Justin Bieber's seventh album, his first independent of Scooter Braun, explores R&B with gospel and pop influences, featuring collaborators like Dijon and Mk.gee, emphasizing emotional yearning, family, and reclamation amid personal growth. Pitchfork highlights his undeniable voice and riskiest moments as rewarding, positioning it as cathartic postmaxxing.[pitchfork.com](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/justin-bieber-swag/)

G Herbo reverts to his teenage Lil Herb persona for a loose concept album reflecting on Chicago drill's origins with vivid storytelling, wistfulness, and hard lessons amid loss and survival. Pitchfork rates it 7.5, calling it his closest capture of his full rapper essence with sharp, lived-in bars and stylish touches.[pitchfork.com](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/g-herbo-lil-herb/)

FKA twigs expands her chaotic EUSEXUA universe with a new album and reimagined original, blending electronic, pop, R&B, and club sounds in a loose concept about post-night-out aftermath, featuring PinkPantheress and Two Shell. Pitchfork scores it 7.4, noting thrilling moments of carefree abandon despite not matching the original's mastery.[pitchfork.com](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/fka-twigs-eusexua-afterglow/)

Sage Elsesser's sixth album contemplates grief, loss, and hope through intimate, evocative rap over lush production from Navy Blue, Child Actor, and others, themed around Archangel Michael. Pitchfork gives it 8.0, hailing it as his most evocative since 2020 with tender musings and bullish optimism.[pitchfork.com](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/navy-blue-the-sword-and-the-soaring/)

Highly anticipated new album from superstar rapper 21 Savage, generating major buzz as a New Music Friday highlight in hip-hop circles, though specific reviews are emerging.[popgoesthecharts.wordpress.com](https://popgoesthecharts.wordpress.com/2025/12/11/new-music-friday-releases-for-the-week-of-december-12-2025/)

Popular electronic producer Fred Again.. drops USB, a key New Music Friday release blending his signature emotive dance sounds, drawing widespread attention.[popgoesthecharts.wordpress.com](https://popgoesthecharts.wordpress.com/2025/12/11/new-music-friday-releases-for-the-week-of-december-12-2025/)

Rico Nasty's aggressive new rap/punk album Lethal-er arrives as a notable hip-hop release this New Music Friday, appealing to fans of her high-energy style.[popgoesthecharts.wordpress.com](https://popgoesthecharts.wordpress.com/2025/12/11/new-music-friday-releases-for-the-week-of-december-12-2025/)

Boz Scaggs' first album in seven years hits vinyl, praised in rock circles for its mature songcraft and classic vibes on this week's releases.[ultimateclassicrock.com](https://ultimateclassicrock.com/december-2025-new-music-releases/)

Expanded 10th anniversary reissue of Kylie Minogue's holiday album with new festive tracks like 'XMAS', perfect for pop fans seeking seasonal cheer.[gayly.com](https://www.gayly.com/%E2%80%9Clisten-out%E2%80%9D-december-2025-music-reviews)

Allie X's fourth album channels 90s art pop with piano-driven songs around alter ego The Infant Marie, more relaxed than her prior work per reviews.[gayly.com](https://www.gayly.com/%E2%80%9Clisten-out%E2%80%9D-december-2025-music-reviews)