Our picks of the best of the year… so far.

Sort out your schedule before the festival gets underway.

Believe it or not, all of these are 5-star albums.

Olivia Rodrigo shared her 3rd album, Death Cab for Cutie returned, and Mr Fantasy dropped a surprisingly perfect album, just in time for summer.

Festival scene got well and truly underway with a littering of day and multi-venue festivals, including Great Escape, Cross The Tracks, Sound City and Dot to Dot.

April saw the long-awaited return of pop star Ariana Grande after her turn as Glinda in Wicked, Hayley Williams hopped on yet another feature and Record Store Day came in a flash.

Prepare for a huge summer of live music with our list of all the festivals that are worth the occasional beer shower.

March saw Lily Allen take her long-awaited album ‘West End Girl’ on the road, Harry Styles return with his new album, and RAYE knock everyone else out of the park with hers.

The year is only just beginning — here’s our picks.

If you’re going through it, then look no further.

We’ve listened to them all, we’ve deliberated, and we have the best of a brilliant bunch.

All the albums turning 10 this year, in order.

Your essential guide to the artists poised for a big year in 2026.