Best Albums of 2026 (So Far)
Believe it or not, all of these are 5-star albums.
We’ve seen widely anticipated returns from the likes of Lily Allen and Harry Styles; we’ve had RAYE deliver an exceptional album that will, without a shadow of a doubt, feature across end-of-year lists, and we’ve seen more than our fair share of albums that’ll end up in Rough Trade’s sale rack within the year. That’s not to say there isn’t someone out there who will like it, though, and, better yet, someone who will be delighted at its sale price of £7.90.
Not to be overshadowed by these huge household names, we’ve seen some of the best debuts this year, including former Superfood bassist Alice Costelloe and resident yearner Sophie May, who both made releasing your first album look easy.
Henry Grace — Things Are Moving All Around Me
Returning to London after leaving for America can be daunting at first, or it can give you a whole load of material for your second album. Henry’s second album reflects on love lost, love gained, and a whole lot of moving on.
Label: At Last
Recommended: Passing Through
Tyler Ballgame – For The First Time, Again
It’s not often you find an artist because of their support act, but that’s exactly what happened with Tyler Ballgame. And thank God I did, because his debut is nothing short of sublime. If you like honed debuts that feel like a sixth album, look no further.
Label: Rough Trade Records
Recommended: You’re Not My Baby Tonight
Alice Costelloe – Move On With The Year
After years of being in bands, it can be daunting going it alone, without some of your best friends standing right next to you. Like a tulip in spring, Alice blossoms on her first release, delivering an album made to be listened to time and time again.
Label: Moshi Moshi Records
Recommended: How Can I
The Lemon Twigs – Look For Your Mind!
The brother duo make a bid for album of the year on a turn soaked in ‘60s nostalgia — and it might just be their best album to date.
Label: Captured Tracks
Recommended: My Heart Is In Your Hands Tonight
Sophie May – Stars and Teeth
It’s hard to believe this is Sophie’s first album, but it’s been a good few years since she first appeared on our FYP singing to whoever would listen. Her debut is as wonderful as all the EPs and mini-albums that came before it.
Label: Independent
Recommended: Another Song for the End of the World
ELIZA – The Darkening Green
Once known as Eliza Doolittle, who shot to fame with the 2010s hit Pack Up, the singer has reinvented herself as ELIZA and has gone down a soulful route that feels like it’s been her true calling this entire time.
Label: Log Off Records
Recommended: Fever Dreams
RAYE – THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE
There was once a time when RAYE was being blocked from releasing an album, so it’s wild to think a talent like this has been brewing under the surface for so long. With an album told in seasons and a seriously candid look into her life, not to mention a feature from the Hans Zimmer, it’ll be no surprise when this sweeps all the awards.
Label: Independent
Recommended: I Know You’re Hurting.
