RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Billboard — the article as it was filed.
Another week, another collection of brand new projects for the world to dive into.
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Sam Smith’s ‘Hazel Eyes’: All 12 Songs Ranked
Sam Smith leads this New Music Friday with their Hazel Eyes LP, marking their fifth studio album and first since 2023’s Gloria . Featuring a slew of singles — including “To Be Free,” “My Guy” and “When He’s Gone” — the 12-track set was primarily written and produced by Smith, Simon Aldred and David Odlum.
“Boston” breakout star Stella Lefty also shared her Long Way Home debut album; Grammy-winning North Carolina MC Rapsody delivered her rapturous God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops ; West Coast rapper The Game dropped his long-awaited The Documentary III ; Weezer unleashed the eponymous 20th studio album; and K-pop boy band ENHYPEN returned with its eighth mini album, THE SIN : BLISS .
This week also featured new projects from British singer-songwriter Jorja Smith ( What Are the Odds ), The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers ( Thrasher ), Billboard’s 2026 R&B Rising Star Destin Conrad ( Roadrunner ), Jamaican reggae crooner D’Yani ( Live Life & Prosper ), R&B stalwart Eric Bellinger ( Eric Bellinger ), dancehall legend Beenie Man ( Eminence ), Grammy-winning country duo Dan + Shay ( Young ), Detroit MC Skilla Baby ( The Price of Fame ) and English singer-songwriter Cleo Sol ( Gentlewoman ).
Over on the singles side, Treaty Oak Revival leads the way with its new Austin Meade-assisted “Slim Pickins.” Other notable team-ups came via Los Ángeles Azules & TINI (“Pa’ Él”) and Michelle Maciel & Jasiel Núñez (“Con Ella Sí <3”). Coco Jones celebrated her recent nuptials with her lush new “Love Me Through” joint, Lucky Daye and Leon Thomas linked up for “Fly U Out,” and Sinners star Miles Caton shared “Lean On.”
This New Music Friday also gifted the world new songs from Central Cee (“The Team”), Warren Zeiders (“Looks Good On You”), Polo G (“OMG”) Russ & A Boogie wit da Hoodie (“Rider”), Leon Bridges (“Talk It Over”), Remi Wolf (“Bottle”), Smiley (“10 Raccoons”), Rex Orange County & Daniel Caesar (“Indecision), Shygirl (“Alyse”) and Reba McEntire (“Tourist”).
Billboard wants to know which of these songs, EPs and albums you’re most excited about this week. Let us know which release is staying in constant rotation this weekend by voting for your favorite in the poll below.
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