Shawn Mendes
Youth
Pop, R&B

Shawn Mendes joins forces with R&B singer Khalid to boldly declare a message of determination amid terror and tragedy.

Janelle Monáe
Dirty Computer
Pop, R&B

Janelle Monáe’s latest is a compelling, complicated case study in contradictions when it comes to love and freedom.

Ariana Grande
No Tears Left To Cry
Pop

Ariana Grande’s first new song since the Manchester bombing last year mostly majors in positivity and looking forward.

Zayn
Let Me
Pop, R&B

The latest hit from this former One Direction singer begins lustily but takes a surprising turn toward commitment after that.

5 Seconds of Summer
Youngblood
Pop

The latest hit from this Australian boy band involves two people whose romance has devolved from vows to vindictiveness.

George Ezra
Staying at Tamara’s
Alternative, Folk, Pop

As musical escapes go, this one gets a mixed review.

Meghan Trainor
No Excuses
Pop

Meghan Trainor returns with another empowerment anthem undermined by some mixed messages in its video’s visuals.

Vance Joy
Nation of Two
Alternative, Folk, Pop

This up-and-coming Australian indie artist majors in sweet sentiments and dabbles in some mild sensuality as well.

Various/Soundtrack
Fifty Shades Freed (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, R&B

Tender love songs are in the minority on a soundtrack that more often mirrors the R-rated content of the film …

Justin Timberlake
Filthy
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, R&B, Rock

Justin Timberlake has never been one to shy away from expressing himself. That hasn’t changed with “Filthy.”

Justin Timberlake
Man of the Woods
Country, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, R&B, Rock

J.T.’s latest touches on fatherhood, marriage and fidelity while dancing with questionable language and sexually explicit lyrics.

Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey
The Middle
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop

This collaborative effort takes a mildly suggestive stab at romantic reconciliation … and invites us to go shopping, too.

Fall Out Boy
Mania
Pop, Rock

Fall Out Boy returns with an album that blends styles—and one that blends hopeful moments with profanely despairing ones.

Camila Cabello
Camila
Pop

Former Fifth Harmony singer Camila Cabello hasn’t left many emotional details out of this vulnerable, at times sensual debut.

Carrie Underwood feat. Ludacris
The Champion
Country, Pop, Rap/Hip-Hop, Rock

Carrie Underwood fights her way to the top as a “The Champion” with this inspiring anthem.