Olivia Rodrigo's "good 4 u," Plus New Nicki Minaj, NCT Dream, and More

This week's Best New Music Friday roundup features new songs from Olivia Rodrigo, Nicki Minaj, NCT Dream, and more.

Olivia Rodrigo, “Good 4 u”

At this point, it's becoming clear that Olivia Rodrigo can't miss. The follow-up to singles “deja vu” and “drivers license,” new song “good 4 u” channels pure 2000s pop-punk as the vessel for her knockout songwriting. Her voice is so versatile, easily slipping from hues of Taylor (complete with “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” vocalizing), Alanis, and Hayley Williams to become something original, too. The music video packs a similar punch, as she embraces Carrie and cheerleader horror in the Petra Collins-directed visual.

NCT Dream, “Dive Into You”

The Dreamies are back, and with them an irresistible blend of earnestness, playfulness, and clear skill. Those things sparkle on their new album Hot Sauce — “Dive Into You” is a windows-down bop that feels like the beginning of a movie.

Nicki Minaj with Drake & Lil Wayne, “Seeing Green”

Nicki Minaj makes a triumphant return on the re-release of her 2009 mixtape Beam Me Up Scotty, now available on streaming services for the first time. While it's a delight to go back through old favorites like “Keys Under Palm Trees,” one of the new additions is Drake and Lil Wayne collab, “Seeing Geen.” The trio work well together, but as Nicki affirms, “I am the star in any room that I stand in.”

King Isis, “Sparkly”

Up-and-coming artist King Isis released their debut single this week, the lovely “Sparkly.” The song traverses dynamic ground, sliding from jazz and blues to indie pop and back again, setting the foundation for King Isis's chameleon vocals. There's something so real and pleading at the end, as they declare, “You're all I ever dream about."

Elaine, “Right Now”

22-year-old South African singer-songwriter Elaine's new single “Right Now” is a song that chronicles life, and healing, and hard feelings. “I was carrying so much baggage,” Elaine told Apple Music 1's Zane Lowe. “I was carrying baggage that wasn't even mine. I was carrying around things that didn't even belong to me. And when I made that song and I recorded that song, it felt like, you know what? From now on, I'm letting everything go, focusing on myself, focusing on what it means to be me, focusing on what it is to be a woman, focusing on what it means to be an artist and only that.” That's good energy — reinforced by an honest, searching R&B hit that will definitely be on repeat.

Allison Ponthier, “Harshest Critic”

“Who's the harshest critic in the room?” Allison Ponthier asks in the pretty, prescient “Harshest Critic," her second single following the her debut song, “Cowboy.” With a Beatles-esque acoustic guitar riff and a Kacey Musgraves tone to her voice, “Harshest Critic” continues her enjoyable, introspective musical hot streak.

MK xyz, “One Time”

Rising R&B musician MK xyz released her new EP Sweet Spot this week, led by the summery, smooth single “One Time.” The song samples Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s 1995 hit “1st of tha Month," creating an effortless, smirky hit that's pure pleasure.

Ashe, “Me Without You"

Quickly rising pop voice Ashe has a whimsical sort of shine in “Me Without You,” a chamber pop song with bouncy instrumentals that make the track as a whole feel like Regina Spektor by way of Billie Eilish. Her delivery has a Sara Bareilles-y theatricality that works — especially when the music video takes a darker turn.

Dom, “Crazy”

Dom, a 21-year-old singer-songwriter, cites Hendrix, Muddy Waters, and Muscle Shoals as influences — all of which shape his latest single, “Crazy.” The track is lighthearted and funky, highlighting Dom's make-it-look-easy falsetto. We're excited to hear more.

Evann McIntosh, “Nobody Else”

17-year-old burgeoning talent Evann McIntosh is one to have on your radar. New single “Nobody Else,” off their upcoming August album Character Development, is easygoing pop made distinctive by Evann's effervescent on-screen personality and distinctive voice, and the heavy Prince influence that's fun to watch them pull off with disarming ease.

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