everything from love that almost makes you scared of yourself (“Lighter”) to a love for organizational charts (“Slut for Excel”), Houston brings a lifetime of observations and idiosyncrasies into this winking LP, and it’s well worth every single one of its 30 minutes.

Check out all of our picks below on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist:

In need of some new music from your favorite LGBTQ+ artists? Allow us to help: Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.

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From Shygirl’s stunning new collaboration to Kesha’s gorgeous new ballad, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Shygirl feat. Isabella Lovestory & PinkPanthress, “True Religion”

Since experiencing a new level of cultural breakthrough in 2024 thanks to her opening slot on Charli XCX & Troye Sivan’s Sweat Tour, UK DJ Shygirl is ready to hook you for good with her latest single. “True Religion” boasts everything fans of Shygirl have come to hope for from her music — a singularly catchy hook (don’t be shocked if you randomly start singing “webcam, webcam, webcam girl” to yourself this weekend), impeccably-chosen guest stars (both Lovestory and PinkPanthress thrive on this bouncing, laid-back track) and a beat that you cannot shake. If “True Religion” doesn’t make you believe in the power of Shygirl, then we’re not sure what will.

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Kesha, “Dear Me”

For her contribution to the new documentary Diane Warren: Relentless, Kesha decided to strip back the artifice and sing from the heart. The result is “Dear Me,” a Warren-penned, Guy Roche-produced ballad where Kesha looks back on her younger self and offers some salient advice — primarily, to know that she can get through whatever pain comes her way. It’s no surprise that Kesha sounds as good as she does here; it is surprising, though, to get such a poignant song in a week when so many of us need to hear this.

Lord Huron feat. Kristen Stewart, “Who Laughs Last”

If there’s a rule of thumb for 2025, it’s expect the unexpected. Lord Huron, the indie-rock group slowly gaining steam over the last couple yeas, took that advice to heart when they teamed up with actress, queer icon and now songstress Kristen Stewart for their new single “Who Laughs Last.” Stewart may not sing on the actual track, but her spoken word verses bring an air of mystique and prestige to this certified rock banger, marking one of the most gloriously left-field collaborations we’ve heard in a minute.

Nessa Barrett, “Does God Cry?”

If you’ve been looking for some Aftercare since alt-pop star Nessa Barrett’s stunning 2024 album of the same name, then we have some good news for you. With her new track “Does God Cry?” off the forthcoming deluxe edition of the LP, Barrett delivers a heart-rending, ambient pop single that poses bigger questions through bigger sounds. More to the point, the track takes the dark sonics of her breakout album and twists them into something new and fascinating — as winning a formula for any deluxe track as we’ve seen.

Sophie Powers, “Goals”

Alright, we’ve all had a rough week, so let’s end this list with something unabashedly fun. Rising pop singer Sophie Powers’ latest track “Goals” immediately comes across as 2007 Avril Lavigne-meets-Charli XCX’s Brat, as Sophie snidely declares that she is the bar her haters just can’t reach. A chant-along chorus, glitchy production and gloriously spunky attitude make Powers’ “Goals” a must-listen for anyone who needs to unplug after an otherwise hard few days.

Check out all of our picks below on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist: