Sam Smith, Stella Lefty, Weezer & More: New Music Friday Guide
Billboard's weekly music guide highlights several significant album releases for the week. Singer Sam Smith unveils their fifth studio album "Hazel Eyes," featuring the track "Constant Companion" which showcases their vocal versatility through orchestral arrangements. Country-pop artist Stella Lefty, riding momentum from her breakout hit "Boston," launches her debut full-length album "Long Way Home," featuring 14 self-co-written songs with minimalist production that emphasises her vocals.
The week's releases also include Weezer's milestone 20th album, produced to be intentionally aggressive and rock-focused, and Jorja Smith's third studio effort "What Are The Odds," which shifts toward dance-influenced beats whilst maintaining her distinctive vocal style. Additionally, Brandon Flowers releases "Thrasher," his first solo album in over a decade, drawing country-western influences from his father's record collection.
- Billboard highlights major album releases this week including Sam Smith's fifth studio album "Hazel Eyes," Stella Lefty's debut "Long Way Home," Weezer's 20th album, and new projects from Jorja Smith and Brandon Flowers
- New releases span genres from country-pop to power-rock to dance-influenced R&B, with artists emphasising both vocal showcases and experimental sonic directions
- Notable entries include Stella Lefty's momentum-building debut following her breakout hit, and Weezer's intentionally aggressive rock effort
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Sam Smith, Stella Lefty, Weezer and several other acts all have new albums out this week, part of a regular Friday cycle when the music industry releases most new records. Billboard's guide rounds up the notable ones so readers know what's landed and what to expect from each.
The artists span different corners of pop and rock. Sam Smith is a well-established British singer known for emotive, orchestral pop; Stella Lefty is a rising country-pop artist releasing her first full album after an earlier hit song brought her attention; Weezer are a long-running American rock band reaching a major album milestone; Jorja Smith is a British singer known for soulful, R&B-influenced music; and Brandon Flowers, best known as frontman of the band The Killers, is putting out a solo record for the first time in many years.
The guide matters mainly to readers who follow new music releases, as it explains what each artist is trying with their new record, whether that is a change in sound, a career first, or a long-awaited comeback.