my favorite music releases of 2026 so far. while it hasn’t been one of my favorite years in music, there have still been some noteworthy releases that i felt were worth highlighting. 🎶
Sections
2
pop
alternative
pop
This is easily Olivia’s best album. I love the concept of this album, starting off with hopeful love songs, and the second half detailing the end of the relationship. This was such a risky record for Olivia to release, and it definitely paid off
you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love - Olivia Rodrigo
This record was my introduction to Underscores, and I have to say I’m impressed. While only 9 songs long, this album features some of the best sounding production I’ve ever heard. I can’t wait to see what else April releases in the future.
U - Underscores
Easily the most underrated album of the year. An incredible debut album from Hemlocke Springs. Her sound and style is so unique. I hope she has her own Chappell Roan moment some day soon
The Apple Tree Under the Sea - Hemlocke Springs
who would’ve thought that same girl who released friday would release one of my favorite pop albums of the 2020s. rebecca blacks future as a pop star is looking so bright
Age of The Exhibitionist Vinyl by Rebecca Black
i was expecting to love this soundtrack as much as i did! i personally didn’t really care for the movie this much (especially as a fan of the original book), but charli did a wonderful job creating this soundtrack
Wuthering Heights by Charli XCX
i personally found this to be a pretty significant step down from charlis previous album brat, but it was still an enjoyable listen. i loved getting to see this more vulnerable, raw side of charli through her music
Music, Fashion, Film by Charli XCX
while i didn’t love this record as much as her debut EP, i still thought this was an overall fun and enjoyable listen. she is such a unique artist in this current modern pop music landscape, so im excited to see what she releases next. i think her fu...
PRIMA by Adela
Completely blown away by this album. Easily some of Slayyyters best work. I’m so glad she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves
WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA - Slayyyter
alternative
What an incredible work of art. 6 years after her last solo album, Phoebe has done it again and completely blew me away. This is her most cohesive record yet. It feels like a natural evolution of what made her previous albums so great
Lost Weekend - Phoebe Bridgers
While it’s definitely not my favorite Mitski album, it is still a worthy addition to her discography. This album features everything that makes Mitski as an artist so great. Her writing is still as sharp as ever.