With the arrival of July, Variety magazine journalists made a special selection of the main albums released in 2026, so far. The list brings together pop, rock, country, R&B, indie, hyperpop and electronic music genres.
Among the highlights are established superstars such as Olivia Rodrigo, , and Kacey Musgraves, as well as artists who are consolidating themselves, such as Slayyter, Raye and Ella Langley.
The publication highlighted that the selection was made based on the personal choices of the journalists in the house and that it is not intended to be a definitive list. The intention is to group projects that have been highlighted so far.
Best albums of 2026, according to Variety
- “Paracosm” – Absolutely
- “Sweet Fortune” – Ryan Beatty
- “Trying Times” – James Blake
- “Wuthering Heights” – Charli XCX
- “Maid of Honour” – Drake
- “Luck… or Something” – Hilary Duff
- “Secret Love” – Dry Cleaning
- “Icon” – Brent Faiyaz
- “Live no Coachella 2026” – Geese
- “Cerulean” – Danny L. Harle
- “Girlfriend” – Grace Ives
- “Come down” – Come down
- “Dandelion” – Ella Langley
- “The Boys of Dungeon Lane” – Paul McCartney
- “Sugar” – Tift Merritt
- “Nothing is About to Happen to Me” – Mitski
- “Middle of Nowhere” – Kacey Musgraves
- “Detour” – Kim Petras
- “Whatever’s Clever!” – Charlie Puth
- “Marcriá” – RaiNao
- “This Album May Contain Hope” – Raye
- “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love” – Olivia Rodrigo
- “Wor$t Girl in America” – Slayyyter
- “U” – Underscores
