June 27 marked a significant day for global music enthusiasts, with a wave of highly anticipated releases spanning various genres and career stages. Headlining the arrivals was a major archival project from rock legend Bruce Springsteen and the much-anticipated fourth studio album from acclaimed artist Lorde, alongside new material from a diverse roster of musicians.
Bruce Springsteen’s Extensive Archival Offering
Adding a substantial volume to his celebrated discography, Bruce Springsteen released “Tracks II: The Lost Albums” on June 27, 2025. This comprehensive collection is presented as a deluxe box set, available in both a seven-disc configuration and a nine-LP vinyl format, catering to digital listeners and vinyl aficionados alike. The release delves deep into The Boss’s extensive vaults, compiling a wealth of previously unreleased recordings. The material spans a significant period of Springsteen’s creative output, specifically tracks recorded between 1983 and 2018. “Tracks II: The Lost Albums” offers fans and music historians an invaluable look into the unused songs, alternate versions, and complete sessions that didn’t make the final cut on previous studio albums, providing fresh context and understanding of his artistic journey over several decades.
Lorde Returns with “Virgin”
Also arriving on June 27 was the highly anticipated fourth studio album from New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, titled “Virgin.” Since her breakthrough, Lorde has garnered critical acclaim for her introspective songwriting and distinctive artistic voice. Expectations for her latest project have been considerable. Early reception suggests the album continues her trajectory of crafting deeply personal and resonant work. NPR Music’s Hazel Cills offered a notable perspective on “Virgin,” describing it as a “humanizing album.” This characterization hints at a project rich with emotional honesty and relatable themes, further solidifying Lorde’s reputation for creating music that connects with listeners on a profound level.
Additional Releases Across Genres
The influx of new music on June 27 extended well beyond these prominent releases, showcasing the breadth of contemporary sounds. Pop superstar Lizzo released her latest album, titled “My Face Hurts From Smiling.” Known for her empowering anthems and vibrant performances, her new work is expected to deliver her signature blend of joy and confidence. Kevin Abstract, an innovative artist recognized for his solo career and leadership of the influential group Brockhampton, presented his new album, “Blush,” continuing his exploration of evolving musical and lyrical themes. Singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith also released her project, “The Art of Being a Mess,” suggesting a body of work that navigates relatable feelings of imperfection and vulnerability. The prolific rapper Russ unveiled his album titled “W!LD.” Adding to the diverse offerings, the compilation album “F1 The Album” was released, bringing together music likely curated to complement the high-octane world of Formula 1 racing.
NPR Music’s Highlights from a Busy Day
The significance and volume of releases on June 27 were underscored by their coverage on platforms dedicated to new music discovery. NPR Music’s All Songs Considered podcast, a respected source for highlighting new and noteworthy albums, featured several of the day’s arrivals in their discussion. Among the albums specifically mentioned on the program were Laura Stevenson’s “Late Great,” Adrian Quesada’s “Boleros Psicodélicos II” (hinting at a continuation or expansion of his acclaimed work blending Latin rhythms with psychedelic elements), Madison McFerrin’s “Scorpio,” Durand Jones & The Indications’ album “Flowers,” and the collaborative project “Clay” by Herbert & Momoko. The podcast’s selection reflects the wide array of sounds and artists contributing to this notably busy release date.
In sum, June 27 provided a rich harvest of new music for listeners worldwide, from significant archival deep dives and eagerly awaited studio albums by global stars to compelling new material from a wide spectrum of artists across the musical landscape.
