The Best 20 Albums of 2026 So Far

A lot has happened this year.

There have been wars, peace talks, football, and changes in interest rates. It sounds like a song.

Maybe you didn't get to listen to new music in the last six months.

We made a list of 20 good albums from this year that you should hear.

We hope you like something.

One album is called Angine De Poitrine — Vol. II

This band is like time travelers who make your brain explode with their music.

A band from Canada called Angine de Poitrine makes math rock music.

Their album is clever and deep, showing they're more than just a weird idea.

Listen to Sarniezz

Another album is Bad//Dreems — Ultra Dundee

The band Bad//Dreems from Adelaide made their last album, and it's very good.

They tell stories about the dark side of society in their music.

Their album Ultra Dundee is great and will be remembered for a long time.

Listen to Shadowland

Courtney Barnett made an album called Creature of Habit

Courtney Barnett is still talking about her worries and fears in her music.

She's more confident now and open about her feelings.

Listen to Sugar Plum

James Blake made an album called Trying Times

James Blake makes music that's sad but also hopeful and romantic.

His album is about love, being human, and feeling scared.

Listen to Doesn't Just Happen

Cooee made an album called Messengers

The title of Cooee's album is perfect because it's about sending messages.

Their album combines stories, culture, and taking care of the earth.

The band wants us to learn from the past to make a better future.

Listen to Yadingji

William Crighton made an album called Colonial Drift

William Crighton's album is about big issues like Australia's identity.

He wrote the album with his partner, and it's his most searching work yet.

The music is a mix of rock, blues, and folk, which fits the themes.

Listen to Further Down The Road

Eddy Current Suppression Ring made an album called In Light of Recent Events

Eddy Current Suppression Ring is back with a new album after many years.

Their music is raw and anxious but still has a joyful feeling.

Listen to Swimming Hole

Karnivool made an album called In Verses

Karnivool's new album is great, with heavy grooves and emotional moments.

They used harp, strings, and bagpipes to make their sound more interesting.

Listen to Drone

Kneecap made an album called FENIAN

Kneecap's album combines politics with personal stories.

Their music is earnest and shows they're trying to live by their values.

Listen to Liars Tale

Various Artists made an album called Help2

Help2 is a charity album that's actually good.

It has many great artists and songs, from Arctic Monkeys to Olivia Rodrigo.

Listen to Arctic Monkeys — Opening Night

Kevin Morby made an album called Little Wide Open

Kevin Morby's album should make him a household name.

He made great songs like Javelin and 100,000.

Listen to Javelin

Mulga Bore Hard Rock made an album called Sweet Home Mulga Bore

Mulga Bore Hard Rock's debut album is a triumph.

Their music is passionate and catchy, with big rock 'n' roll guitars.

Listen to Rocking With The Legends

Kacey Musgraves made an album called Middle of Nowhere

Kacey Musgraves' new album is about being vulnerable and strong.

She worked with many great artists like Willie Nelson and Miranda Lambert.

Listen to Dry Spell

Owelu Dreamhouse made an album called Owelu Dreamhouse

Owelu Dreamhouse's debut album is full of love for music.

They mixed many styles like soul, psychedelia, and hip hop.

Listen to Stutter

Genesis Owusu made an album called Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge

Genesis Owusu's album is a soundtrack for a crazy world.

His music is bold, aspirational, and easy to listen to.

Listen to Life Keeps Going

RAYE made an album called This Music May Contain Hope

RAYE's album is ambitious and emotional, a work of art.

It's real, intentional, and authentic, making you feel safe and empowered.

Listen to Nightingale Lane

Robyn made an album called Sexistential

Robyn's new album is tight and timeless after an eight-year hiatus.

She explored her new identity as a mom and rediscovered her sensuality.

Listen to Talk To Me

Thundercat made an album called Distracted

Thundercat's album is cool, fun, and sometimes sad.

He worked with many great artists like Tame Impala and Flying Lotus.

Listen to No More Lies

Vince Staples made an album called Cry Baby

Vince Staples' album is a mix of rock, punk, and rap.

He talks about the state of America in his music.

Listen to Blackberry Marmalade

Jessie Ware made an album called Superbloom

Jessie Ware's album is a disco dream that's full of confidence and joy.

Listen to Superbloom

You can find more new music on Double J.

Listen to Shortcut, a podcast that helps you discover new music.

This article was published on Fri 26 Jun 2026 at 4:30am

It was also published on Fri 26 Jun 2026 at 9:40am

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