It’s the start of 2026, and the music world is already abuzz with new releases, bold statements, and the promise of fresh sounds. From Gracie Abrams’ much-anticipated third album to The Kid Laroi’s raw, emotional sophomore effort, and a host of rising artists spotlighted by NPR Music, the year is shaping up to be a vibrant one for music lovers everywhere. Let’s dive into the latest, weaving together the artists, albums, and moments that are setting the tone for this year’s musical landscape.
On January 7, 2026, Gracie Abrams made an appearance at a Chanel event at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, where she opened up to People about her upcoming third album, affectionately referred to as GA3. For Abrams, the anticipation is palpable—she’s itching to share what she calls her most personal work yet. “I’m beyond ready for it to belong to everyone else,” Abrams confessed, reflecting on the collection of songs she’s been crafting. “I’ve never felt this way about anything I’ve made before, so it’s definitely driving me crazy in a good way.”
Despite the mounting excitement, Abrams exudes a calm confidence about the album’s release. “I really like it right now. I think I feel kind of calm about it. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time with it,” she told People. The singer-songwriter, who has yet to reveal her collaborators for this record, previously joined forces with acclaimed producer Aaron Dessner (of The National) on her first two albums—2023’s Good Riddance and 2024’s The Secret of Us. The latter debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and featured a standout duet with Taylor Swift titled “us.”
The collaboration with Swift was a highlight, earning a Grammy nomination in the best pop duo/group performance category at the 2025 ceremony. While the award ultimately went to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars for “Die With a Smile,” Abrams and Swift’s live performance of “us.” during Swift’s Eras Tour remains a fan favorite. Abrams herself opened for Swift on select tour dates, further cementing her status as a rising star in pop music.
Though details about GA3 remain under wraps, fans have gotten a taste of what’s to come. Over the summer of 2025, Abrams performed two unreleased tracks—“Out of Nowhere” at Glastonbury and “Crazy Girl” at BST Hyde Park. She also debuted “Death Wish” during a U.K. stop on her The Secret of Us Tour, releasing it as a promotional track in April. Her songwriting prowess did not go unnoticed; in March 2025, Abrams was honored as Songwriter of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about the people you get to make things with and spend your time with, and that means the most to me right now,” Abrams said, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that drives her creativity. “So, yeah, any day in the studio is a great day.”
While Abrams readies her latest work, NPR Music is keeping listeners tuned in to the best of what’s new. On January 9, 2026, the popular podcast New Music Friday returned with host Stephen Thompson and Nashville’s Celia Gregory of WNXP, curating a vibrant mix of albums that reflect the breadth of today’s music scene. Their “Starting 5” recommendations included Dry Cleaning’s Secret Love, Jenny On Holiday’s Quicksand Heart, Mon Rovîa’s Bloodline, Home Star’s A Binding Life, and Kris Davis and the Lutosławski Quartet’s The Solastalgia Suite. Each album was spotlighted for its unique sound, from speak-singing and alt-pop to jazz-classical hybrids inspired by climate activism.
The episode’s “Lightning Round” mentioned six more albums deserving of attention, such as Sault’s Chapter 1, Zach Bryan’s With Heaven on Top, The Cribs’ Selling A Vibe, Pullman’s III, Clémentine March’s Powder Keg, and Rawayana’s ¿Dónde es el After? As always, NPR encouraged listeners to explore these releases via their curated playlists on Spotify, Apple, and other streaming platforms, making it easier than ever for fans to discover their next favorite record.
Meanwhile, The Kid Laroi has delivered what many are calling his most vulnerable and mature project to date. On January 10, 2026, Melodic Magazine published a glowing review of his sophomore album, Before I Forget. Three years and one scrapped album in the making, it’s a deeply personal breakup album that blends hip-hop, R&B, and pop. The record features Australian producer and artist Lithe, as well as bedroom pop musician Clara La San, and was crafted alongside producer Andrew Aged (known for his work with Mk.gee and FKA Twigs).
Laroi, now just 22, has already made his mark with 2023’s The First Time and the Billboard-topping collaboration “Stay” with Justin Bieber. But Before I Forget takes things to another level, exploring heartbreak, regret, and acceptance with an 80s-inspired synth sound mingled with early 2000s R&B influences. The album’s lead single, “A COLD PLAY,” originally dropped in September 2025, and the project features tracks like “PRIVATE,” “NEVER CAME BACK,” “BACK WHEN YOU WERE MINE,” and “I’M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU.”
The album opens with “ME + YOU,” a reflective track that sets the tone for the emotional journey ahead. Laroi’s lyrics cut deep, as in “JULY,” where he laments, “They gas you up and give you seven different reasons to hate me.” The theme of outside scrutiny—by the public and media—runs through the album, especially on the standout “PRIVATE.” The production shines, with 80s synths and dynamic tempo changes, particularly on “RATHER BE” featuring Lithe, and the stripped acoustic “5:21 AM.”
Clara La San’s guest spot on “THE MOMENT” offers a brief respite before the album’s somber second half, which ultimately finds Laroi reaching a place of acceptance. As Melodic Magazine describes, “The Kid Laroi acknowledges that, with the relationship now over, there is no one left to defend, signaling a quiet but complete acceptance.” The project stands in stark contrast to his previous work, pulling at broken heartstrings and leaving listeners with a sense of emotional exhaustion—but also growth.
For fans of Juice WRLD, iann dior, or charlieonnafriday, Before I Forget is a must-listen, and it’s clear that The Kid Laroi’s star is only rising. The album’s blend of shimmering synths, acoustic elements, and heartfelt lyrics marks a bold new chapter for the young artist.
With Gracie Abrams on the cusp of her next big release, NPR Music shining a light on the best of the week, and The Kid Laroi baring his soul, 2026 promises to be a year of reinvention and revelation for music. For listeners, there’s never been a better time to tune in and discover what’s next.
