MacBook Pro Apple Music Headphones

Hi tremoverb,

Thanks for coming to Apple Support Communities for help today.

Are these Dolby Atmos tracks? If so, it sounds like you may need to set playback for Always On as described in this article to get the headphone working for Apple Music. Please see the steps here: About Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos in Apple Music

"Choose how to listen to Dolby Atmos on your Mac

1. Update your Mac to the latest version of macOS.
2. Open the Apple Music app.
3. In the menu bar, choose Music > Preferences or Music > Settings.
4. Click the Playback tab. 
5. Choose Automatic, Always On, or Off.

If you choose Automatic, here’s what you need

Supported songs automatically play in Dolby Atmos when you're listening with:

• AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, AirPods (3rd generation), or Beats Fit Pro with Spatial Audio turned on
• AirPods (1st or 2nd generation)
• BeatsX, Beats Solo3 Wireless, Beats Studio3, Powerbeats3 Wireless, Beats Flex, Powerbeats Pro, Beats Solo Pro, or Beats Studio Buds
• The built-in speakers on a MacBook Pro (2018 model or later), MacBook Air (2018 model or later), or iMac (2021 model)

If you choose Always On, here’s what you need

If you want to use other headphones that don’t support automatic playback, choose Always On."

If that doesn't explain the issue, let us know more details.

Have a fantastic day!