The Lead Sheet ~ 9/23/25

The Lead Sheet is your guide to this week’s new music - taking a look at newly released albums, who made them, and how listeners are responding. 

American rapper and actor Cardi B released her second studio album, Am I The Drama? this week to positive reviews. B’s debut, Invasion of Privacy released in 2018 and charted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 in April of that year. Up until this week, Cardi B had been releasing singles and mixtapes, but Am I The Drama? doesn’t seem to have quite the same impact as Invasion. Critics and listeners are excited to see new material from the artist, but after a seven year album hiatus, the inclusion of songs like 2020’s phenomenon “WAP” doesn’t help the record’s freshness. The consensus is that the album’s stronger tracks like “Pretty and Petty” and “Pick It Up” highlight Cardi’s raw vocal energy and panache, and that Am I The Drama?  is a solid second installment in B’s discography. 

North Carolina based Alt-rock band Wednesday’s new album, Bleeds released on Friday, marking the group’s sixth studio album to date. Wednesday was formed in 2017 by frontwoman Karly Hartzman, who describes Bleeds as "a little bit scary, but with a heart of gold underneath." She may be referring to the album’s lean towards southern gothic rock, which can have a spooky tonality due to its often minor-key melodies. The group’s newest album has almost unanimous praise, both from critics and fans, who find the album to be an improvement over 2023’s Rat Saw God. Bleeds features a mix of southern gothic rock and shoegaze, and uses a narrative voice to explore themes of heartbreak, nostalgia and life in North Carolina. 

Irish indie pop-rock sensation NewDad has a new album out this week, titled Altar. Early reviews of the record are positive, but critics seem to appreciate the album more than casual listeners. The group’s first album, Madra received modest praise for its composition, but overall was a somewhat lukewarm debut. So far, Altar is scoring higher, and is appreciated for its tonal shift to a more lighthearted sound, in contrast to Madra’s heavier tone. Lead singer Julie Dawson is getting more recognition for her unique voice quality and emotional enthusiasm that compliment Altar’s directional change. 

Paradise Lost, along with bands like Black Sabbath and Trouble, are known for pioneering the doom-metal genre. Formed in 1988, Paradise Lost’s discography is staggering, with their newest album, Ascension marking the group’s seventeenth LP. Ascension is being praised as a fantastic addition to the band’s many albums, with listeners in agreement that the group hasn’t lost energy after thirty-five years of performances. Paradise Lost will be touring in the UK in October and November of this year, and will feature new music from Ascension. 

English Pop star Lola Young released her third studio album, I’m Only F**king Myself this week, and reception is generally positive. The singer was nominated for Best Pop Act of 2025 by the Brit Awards, and has had several chart topping singles, like “Messy” and “Don’t hate me.” She has also performed live on The Late Late Show and The Tonight Show. The new album features fourteen feisty pop tracks that demonstrate Young’s vocal power and clever lyricism, often using humor to cover heavy topics. Lola Young will tour North America and the UK through December of this year. 

Cardi B - Am I The Drama?

Released Sep 19 2025

Atlantic Records

Wednesday - Bleeds

Released Sep 19 2025

Dead Oceans Records

NewDad - Altar

Released Sep 19 2025

Fair Youth

Paradise Lost - Ascension

Released Sep 19 2025

Nuclear Blast

Lola Young - I’m Only F**king Myself

Released Sep 19 2025

Universal UK