2026 is a year that’s looking very promising for music. With artists like A$AP Rocky, The Kid LAORI and Louis Tomlinson already releasing albums throughout January, what else can we look forward to as the year continues?
It isn’t just one ex-member of One Direction releasing new solo music. After a few gap years (four to be precise) and almost three years since ‘Love On Tour’, Harry Styles returns with his much anticipated fourth album on March 6th: KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. The lead single ‘Aperture’ released at the end of January, with more of a techno influence being shown that may carry onto the rest of the album.
As Emerald Fennell’s new Wuthering Heights adaptation releases on February 13th, we look forward to Charlie XCX’s soundtrack album at the same time, with the same name. The single ‘House’ was released towards the end of last year, and has already inspired many edits to the music across social media. With the new album’s sound taking such a departure from her previous success in Brat, will she be able to create the same global phenomenon?
Within the K-Pop world, BTS are to make a highly anticipated comeback after the band announced a hiatus in 2022 for members to complete mandatory military service. The new album, Arirang, named after a Korean folk song, is coming March 20th. With around 90 million loyal fans across the globe, this will certainly be a big release.
BLACKPINK are also releasing a new mini album on February 27th, their first project together since 2022. Deadline will have five tracks in total, including the single from last year ‘Jump’, which topped charts across the globe.
As the list of big comebacks continues, pop king Bruno Mars is bringing out his first solo album in a decade. The Romantic is also dropping on February 27th, with a stadium tour to follow in April. With anticipation high, a record-breaking 2.1 million tickets sold in one day for the new tour as fans look forward to Mars’ new stuff.
Other big artists have albums rumoured for later on in the year. Fans of Beyoncé anticipate a third album to complete her trilogy after 2022’s Renaissance and Cowboy Carter in 2024, but there has been no official announcement yet. Lana Del Rey’s long awaited tenth studio album was expected to land at the end of January, however after a series of name changes and new tracks added the record, currently titled Stove, is yet to be released.
