10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of January 17, 2025
Mac Miller's seventh album, Balloonerism, is truly one of a kind. Since his tragic passing in 2018, an unofficial version of the project has been passed around online, but today, Jan. 17, it's here for everyone to hear, treated with the utmost care by his estate and family.
And while it's definitely been the musical highlight of our week, it's far from the only release that has us hooked. grentperez and Ruel also teamed up for an unexpected yet irresistible collab, and Cian Ducrot, Joel Sunny and so many more also shared new singles we can't stop listening to. For everything we loved most, keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Jan. 17, 2025.
(Balloonerism via Warner Records)
1. Morgan Saint Contemplates Life in '15 Forever'
We're already counting down the days until Valentine's Day, when Morgan Saint will release her debut album, Out Of The Blue. It's final single, "15 Forever," comes to life through Morgan's pure vocals and electronic sounds that evoke melancholy and joy in equal measure. The song was written about the suicide of a childhood friend, and the powerful reflection that brought upon her in its aftermath. "When I was 15, my close friend committed suicide and it just rocked my world," Morgan explained in a press release. "In a flash, my universe cracked right open and I fell in deep. At the same time, I was struggling with my sexuality and gender identity. I was so young and contemplating life on an intense level. That period was a really pivotal moment in my life, and I wanted to make a song that reflected those experiences and emotions that are still very alive in me."
2. GALE Gets Nostalgic 'Skittles'
Latin Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter GALE has been rapidly on the rise, and she's starting 2025 with a hint of nostalgia in the form of her newest single, "Skittles." The Puerto Rican star's new song is a bouncy pop anthem reflecting on a first love, with a feel that's more joyous than bittersweet as she celebrates the little things about a relationship that will stick with you forever. "'Skittles' is a love letter to nostalgia, reflecting on that first love that left a mark on my life," GALE explained in a press release. "It's a song that brings back the little moments—from a kiss on the stairs to driving around together all day—simple things that, although left in the past, remain forever. Writing it felt like traveling back in time, reliving those memories with a heart full of emotion and a touch of melancholy… It's a song about how that first love leave us with something eternal even if they don't last. I hope that when you listen to it, you can connect with your memories and feel that 'forever' that's never forgotten."
3. Japanese Breakfast Sets the Scene for Upcoming Album With 'Orlando in Love'
There are already so many incredible albums on the horizon for 2025, including Japanese Breakfast's fourth album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), set to release on March 21. Her latest single, "Orlando in Love," summarizes the idea of the album with orchestral instrumentation and a moody, reflective sound as she tells a simple story about a poet who's led to his death by the temptation of a siren. "'Orlando in Love' is made up of a hodgepodge of odd references," shared Michelle Zauner (aka Japanese Breakfast) in a press release. "The title comes from an epic poem by Matteo Maria Boiardo called Orlando Innamorato, which ends abruptly at 68.5 cantos because Italy was invaded by French troops, and that's as far as he got before he had to flee. I fell in love with the title and envisioned a sort of whimsical, foolish male protagonist who lives by the sea in a Winneabeago RV and is seduced by a siren. After writing it, it felt like the perfect thesis statement for an album that is largely about people, often men, who find themselves seduced by temptation and are duly punished for it."
4. Chloe Moriondo Contemplates Heartbreak in 'shoreline'
Ahead of a North American headline tour beginning in April, indie-pop sensation Chloe Moriondo just shared her newest single, "shoreline." The atmospheric and anthemic track reflects on a breakup and all of the mixed emotions that can accompany it, from missing them, abandonment and anger to undying love. "'shoreline' is very near and dear to my heart," Chloe explained in a press release. "It encapsulates a lot of the feelings that came from my first big breakup, and I poured a lot of myself into it. I hope it's gently loved ♡"
5. Lucy Dacus Yearns for What She Can't Have in 'Ankles'
Whether she's acting as one third of Boygenius or showcasing her talents as a solo artist, Lucy Dacus never lets us down, and we're eagerly anticipating the release of her fourth album, Forever Is a Feeling, set to release on March 28. Her new single, "Ankles," has us even more excited for what's to come. It's a dreamy pop track about wanting someone when you know you can't have them and letting your imagination go wild with what your life might be like together, even as you hold yourself back yourself the best you can. In April and May, Lucy will also be touring across North America on the Forever Is a Feeling Tour with special guests Katie Gavin and Jasmine.4.t, and we really hope to hear this one live.
6. Jungle Jump Into 2025 With 'Keep Me Satisfied'
We can always count on British trio Jungle to drop feel-good tracks with perfectly choreographed music videos to get our hearts pumping, and our first release of 2025, "Keep Me Satisfied," is no exception. Its pulsing beat and infectious dance moves are equally hypnotic, with a funky sound and soulful vocals that'll get it immediately stuck in your head. As the title suggests, this one ticks all of our boxes. "Our new single 'Let's Go Back' is officially out now everywhere 🤩," they shared on Instagram. "But that's not all—we've also released the music video that brings this song to life in a whole new way. Press play, turn up the volume, and join us on the journey!"
Also read about: 20 Insightful Jungle Lyrics to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
7. Joel Sunny Teases Upcoming EP 'Parisian Lovers'
Producer and pop violinist Joel Sunny has a sound that's all his own, and with his upcoming EP, Star-Bound Lovers, on the horizon and set to release on Feb. 12, he just dropped his latest single, "Parisian Lovers." It's one of his most arresting and romantic compositions yet, with the sound of luscious strings working as both the instrumentation and vocals to weave his evocative soundscape. It also comes complete with a cinematic music video akin to a silent film."I wanted a romantic surface with something underneath that isn't quite right: Cinderella meets Eyes Wide Shut!" he shared in a press release.
8. Cian Ducrot Reflects on Past Love 'Who's Making You Feel It'
Grammy-nominated Irish artist Cian Ducrot has been rapidly on the rise, and he's keeping the magic flowing in 2025, kicking things off with "Who's Making You Feel It." It's a playful and soulful pop track about keeping tabs on an ex, watching them move on with someone else and wryly suggesting that they aren't as happy as they put on. "A few months ago I played this song to Ed Sheeran over some delicious curry," Cian revealed in a post on Instagram. "He demanded I put it out next so here we are. (He also demanded I change the name but I think one demand was enough lol sorry Ed x) So to continue the tradition, on January 17th grab a curry with some friends and enjoy 'Who's Making You Feel It!'"
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About When We Were Younger Singer grentperez
9. grentperez and Ruel Join Forces for 'Dandelion'
As longtime fans of both grentperez and Ruel, we couldn't be more excited to see the two Australian artists team collaborate together in the form of the new single, "Dandelion." It's a striking love song about missing the object of your affection and knowing that together, you can make anything happen, and we love the way both artists' voices add life and vibrancy to the track. "A dandelion can be one of two things, desired by those who view it as a flower, or unwanted to those who view it as a weed," grent shared in the YouTube description of the video. "I grew up being infatuated with dandelions, I love them, collecting them as a little 6 to 7 year old in the school playground, and giving bunches of them to my favorite teachers. I feel much the same for the one(s) that I love, how the world can make someone feel so unwanted but with the right care and through the right eyes, the frail flower can be appreciated and loved."
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About 'Painkiller' Artist Ruel
10. Mac Miller's Estate Shares Second Posthumous Album Release, Balloonerism
Mac Miller's 33rd birthday would have been this Sunday, Jan. 19, and Balloonerism marks his second posthumous album release, following his death in 2018. It consists of 14 tracks recorded between 2013 and 2014, with a rich, hazy sound and subject matter philosophically reflecting on the topics of life, death and struggle. They remind us precisely what made him such a star, with the lyrics taking on added meaning in their current context.
"Here we are," his family wrote in a post on Instagram. "The act of having to write this at all feels surreal. At the time of his passing, Malcolm was well into the process of recording his companion album to Swimming, entitled Circles. Two different styles complementing each other, completing a circle—Swimming in Circles was the concept. He had been working with Jon Brion, who after hearing some early versions of songs, cleared his calendar to help Malcolm fine-tune them. After his passing, Jon dedicated himself to finishing Circles based on his time and conversations with Malcolm. We are eternally grateful to Jon and to those who gave their best to the difficult and emotional task of putting out this body of work.
This is a complicated process that has no right answer. No clear path. We simply know that it was important to Malcolm for the world to hear it. One of the most difficult decisions in the process is how best to let people know about it-how to communicate meaningfully while keeping sacred what should be kept sacred."
All proceeds from the album, and the short film based on it, will be donated to the Mac Miller Fund.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Jan. 10, 2025.