First Listen Fridays (29/5/26) – Ariana Grande, Debbie, and More New Music
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May is coming to an end, and so concludes a great month of new tunes for First Listen Fridays. As I am on holiday next week, there will sadly be no First Listen Fridays next week. However, we have plenty of great new music to tide you over. From great pop returns from Ariana Grande and Jae Stephens to some vocal goodness courtesy of Debbie and Nia Smith, there is plenty of top-quality stuff on display. So pop your headphones on, get the playlist going, and read why these tracks are going to soundtrack your next couple of weeks and more.
Ariana Grande – hate that i made you love me
The highly anticipated comeback of one of pop’s biggest stars is here, and it does not disappoint. Teaming up with ILYA and Max Martin on production, this has a really bubbly and synth-pop energy that matches Ari’s angelic vocals. It has a real energy to it as she details making this person fall for her without really trying. The bridge is a nice moment where the acoustic guitar allows the vocals to shine, with this artist once again proving their range can go places. A great first taste of this new era and a surefire pop hit that will likely soundtrack this summer.
Buy the track here.
Ezra Collective FT. Pa Salieu – Only Love
Whenever these two artists drop, I am always seated, so a collaboration has me ecstatic. The first single from Ezra’s upcoming fourth LP has big horns, great keyboard melodies, and smooth drum playing. Pa Salieu’s flow is a lot more chill than usual, but he sounds great whether rapping or singing. His words on poverty and wanting to bring the love ring true, highlighting the positivity and realness of this group’s music. Ezra Collective continues to have their fingers on the pulse of great jazz, providing top-tier musicality with great singers/lyricists.
Buy the track here.
Jae Stephens – Attaboy!
After a hugely successful 2025, today sees us get our first taste of new Jae Stephens in 2026. This is a big and booming noughties pop anthem full of passion and confidence. Not only a great vocal performance, but also the ad-libs are hitting on this Dallas Caton production. It does remind me of something Timbaland would have done back in the day, but it feels fresh and ready to get you moving in the club. This artist usually is on the pulse with what is hot, and today is no different.
Buy the track here.
Dolly Doops – Whats It To You?
One of our previous years’ Purple List picks, Dolly Doops continues to be one of pop’s future stars. The alt-rock instrumental feels perfectly suited for this tale of feeling frustrated about being controlled by those deciding on women’s rights. Her delivery fits the tone and feel of the music, but should be no surprise to those who’ve listened to this singer’s previous material. A great protest anthem on the misogyny growing in society, and a reminder to say f**k you to these people and stand up for the rights of women and all groups being oppressed in society.
JAYLER – Bittersweet
The debut album from this Purple Listed band has arrived today, but one of the new tracks has stood out amongst the rest.’ Bittersweet‘ is a much quieter, acoustic moment that allows lead singer James Bartholomew to showcase his more romantic side. His voice is delivered in a softer and sweeter way as he comes to terms with a relationship reaching its end. The guitar playing is just as pretty here, making for a lovely moment that showcases this band’s variety.
Buy the track here.
Nia Smith – High
The self-described ‘Brixton’s finest’ is back with some mellow melancholia. Her angelic vocal range is as impressive as ever in hitting the high notes and expressing pain. The drums come in on the second verse, giving the track an extra oomph, as this artist details the spark in this relationship diffusing. Nia remains a great emotional storyteller who tells her story through words, as well as the music and the strain on her voice.
Buy the track here.
Reuben Aziz – thru the valley
The sophomore record from Reuben Aziz drops today, and we have picked out this one as a highlight. Autotune used well to create atmosphere, poetic lyricism, and tranquil acoustic production make for a pleasant and insightful listen. This is a short but sweet insight into this artist’s headspace and leaves me eager to check out more of this project, and you should too.
Buy the track here.
Debbie – Weight On Me
Debbie continues to show what an underrated gem she is on this COLORS performance. The background choir is such a great touch, as the singer narrates having to accept that this person is not the one. Over this piano melody, she showcases vocal flexibility while giving her all on that chorus. For those who want to just hear top-class and passionate singing, this one and this artist are for you. P.S. When she hits the high notes, sensational!
Nao Yoshioka FT. My Anh – Pieces of Me
This is some absolute vibey R’n’B courtesy of Nao Yoshioka and My Anh. The production has a real bounce to it, which allows the vibrant vocals of its lead to shine. And featured guest, My Anh, sounds just as sensational, with both harmonising so well on the chorus. A real seductive jam that just oozes charisma, you’ll have this one on repeat all night long.
Buy the track here.
Roll Deep – B.U.N
And finally, the legendary crew Roll Deep is back, and they still got it. They bring that 140 sound, packed with energy, but also feeling fresh and current. The flows are hard-hitting, the lyrics are braggadocious and full of punchy bars, and the chorus does its job in getting your attention. Everyone comes in hard here, and we are reminded of why we need more crews in grime and variants of rap music in general. But, for now, the return of these legends is certainly welcomed.
Buy the track here.
Follow IndustryMe on Instagram, Threads, X, or YouTube. Press play on our First Listen Fridays playlist below to enjoy all our top picks. Don’t forget to follow the playlist on Spotify below or on Apple Music.
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