Exciting Albums to Anticipate in Early 2026

As we wrap up our favorite albums from 2025, it’s a perfect time to shift our focus to what’s on the horizon for the coming year. This past year has definitely been strong, featuring a wealth of innovative sounds from artists like FKA twigs, DJ Haram, Jane Remover, and Rosalía. Let’s hope that the next twelve months continue to bring us thrilling musical experiences!

We’ve carefully selected 10 albums set to release in the first quarter of 2026, all of which have us eagerly awaiting the chance to dive into their sounds. Additionally, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for new projects from Raye, Radiohead, and Björk that haven’t been confirmed yet. Here’s what we’re most excited about:

1. Dry Cleaning – Secret Love

Release date: 9 January

Florence Shaw and her British post-punk band, Dry Cleaning, have captured our hearts, especially following their impressive 2022 release, ‘Stumpwork’. Their upcoming third studio album, ‘Secret Love’, is produced by the talented Cate Le Bon, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store. The lead single, ‘Hit My Head All Day’, along with a visually stunning album cover from Canadian artist Erica Eyres, suggests we might be in for something truly special.

2. Sébastien Tellier – Kiss The Beast

Release date: 30 January

French synthpop artist Sébastien Tellier is making his return this January with a follow-up to his 2020 album, ‘Domesticated’. His new work promises to blend “the format of a pop album” with new directions, ranging from introspective ballads to groovy electro-pop tracks. With contributions from notable artists like Nile Rodgers and Kid Cudi, we’re definitely intrigued!

3. Lana Del Rey – Stove

Release date: TBA (hopefully by end of January)

Lana Del Rey’s tenth studio album has already seen two name changes (‘Lasso’ and ‘The Right Person Will Stay’) and faced several postponed release dates. It was eagerly anticipated in 2025 but left fans empty-handed. Now named ‘Stove’, it is said to embody a “classic country, American, or Southern Gothic production.” Based on singles like ‘Henry, Come On’ and ‘Bluebird’, we’re optimistic about this release.

4. Robbie Williams – Britpop

Release date: 6 February

With both Oasis and Pulp making comebacks this year, Robbie Williams seems ready to ride the wave of Britpop revival. Originally set for 2025, the release of his thirteenth album was delayed to avoid overlap with Taylor Swift’s work. While we hope it outshines his 2019 effort, which didn’t quite hit the mark, it’s exciting to see what he brings next.

5. Charli XCX – Wuthering Heights

Release date: 13 February

For her first project after the Brat era, Charli XCX is shifting gears with a movie soundtrack for Emerald Fennell’s upcoming adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’. While the film seems to blend classic literature with contemporary flair, we’re curious to see how Charli’s music fits into this narrative—a departure from her usual sound.

Bonus: Jeff Buckley – Live at Sin-é

Release date: 13 February

This isn’t a 2026 album per se, but it’s certainly noteworthy. Jeff Buckley’s acclaimed live album, originally released as an EP in 1993, is getting a complete 4-vinyl box set release this year. Capturing the intimacy of a performance at a small café in Manhattan, it features haunting versions of classics and well-loved covers, making it a must-have for any music lover.

6. Peaches – No Lube So Rude

Release date: 20 February

Peaches is gearing up for a 2026 tour to promote her latest album, promising raw and bold electro-punk vibes. With song titles like ‘Fuck Your Face’ and ‘Not In Your Mouth None Of Your Business’, her new work promises to be both audacious and impactful. She aims to merge the personal with the political, positioning the body as a vessel in the fight for basic human rights. We’re here for it!

7. Bill Callahan – My Days of 58

Release date: 27 February

Following his superb folk album ‘YTI⅃AƎЯ’, Bill Callahan is set to release ‘My Days of 58’. Recorded with the band he toured with in 2022, this album is described as a “living room record.” Callahan has hinted that it will feature relaxed horns and a spontaneous approach to recording, which has us eagerly awaiting what’s to come.

8. Gorillaz – The Mountain

Release date: 27 February

Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett’s beloved virtual band celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with a new album that promises to be a genre-defying experience. Moving the narrative to India, this concept album will feature performances in multiple languages and collaborations with an exciting array of guests. Albarn has described this project as a “paradigm shift,” and anticipation is already building.

Bonus: Eels – Daisies of the Galaxy (25th Anniversary Reissue)

Release date: 27 March

Eels’ beloved record sees its 25th anniversary this year, and the vinyl reissue of ‘Daisies of the Galaxy’ is set to remind us of its timeless appeal. Featuring hits like ‘I Like Birds’ and ‘Mr. E’s Beautiful Blues’, this reissue promises to be a bright addition to anyone’s music collection as we welcome the warm vibes of spring.

With these upcoming releases, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for music. What albums are you looking forward to? Feel free to share your thoughts, and in the meantime, be sure to check out our roundups of 2025’s highlights including the Best Albums, Movies, Exhibitions, and Trends. Stay tuned for more previews, especially the most anticipated movies of 2026 coming soon!

Key Takeaways

• Exciting new albums by renowned artists are set to release in early 2026.
• Expect a mix of genres, from post-punk to electro-pop and everything in between.
• Anticipation is high for notable collaborations and unique musical directions.
• Don’t miss out on the anniversary reissues of classic albums making a comeback.