The first quarter of 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting in music history. From long-awaited rap returns to high-concept experimental projects, fans have plenty to look forward to. Here’s a list of the 15 most anticipated albums dropping in early 2026.
1. A$AP Rocky — DON’T BE DUMB
Release Date: January 16, 2026
Rocky’s first project in eight years promises a “German Expressionist” experience. Produced by Pharrell, Madlib, Metro Boomin, and The Alchemist, with visual and creative input from Tim Burton, this album is one of the year’s biggest hip-hop events.
2. J. Cole — The Fall Off
Release Date: February 6, 2026
Widely believed to be his retirement album, this release is expected to be a career-defining statement on lyricism and storytelling.
3. Kanye West — BULLY
Release Date: January 30, 2026
Recorded in Tokyo hotel rooms, BULLY reportedly removes all AI vocals for a raw, human sound. Early tracks like “Preacher Man” suggest a return to soulful, melodic roots.
4. Bruno Mars — The Romantic
Release Date: February 27, 2026
Bruno’s first solo album in nearly a decade focuses entirely on his vocals and classic R&B songwriting, produced by D’Mile, with no guest features.
5. Charli XCX — Wuthering Heights
Release Date: February 13, 2026
Charli’s new Gothic era blends industrial-pop with cinematic textures. The album serves as the soundtrack to Emerald Fennell’s film, featuring John Cale.
6. BTS — Fifth Full Album (TBA)
Release Date: March 20, 2026
After their military hiatus, BTS returns with their first full group project in years. Fans expect their most global and experimental record yet.
7. Joji — Piss In The Wind
Release Date: February 6, 2026
A 21-track atmospheric journey featuring collaborations with Yeat, Don Toliver, and Giveon. Joji expands his melancholic lo-fi sound into darker, grittier territories.
8. Madison Beer — locket
Release Date: January 16, 2026
Her third studio album dives into dream-pop themes of memory and intimacy, featuring singles like “Make You Mine” and supporting her 2026 tour.
9. Gorillaz — The Mountain
Release Date: March 20, 2026
A 15-track international project recorded across India, Damascus, and London, featuring collaborations with Sparks, IDLES, Yasiin Bey, and traditional Indian musicians.
10. Lana Del Rey — Stove
Release Date: Early 2026 (Rumored)
Continuing her “American Gothic” era, this album explores country-adjacent sounds and stripped-back, lyric-focused storytelling.
11. Xiu Xiu — Xiu Mutha Fuckin’ Xiu: Vol. 1
Release Date: January 16, 2026
A covers project reimagining pop and punk classics from Talking Heads to Roy Orbison. Jamie Stewart calls it a “haunted séance” of sound.
12. By Storm — My Ghosts Go Ghost
Release Date: January 30, 2026
The surviving members of Injury Reserve release this jazz-warped experimental rap album with guest spots from billy woods.
13. Ari Lennox — Vacancy
Release Date: January 23, 2026
A soulful, introspective R&B album exploring heartbreak, growth, and new beginnings.
14. femtanyl — MAN BITES DOG
Release Date: February 2026
High-energy, underground electronic music blending breakcore and hyperpop for a raw listening experience.
15. E L U C I D & Sebb Bash — I Guess U Had To Be There
Release Date: March 13, 2026
A lyrical and production-heavy collaboration, steeped in analog grime and funk, highlighting the Backwoodz Studioz roster.
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