Top 10 Albums of 2026, So Far

So far, 2026 has been filled with brilliant debut releases from shining, new acts as well as fresh records from some longtime favorite artists. There is a palpable power and message to the indie, alternative, and pop albums put out this year, and below are our favorites, in no particular order.

Friko

Something Worth Waiting For

Friko, the Chicago-grown indie rock quartet, released their sophomore record back in April. Something Worth Waiting For is a run of sweet and sentimental tracks delivered in an emotive, alternative rock package. Lead singer Niko Kapetan’s voice is astonishing and rings above the hum of bass and the heft of drums. Singles “Seven Degrees” and “Choo Choo” stand out with their melodic catchiness. This work is the album form of all things bittersweet about reminiscence and growing.

My New Band Believe

My New Band Believe

My New Band Believe, the solo project of Cameron Picton, released their debut album on April 10 of this year. The self-titled record comes after his last band, black midi, split in August 2024. This time clearly allowed Picton to hone his own talents and devote himself to making something quite personal. My New Band Believe is a mix of experimental, progressive, and art rock, with no lack of moving lyricism. The element of surprise is this project’s best friend, keeping listeners completely surprised throughout. The strings, acoustics, and vocal delivery all make this album truly singular and sweeping.

Olivia Rodrigo

you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love

Third times the charm, or most charming, for Olivia Rodrigo with you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love. The record is split in two halves, one chock-full of love songs and the other of sad songs, the latter of which has always been her forte. It is obvious on this album she has once again seriously honed her already sharp songwriting skills. Since her sophomore album GUTS, we have known that the popstar is interested in leaning more alternative, and a good amount of these songs exhibit that charmingly. From her first feature track being with Robert Smith of The Cure to continuing to release the world’s catchiest songs, the genre of pop is in safe hands with Rodrigo.

Cardinals

Masquerade

Cardinals, the alternative rock outfit from Ireland, released their debut LP Masquerade back in February. What sets this record, and group, apart from other young indie rockers is how much their country’s music influences their sound. This album has no shortage of accordion, and that spells intense pride for their home that keeps listeners interested. “I Like You” exhibits all the best elements of this record: whispered vocals into crashing drums, jumping accordion, and jangly guitars. Cardinals have opened for their Irish mates Fontaines D.C., and with that stamp of approval, their fanbase has and will continue to grow.

Fcukers

Ö

The NYC-based dance duo Fcukers released their debut record Ö (pronounced ‘oooo’) on March 27. It is absolutely one of those albums you put on and want to listen to all the way through, in track order. On it is a stellar amalgamation of dance genres that members Shanny Wise and Jackson Walker Lewis expertly reference including UKG, house, drum and bass, etc. In combining these different styles, the duo creates a novel sound of their own. “I Like It Like That” and “L.U.C.K.Y” are just two of all the tracks that you can incessantly dance to and never get sick of. Their live performances are also injected with his exact energy, which makes partying to their beats the greatest time.

mary in the junkyard

Role Model Hermit

mary in the junkyard formed in London in 2022. They put out their debut album Role Model Hermit on July 3, the most phenomenal display of their self-appointed genre of “angry weepy chaos rock”. Lead singer Clari Freeman-Taylor is a siren with her mousy, soft vocals, conveying all the emotion in the way they are uttered. This delivery coupled with the abstract and endearing songwriting, different percussive elements, viola, and deep bass make for the most entrancing ear candy. Besides some of the heavier rhythmic parts, the album has a lot of piercing, acoustic moments that rip your heart out yet are simultaneously addicting. With this release, mary in the junkyard are on route to have an exceptional career.

Violet Grohl

Be Sweet to Me

Violet Grohl released her debut alternative rock record Be Sweet To Me in May of this year. This album is a masterful take on sweet yet grungy alternative rock, which seemingly do not coincide but truly make for something novel. Each instrument and sound works perfectly alongside her airy vocals and measured lyrics. “THUM” and “Bug In The Cake” are standout songs. You can hear how her personal music taste influences her work, as well as the mark her dad Dave Grohl has left in that regard. Being the daughter of a famous rock star means she’ll unfortunately find herself under more scrutiny when creating her own art, but Violet was up to the task and created something special for herself with this flowing debut.

Mitski

Nothing's About to Happen to Me

Mitski has been a mainstay in indie rock and art pop since she began her professional music career in 2012. This year, she released her eighth studio album Nothing’s About to Happen to Me, yet another ultra-personal and emotional work from the Japanese-American singer-songwriter. She shared that she wanted this record to feel like it could’ve been released 10 years ago, and the highlights of this project evoke just that. “Where’s My Phone?”, “If I Leave”, and “Lightning” are all dark, fuzzy, and rocky, more so than the sweeter sounding songs Mitski is known for. Even the softer moments on the album are shadowy and melancholic. She has consistently made work that is painstakingly beautiful and interesting, and this record is no different.

Lowertown

Ugly Duckling Union

Lowertown, the NYC-based duo originally from Atlanta, released their third full-length album Ugly Duckling Union on May 22. It is their most whimsical work to date but is emotional and raw like all their releases. The melding of Olivia Osby and Avsha Weinberg’s voices create a new, addicting key that nicely compliments the raucous guitars. The two waste no time in switching between soft, breathy sections and heavily distorted spaces. “Big Thumb” is a high point in the album, balancing between clear and compelling vocals, a buzzy harmonica, and strummed guitar. Ugly Duckling Union is an inspired continuation of the duo’s work in creating emotive, alternative rock-pop.

Victoryland

My Heart Is A Room With No Cameras In It

Victoryland is the moniker of Brooklyn-based musician Julian McCamman whose beginnings trace back to the Philly DIY scene in 2023. He released his sophomore record My Heart Is A Room With No Cameras In It on January 23. This fully fleshed out pop-rock record dips in and out of reserved and evocative moments, with McCamman’s vocals and lyrics portraying a snapshot of the heart and its complicated emotions, despite the albums’ title. “I’ll Show You Mine” and “No Cameras” are our top tracks, both expressing the spirit of the project in perfect form. This album sounds and feels like loving and growing and is a second installment to be proud of. Victoryland is currently sitting at less than 6k followers on Instagram but after supporting LCD Soundsystem for a number of dates this fall, that is likely to change.