Readers Pick 15 Favorite Albums of 2026 So Far, Led by Muna, Raye and J Cole

1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 14

Fifteen reader picks for the best albums of 2026 so far ranged from pop and hip-hop to soul and electronic music, with Muna, Raye and J Cole among the standout names.
Muna’s Dancing on the Wall drew praise for its dance-pop energy and queer joy, while Raye’s This Music May Contain Hope was singled out for its personality, optimism and start-to-finish cohesion.
J Cole’s The Fall-Off was highlighted as a grower that rewards repeat listens, and Arlo Parks, Jalen Ngonda and Gorillaz also earned strong support for emotional depth, classic craft and ambitious songwriting.
Several readers also championed comeback or surprise releases, including Boards of Canada’s first album in 13 years, Flea’s jazz-fusion solo debut and Aldous Harding’s uncharted but still in-demand Train on the Island.
The selections underscored how broad 2026’s album landscape has been so far, with readers valuing vulnerability, strong live performances and records that reveal more over time.