New Music Friday is usually a mess of corporate scheduling. But this Friday, January 16, 2026, feels different. It's heavy. It’s crowded. Honestly, it’s a lot to process if you’re just looking for something to play on the way to work.
We’ve got the long-overdue return of A$AP Rocky, a Tim Burton-designed fever dream of an album, and a surprising amount of indie soul-searching. Most people are just refreshing Spotify for the big names. They're missing the weird, wonderful projects hiding in the corners.
The Long Road to Don’t Be Dumb
Let’s talk about Rocky. It’s been nearly eight years of silence. Eight years! Since 2018's Testing, we’ve had fashion lines, fatherhood, and legal battles, but the music felt like a secondary character.
Don’t Be Dumb finally dropped today under AWGE/RCA. It’s not a "comeback" in the traditional sense. It’s more of a curated gallery. The cover art, designed by Tim Burton, sets the tone perfectly—macabre, eccentric, and totally unconcerned with what the TikTok algorithm wants.
Is it good? It’s dense. It’s an album that demands you actually sit still. Rocky isn’t chasing a club hit here. He’s pushing himself into experimental territory that sounds more like a film score than a rap record. If you were expecting "Praise the Lord" part two, you're gonna be disappointed.
Madison Beer and the Era of Locket
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, Madison Beer just released Locket. This is her third studio album via Epic/Sing It Loud. It’s basically the final seal on her current era.
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If you’ve been following her, you know she’s been leaning into this refined, high-gloss pop that somehow still feels intimate. Locket is exactly that. It’s polished until it gleams, but the songwriting is surprisingly sharp. She isn't just a "viral" artist anymore; she’s an architect of a specific kind of moody, orchestral pop that people like Lana Del Rey pioneered.
The Indie Sleepers You Actually Need to Hear
Beyond the Billboard-chasing giants, there’s some genuinely beautiful stuff out today.
Mary Lattimore and Julianna Barwick released a collaborative album called Tragic Magic. If you aren't familiar, Mary is a world-class harpist and Julianna is a vocal manipulator. They recorded this in just nine days at the Philharmonie de Paris.
They used the Musée de la Musique’s historical instrument collection. Imagine a 100-year-old harp being processed through modern delay pedals. It’s cosmic. It’s pastoral. It’s the kind of music that makes you feel like you’re floating in a dark room.
Then there’s Courtney Marie Andrews. She dropped Valentine, her ninth album. Ninth! That’s a crazy level of consistency. She worked with Chris Bear from Grizzly Bear on this one, which gives her folk roots an "ethereal" layer they didn't have before. It’s soul-searching music. It’s for people who like to look at the rain and feel things.
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A Quick Snapshot of Other Notable Drops
It’s a busy day. Here’s a quick rundown of what else hit the shelves and streaming services this morning:
- Sleaford Mods: The Demise of Planet X. Expect the usual biting, post-punk commentary on the state of the world. It’s angry, rhythmic, and very British.
- The Sha La Das: Your Picture. This is a family doo-wop group (Bill Schalda and his sons). It sounds like 1965 in the best way possible.
- Richard Marx: After Hours. He’s doing standards. He brought in Rod Stewart and Kenny G. It’s exactly what you think it is, and it’s executed perfectly for that audience.
- Xiu Xiu: Xiu Mutha Fuckin' Xiu: Vol. 1. Warning: this is not background music. It’s experimental, challenging, and probably a bit stressful for a Friday morning.
What Most People Get Wrong About New Music Friday
We tend to think of these release days as a competition. Who had the most streams in the first hour? Who’s trending on X?
That’s a boring way to listen to music.
The real value of music releasing this friday isn't in the chart battle between A$AP Rocky and whatever remix Taylor Swift just put out. It’s in the variety. We have thrash metal from Kreator (Krushers Of The World) and progressive metal from Soen (Reliance) sitting right next to Jana Horn’s minimalist folk.
Music in 2026 doesn't have a single "center" anymore. We’re in a multi-polar world where a French ambient collaboration is just as accessible as a major label rap release.
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Actionable Insights for Your Weekend Playlist
Don’t just hit "shuffle" on a New Music Friday playlist. You’ll get whiplash.
Try this instead. If you want a vibe, pick a lane and stick to it for an hour.
- For the mood: Start with Tragic Magic by Lattimore & Barwick, then move into Courtney Marie Andrews.
- For the energy: Dive into the A$AP Rocky record, but give it your full attention. Skip the singles and listen to the transitions.
- For the nostalgia: Check out those NOW Yearbook: Vault '82 releases or The Sha La Das for that classic soul feeling.
The best way to support these artists isn't just streaming. If you really love an album—especially the indie ones—look for the vinyl. Many of these, like Courtney Marie Andrews' Valentine, have beautiful gatefold editions out today.
Support the art, not just the algorithm.
Next Steps for Today
- Check the Credits: Look at the producers on Rocky's album; the guest list is a who's-who of experimental hip-hop.
- Go Local: See if your local record shop has the "Coke bottle clear" vinyl for the new indie releases.
- Deep Dive: Listen to Jana Horn's self-titled record if you've ever felt disconnected after moving to a new city; it's a lyrical masterclass in that specific feeling.