Following his January announcement, Bruno Mars has released 'The Romantic,' his first solo album since 2016's '24K Magic,' featuring nine soulful funk tracks with '70s vibes. The New Music Friday (February 27, 2026) also saw Gorillaz drop 'The Mountain' exploring mortality themes, and BLACKPINK's mini EP 'Deadline' with high-energy singles.
New Music Friday on February 27, 2026, brought major releases, led by Bruno Mars' 'The Romantic.' Produced with D’Mile, the nine-track album delivers romantic '70s soul and funk, highlighted by singles “I Just Might” (debut No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100) and “Cha Cha Cha.” Mars teased the era on Instagram: “New Video. New Album. New Chapter,” tying into the “Risk It All” music video.
This fulfills the January announcement of his fourth solo LP via Atlantic Records, with pre-orders including collectible vinyl and merchandise featuring the black-and-white cover art.
Gorillaz' ninth album, 'The Mountain' (Kong label), advanced from a March 20 date, featuring Anoushka Shankar, Black Thought, Johnny Marr, and posthumous vocals from Dennis Hopper, Bobby Womack, Tony Allen, Proof, and Mark E. Smith. Damon Albarn weaves mortality and reincarnation themes using unused recordings, with sitar-driven title track and a companion short film 'The Mountain, The Moon Cave and The Sad God.' Jamie Hewlett's artwork adorns the vinyl.
BLACKPINK's five-track English-heavy mini EP 'Deadline' follows 2022's 'Born Pink,' boasting Diplo-produced “Jump” and “Go” (co-written by Chris Martin). JISOO, JENNIE, ROSÉ, and LISA marked 100 million YouTube subscribers amid Korea Museum tie-ins and Seoul pop-ups.
Elsewhere: Iron & Wine's 'Hen’s Teeth' (from 'Light Verse' sessions, Van Morrison-inspired); Bill Callahan's improvisational 'My Days of 58'; Mitski's reclusive indie-rock 'Nothing’s About to Happen to Me.' Singles include Juvenile feat. Megan Thee Stallion’s “B.B.B.” and Lamb of God’s “Blunt Force Blues” (previewing 'Into Oblivion' on March 13).