I know its only March, but whatever.
We’re three months in to 2026, and a whole lot of music has dropped. Here’s my list of my favorite albums of the year, plus some on the horizon you won’t want to miss.
Paracosm – Absolutely
As someone who is a fan of dark and moody pop, I am always looking for more. I first discovered Absolutely in November of 2025, and would not turn off her 2023 album CEREBRUM. Now I’m doing the same with Paracosm. Absolutely has a way of taking you into a new world with this album. At times you feel sad, whimsical, and lost in your own mind (in a good way). Paracosm builds on what Absolutely started in 2023 with CEREBRUM: the album feels more mature, technically advanced, and elevated. Songs like the jazz-infused “Heluim” explore the feeling of floating and escaping to higher places, while “No Audience” encourages the listener to let go and chase a personal freedom, one that can only come from no longer pretending. The title track “Paracosm” is my personal favorite. Somehow, Absolutely is able to create a song that feels whimsical, dark, and optimistic at the same time. It reminds me of childhood, a dream, and the feeling of unknown that comes with being in a new place. As of March, Paracosm is my favorite album of the year. You should Absolutely give her a listen. lol
Ca$ino – Baby Keem
The release of Baby Keem’s sophomore album certainly did not disappoint. Following his 2021 critically acclaimed album Melodic Blue, I wondered if Keem would ever be able to top it. He most definitely did. Ca$ino is a more personal album, one that sees Baby Keem reflect on his upbringing in both Long Beach, CA and Las Vegas, NV. He slows down his tempo on songs like “I am not a Lyricist” and “Highway 95 pt.2” giving us an inside look into his struggles as a young child. These two songs are ones that make you listen, instead of nodding your head to the heavy 808s Keem so often raps over. Notably, the second song and title track “Ca$ino”, includes a combination of these heavy 808s, detailed and personal lyrics, and an unexpected beat switch halfway through the track. My personal favorite off the album is “House Money” (likely because of a hidden feature from Baby Keem’s cousin, Kendrick Lamar), a track that sees a cockier Baby Keem persona, one that feels powerful and unstoppable.
OCTANE – Don Toliver
High energy. Fast paced. That’s what Don Toliver’s OCTANE is all about. Don’s got something for everyone on this album. Want a love song? “E85” has you covered. Heavy hitting bass with catchy lyrics? “OPPOSITE”‘s the one for you. Hopeful song about having fun all summer long? “Sweet Home”. OCTANE explores a wide variety of sounds throughout it 50 minute runtime, you never know what you’re going to hear next. With notable features and iconic samples, Don Toliver proves that he’s here to stay and one of the best rappers in the game right now. My favorite? “Excavator”. I’m a sucker for witty lyrics that make you smirk and beats that keep you moving. If you’re looking for a solid rap album that you won’t get tired of playing, OCTANE has everything you need.
Trying Times – James Blake
James Blake’s Trying Times is a emotional, vulnerable, masterpiece. Soft, electric synths sprinkled throughout the piece allow the listener to feel something, and forces them to reflect on their own life and choices they have made. Blake’s voice is unlike any other, and he shows it off beautifully in this album. Once again, the title track is a standout for me. Reflecting on love throughout hardship, the song “Trying Times” is a deeply emotional and thoughtful journey, one that gives an insight into the psyche of Blake and the pain he feels. In a bit of an upbeat turn, “Make Something Up”, the album’s fifth song lyrically explores themes of love, life, and death yet still makes your foot tap. I don’t think I’ve ever heard an album quite like this, there’s nothing more to say other than go listen and experience it for yourself.
What I’m Looking Forward To
So far, these four albums are my favorites of 2026, but there is so much more to come. Here’s a couple of albums I think we should all stay tuned for in the rest of this year. Release dates included if available.
- THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. – RAYE (3/27)
- Kehlani – Kehlani (4/24)
- Beyonce??? (I hope so)
- Rihanna??? (Let a girl dream)
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