Readers have chosen their favourite albums of 2026 so far, with highlights including Muna's dance record, Maya Hawke's introspective fourth album, and Arlo Parks' soulful dance beats. The picks span genres from soul to hip-hop, reflecting diverse tastes.
Muna – Dancing on the Wall
Jane Tytla from New England, US, calls Muna's album "fun, punchy dance record that will definitely be the soundtrack of my summer." She praises its "queer joy, cheeky lyricism, and relatable insecurities" as the band muses on being "past their prime" as pop stars in their early 30s. Tytla notes the album's propulsive energy and its testament to artists taking breaks to gain new experiences.
Maya Hawke – Maitreya Corso
Kate Koell from Leeds describes Hawke's fourth studio album as "the first album of this year that reminded me of the joy of just getting really into a record." She rejects dismissive "twee" labels, instead highlighting its stream-of-consciousness quality and unique themes like living in an older sibling's shadow and career disillusionment. Koell loves the understated romance of "Dream House," which feels like a season of personal growth.
Arlo Parks – Ambiguous Desire
Sam from Missouri, US, has been a fan since Arlo Parks opened for Clairo in 2022. He praises the album's texture, sound, and lyrics, calling it "expertly produced and performed." The emotional vulnerability and lack of resolution make the "soulful dance beats hit even harder."
Jalen Ngonda – Doctrine of Love
David Kelly from Glasgow hails Ngonda's album as "a triumphant masterpiece of modern soul." Soaked in 1960s Detroit and Chicago grit, the album features gospel-kissed backing vocals, lush orchestral arrangements, and cinematic horns. Ngonda's falsetto breathes fresh life into timeless traditions.
Aldous Harding – Train on the Island
Richard Hill from Frome, Somerset, calls this a return to form with hypnotic voice, obscure lyrics, and great tunes. He first saw Harding in 2016 at a small Bristol pub and has seen her four more times, noting her ability to transfix audiences: "In a room of thousands, you can hear a pin drop!"
Ellie O'Neill – Time of Fallow
Paul Thomas from Hemel Hempstead highlights this debut as incredibly well realised with no wasted seconds. "Anna with the Silver Arrow" is an earworm, while "Bohemia" with its lightning crash percussion provides the centrepiece. For fans of Laura Marling and Nick Drake.
Tyler Ballgame – For the First Time, Again
Hywel Sedgwick from West Yorkshire praises the album for sounding like timeless Americana. Tyler's fragile falsetto drips with emotion, and songs like the title track and "I Believe In Love" are instant earworms. Seeing him live at Brudenell Social Club in Leeds was a highlight.
Flea – Honora
Matthew Reed Baker from Massachusetts calls this debut solo album by the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist his favourite surprise of the year. Despite not being a big RHCP fan, he loves the electric jazz fusion vibe and Flea's return to trumpet. The cover of Funkadelic's "Maggot Brain" is gorgeous, and the whole album is a warm, challenging listen.
Boards of Canada – Inferno
Athanasios Trochalakis from Washington, US, celebrates the duo's first release in 13 years. He heard it at a record store listening party and bought the vinyl on the spot. Each song feels effortful, with a dark atmosphere and groovy beats. "I highly doubt anything else this year will beat it."
Kneecap – Fenian
Lily from Florida, US, loves the hardcore, aggressive hip-hop album, noting its lack of homophobia unlike older artists. "Gael Phonics" with its aggressive delivery and off-kilter beat is the highlight. As a transgender listener, she appreciates being able to stand with the album wholeheartedly.
Gorillaz – The Mountain
Ed Wilkinson from Malvern says the album reveals itself over multiple listens, with Damon Albarn's legacy as a great songwriter cemented. An Indian feel runs through the opening track, while "The Happy Dictator" and "Orange County" showcase lyrical ability and catchy tunes. Created after their fathers' deaths, the album reflects on mortality, with closer "The Sad God" poignantly addressing global direction.
Raye – This Music May Contain Hope
Nick Black from London praises Raye's album for its likability, chutzpah, and fully-present personality. He became a fan after her 2024 Glastonbury set but wasn't a fan until now. The album buoys the day like a life raft inflating, with optimistic intent and marvellous writing, playing, and production.
Brian Jackson – Now More Than Ever
Gerry Hassan from Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, highlights this album as a celebration of Jackson's musical partner Gil Scott-Heron, released 15 years after Gil's death. Over three LPs or two CDs, it reworks classics like "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and "Winter in America" with contemporary soul, funk, and hip-hop stars like Omar and Moodymann. Should be the soundtrack of the summer.
The Cribs – Selling a Vibe
Chris from London calls this the band's best set since 2007's Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever, showcasing evolution into their 40s with personal and commercial turmoil. The Jarmans are national treasures.
J Cole – The Fall-Off
Hugh Ogilvie from Oxfordshire notes the album takes a few listens to understand, but after living with it, the facts become undeniable: J Cole is one of the most versatile rappers alive, crafting lyrics, melodies, and beats with pure concept. He's surely not retiring anytime soon.
