“And I Dance” – By Storm (experimental hip hop / neo-psychedelia / alternative r&b)
After the dissolution of Injury Reserve, one of experimental hip hop’s strongest groups, former members RiTchie and Parker Corey essentially pick back up from where they left off with “By Storm”. One of the lead singles from their debut album, “And I Dance,” is a low-key, cathartic track about letting go and dancing. Top-tier production and sonic textures paired with slightly esoteric yet wholly relatable lyrics creates a fantastic track. Brighter, more positive songs like this one are hard to come by in their catalog, but this makes the track that much more impactful and hopeful.
“Going Shopping” -The Strokes (indie rock / new wave)
The Strokes return after six years with one of their most divisive songs in a while, a track I really enjoy despite the criticism. Although the heavily autotuned vocals rub some people the wrong way, I enjoy the janky, experimental quality they bring to the song. Aside from this, the band’s excellent instrumentation makes for a super catchy track brimming with quirky, off-beat lyrics and fun, summery atmosphere.
“Homewrecker” – Sombr (pop rock)
Although his previous music isn’t anything that has grabbed my attention, rising pop star sombr’s first single of 2026 is an earworm in the best way. From the instrumental to the singing to the lyrics, nearly every single element of the song is catchy and scratches the itch a pop song should. Along with this, the song is written well and provides some solace for any heartbroken yearner looking for a song to relate to.
“idk idk” – Jim Legxacy (alternative hip hop / jerk)
Following his exciting breakout mixtape from last year, Jim Legxacy releases one of his best songs so far. The track provides a bouncy beat contrasted with surprisingly introspective and uncertain lyrics. Combined with Jim’s emotionally charged delivery, and a voice quickly becoming one of my favorites in current-day music, the song is simultaneously a gut punch and an endlessly catchy anthem.
“In the dark” – venturing (indie rock / dream pop)
This song, a single celebrating the anniversary of Venturing’s 2025 LP “Ghostholding,” is a dreamy, spacious rock ballad with some gut-wrenching lyrics and a great vocal performance. The track provides plenty of familiar rock tendencies while still pushing the envelope and delivering some experimental elements. “Venturing”, the side project of acclaimed digicore artist Jane Remover, showcases Jane’s versatility and her ability to excel at virtually every genre.
“Love Story” – My New Band Believe (chamber folk / singer-songwriter)
This first album single from former black midi member Cameron Picton’s new band is a multi-faceted blend of genres that is probably my favorite song of the year so far. At first glance, the track is a heartfelt tribute to the narrator’s lover backed up by sappy piano and strings, playful, cute lyrics, and a tender vocal performance. However, as the track goes on, a lyrical turn presents darker images of near-death experiences, loss, and disappearances that add incredible emotional depth to the track and reinvent it as an anxious cry for comfort. Tying this all together is the unique production that blends kitchen sounds with stunning instrumentation to craft what is probably the best track of the year.
“Orange County” – Gorillaz (indie pop / art pop)
A great single off a great return to form for the virtual band, “Orange County” is one of the sweetest, simplest tracks of the year. It’s fun, quirky sonic palette is probably the closest thing to pure sunshine in the form of a song you will get this year. However, its contemplative lyrics about loss and legacy add a depth to the song that has kept it in rotation for me since it released. Finally, the vocal performances here, especially from guest star Kara Jackson, give the song a soul that can’t be understated or overlooked.
“The Peace” – underscores (indietronica / electropop)
It was nearly impossible to pick my favorite song off underscores’ incredible new album, but “The Peace” is probably the track that has stuck with me the most since first listen. Its eccentric vocal chop beat and effortlessly beautiful singing performance make it easily one of the most infectious songs of the year. On top of this, the writing on this track is some of my favorite of the year so far and paints an incredibly vivid picture. Her ability to tell an emotionally potent story about complex relationships and change through something as simple as smoking is just amazing. This is undoubtedly one of the most underrated songs of the year and one that hasn’t lost any appeal in the dozens upon dozens of times I’ve listened to it.
“Trying Times” – James Blake (art pop / alternative R&B / singer-songwriter)
The title track off James Blake’s newest album is a stunning, low-key ballad that is equal parts beautiful, ghostly, and devastating. Soft instrumentation, perfect pacing, and raw lyricism create a song that is sure to capture the attention of any listener and touch their soul. However, all these elements pale in comparison to James’s vocal performance on the track; the way his emotion-filled voice and all the little idiosyncrasies in it glide through the song is just amazing. It is easily one of the best performances of the year and adds the perfect final touch to an already great song.
“White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” – Lana del Rey (chamber pop / psychedelic folk)
Following several name, tracklist, and release date changes, Lana releases the first single of 2026 for her upcoming album. The mystical instrumentation and eerie atmosphere make this easily one of the strangest songs of the year, yet one of the most entrancing by far. However, despite how interesting the instrumental is, the track’s lyrics are the standout element for me. Quirky, humorous, and supremely sensual, Lana’s writing on this song is such a unique take on a love song that I can’t help but be enamored by it.
Written by: Nathan Knoll