Sam Smith, Stella Lefty, Weezer & More: New Music Friday Guide
Billboard's New Music Friday guide rounds up the week's key album releases, headlined by Sam Smith's fifth studio album, Hazel Eyes, alongside debut and milestone records from several other prominent artists. The roundup highlights a mix of established stars trying new directions and rising acts breaking through, giving readers a snapshot of the releases expected to dominate playlists over the coming weekend.
Notable entries include country-pop newcomer Stella Lefty's debut album Long Way Home, featuring 14 self-co-written tracks; Weezer's 20th studio album, self-titled with the suffix "(Gold Album)"; and Brandon Flowers' first solo record in 11 years, Thrasher, inspired by his father's record collection. Also featured are Jorja Smith's dance-leaning third album, Korean boy band ENHYPEN's first release as a six-member group following a member's departure, and alt-country artist Brennan Wedl's self-titled debut on ANTI- Records.
- Sam Smith releases fifth album, Hazel Eyes, this week
- Weezer drops self-titled 20th studio album, "(Gold Album)"
- Brandon Flowers issues first solo record in 11 years
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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.