Billboard’s Friday Music Guide is here for music enthusiasts worldwide, who are eagerly anticipating the latest releases that will dominate playlists and conversations. The list is filled with the most essential music drops this week. From BTS's Jung Kook to the legendary Beatles and the ever-intriguing Olivia Rodrigo, here are this week's top picks:
The rise of Jung Kook has been nothing short of meteoric, first as an integral part of BTS and now as a solo artist. His debut solo album, «Golden,» is a reflection on his journey to stardom, brimming with pop brilliance. The track «Closer to You,» a collaboration with Major Lazer, showcases Jung Kook's ability to seamlessly transition between powerful declarations and intimate moments. Songs like «Somebody» and «Standing Next to You» also showcase Jung Kook's prowess in the world of pop.
Olivia Rodrigo's new single, «Can't Catch Me Now,» from the upcoming soundtrack of «The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,» delivers a gentle acoustic touch. The song, with lyrics that hint at an action sequence from the prequel film, adds a heartfelt addition to both the Hunger Games musical universe and Rodrigo's own catalog.
A piece of music labeled as «the final Beatles song» naturally carries immense expectations. «Now and Then» is a '70s demo revived with modern technology, featuring all four iconic members. The wistful and understated track serves as a subtle reminder of the timeless influence of the Beatles, even decades after their original studio albums.
Megan Thee Stallion's «Cobra» opens with a powerful two-note electric guitar