On January 30, 2026, New Music Friday brought a wide array of albums and singles across genres, from rock and punk to hip-hop and country. Highlights include Bruce Springsteen's protest song, Noah Kahan's folk-rock single, and new projects from artists like Labrinth and DaBaby. The releases coincide with Grammy anticipation, featuring tributes and new music tied to the event.
New Music Friday: January 30, 2026 Releases
New Music Friday on January 30, 2026, showcased a eclectic mix of releases, reflecting the music industry's global rhythm. Bruce Springsteen unveiled 'Streets of Minneapolis,' a stripped-down protest song addressing tensions in Minneapolis with a mid-song chant of 'ICE out now,' released earlier in the week but highlighted in Friday roundups. Noah Kahan returned with 'The Great Divide,' the lead single from his forthcoming album out April 24 on Mercury Records, blending alternative-folk with narrative-driven lyrics like 'I hope you settle down, I hope you marry rich.'
In hip-hop, DaBaby dropped 'Be More Grateful,' a reflective project featuring Coi Leray and Hunxho, while Don Toliver released his fifth studio album 'Octane' on Cactus Jack/Atlantic, inspired by rally racing culture and including collaborations with Travis Scott and Yeat. The Game and DJ Drama followed up with 'Every Movie Needs a Trailer: The Credits (Gangsta Grillz),' a 12-track sequel boasting guests like 21 Savage and Benny The Butcher.
Country saw Ella Langley announce her sophomore album 'Dandelion' for April, executive produced with Miranda Lambert, alongside the title track evoking resilience. A supergroup collaboration 'McArthur' united HARDY, Eric Church, Morgan Wallen, and Tim McGraw, tracing generational themes across verses.
Rock and alternative offerings included Joyce Manor's 'I Used to Go to This Bar' on Epitaph, produced by Bad Religion's Brett Gurewitz, and Labrinth's 'Cosmic Opera Act I,' fusing orchestral elements with futuristic production. Geologist (Brian Weitz of Animal Collective) debuted 'Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights' on Drag City, featuring a hurdy gurdy tribute to a 1990s performance.
These releases build momentum toward the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with performers like Justin Bieber and tributes to icons including Ozzy Osbourne. The variety underscores music's ongoing evolution, from protest anthems to personal reflections.
