Rolling Stone Names BTS' 'Arirang' Among 2026's Best Albums So Far
Updated
Updated · Rolling Stone · Jun 15
Rolling Stone Names BTS' 'Arirang' Among 2026's Best Albums So Far
3 articles · Updated · Rolling Stone · Jun 15
Summary
Rolling Stone released its midyear best-albums list for 2026, spotlighting BTS’ comeback LP Arirang as the year’s biggest headline and one of the standout records so far.
5 years after their last new album, BTS returned following mandatory military service with a set that leans into Korean roots while using producers including Diplo, Flume and Ryan Tedder.
The list also highlights major returns and breakthroughs across genres, including Harry Styles, Robyn, Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, Jill Scott, Ella Langley and Alvaro Diaz.
Dozens of other picks—from Blackpink’s 15-minute Deadline EP to Boards of Canada’s first album since 2013—underscore Rolling Stone’s view that 2026 has already been a strong year for music.