Desire, Tongues and Love: What are the best albums of 2026... So far?

Euronews Culture’s “Desire, Tongues and Love” countdown spotlights the best albums of 2026 so far, with the team saying it has been difficult to narrow releases to 20 entries past the halfway point. The list spans American indie introspection and Irish-influenced releases, alongside a “triumphant return” from rock acts still active in their 80s. It begins with Death Cab for Cutie’s I Built You a Tower, following earlier themes of breakup and existentialism while reflecting on divorce and disillusionment. Also featured is london three-piece mary in the junkyard’s Role Model Hermit, after their 2024 EP This Old House, with tracks moving between haunting, addictive, and soothing moods. Canadian duo Angine de Poitrine’s Vol. II and Broken Social Scene’s Remember The Humans are also included in the early ranking.