The music industry is gearing up for a busy 2026, with numerous high-profile artists planning major releases. Musicians ranging from legacy icons to pop stars are teasing new projects, promising a diverse mix of genres and sounds for the year ahead.
Albums from Major Artists
Gorillaz is working on its ninth studio album, the first new music from the group since 2023’s “Cracker Island.” The project has not yet received a release date, but fans can currently listen to the first single, “Damascus,” on streaming platforms.
Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” project continues with Act III. While no official release date has been announced, the third instalment is widely speculated to be a rock album, continuing the themes of the previous acts.
BTS announced their return to music following their military service. The seven members revealed an untitled 14-track album to fans through handwritten New Year’s letters, marking their first post-military release.
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Pop and Rock Projects
Charli XCX is preparing to release the soundtrack for the film “Wuthering Heights.” The project includes 12 original songs, with the lead single “Chains of Love” already available. The soundtrack will be released on February 13, a day before the film’s global release.
Madonna is reuniting with her original “Confessions on a Dance Floor” producer, Stuart Price, for a follow-up album. The project, titled “Confessions on a Dance Floor Part II,” is expected to continue the pop and electronic dance music style of the original.
The 1975 frontman Matty Healy has been teasing new music since 2024, allegedly working on two albums. One is reportedly titled “DOGS,” while the other is called “GHEMB” (God has entered my body, like a body my same size; like me floating into you or you floating into me).
Harry Styles released a new album in March, following a period of public silence. The project arrived shortly after he debuted a new visual of his tour-ending piano solo “Forever, Forever,” which he linked to fans prior to Christmas in 2025.
Lana Del Rey has been teasing a new album, originally titled “Lasso” and later “The Right Person Will Stay.” While the release remains unconfirmed, fans anticipate it might arrive in late 2026.
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Upcoming Releases from Other Artists
Olivia Rodrigo’s third album, titled “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” is described as a collection of sad-girl love songs. The follow-up to her successful “Guts” era, it was announced shortly after her festival-headlining tour concluded.
Gracie Abrams discussed her upcoming album with The Hollywood Reporter at a launch party for her Chanel campaign in early January 2026. She described the project as “definitely my favourite music I’ve ever made” and feels “very closely connected to it.”
Suki Waterhouse’s album “Loveland” explores the space between who she was and who she is becoming. She describes the work as containing a mix of aching for romance and reaching for something quieter and more lasting.
Role Model’s third album, “Chuck Timely & The Hourglass,” is described as fitting his usual style of country and pop. The project includes a collaboration with Dakota Johnson on one track.
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Ariana Grande is working on an album titled “Petal,” which she describes as “a bit more dark and moody” than usual, while retaining her signature pop and electronic textures.
Robyn is returning with new music following the release of her single “Dopamine” in November 2025. The Swedish pop artist aims to use the new record to “cathartically heal” her audience.
The DMA’S, an Australian alternative rock band, released their fifth self-titled album in August. The band hinted at “feral energy” for the record, signaling a fresh start.
Ricky Lacy, also known as Lacy, has announced his third album “Oh yeah?” after a period of relative quiet. The project is described as a shift from his lo-fi R&B and experimental style to heavier synth sounds.
