Charli xcx, MUNA, Kelela, Lykke Li and More: This Week’s New Releases

Charli xcx has signaled a new chapter with the single “Rock Music.” Soon after Charli’s management teased to Billboard in April that she was working on her forthcoming eighth album, she began dropping hints about its sound, including telling British Vogue there may be rock inspiration. The new single is titled “Rock Music” and contains the line: “I think the dance floor is dead, so now we’re making rock music.” The track runs one minute and 55 seconds and blends grunge and dance elements in a compact statement.

MUNA — Dancing On the Wall

MUNA’s fourth album, Dancing On the Wall, arrives today. The record’s focus track is “Eastside Girls,” which is accompanied by a music video starring actor Hannah Einbinder and comedian Kate Berlant, among others. Vocalist Katie Gavin’s distinctive voice threads through the album, from introspective moments to uptempo songs, marking a continuation of the trio’s trajectory.

Kelela — “linknb”

Kelela is previewing her forthcoming album New Avatar, due 10 July, with the short track “linknb.” The song, just under two minutes, continues her work at the intersection of soul, R&B and experimental production and raises expectations for the third full-length.

Lykke Li — The Afterparty

The Afterparty, Lykke Li’s sixth album and what the Swedish singer has framed as her final record, is out today. The project functions as a career-spanning farewell. The song “Happy Now” offers a snapshot of that moment, with the chorus asking: “Did your tears all go away? Did the darkness ever fade? Is it over? Are you happy now?”

The Last Dinner Party — “Big Dog”

The Last Dinner Party’s latest single “Big Dog” leans into big riffs and vocals that move from quiet whispers to full-throated delivery. The band released an “(On The Road)” video for the song, which is already a live staple. The Last Dinner Party will support Olivia Rodrigo on select dates early into 2027.

Little Simz — Sugar Girl

Two weeks after teasing it, Little Simz released Sugar Girl, her third new project in as many years. The set ranges from the bouyon-inflected “Open Arms” to the Auto-Tuned “That’s A No No,” and reunites Simz with producer Jakwob, who worked on 2024’s Drop 7 EP. The clear standout is the JT-assisted “Game On,” where her guest verse includes the lines: “I’m so T, I support the trans/ Game on bitch, let’s take a stand/ Do black lives still matter to these brands?”

PJ Morton — “Sell My Soul”

“Sell My Soul” appears on the Saturday Night side of PJ Morton’s forthcoming double album Saturday Night, Sunday Morning. The track features trumpet and flugelhorn from Keyon Harrold and finds Morton holding onto optimism in the face of temptation: “You try to come at my weakest/ You try to come when I’m down/ But as long as I am breathing/ The sun can come back around,” he sings in the opening verse.