Gorillaz - The Mountain
Kicking off this list of some standout albums that are ready to shake up 2026 is Gorillaz with their upcoming album The Mountain. The release of this album comes three years after the release of Cracker Island. The ‘Feel Good Inc.’ hitmakers gave fans a glimpse into the experimental sound that fuses traditional Indian instruments with the signature Gorillaz sonic style. Building up to the upcoming release of the album, the group has unveiled four pre-release singles such as ‘The Happy Dictator (feat. Sparks)’, ‘The Manifesto (feat. Trueno and Proof)’, ‘The God Of Lying (feat. IDLES)’ and ‘Damascus (feat. Omar Souleyman and Yasmiin Bey)’. This unique record is definitely shaping up to be one for the books.
Louis Tomlinson - How Did I Get Here?
Louis Tomlinson is definitely getting comfortable with this new alternative rock era that he’s ruling, as he announced the release of his third album How Did I Get Here?. Riding the high of the genre-defying pop, rock and indie sensibilities he presented on his 2022 album Faith In The Future, he's definitely ready to deliver catchy tracks that fans can scream their hearts out to once again. He teased the energetic album with a pair of pre-release singles featuring ‘Lemonade’ and ‘Palaces’ that are so authentically Louis Tomlinson. Fans are definitely looking forward to this new era as the anticipation builds with the dawn of the new year.
Joji - Piss In The Wind
Joji is ready to answer fans' prayers for a new album with the 21-track record Piss In The Wind. This album puts an end to the gruelling four-year wait fans had been enduring, while waiting for more heart-wrenching hits from the ‘Glimpse of Us’ artist. Not only is this new album a treat for listeners due to its extensive tracklist, but it also features some exciting collaborations such as GIVĒON, 4batz, Yeat and Don Toliver. As he gears up toward the release of the record, Joji has unveiled a trio of singles including ‘PIXELATED KISS’, ‘If It Only Gets Better’ and ‘Past Won’t Leave My Bed’ that give fans a little sliver of the amazing musicality this album has to offer.
Elephant Kind - More Time
Elephant Kind are gearing up for a bold new chapter with their upcoming third studio album More Time, marking an evolution in their sound and artistic vision. The band have returned with ‘Man Enough’, the first single from the album, offering a raw and genre-blending preview of what’s to come. Crafted between Jakarta and London and finalised at Abbey Road Studios, it promises an expansive journey that mixes hip-hop, house, rock and Eastern influences.
The All-American Rejects - Sandbox
The pop-punk legends The All-American Rejects are back to claim their spot as one of the greatest icons of our generation as they announce their album Sandbox, set to send shockwaves through the charts in 2026. The 'All The Small Things' hitmakers give us a small glimpse into the tidal wave of nostalgia that is about to hit emo scene kids and punk rock lovers with the release of the pre-release singles ‘Get This’, ‘Eggshell Tap Dancer’, ‘Search Party!’, ‘Easy Come, Easy Go’, and the title track ‘Sandbox’. Each track acts as a piece of the puzzle that’s steeped in reminiscing an era of smudged eyeliner and liberty spikes, bringing it back with shredding guitar riffs and crashing drum beats.
Bruno Mars - The Romantic
Get ready for the comeback of a legend! Bruno Mars has announced the release of his latest album, The Romantic, coming on 27 February. He also teased that the first single from the album will be out on 10 January, officially marking the start of this new era for the hitmaking pop star. After a fiery couple of years releasing hit after hit with some of the biggest names in music, such as Lady Gaga, Rosé, and Sexyy Red, in the biggest tracks of 2025, including 'Die With A Smile', 'APT', and 'Fat Juicy & Wet', he's ready to come back to give us a solid solo album that will give the nostalgia of when we were bumping 24K Magic back in 2016.
Madison Beer - locket
Pop princess Madison Beer is making another comeback with locket to give fans yet another album filled to the brim with bangers. Her moving lyrical prowess peeks through in pre-release singles ‘bittersweet’ and ‘yes baby’. On ‘bittersweet’, she fuses meaningful words with her layered vocals to create an impactful track that’s bound to make you feel all kinds of emotions, from heartbreak to longing. She completely pivots to reveal the EDM-infused, electropop-inspired track ‘yes baby’, which serves as the perfect hype girl anthem, showing her versatility as an artist exploring a vast selection of genres. With this duality of sounds that she has embraced, there is no doubt that locket is shaping up to be a revolutionary record.
Megadeth - Megadeth
Taking a slight detour in terms of genre, we look at one of the most iconic bands of all time, Megadeth, are releasing a self-titled studio album with a collection of songs that will surely immortalise them as one of the most beloved thrash metal bands of this generation. The three pre-release singles prove no different as they bring back the same energy that Megadeth have unleashed with each record without faltering even for a second. Each track, including ‘Tipping Point’, ‘I Don’t Care’, and ‘Let There Be Shred’, captures the signature fire that the band has preserved throughout their career. Get ready to have the perfect album to headbang and mosh out to this new year.
Hilary Duff - Luck…or Something
Hilary Duff is entering a new creative chapter with Luck… Or Something, her first full-length album in more than a decade. Positioned as a reflective and intentional return, the upcoming record leans into themes of growth, self-awareness and emotional clarity, capturing where Duff is now rather than revisiting who she once was. The record frames Duff’s comeback as one driven by perspective, embracing adulthood and evolution while maintaining the melodic sensibilities that have long defined her work. The lead single ‘Mature’ sets the tone for the album’s emotional direction. The song leans into honesty and vulnerability, reflecting on personal growth and the complexities that come with it.
Leigh-Anne - My Ego Told Me To
Listen Up! Leigh-Anne is here to command the spotlight again with My Ego Told Me To. The Little Mix icon is back with her first-ever solo album to tell the world who she really is. This album is truly a statement that lets listeners know who she is outside of her role in the band. The pre-release singles featuring, 'Dead and Gone', 'Been A Minute' and 'Burning up' help frame her unique musicality through R&B and pop-centric melodies and catchy beats. Get ready to start the new year right with the infectious energy of Leigh-Anne’s debut studio album.
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