Top 10 Best Albums of 2026 (So Far)
#10: “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally”
Harry Styles
As the next step in Harry Styles’ evolution into one of this era's defining pop stars, the former One Direction member decided to move to Berlin ahead of this album’s creation. Citing David Bowie’s own German residence as an influence, Styles succeeded in making something that stood apart from his earlier work. Synthesisers and elements of disco take the front seat here, as Harry showcases his desire to move away from stadium pop formulas. “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” is a far groovier listen than any of his past LPs, and the fact that it topped the charts in virtually every country shows just how excited people were for it.
#9: “THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE”
RAYE
There are not many albums released this year that have a title quite as bold as RAYE’s “THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE”. It doesn’t just earn its spot on name value alone. With this release, RAYE has succeeded in melding together a range of genres to create something undeniably effective and cohesive. Critics praised the 73-minute concept album for its hopeful notes, despite heavy themes of love, death, and heartbreak. Upon its release, it was a smash hit - reaching the top spot on the UK charts, while also going to number-11 in the US. Bonus points must also be given for getting Hans Zimmer to do a feature on “Click Clack Symphony”.
#8: “Arirang”
BTS
Considering just how unavoidable BTS have been in recent years, the fact that they hadn’t released a new studio album since 2020 left quite a lot of room for a major return to form. The group hadn’t come together in their full lineup due to the mandatory military service each of their members needed to complete. The question on many fans’ minds was just how much BTS had grown and matured in the time since 2020’s “Be”. Their comeback record, “Arirang” showed us exactly where they stand. They address the feelings of separation and reconnection head-on, while bringing some truly maximalist instrumentation, showcasing a sound that even borders on experimental from time to time.
#7: “Middle of Nowhere”
Kacey Musgraves
Now a veteran of the music scene, Kacey Musgraves was clearly in need of some soul-searching in the lead-up to this album. By her own admission, “Middle of Nowhere” came out of a period of time where she was living a life of prolonged singlehood. The record’s lyrics explore that experience head-on - dealing with themes of isolation quite well. Upon its release, critics were quick to describe it as a return to the type of form that brought us 2018’s “Golden Hour”. Musgraves leans pretty heavily into country music too, picking out a wide range of styles and traditions that come together to give a much warmer and more organic end product than her recent releases.
#6: “the apple tree under the sea”
Hemlocke Springs
The quirkiness and eccentricity that put Hemlocke Springs on the map are on full display on her debut LP, “the apple tree under the sea”. After first catching our attention with 2023’s “Going…Going…Gone!” EP, fans and critics were intrigued to see how she could expand her vision into a full album. All of the elements that made her first release special were more refined on this fully-fledged product. Despite the chaos and the abrupt tonal shifts that the album has built-in, Springs still comes across as sincere and earnest for the most part. It’s unconventional, unapologetic, and one of 2026’s most unique listens,
#5: “The Great Divide”
Noah Kahan
Now four albums deep into his career, it’s pretty clear that Noah Kahan is a force to be reckoned with in the songwriting department. “The Great Divide” succeeds in taking Kahan’s talents to another level by broadening the folk intimacy of “Stick Season” into something a bit more expansive. At 77 minutes, it’s more of a drawn-out listen than anything Kahan had done before, and he even released an expanded version with 4 bonus tracks. This album clearly showcases a prolific artist operating at the peak of their powers, and his fans were quick to jump onboard with this enthralling listen.
#4: “Wendy Eisenberg”
Wendy Eisenberg
Self-acceptance is the key theme that runs through Wendy Eisenberg’s self-titled eighth studio album. It’s a fitting name for the LP, in that case - and she cuts no corners when it comes to addressing her life and her younger self. Lyrics aside, the music here is just as daring, with Eisenberg showing an eclectic mix of styles and influences, without ever throwing the album off course. Upon its release, it was met with huge acclaim from audiences, with many calling it her strongest and most confident release. It’s experimental and challenging at times, but never loses its listenable quality - which can be a tricky balancing act for any artist to get right.
#3: “U”
underscores
The constantly-evolving world of pop music needs albums like underscores’ “U” to give us an insight into where it could go next. It’s a big and uncompromising listen, going for a maximalist style that does not let up. Although it’s a hyperpop album on its surface, there are elements of dance-pop, dubstep, and influences from artists as varied as Beck, Justin Timberlake, and Cascada. It was a huge hit with the critics and while it was a modest seller, it’s the type of album that will grow in stature based on its hype and reputation.
#2: “WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA”
Slayyyter
When you have a natural knack for crafting pop hooks, you can really take your sound in a wide range of directions. For Slayyyter, she took a more abrasive approach with this year’s “WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA”, bringing us a masterwork of unapologetic excess. The album is still remarkably catchy and features some of Slayyyter’s finest vocal work yet. Thematically, the record deals with Slayyyter’s own experience growing up in St. Louis, proving her status as a genuinely ambitious and skilled pop auteur. It reached the number-one spot on the Billboard Top Dance Albums charts, and will likely only grow in its acclaim as the year goes on.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Icon”
Brent Faiyaz
An Album That Balances Vulnerability and Bravado Perfectly
“Superbloom”
Jessie Ware
A Confident and Self-Assured Continuation of Ware’s Artistic Journey
“Girlfriend”
Grace Ives
A Stand-Out 2026 Album Full Of Radio-Ready Pop Gems
“The Mountain”
Gorillaz
The LP That Displays Damon Albarn and Co. At Their Most Human
“F.I.G”
Naomi Scott
One of the Year’s Most Promising Debut Studio Albums
#1: “Nothing's About to Happen to Me”
Mitski
Few artists, if any, this year have succeeded in creating an album that’s quite as thought-provoking as Mitski’s “Nothing’s About to Happen to Me”. It’s an incredibly precise album that takes a look at fame, overexposure, and a desire for anonymity, among other subjects. It has elements of art-pop, Americana, and symphonic pop, crafting an end product that feels experimental and intimate in equal measure. It reached the top ten in many countries, including both the US and UK, and left Mitski with some of the best reviews of her career.
But what’s your own personal favourite album of 2026? Let us know in the comments below.
