Adding to early-year previews from Consequence and Esquire, NME has compiled a list of 61 most eagerly awaited albums for 2026. It spotlights returns from major acts like BTS and A$AP Rocky—echoing buzz around Zach Bryan and Charli XCX—alongside debuts from rising talents across punk, R&B, K-pop, and metal, with releases kicking off in January.
NME's guide, curated by Karen Gwee, Rhian Daly, and Ziwei Puah and published January 6, builds on the diverse anticipation captured elsewhere. It leads with The Cribs' ninth album 'Selling A Vibe' on January 9 via Sonic Blew, produced by Patrick Wimberly with pop-infused takes on sibling dynamics. Dry Cleaning's 'Secret Love' on 4AD follows, produced by Cate Le Bon with folk-leaning loops and noise.
Debut highlights include Mon Rovîa's identity-focused 'Bloodline' on Nettwerk and XG's energetic full-length 'The Core' on XGALX, previewed by 'GALA'. Mid-month brings Madison Beer's dance-pop 'Locket' on Epic, Sleaford Mods' guest-packed 'The Demise Of Planet X', and more from shared names like A$AP Rocky.
Standouts later: BTS's introspective March 20 comeback on Big Hit Music (14 tracks, partly by Jon Bellion); Peaches' sex-positive 'No Lube So Rude' on Kill Rock Stars; Joji's 'Piss In The Wind' on Palace Creek; plus EXO's 'Reverxe' amid changes and Robbie Williams' delayed 'Britpop'. The roundup underscores 2026's vibrant, genre-spanning promise.
