This week’s longlist of #NewMusicFriday single and album releases appears at the bottom of the page, but first, a few highlights…

A new Justin Bieber era is upon us! It seems like he’s had a productive (and possibly spiritual) few months in lockdown; his new single Holy arrives just seven months after his chart-topping Changes album. The track, which features Chance The Rapper, is being billed as his return to pop and comes with a Colin Tilley-directed short film.

Ava Max releases her debut album Heaven & Hell, featuring her 2018 (!) chart-topper Sweet But Psycho plus Top 20 singles So Am I, Kings & Queens and hit-that-still-could-be Salt. If you’re not fully acquainted with Ava yet, her music is Ace Of Base-meets-ABBA-meets-early-Gaga.

Brilliant debut album alert! Singer-songwriter Tom Aspaul, who has written for artists including Kylie Minogue, Becky Hill and Celeste, has released his first studio record, titled Black Country Disco. It’s an album about breakups, starting over and self-discovery packed with joyously infectious hooks and set over luscious disco-pop beats.

Sam Smith returns with their new single Diamonds. It’s the second taster of their third album following recent Burna Boy collab My Oasis, but expect this to be the big lead single.

If you’re not familiar with Brazilian star Annita’s extensive catalogue yet, her new single Me Gusta is shaping up to be the one that breaks her in the UK and America, featuring Cardi B and Puerto Rican rapper/singer Myke Towers.

London singer, producer and all-round expert multi-instrumentalist Elderbrook releases his long-awaited debut album, titled Why Do We Shake In The Cold? You may know him from his Grammy-nominated collaboration Cola with Camelphat, and his debut album sees him explore the power of human connection over finely crafted electronica.

Check out and preview this week's new singles, albums and DVD/Blu-ray releases below: