15 Must-Hear Albums Coming In June 2025: Lorde, Lil Wayne, Benson Boone, ENHYPEN & More

Editor's Note: This article was edited on June 25, 2025 to reflect that the release date for BABYMETAL's METAL FORTH was pushed to August.

As we reach the halfway mark of 2025, June brings more than just heatwaves. In a month that celebrates Pride, Black Music Month, and Juneteenth, artists around the globe invite reflection and joy with a wave of anticipated new releases.

The month kicks off off strong with Lil Wayne's much-awaited Tha Carter VI, ENHYPEN's DESIRE : UNLEASH, pop cult queen MARINA's PRINCESS OF POWER, and Happy Birthday, the debut album from Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard. Pulp also return with their first LP in 24 years, More, alongside new releases from Jon Bellion (Father Figure) and Cynthia Erivo (I Forgive You).

Elsewhere in the month, Terri Lyne Carrington and Christie Dashiell blend jazz and activism on We Insist 2025!, Benson Boone will share his sophomore effort American Heart, HAIM return with I Quit, and Lorde saves summer with Virgin. Stray Kids will also release their third Japanese EP, Hollow.

The month rounds out with a slate of iconic artists — Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, Neil Young, Rascal Flatts, Van Morrison, Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Cure, and Marianne Faithfull's posthumous Burning Moonlight.

To guide you through it all, GRAMMY.com has rounded up 15 must-hear albums dropping this month.

ENHYPEN — DESIRE : UNLEASH (June 5)

Fresh off their high-profile debut at Coachella, K-pop septet ENHYPEN are set to make 2025 a landmark year. The group will release their new EP, DESIRE : UNLEASH on June 5, coinciding with their upcoming Walk the Line World Tour across the U.S. and Europe.

Spanning eight tracks, DESIRE : UNLEASH dives deeper into ENHYPEN's signature vampiric lore, exploring themes of angst, love, and lust. Lead single "Bad Desire (With Or Without You)" teases a dark, doomed relationship, encapsulated by the group's enigmatic phrase: "Can't touch you, but I'm gonna make you mine."

The EP credits an impressive roster of producers, including Big Hit Music founder and HYBE chairperson Bang Si-hyuk ("hitman" bang), Slow Rabbit, Supreme Boi, ARMADILLO, and FRANTS. Notably, member JAY marks a new creative milestone, earning his first co-producing credit on the b-side track "Helium."

MARINA — PRINCESS OF POWER (June 6)

Welsh pop auteur MARINA returns with Princess of Power, her sixth studio album and first independent release. Reflecting on the project, she told Rolling Stone, "We are meeting a Marina who is not guarding her heart so much anymore. It's a courageous thing, particularly if you've been hurt in the past. It can be really hard to reprogram yourself, and I've finally been able to do that."

Following 2021's Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land, MARINA expands on themes of love, empowerment, and leadership — particularly for a new generation of women — with Princess of Power. Her latest single, "CUNTISSIMO," praises independence and sexual freedom, paying homage to icons Salma Hayek and Thelma & Louise in the lyrics.

Tracks "BUTTERFLY" and "CUPID'S GIRL" spearhead the project, showcasing MARINA's twisty pop prowess. Celebrating her return, MARINA will support the album with performances at major festivals this summer, including Governors Ball, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza Chicago.

Lil Wayne - Tha Carter VI (June 6)

Lil Wayne's long-awaited Tha Carter VI is set for release on June 6, marking the fourteenth release in the legendary New Orleans rapper's career. In a recent Rolling Stone cover story, Weezy teased an impressive roster of collaborators, including Wyclef Jean, Andrea Bocelli, Miley Cyrus, Machine Gun Kelly, Bono, and his son Kameron Carter — not to mention an uncleared Billie Eilish sample.

"If there's one thing about this album that's different, it's me approaching it like, ‘Man, what would I sound like on something with such and such?" he told the publication, reinforcing a commitment to go beyond what people expect from his music.

Tha Carter VI follows his 2023 collaboration with 2 Chainz, Welcome 2 Collegrove, and marks seven years since 2018's Tha Carter V. To celebrate release day, Lil Wayne will headline Madison Square Garden for the first time in his career.

Pulp — More (June 6)

Britpop icons Pulp return with More, their first album in nearly 24 years. Set for release on June 6, the LP captures the spirit of the band's 2023 reunion tour, where frontman Jarvis Cocker said creativity came rushing back.

"We practiced a new song called "Hymn of the North" during soundchecks and eventually played it at the end of our second night at Sheffield Arena," he shared. "This seemed to open the floodgates: we came up with the rest of the songs on this album during the first half of 2024."

Produced by James Ford, More was recorded in three swift weeks — the fastest studio effort in Pulp's history. "It was obviously ready to happen," said Jarvis. A taste of what Pulp still have to give can be heard on the electrifying single "Spike Island." To support the release, Pulp will kick off a UK tour in June, followed by European festival appearances in August (including Tramlines and La Route Du Rock), and a string of North American dates in September.

**Turnstile — NEVER ENOUGH (June 6)**

Following 2021's widely acclaimed GLOW ON, hardcore punk band Turnstile will return with their fourth studio album, NEVER ENOUGH, on June 6. Produced by frontman Brendan Yates, the 14-track collection was recorded between Los Angeles and their hometown of Baltimore.

Described as an expansive assortment that depicts the "restless and exhilarating evolution" of Turnstile, NEVER ENOUGH promises a "transformative journey, both fearless and alive, by one of the most forward-thinking and influential bands of their generation." As a preview, the band shared the sweeping title track, as well as singles "Seein' Stars," "Birds," and "Look Out for Me."

Turnstile have slated festival sets on Primavera Sound in Barcelona and Porto, Glastonbury in the UK, Aftershock in Sacramento, and more. A visual companion to NEVER ENOUGH, directed by Yates and guitarist Pat McCrory, is set to premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival.

The Dare — What's Wrong With New York?: Afters (June 13)

The Dare — aka Harrison Patrick Smith — will release a deluxe edition of his debut album, What's Wrong With New York?: Afters on June 13 via Republic Records. The LP will feature three new tracks taken from recording sessions for his debut, including a cover of The Sound's "I Can't Escape Myself" and the recent single "LCA."

It's been a busy year for the singer, who dropped the original What's Wrong With New York? in Sept. 2024. Since then, The Dare's meteoric rise has comprised a sold-out U.K. and European tour, a Coachella debut, and a standout appearance at the 67th GRAMMYs alongside Charli xcx. The pair collaborated on "Guess," a track off Charli's 2024 smash, Brat, where a casual name-drop led to thousands of people getting to know The Dare's work.

Over the next few months, The Dare will hit major festivals around the world, including Primavera Sound, Lollapalooza Chicago, Reading, and Leeds. In the meantime, he continues to host his signature party Freakquencies, with a recent NYC edition drawing 4,000 attendees and a debut in Mexico City in April.

Terri Lyne Carrington and Christie Dashiell — We Insist 2025! (June 13)

Jazz luminaries Terri Lyne Carrington and Christie Dashiell reimagine a classic with We Insist 2025!, out June 13. Framed as "more than an album" in a press release, the upcoming LP is described as "a call to action, a commemoration of resilience, and a tribute to the enduring power of music to inspire change."

The album revisits and reinterprets We Insist! Max Roach's Freedom Now Suite, the iconic 1961 work that became a rallying cry for the civil rights movement at the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation. Carrington and Dashiell infuse the material with fresh influences, drawing from funk, Afro-Latin rhythms, and contemporary jazz.

The album includes high-caliber musicians, such as Weedie Braimah, Milena Casado, Matthew Stevens, Simon Moullier, and Morgan Guerin with a special appearance by Julian Priester — the only living musician from Roach's original recording.

Brandon Lake — King of Hearts (June 13)

Five-time GRAMMY winner Brandon Lake returns with King of Hearts, a deeply personal album out June 13. "I'm not sure if I knew who this record was for when I started writing it," Lake shared on Instagram about his upcoming project. "But as the songs came the more I realized it was not for the seemingly put together, but rather those who are honest about their brokenness, but also have a desire to connect with their creator and experience Him in everyday life."

Across 16 tracks, Lake explores themes of vulnerability, faith, and connection to the divine. King of Hearts features his 10-week Christian Airplay chart-topper "That's Who I Praise" and a high-profile collaboration with Jelly Roll on "Hard Fought Hallelujah." Other highlights include "I Know a Name" with CeCe Winans, "Right in the Middle" with Hulvey, and "Remember the Miracles" with Hank Bentley.

Lake will also embark on his largest headline tour yet, kicking off October 2 in Sunrise, FL. The 48-city run will hit major cities including Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, before wrapping up in his hometown of Charleston, SC in May 2026. We The Kingdom's Franni Cash will open the shows.

WITCH — SOGOLO (June 13)

Following their 2023's reunion album Zango and a global rediscovery of their work, '70s Zamrock pioneers WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc) will return with a new record, SOGOLO, on June 13.

Named after the Zambian word for "future," SOGOLO builds on WITCH's blend of psychedelic rock and African rythyms pushing into new sonic territory. "This album is a reflection of that spirit — an exploration of new frontiers, where every note and lyric is a step into the unknown," said frontman Emmanuel 'Jagari' Chanda in a statement. "We believe that music is a living, breathing entity that grows and changes, just as we do."

Recorded in Berlin during a 10-day break from touring, the LP is led by singles "Nadi" and "Queenless King." WITCH will hit the road for a European tour in the summer, followed by a 15-date U.S. tour starting on Sept. 3 in Riverside, CA.

Benson Boone — American Heart (June 20)

Best New Artist nominee at the 2025 GRAMMYs, Benson Boone skyrocketed to stardom with "Beautiful Things," the most-streamed song of 2024. Now, the rising pop star aims to prove his staying power with his sophomore LP, American Heart, due June 20.

"A lot of it is very Bruce Springsteen, Americana, like a little more of a retro vibe," Boone told Rolling Stone. Written in just 17 days alongside "Beautiful Things" collaborator Jack LaFrantz, American Heart will feature 10 tracks, including the propulsive "Sorry I'm Here for Someone Else," the playful "Mystical Magical" — which interpolates Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" — and the heartfelt "Momma Song."

Reflecting on his journey, Boone said, "It all started with me believing in the song ‘Beautiful Things' Now, I have a whole album just about ready to go — and I've never believed so much in a body of work." Boone will embark on a sold-out North American tour from August until October in support of the release.

HAIM — I Quit (June 20)

Sister trio HAIM are back with their first full album since 2020's GRAMMY-nominated Women in Music Pt. III. Produced by Danielle Haim and Rostam Batmanglij, I Quit is set for release on June 20 and will feature 15 tracks.

Off the tracklist, the band premiered singles "Down to Be Wrong," "Relationships," and "Everybody's Trying to Figure Me Out." In an interview with i-D, Alana Haim described I Quit as "the closest we've ever gotten to how we wanted to sound," while Danielle noted the "quick, kinetic" nature of working with Rostam brought new energy to the project.

Following performances at Primavera Sound in Barcelona and Porto, Dreamland Summer Series in the UK, and Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, the sisters will embark on an exansive North American and UK tour this October.

Durand Jones & The Indications — Flowers (June 27)

Durand Jones & The Indications return with Flowers, their first album in four years, out June 27. "We spent the last 10 years building this house and now we're living in it," said guitarist Blake Rhein in a statement. "When I think of Flowers, I think of this sense of naturalness. There's a lot of courage in showing the human side of making music," he added.

The 11-track album stems from a period of personal growth for frontman Durand Jones. "I had spent the last year and a half laying everything out that I felt insecure about — I felt insecure about my sexuality, growing up poor; about a myriad of things," he shared. "It made me such a stronger person, to the point that I got back to the Indications and I was way more sure of myself."

The growth and effort that the trio put into this blooming project is palpable on swoon-worthy singles "Lover's Holiday," "Flower Moon," and "Been So Long." The Flowers Tour will launch this September across North America, with European and UK slated for 2026.

Lorde — Virgin (June 27)

Get ready for Lorde summer: the New Zealand singer/songwriter is about to release her first full-length album in four years, Virgin, on June 27. Following 2021's Solar Power, the upcoming effort promises "a bold evolution in her sound and storytelling," according to a statement accompanying the announcement.

The album's lead single "What Was That", co-produced by Lorde, Jim-E Stack, and Dan Nigro, quickly soared to #1 on Spotify in the U.S., her first chart-topper on the platform since 2013's "Royals." It also climbed to #5 globally, proving that the thirst for new Lorde music is stronger than ever.

Virgin will feature 11 new tracks, including the upcoming second single, "Man of the Year." Lorde fans can catch her live on the Ultrasound Tour this fall, with dates across North America, Australia, and Europe.

Adrian Quesada — Boleros Psicodélicos II (June 27)

GRAMMY-winning and Oscar-nominated artist Adrian Quesada — best known as co-founder of Black Pumas — returned this June with Boleros Psicodélicos II, the follow-up to his acclaimed 2022 release.

Building on his unique mix of '60s and '70s Latin American ballads and psychedelic influences, Quesada's new album will feature a slew of Latin artists, including Cuco, Hermanos Gutierrez, Ed Maverick, iLe, Angelica Garcia, and more. Co-produced with Alex Goose (Childish Gambino, Aaron Frazer), Boleros Psicodélicos II promises a "more expansive and modern sound," described in a press release as "deeply personal but profoundly communal."

To support the release, Quesada will hit the road for a special five-date tour in August, with performances in Los Angeles, Pioneertown, Austin, New York, and Washington D.C., joined by several of his album collaborators.

BABYMETAL — METAL FORTH

BABYMETAL, the genre-bending Japanese trio known for fusing heavy metal with J-pop, are celebrating their 15th anniversary with a new album, METAL FORTH. The release — which was initially announced for June 27 and is now scheduled for Aug. 8 — also marks their signing to Capitol Records.

Following 2019's METAL GALAXY and 2023's concept album THE OTHER ONE, METAL FORTH features a stellar team of collaborators, including Spiritbox, Tom Morello, and Polyphia. Fans can get a taste of the album through singles "RATATATA" with Electric Cowboy, "Song 3" with Slaughter to Prevail and "from me to u" featuring Poppy.

BABYMETAL recently wrapped their first arena tour across the UK and Europe, and will head stateside throughout June and July for a 24-date U.S. tour, hitting major cities nationwide.