October is starting with a crowded release schedule as some of music’s biggest names deliver new singles, albums and expanded projects across pop, R&B, hip-hop, country and alternative music.
Noah Kahan is among the week’s standouts with “Draw You Out,” a new song connected to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The track serves as the first release from the movie’s soundtrack and pairs Kahan with songwriter and producer Aaron Dessner.
Victoria Monét is making a considerably bigger statement with Frequency of Love. The 22-track album follows Jaguar II and continues Monét’s run as one of contemporary R&B’s most prominent artists. The new project also brings some major guests into the mix, including SZA and Bruno Mars.
Drake is adding another chapter to HABIBTI rather than moving on from the project. The new FOMO edition adds four tracks, including “Solar Eclipse” with Don Toliver and “Cold Shoulder” featuring Don Toliver and Yebba. “Quebec” and “Classic PT2” complete the new additions.
Country is getting its own shake-up courtesy of Miranda Lambert. Her new 12-track album Crisco blends country with disco influences, with Ella Langley joining Lambert on the opening track, “Snakeskin Boots.” Chris Stapleton also appears on the project.
Lil Nas X is back in the singles race as well. “World’s Greatest!” marks his first new single in roughly a year and a half, putting him back into a release-week lineup filled with artists representing dramatically different corners of the music business.
And the bench is deep. Holly Humberstone, Hilary Duff, Fontaines D.C., Kings of Leon, Quavo and others are part of a release slate that gives listeners plenty to sort through.
With blockbuster artists sharing space with returning stars and genre-crossing projects, October’s opening weekend is less about finding something new to hear and more about deciding where to start.
