# The best albums of 2026 (so far)

Indie rock, country and rap: the records of 2026 critics rate highest so far (Billboard, Clash, Album of the Year).

- 0 votes · 11 items
- Aug 5, 2026 · Craig P.
- https://even.best/en/l/1928/the-best-albums-of-2026-so-far

## Top 11

1. **Mitski – Nothing's About to Happen to Me** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Her first album since her surprise Hot 100 hit, tender and unsettling.
2. **Kacey Musgraves – Middle of Nowhere** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Her seventh album, about isolation, and her best opening week ever.
3. **Ratboys – Singin' to an Empty Chair** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The Chicago band's alt-country high point.
4. **Gilla Band – Pugnello** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The Dublin noise-rock band at their most abrasive.
5. **Don Toliver – Octane** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The rap album at the top of the year so far.
6. **Ella Langley – Dandelion** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Country with the hit Choosin' Texas.
7. **Various Artists – HELP(2)** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The War Child charity compilation, revisiting the 1995 original.
8. **Aldous Harding – Train On The Island** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Recorded with John Parish at Rockfield Studios.
9. **Jalen Ngonda – Doctrine of Love** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Classic soul with a modern touch.
10. **Hemlocke Springs – the apple tree under the sea** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — 80s synth-pop meets 2000s indie.
11. **GENA – The Pleasure Is Yours** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Liv.e and Detroit producer Karriem Riggins's joint debut.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.