August 2025 is set to be a blockbuster month for new music, offering a diverse sonic landscape from pop anthems to introspective rap and country twang. The month kicks off with a bang on Aug. 1 with releases from pop powerhouse Reneé Rapp and the influential rap duo $uicideboy$.
Expect a genre-bending lineup throughout August, featuring new projects from established acts like the Jonas Brothers, the Black Keys, Maroon 5, and Ciara, alongside rising stars Amaarae and Ethel Cain. The month culminates on Aug. 29 with a highly anticipated batch of releases, including new music from Sabrina Carpenter, Belinda Carlisle, the Beaches, the Hives, and Margo Price.
Whether you’re craving cathartic pop, soulful gospel, or introspective hip-hop, August’s releases have you covered. Here are 15 standout albums to add to your summer rotation.
Reneé Rapp — BITE ME (Aug. 1)
Rising pop sensation Reneé Rapp launches August with her highly anticipated sophomore album, BITE ME. Described as a raw and vulnerable exploration of self-acceptance, the album encourages listeners to embrace all facets of their personality. The project is previewed by singles “Leave Me Alone,” “Mad,” and “Why Is She Still Here?,” showcasing Rapp’s signature “f— off” energy.
Rapp stated that the album is a reflection of her life and experiences, aiming to create a community for unfiltered self-expression. Following the release, she’ll embark on a North American headline tour, with stops including Madison Square Garden in New York and The Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
$uicideboy$ — Thy Kingdom Come (Aug. 1)
New Orleans’ influential rap duo $uicideboy$ returns with Thy Kingdom Come, the follow-up to their 2024 release, New World Depression. This album marks a significant milestone as it features guest artists on two tracks for the first time in their studio album history, including the highly anticipated collaboration “Now And At The Hour Of Our Death” with rapper BONES.
The lead single, “Self-Inflicted,” harkens back to their early SoundCloud days with its dark, aggressive production and gritty atmosphere. The track has already garnered over 10 million streams across platforms and charted at No. 59 on the Spotify Global Chart. The duo will launch their annual Grey Day tour on Aug. 5, partnering with mental health non-profit PLUS1, with $1 from each ticket donated.
Bailey Zimmerman — Different Night Same Rodeo (Aug. 8)
Country music’s rising star Bailey Zimmerman is set to release his second album, Different Night Same Rodeo, on Aug. 8. The LP, produced by collaborator Austin Shawn, features popular singles such as “Backup Plan” with Luke Combs, “Holy Smokes,” “New to Country,” “Hell or High Water,” “Holding On,” and “Comin’ In Cold.”
Zimmerman shared that he dedicated nearly two years to crafting this album, ultimately deciding it wasn’t “good enough” until it truly told his story. The project draws inspiration from his experiences in the public eye, touring, and navigating relationships. He is currently on his New To Country tour, playing 16 amphitheaters nationwide, and will also appear at several summer festivals.
Ethel Cain — Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You (Aug. 8)
Singer-songwriter Hayden Anhedönia, known as Ethel Cain, will delve deeper into her past with Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, arriving Aug. 8. This album serves as a prequel to her acclaimed 2022 debut, Preacher’s Daughter.
Cain described the album, which begins in the summer of 1986, as a narrative of an insecure teenager navigating her first love in a “broken world and a broken town,” ultimately portraying a “deeply traumatized” love story. She views the Ethel Cain persona as a part of herself she discards to make better decisions, with Preacher’s Daughter representing lessons learned from trauma and Willoughby Tucker detailing missteps in love. Singles “Nettles” and “Fuck Me Eyes” have been released, and Cain will embark on a North American and European tour from August to November 2025.
MGK — lost americana (Aug. 8)
MGK, formerly Machine Gun Kelly, is releasing his seventh studio album, lost americana, on Aug. 8. The album’s trailer features narration from Nobel Prize winner Bob Dylan. Dylan described the project as a “personal excavation of the American dream,” a “love letter to those who seek to rediscover,” and a “sonic map of forgotten places.”
The album is led by singles “Cliché,” “Vampire Diaries,” and “Miss Sunshine.” It follows MGK’s GRAMMY-nominated 2022 LP, Mainstream Sellout.
Amaarae — Black Star (Aug. 8)
Ghanaian American singer Amaarae, who gained international acclaim with her 2023 album Fountain Baby, is set to release her next chapter, Black Star, on Aug. 8. She has become a festival favorite and a prominent voice in global music, collaborating with artists like Janelle Monáe and Rina Sawayama.
Amaarae described Black Star as the “genesis of me feeling sure and confident in myself as a grown woman,” aiming to clearly communicate her message to the world. For this project, she collaborated with producer Kyu Steed and traveled to Brazil to work with baile-funk producers, seeking an authentic sense of freedom in their creative process. The lead single, “S.M.O.” (“Slut Me Out”), draws inspiration from Donna Summer and Janet Jackson, celebrating sexual freedom and encouraging listeners to dance and feel.
Big Freedia — Pressing Onward (Aug. 8)
New Orleans bounce icon Big Freedia is releasing her first-ever gospel album, Pressing Onward, on Aug. 8. The album title is inspired by the Pressing Onward Baptist Church in her hometown. This project follows her 2023 LP, Central City.
“The church always spoke to me: the drama, the choir, and the attire,” Big Freedia said in a statement. “I’m hoping fans can get some faith and hope from this album.” The album is also a tribute to her partner, Devon Hurst, who passed away in May 2025. Freedia noted, “This album started as a message of healing for the world — but now, it’s me who’s holding on to the music for strength.”
The Black Keys — No Rain, No Flowers (Aug. 8)
After teasing fans with their “No Rain, No Flowers” tour and releasing singles “The Night Before” and “Babygirl,” the dynamic duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have confirmed their 13th LP, No Rain, No Flowers, for release on Aug. 8 via Easy Eye Sound and Warner.
Self-produced and recorded in Nashville, the album features collaborations with Rick Nowels, Daniel Tashian, and Scott Storch. Auerbach expressed the immediate chemistry with Nowels, noting his piano-driven songwriting. Carney added that the band aimed to work with renowned songwriters, highlighting their long-standing admiration for Tashian and Storch. The Black Keys’ tour continues through September, with dates across North America and Europe.
Maroon 5 — Love Is Like (Aug. 15)
Maroon 5 is returning to their musical roots with their new album, Love Is Like, set for release on Aug. 15. This marks their first album in four years, following 2021’s JORDI. The LP includes the singles “Priceless” featuring Lisa of BLACKPINK, “All Night,” and “California.”
Frontman Adam Levine stated that the band intentionally moved away from trends, focusing on producing music organically, which he feels is how they first stood out. Guitarist James Valentine echoed this sentiment, describing the album’s creation as a return to their early approach of writing songs together in a room. Maroon 5 will embark on a 23-date U.S. arena tour in October.
Conan Gray — Wishbone (Aug. 15)
Conan Gray is set to release his introspective fourth studio album, Wishbone, on Aug. 15. Gray described the writing process as a way to process his feelings during quiet moments between tours and performances. He initially kept the music private but found himself needing it for emotional support.
After sharing the songs with friends who embraced them as a personal soundtrack, Gray collaborated with Dan Nigro to develop Wishbone. He felt the music helped him define himself during a transitional period in his twenties. Gray will commence a tour in support of the album on Sept. 11 in Ohio, with special guest hemlocke springs.
Ciara — CiCi (Aug. 22)
Ciara has officially announced her new album, CiCi, will be released on Aug. 22. This project expands on her 2023 EP of the same name and follows her 2019 studio album, Beauty Marks. The album features lead single “Ecstasy” and previously released tracks “How We Roll” with Chris Brown, “Forever” with Lil Baby, “Wassup,” and “Run It Up.”
Ciara described the album as her “love letter” and a thank you to her fans for their continued support. She emphasized her journey of forging her own path independently. The tracklist also includes features from Latto, Busta Rhymes, and Tyga. “This project took 5 years to build,” Ciara shared, highlighting the intentionality behind each element and the symbolic power of her 3D-printed breastplate as a representation of her strength and earned pride.
Sabrina Carpenter — Man’s Best Friend (Aug. 29)
“When inspiration strikes, I go to the studio,” Sabrina Carpenter shared about her upcoming seventh album, Man’s Best Friend, due Aug. 29. Carpenter found inspiration in artists like Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, and Donna Summer, noting their prolific output. She felt this release felt “right” for her.
The 12-track LP follows Carpenter’s highly successful 2024 album, Short n’ Sweet, which earned her two GRAMMY Awards and dominated charts globally. The album is fronted by the single “Manchild.”
The Hives — The Hives Forever Forever The Hives (Aug. 29)
Swedish rock band The Hives are set to release their seventh studio album, The Hives Forever Forever The Hives, on Aug. 29 via Play It Again Sam. This release continues their trend of reinvention, following their 2023 album The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons.
The new project is led by singles “Enough Is Enough,” “Paint A Picture,” and “Legalize Living.” It features production from Pelle Gunnerfeldt and Mike D of Beastie Boys, with contributions from Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age. The album is being hailed as a “magnum opus” where “every single song is a single, every single single a hit.” The Hives will support the release with a world tour throughout the remainder of 2025.
Zach Top — Ain’t In It For My Health (Aug. 29)
Following his breakthrough 2024 debut album Cold Beer & Country Music, his first No. 1 country radio hit “I Never Lie,” and an ACM win for Top Male Artist, Zach Top is releasing his second LP, Ain’t In It For My Health, on Aug. 29.
Produced by Carson Chamberlain, the 15-track album features the vibrant single “Good Times & Tan Lines,” a potential summer anthem. Top’s neo-traditional sound is evident as he sings about carefree evenings and simple pleasures. The Sunnyside, Washington native is currently supporting Dierks Bentley on tour and will launch the fall leg of his own tour in September.
Margo Price — Hard Headed Woman (Aug. 29)
Margo Price’s upcoming album, Hard Headed Woman, set for Aug. 29, aims to channel the spirit of Johnny Cash by speaking for the “common man and woman.” Price stated her intention to rebuild her music from the ground up, hoping the album inspires fearlessness and authentic self-expression.
Described as a “hell-bent collection of country music,” the album reconnects with Price’s roots and redefines the modern outlaw. It features duets with Tyler Childers on “Love Me Like You Used To Do” and Jesse Welles on “Don’t Wake Me Up.” The first single, “Don’t Let The Bastards Get You Down,” was co-written with Jeremy Ivey, Rodney Crowell, and Kris Kristofferson. Price is currently on her Wild At Heart tour across North America.
