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Peaches  No Lube So Rude

Nothing short of a musical battle standard for those refusing to conform The Arts Desk

Mumford & Sons  Prizefighter

Prizefighter is the definition of inoffensive. It is unlikely to catch ears of those for whom Mumford & Sons’ sound faded into the background 10 years ago, but it was one of the most anticipated albums of 2026 for fans who welcomed their return from extended absence with 2025’s Rushmere Beats Per Minute

Charli XCX  Wuthering Heights

Charli feels far more attuned to the dark, knotted intensity of Brontë’s original vision than its film counterpart; the emotions here aren’t framed with irony or held at arm’s length. They arrive raw and unguarded. The result is a stormy, gothic triumph Hot Press

Charli XCX  Wuthering Heights

The experimental pop icon’s soundtrack for Emerald Fennell’s film of the same name is ambitious in concept but safe in execution. Still, some beautiful moments offer a glimpse at an alluring, torturous vision of love Paste Magazine

Converge  Love Is Not Enough

Once again, Converge has set a standard that is impossible to compete with and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon Sputnik Music (staff)

Charli XCX  Wuthering Heights

Kate Bush and Charli XCX, in their own ways, challenge the vernacular of contemporary songcraft, a commitment that paid off for both women PopMatters

Beverley Glenn-Copeland  Laughter in Summer

The Canadian composer celebrates life, love, and community on a career-spanning 2023 performance after his diagnosis with dementia Pitchfork

Howling Bells  Strange Life

Strange Life makes for a very agreeable comeback. Print edition only Record Collector

Howling Bells  Strange Life

The good news is that their sound has not dated, nor has the vision dimmed. Print edition only Uncut

Howling Bells  Strange Life

Strange Life warrants recognition, Stein and co's passion undimmed. Print edition only Mojo

Howling Bells  Strange Life

Reuniting for the first time in over a decade, the Australian trio’s sound still packs a punch musicOMH

Howling Bells  Strange Life

Everything you’d want from a Howling Bells album in 2026, a sweeping, cinematic journey that balances personal reflection with the weight of the wider world, weaving the intimate and the universal with poetic elegance Under The Radar

Jill Scott  To Whom This May Concern

All 360 degrees of the Jill Scott experience are presented here All Music

Charli XCX  Wuthering Heights

The album sometimes feels as if Charli committed fully to her concept, but didn’t allow herself to branch out even further, reach higher, express – or even abandon – more. It is a symphony, but not quite an opus Beats Per Minute

Hemlocke Springs  The Apple Tree Under the Sea

After breaking out in 2022 with two excellent singles, the Dartmouth graduate-turned-DIY musician finally releases her long-awaited debut, an adventurous and polished pop record whose maximalism exhausts more than invigorates Paste Magazine