By Orla Ruane, Second Year, English
With the New Year well and truly underway, one thing is for certain: it promises to be an excellent year for music. Every day, it seems a different artist is announcing a new release, with tour dates to go alongside it. As many of us prepare to venture into the lion’s den (the Ticketmaster website), I will unpack the expected releases of 2026 that may result in bankruptcy — for me, at least.
The Romantic - Bruno Mars
Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that Bruno Mars has announced the release of his fourth studio album, having taken a ten-year hiatus from releasing solo projects. 2016 is back.
Although Mars still practically lives in the charts through several successful collaborations in recent years, particularly as a member of the super-duo Silk Sonic, a solo project is the most exciting announcement of 2026 so far.
The album titled The Romantic will be released on February 27. For now, Mars’ new single ‘I Just Might’ offers a glimpse into what the new album is to entail and will undoubtedly be a chart-topping success.
Alongside new music comes the announcement of a global tour with supporting artists Anderson .Paak, Leon Thomas, Victoria Monét and Raye. Playing over 40 shows across Europe and America, these will be some of the most sought-after tickets this year.
Wuthering Heights - Charli xcx
Another exciting release of 2026 is the return of Charli xcx. Moving on from the cultural moment that was ‘brat summer’, the soundtrack to Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights will be released on February 13 and distinctly marks a new direction for Charli.
‘House’, featuring John Cale, was released in November 2025 and gave us a glimpse into the stark new style she has adopted.
It will be interesting to see whether the music lends itself to the unorthodox remake of the Emily Brontë classic. Whether it will equate to the phenomenon that was Brat is doubtful. However, hopefully it will be enough to overshadow the poor casting of Cathy and Heathcliff.
Are Bands Back?
Returning to band-led music, Damon Albarn announced the ninth Gorillaz album The Mountain, set for release on March 20.
In line with previous Gorillaz projects, the album will feature many guest artists, with performances in five languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, and Yoruba. The influence of artists who vary greatly in style and form will craft a completely new and original sound, as extensive collaboration culminates in The Mountain becoming its own entity.
Another band that is releasing new music in 2026 is The Rolling Stones. Confirmed last year by Ronnie Wood, a release date has not yet been announced. With further rumours suggesting that the band will go on tour again, having formed in 1962, they show no sign of stopping.
However, one thing I am particularly looking forward to in 2026 is the emergence of new bands gaining popularity.
The mainstream is saturated with bands that have unwaveringly loyal fanbases. While this is never a bad thing, the absence of newer bands on main stages is a structural problem.
Dabrowka Nowak
Grassroots venues have never been more important. As many face closure, these spaces have historically supported the beginnings of careers by providing exposure on smaller stages.
One group to watch is Ides of March. Formed at the University of Bristol, their performances around the city are not to be missed.
There is an abundance of new music to be excited for in 2026. Raye is expected to release her second album on an as-yet-unconfirmed date, following the hit single ‘Where Is My Husband!’. Continuing on from her acclaimed debut, her distinctive jazzy tone is something to look forward to. Rumours that Olivia Rodrigo is also set to release a new album this year indicate just how jam-packed the music scene will be in the coming months. However, what excites me most is the emergence of new artists and the unexpected releases that will seize, and ultimately define, 2026.
Featured Image: Lorde @ AO Arena | Epigram / Eve Davies
Which releases are you most looking forward to?
