Hello guys, Happy New Year! I hope you all had lots of fun over the festive period!
It’s that time again when NEW LEASE MUSIC picks out the top releases of the year! Today, we start with the Top Ten Albums of 2025 where – as always – you’ll find a selection of earworthy collections. So if you’re in the mood to move your hips to the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats, Afro-fusion and EDM, you’ll find some here to keep you dancing. Prefer something more laid-back? We’ve also included albums steeped in the intimate vibes of indie rock, pop, singer-songwriter, and hip-hop—perfect for reflective moments and late-night listening.
So, get tuck in and explore! If any of the great releases tickle your fancy, why not comment below!
Be sure to look out for NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Singles of 2025, coming soon….
10. DEEP BLUE – LAVENDINE
9. YESTERDAY’S WEIRDNESS IS TOMORROW’S REASON WHY – ALASKA X ALEX LUDOVICO X JASON GRIFF
8. DO IT – HANSHAKE IN SPACE
7. ALL OF ME – RAPHAEL TATE
6. BLACK RENAISSANCE – NATTY BOI ZOE
5. WAYFINDING – COLIN MANSON
4. A MOMENT ALONE (LIVE AT FACTORY STUDIOS) – JAMES O’HURLEY
UK’s R&B crooner NIGEL HINDS ends 2025 with a sensual and heartfelt declaration of devotion with emotive single, ‘No Ordinary Love’, out today (18th December) across all leading music platforms.
Radiating a warm, soulful glow, ‘No Ordinary Love’ weaves vulnerability with passion, capturing the moment when two people are drawn together by a love that resonates in the soul; a celebration of love that truly stands apart.
‘No Ordinary Love’ follows Nigel’s single ‘Ghostin’, which earned firm support from radio stations across the UK, US, Canada and Australia. The 2022 edgy R&B cut spent four consecutive weeks at #1 on CHBN Radio’s The Playlist chart in the UK.
Hailing from the culturally-rich city of Birmingham, Nigel Hinds discovered his passion for music at a very young age. Raised in a local Seventh-day Adventist church, he developed both the discipline and deep appreciation for vocal artistry that continues to shape his career today.
Nigel first gained national attention performing his feature single ‘Fire’ alongside Corey (S-Man) Campbell on a UK tour in partnership with the West Midlands Fire Service, raising awareness on fire safety. He later expanded his reach internationally with a solo tour in China, further showcasing his global appeal.
His debut EP ‘Gotta Get’ (2014) introduced listeners to his smooth, distinctive R&B style—one that has since earned him repeated invitations to perform at prestigious venues and theatres across the UK. Throughout his career, Nigel has shared the stage with iconic British acts including Lemar, Mica Paris, Heatwave, Soul II Soul, and Basement Jaxx.
Now, Nigel returns with renewed confidence and clarity, delivering a bold and intimate declaration of love with ‘No Ordinary Love’—a fitting close to a landmark year and a compelling preview of what’s to come.
After giving us some festive cheers with chirpy previous offering, ‘Christmas Wishes’, released on Sunday (7th December) MARYAIANNE & ME shares single, ‘Pretend’, released yesterday (10th December) on all leading platforms.
Backed by with a soulful choir which adds a rich emotional depth, the heart-tugging ballad is an introspective journey of self-discovery, whilst projecting strength to the world and the hidden vulnerability beneath—a warrior’s bravado serving as both armour and a barrier.
A burgeoning collaboration between upcoming artist Me and seasoned music pro John Hewlett – whose impressive CV stems back to the 60s, with collaborations with iconic acts including The Beatles, T. Rex, Sparks – MaryAiAnne & Me have build a foundation out of their shared love of music that not afraid of experimenting with various styles whilst exploring many relatable themes, such as unrequited love, self-discovery and personal growth. With this emotive combination, MaryAiAnne & Me have set a challenge to release one single per week, to showcase their talent as well as reaching out to the prospective audience to be brutally honest about their feelings in order to heal.
Why not listen to their past releases here. Although we’re heading fast towards to the end of the year, the UK duo are not through yet – so be sure to look out for their upcoming singles, ‘Grandma’, ‘Homeward Bound’ and ‘Dear You’.
Welcome to the fifth edition of NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Roundup, your new weekly snapshot of great music from indie and unsigned artists! This week, we have two standout upcoming singles, so be sure to pre save and share like crazy!
NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Roundup will now be featured on Fridays. If you are a indie or an unsigned artist and would like your music featured on the list, send your music links and a short info about the release to submit@newleasemusic.com, with NEW MUSIC ROUNDUP in the subject line.
Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy the music!
MARYAIANNE & ME – CHRISTMAS WISHES
MARYAIANNE & ME have taken us on an emotional journey through love, heartbreak, and toxic, one-sided relationships. Now, the duo are switching things up and bringing some festive cheer with their new single ‘Christmas Wishes’, available this Sunday (7th December) on all major platforms. Why not get into the Christmas spirit and pre save here.
NIGEL HINDS – NO ORDINARY LOVE
UK’s R&B crooner NIGEL HINDS ends 2025 with a sensual and heartfelt declaration of devotion with emotive single, ‘No Ordinary Love’.
Radiating a warm, soulful glow, ‘No Ordinary Love’ weaves vulnerability with passion, capturing the moment when two people are drawn together by a love that resonates in the soul; a celebration of love that truly stands apart.
‘No Ordinary Love’ is coming out 18th December. Pre save it here.
Step into the neon glow of ‘Wanting You Now’, a sultry synth-pop single from London’s retro songstress MAYAH CAMARA.
‘Wanting You Now’ is the title track from new album (Wanting You Now), where Mayah’s velvets vocals guides through shimmering soundscapes painting stories of romance, dreams and the electric pulse of city night. Each song feels like a scene from a lost movie with desire flickering in the dark, love whispered under streetlights, emotion amplified by the hum of analog synths.
The album was produced by Sellorekt LA Dream whose signature production wraps every melody in warmth and atmosphere, perfectly framing Mayah’s raw, soulful presence. Together they created a sounds that’s nostalgic yet timeless a love letter to the night, to longing and to those who still believe in the power of a perfect pop moment. Wanting You Now isn’t just an album; it’s a feeling that lingers on after the last note fades.
Mayah Camara’s life has been shaped by two powerful forces: her music and her Christian faith. Growing up surrounded by music, she’s just as comfortable behind the microphone as she is commanding the stage. With captivating performances and a voice that blends soul and power, Mayah has graced iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, The Roundhouse, and Wembley Arena, leaving a lasting impression on her audiences.
Hailing from London’s legendary Camden area, it’s no surprise that music has always been a central part of her world. A recording artist since the age of 12, Mayah draws inspiration from a wide range of genres, including 80s and 90s R&B, pop, retrowave, and neo-soul, alongside the deep roots of gospel and soul music. Her musical influences include legends like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, George Michael, and Phil Collins, whose timeless sounds have shaped her artistic journey.
‘Wanting You Now’ single is now available on all leading platforms. Why not check it out below:
New Lease Music 