The first week of July has been lit up with firework displays and, as usual, a shimmering batch of new music releases from several different artists.
Leading the charge is Zach Bryan, whose highly anticipated new album The Great American Bar Scene dropped Thursday (July 4), fittingly timed for the United States’ most patriotic day of pub drinking. The rootsy, 19-track effort features collaborations with Bruce Springsteen and John Mayer as well as previously released singles “Pink Skies,” “Purple Gas,” “Better Days” and “Memphis; The Blues” feat. John Moreland.
Also taking advantage of the Independence Day theme is Kesha, who aptly dropped her first song as an independent artist — as in, free from her contract with Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records — on the Fourth. “Joyride” — a topsy-turvy, summer-ready dance track — finds the California native embracing the signature sound that made her a star in the late 2000s.
The week was also marked by a couple all-star collaborations, with Lana Del Rey and Quavo releasing their much-teased duet “Tough” — along with a dreamy music video — and Eminem hyping fans up for his fast-approaching new album The Death of Slim Shady by teaming up with Big Sean and BabyTron on “Tobey.” Plus, Morgan Wallen shared new single “Lies Lies Lies” to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his record One Thing at a Time, while Childish Gambino dropped “Lithonia” ahead of his upcoming final album, Bando Stone & the New World, which arrives July 19.
Whether you reside in the Land of the Free or elsewhere, you have the right to vote for your favorite piece of new music released this week. Tell us your pick by casting your ballot below.
