New music expected to release in 2026
Looking back a year ago to 2024, it was an amazing year for music. The pop music genre was flourishing with Sabrina Carpenter, Charli xcx, and Chappell Roan going viral for reinventing and restoring pop music, with many fans claiming the genre felt both new and reminiscent. Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, and Tyler, the Creator made shockwaves in the rap genre, while other stellar indie releases like Magdalena Bay’s album Imaginal Disk, and Fountaines D.C. ‘s album Romance, received praise from both critics and fans alike. This plethora of amazing releases meant that 2025 had big shoes to fill. Shockingly, there were only four songs released in 2025 that made “the top 20 Hot 100 year-end list” released by Billboard. Three of these 2025 hits were released by Morgan Wallen, who received mostly lukewarm and negative reviews from critics and fans. The question is, can music make a comeback in 2026?
Several large artists have already announced their return in 2026. BTS will be releasing a new album, Arirang, and will begin their tour of the same name in the spring. This is their first release since the band went on hiatus to complete their military service, which is mandatory for young men in Korea. Popular solo artist Noah Kahan is releasing a new single “The Great Divine” at the end of January. This single has fans wondering if Kahan could be releasing a new album in 2026. Mitski has also made her return, releasing a new single, “Where’s my Phone?” for her upcoming album titled: Nothing’s About to Happen to Me, which is set to release on Feb. 27. Charli xcx is also returning with new music, releasing the soundtrack to the film Wuthering Heights. The single “House,” featuring John Cale, has already gone viral on social media. With all this buzz, one artist has gathered the most anticipation, with his lead single already amassing over 18 million streams two days after its release. Benson Boone better watch out, because the original mustached disco man is back.
Harry Styles has announced he will be releasing his fourth solo album, titled Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally on March 6. This will be his first release since his 2022 Grammy Award winning album Harry’s House, marking his return to the public eye since the end of his Love On Tour. The music video for his first single “Aperture” has already amassed over six million views on YouTube in the first day of release. Moving in a similar direction, Louis Tomlinson released his new album, How Did I Get Here? on Jan. 23; is there a chance at a One Direction reunion? Likely not, but one can dream.
Speaking of artists who have not released an album in a while, a new release from Olivia Rodrigo may be expected in 2026. During her 2025 Osheaga encore performance, Rodrigo appeared in a top bedazzled with the number three, hinting at the release of a third album. In an interview with Nylon, she said “2026 will be a busy year for me.” Since 2024, Rodrigo has been touring the Guts tour, in support of her 2023 album by the same name. With the run recently ending in the summer of 2025. Could she have been working on the final touches of a new album?
On the subject of rumoured projects, a new Phoebe Bridgers album may be on the horizon. In early January, Bridgers’ mother reposted on her Instagram story a screenshot of a Rolling Stones post predicting a new release by Bridgers in 2026. This would be Bridgers’ first solo album since Punisher in 2020. Bridgers has also been a part of several bands releases, with indie-rock band Boygenius, also featuring Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, releasing their album The Record in the spring of 2023, which received positive reviews.
There is no discussion of new music without a nod to the ever-popular Taylor Swift. Swift has released a new project every year since 2018, ranging from new albums to re-recordings of previous releases. A completely new album would mark her 13th release. With 13 being branded as her lucky number that has been present within her music. A new album could also coincide with her wedding to Travis Kelce, which is predicted to be happening early this summer. Alternatively, fans could also see the release of the highly anticipated Reputation re-recordings, or a re-recording of her debut album Taylor Swift for its 20th anniversary. It is also possible that Swift will be taking a much needed break to plan the wedding, only time will tell.
Other artists that have been rumoured to be releasing new music in the upcoming year are Lana Del Rey, and Beyoncé. Lana Del Rey’s album Stove, previously known as Lasso, and The Right Person will Stay, may see a release in late January. The album’s release has been delayed several times, after the original planned release in September 2024, and then May 2025. Beyoncé may be releasing the final part of her trilogy project in 2026, as she has released one part of the project every other year. Renaissance was based on club and house music, and Cowboy Carter on country music, leading many to theorize what the third installment could be. Some fans believe that it could be a rock and roll album, as each project in the trilogy has been inspired by the effect Black people have had on the genre.
Overall, 2026 looks like it has the pieces to be a great year for music. Fans can also hope to hear great music from unexpected places. Several of the biggest names that came from music in 2024 were lesser known artists. Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter had been releasing music before 2024, but were new to the spotlight when they started charting. Perhaps there are other talented artists around the corner who are ready to find their spotlight.