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Olivia Rodrigo and ITZY Release Our Favorite New Music of the Week

Get into the latest music releases from Olivia Rodrigo, LE SSERAFIM, Lola Young, and many more artists from the week of May 18-24.

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new music

Another week has come and gone, and that means another week of new music drops. For the latest batch of releases, it’s a stacked one with fresh tracks across the spectrum of today’s biggest and best artists. From new singles from international stars, a bevy of K-pop comebacks, and fresh releases from local hitmakers, it’s a busy week for music fans. So, get your playlist ready for these new songs, singles, and albums to have on your radar.

RELATED: Gracie Abrams and XONARA Release Our Favorite New Music of the Week

the cure – Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo gets vulnerable in the phenomenal second single of her upcoming third studio album. The mainly guitar-driven track sees the Gen Z musician reflect on her personal issues and their effects on her love life as it reaches its emotional crescendo by the jaw-dropping final chorus.

From Down Here – Lola Young

Lola’s emotionally resonant new single will strike a chord with anyone who’s dealt with those down days, feeling like things won’t get better.

SS26 – Charli xcx

In a big week for second singles for upcoming albums, Charli’s somewhat lowkey new song continues the rock sound and vibe she began with Rock Music, making for what’s sure to be an intriguing new album.

BOOMPALA – LE SSERAFIM

You can never fault LE SSERAFIM for sticking to the same thing. After all, they did reinterpolate the Macarena for their new single BOOMPALA, and it’s surprisingly catchy.

Motto – ITZY

IZTY’s comeback single is a solid pop number that leads the girl group’s new mini-album of the same name.

Knew Better Part Two – Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande’s seminal Dangerous Woman album is turning ten years old in 2026. So, in honor of the LP’s 10th anniversary, Ariana dropped a special anniversary edition that includes a new song, Knew Better Part Two. Naturally, it’s a banger that reminds us of how special Dangerous Woman is.  

SULFUR – Felip

Felip’s new solo era comes knocking with a bang in this rock metal meets hip-hop single that plays to the artist’s undeniable confidence.

Play – Jason Dhakal

You can always count on Jason Dhakal to deliver smooth R&B production wrapped in his signature vocals that bring the romantic feel.

LIVE FAST DIE SLOW – TAEYANG

TAEYANG brings the energy in his fast-paced new song that serves as the lead single for his new album, QUINTESSENCE.

24/7 LOVE & CARE – ALYSON

Those who are in the know know ALYSON as one of the rising OPM bands to watch for. With the release of their new album AFTER OURS, they prove that their talent and knack for making feel-good OPM bops are the real deal.

TOP 5 – ZEROBASEONE

It’s a new era for ZEROBASEONE. And if there was any doubt that the group wouldn’t be able to deliver following their lineup change, their comeback single, TOP 5, proves otherwise.

BUMPA – BIBI

BIBI makes her return with a summer anthem filled with playful charm, carefree spirit, and the artist’s signature cheeky vocal delivery. The vibrant global pop track with Latin and Caribbean-inspired rhythms is driven by infectious percussion, upbeat band arrangements, and an irresistible groove.

Suddenly – I.O.I

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. I.O.I is back with new music after nine years, with a new sentimental pop single and a new mini-album.

Questions – Maisie Peters

Maise’s new album, Florescence, is a meditation on how the right love can help heal the wrong ones. It’s an album about perspective, self-realisation, healing, and ultimately, learning how to flourish.

sailing – grent perez

You can never go wrong with a grent perez tune to lift your spirits with its feel-good sound and lovestruck lyrics.

timebomb – SHNTI

True to the song’s name, the track is explosive and teeming with sonic urgency fitting for a chic action movie.


Featured Image: OLIVIA RODRIGO (via Instagram)

Frequently Asked Questions

Olivia Rodrigo released her vulnerable second single, titled “the cure,” a guitar-driven track reflecting on personal growth and relationships ahead of her upcoming third studio album.

Major K-pop comebacks this week include ITZY with their mini-album single “Motto,” LE SSERAFIM’s “BOOMPALA,” ZEROBASEONE’s “TOP 5,” and a surprise reunion track from I.O.I.

Ariana Grande released “Knew Better Part Two” as part of a special tenth-anniversary edition celebrating her seminal 2016 studio album, Dangerous Woman.

Featured OPM artists include Felip with his rock-hip-hop single “SULFUR,” R&B singer Jason Dhakal, and rising band ALYSON with their feel-good album AFTER OURS.

Maisie Peters’ new album Florescence serves as a musical meditation exploring themes of perspective, self-realization, personal healing, and learning how to flourish through the right love.

Rafael Bautista

Rafael Bautista

Senior Pop Culture Writer

Rafael Bautista is the Senior Pop Culture Writer of MEGA Asia, with a focus on producing articles and features about local and international entertainment, popular culture, and lifestyle.

Before this role, he spent five years in the youth-oriented magazine NYLON Manila, where he served multiple positions, including Deputy Editor, and created stories, profiles, and content on digital and print geared towards a Gen Z audience. In 2025, he was awarded Jr. Deputy Editor of the Year.

With years of experience in digital media, Rafael has an interest and passion for writing about movies, shows, pop culture, and entertainment, with a particular emphasis on titles, trends, and personalities who are making waves in modern culture or are on the cusp of becoming the next big thing people will talk about.

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