Friday Music Guide: New Music Releases From Karol G, Role Model, FLO & More
The project marks a major mood shift from her 2025 set, arriving alongside notable new releases from Role Model, British R&B trio FLO, and South Korean boy band Stray Kids.
Karol G Unlocks Intimate Era on Sixth Studio Album
Following her vibrant 2025 release Tropicoqueta, Colombian singer Karol G embraces vulnerability and raw emotion on her 14-track project, No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto, which translates to “I don’t regret feeling so much.” According to Billboard, the album features high-profile collaborations including Drake on “Ahí,” Bruno Mars on “Still,” Judeline and Rusowsky on “Bby Wow,” and Greg Gonzalez of Cigarettes After Sex on the closer “Después de Ti.” The project also includes the provocative perreo track “Matadora,” which debuted at No. 3 on the Hot Latin Songs chart dated Aug. 8.
Role Model and FLO Chart Personal and Sonic Evolutions
Passing into his 30s inspired rising pop artist Role Model to craft his third album, Chuck Timely & The Hourglass. Billboard notes that the 12-song project explores themes of marriage on “The Wedding,” positive attitudes on “High Hopes” and “Joy,” and perseverance on “Harmony.” Building on the introspective songwriting of his 2024 sophomore effort Kansas Anymore, the release captures a snapshot of life in a new decade rather than chasing a direct follow-up to his breakout hit “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.”
Across the Atlantic, British R&B trio FLO—comprising Renée, Stella, and Jorja—follows up its Grammy-nominated debut with a swanky sophomore effort titled Therapy at the Club. According to Billboard coverage, the record expands their late ’90s and early ’00s R&B foundation by incorporating ’80s synth-pop elements, alongside features from Juicy J and kwn, serving as a seasonal soundtrack for late-summer nightlife.
Global Appeal Across Stray Kids, Sam Smith, Stella Lefty, and Alex Warren
South Korean boy band Stray Kids delivers its tenth mini-album, titled THIS & THAT. Billboard highlights that the eight-track collection features a hard-hitting title track with boastful lyrics by members Hyunjin and Bang Chan, alongside dance-pop cuts like “After You,” softer tracks like “Way Out,” and alt-pop numbers such as “Back Then.”
In other single releases, Sam Smith offers a haunting glimpse into their upcoming fifth album, Hazel Eyes (out August 21), with the single “When He’s Gone.” Rising country-pop artist Stella Lefty drops “Lean In, Kiss Me” following a performance at Chicago’s Lollapalooza while her breakout smash “Boston” holds strong on the charts. Meanwhile, Alex Warren shares “Rescuer” ahead of his August 28 sophomore album, Wildchild, echoing the contemplative style of his breakout hit “Ordinary.”
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