Megadeth, Van Morrison and Mika: the records of the week

From the metal of Megadeth to the soul-folk suggestions of Van Morrison, passing through the pop of Mika and the former One Direction Louis Tomlinson, up to – looking at Italy – the songwriting of Battati’s memory of Tutti Fenomeni. There really is everything in this week’s New Music Friday. Megadeth takes the cover: the American metal icons return to the scene with their first album of unreleased songs in four years. But there is also anticipation for the always very inspired Van Morrison, who, just a year after “Remembering now”, has already released another album of unreleased songs, “Somebody tried to sell me a bridge”. Looking at the Italian market, Giorgio Quarzo Guarascio – this is the real name of Tutti Fenomeni – is called with “Monedì” to confirm itself after “Merce funebre” and “Privilegerare”.

Megadeth – “Megadeth”

On January 23, 2026, Megadeth will release their seventeenth and final studio album, titled “Megadeth”, which will be released on the BLKIIBLK label. This self-titled album will also include a revisitation of Metallica’s “Ride The Lightning”, a song co-written by Dave Mustaine, as a tribute to the origins of his career. From what the band has let on, it will be their last project before retiring. To date, they have sold 50 million records worldwide, received a Grammy Award (with 12 additional nominations), generated billions of streams, achieved seven Top 10 entries on the Billboard 200 and attracted millions of avid fans to arenas and stadiums around the world. They are a bastion for metal.

Van Morrison – “Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge”

“Somebody tried to sell me a bridge” represents a decisive return to the sonic roots that contributed to building Van Morrison’s musical identity. The project delves into the blues tradition, celebrating the masters who made its history through new reinterpretations of songs made famous by fundamental figures such as BB King, Buddy Guy, Leadbelly and other protagonists of the genre. Accompanying Morrison is a parterre of musicians of absolute importance in the contemporary blues panorama: from Taj Mahal to Buddy Guy, passing through Elvin Bishop and the historic collaborator John Allair. Added to these are other long-time traveling companions, including David Hayes, Bobby Ruggiero, Mitch Woods, Anthony Paule – leading the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra – and Larry Vann on drums.

Mika – “Hyperlove”

After “Que ta tête fleurisse toujours”, his latest project entirely in French, Mika returns to the English language. He does so seven years after his last English album “My name is Michael Holbrook”, dated 2019. Mika worked on the project for a long time, writing many songs on the piano and collaborating with friends and colleagues such as Nick Littlemore (Empire of the Sun). “Hyperlove” promises to represent not only a new chapter in the career of the voice of “Grace Kelly”, but also her first international project after some time, with a return to pop sounds in English and an artistic proposal that seeks to combine energy, introspection and theatricality typical of her style.

Louis Tomlinson – “How did I get here?”

«It’s the record I’ve always wanted to make», says former One Direction Louis Tomlinson speaking about this “How did I get here?”, his third solo album after “Walls” in 2020 and “Faith in the future” in 2022. The record is the first recorded by Tomlinson after the death, in 2024, of his former bandmate Liam Payne, whose death in one way or another impacted the concept. Starting from the title, chosen because it contains an almost existential feeling, reflecting on the path, personal growth and experiences that have brought the singer-songwriter to this point in his career. The album was recorded during 2025, with the collaboration of producer Nico Rebscher, known for his work with artists such as Aurora. The writing was also influenced by periods spent between the English countryside and Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, which contributed to giving a more personal and reflective color to the work, in which Tomlinson lays himself bare as an author.

All Phenomena – “Monday”

The approach is always the same: Tutti Fenomeni mixes cultural references, surprising texts and a critical vision of contemporaneity, looking towards the master Franco Battiato. In “Monday” the elements that had characterized “Merce funebre” and “Rare Privilege” are taken up again and taken to the next step. Just listen to the singles “Piazzale degli Eroi”, “La Ragazza di Vittorio” and “Vanagloria”, between sarcasm, tenderness and brilliant images. The album is entirely produced by Giorgio Poi, an important figure on the Italian independent scene, who shaped the sound of the album with softer, more ethereal and airy arrangements than in the past, while maintaining the irony and brilliant language that distinguish the artist.