The Guardian readers’ 2026 album picks: from queer joy to modern soul
Following the publication of its critics’ best-of-the-half-year list, The Guardian asked its audience to nominate their favourite records of the year so far.
The Guardian has published a readers’ poll identifying their favourite albums of 2026 to date. This initiative follows the recent release of the publication’s critics’ best-of-the-half-year list. The reader submissions feature a diverse array of artists, including Muna, Raye, J Cole, Maya Hawke, Arlo Parks, Jalen Ngonda, Aldous Harding, Ellie O’Neill, Tyler Ballgame, Flea, Kneecap, Gorillaz, Brian Jackson, and The Cribs. The selected records were noted for themes such as queer joy, emotional vulnerability, modern soul influences, and jazz fusion elements.
Readers highlighted Muna’s latest release as a fun, propulsive dance record that serves as the soundtrack of the summer. Submissions described the album as full of queer joy and cheeky lyricism, while also exploring relatable insecurities as pop stars in their early 30s ruminate on being past their prime. The record was praised for its testament to the importance of artists taking breaks and returning with new experiences to detail.
Maya Hawke’s Maitreya Corso was celebrated for capturing the joy of getting deeply invested in a record. Despite some reviews dismissing the work as twee, readers defended its breathless quality as an insight into a stream-of-consciousness inner monologue rather than artifice. The album was noted for its great writing and exploration of less-common songwriting ground, including living in the shadow of an older sibling and the unfulfilling nature of career pipe-dreams.
Jalen Ngonda’s Doctrine of Love was described as a triumphant masterpiece of modern soul. Submissions highlighted how Ngonda weaves gospel-kissed backing vocals, lush orchestral arrangements, and cinematic horns, soaking in the legendary grit of 1960s Detroit and Chicago. His staggering falsetto was said to breathe fresh, compassionate life into timeless traditions, delivering an electrifying vintage vibe that feels entirely contemporary.
Gorillaz’s The Mountain was identified as an album that reveals itself over multiple listens, cementing Damon Albarn’s legacy as a great songwriter. The record features an Indian feel throughout and reflects upon mortality on both a personal and global level. Readers noted the album’s conceptual depth and the moving experience of seeing it performed live, where Jamie Hewlett’s animations underscored the partnership between Albarn and his collaborators.
Raye’s This Music May Contain Hope was singled out for its sheer likability and the fully-present personality of its maker. Described as an album with a giant heart-on-sleeve and optimistic intent, it was praised for buoying the day like a life raft. Submissions highlighted the record’s marvellous writing, playing, and production, noting that it serves as a gift of character and humour during gruelling months.
Brian Jackson’s album, released 15 years after the death of his musical partner Gil Scott-Heron, was noted for celebrating his partner while subtly updating classics for today’s troubled times. The work features reworkings of landmark songs such as The Revolution Will Not Be Televised and Winter in America, aided by contemporary soul, funk, club, and hip-hop stars. Other notable mentions included Flea’s jazz fusion debut Honora and Kneecap’s aggressive, hardcore hip-hop.