Vulture has released its annual music preview, highlighting 43 albums set for release in 2026 that its writers and editors are eager to hear. The list spans genres from country and pop to punk and R&B, featuring established stars and reunions. Published on December 30, 2025, it forms part of a broader 2026 entertainment forecast including TV, movies, and books.
As 2025 draws to a close, Vulture's music team has curated a comprehensive lookahead at the year's most promising releases. Titled "43 Albums We Can’t Wait to Hear in 2026," the feature emphasizes diversity in sound and artist comebacks, with entries organized by tentative release months from January through May and beyond.
Kicking off in January, Zach Bryan's sixth LP, With Heaven on Top, arrives on January 9, following a snippet of “Bad News” that sparked political debate. A$AP Rocky's long-delayed fourth album, Don’t Be Dumb, follows on January 16, boasting collaborations with Tyler, the Creator, Swedish House Mafia, and Danny Elfman. Madison Beer's Locket returns her to pop roots with tracks like “Yes Baby,” while The Format reunites after nearly two decades for Boycott Heaven on January 23.
February brings Louis Tomlinson's upbeat How Did I Get Here?, inspired by a Costa Rica trip and led by “Lemonade.” Lucinda Williams addresses national issues on World’s Gone Wrong, featuring Norah Jones, Brittney Spencer, and Mavis Staples. Ella Mai's third album, Do You Still Love Me?, executive-produced by Mustard, drops February 6, interpolating Destiny’s Child in “Tell Her.” Charli XCX contributes a moody soundtrack album, Wuthering Heights, for an Emily Brontë film adaptation, including “House” with John Cale.
Later highlights include Gorillaz's international The Mountain on March 20, Lana Del Rey's country pivot Stove, Madonna's disco sequel Confessions on a Dance Floor Part 2, and Blackpink's BP3. Reunions like 4 Non Blondes' sequel to their 1992 debut and Megadeth's farewell album add nostalgia. The preview notes delays and evolutions, such as A$AP Rocky's shifted timeline and Del Rey's expanded songwriting.
This roundup reflects excitement for a vibrant year, blending fresh talents like Ari Lennox's Vacancy with veteran returns, all while acknowledging industry challenges like canceled tours and health disclosures, such as Beverly Glenn-Copeland's dementia diagnosis amid his Laughter in Summer.
