This week's music scene is buzzing with excitement, thanks to the Grammy Awards and Record Store Day's announcement of exclusive titles for 2026. But amidst all the buzz, there are some incredible albums that are worth your attention. Here are seven notable releases that you won't want to miss:
Ratboys - Singin' to an Empty Chair (New West)
Ratboys are back with their most natural-sounding and best album yet. This indie-country trailblazer continues their steady rise, embracing the slow burn and gradual progression. The album is a testament to their craft, with a fresh take on the genre that existed before it was a trend. It's one of the best indie rock albums in recent memory, and it feels like the ultimate Ratboys album.J. Cole - The Fall-Off (Dreamville/Interscope)
J. Cole's long-teased double album is both a comeback attempt and possibly his final release. It features Erykah Badu, The Alchemist, Burna Boy, Future, Westside Gunn, and more. The album is a reflection of Cole's journey, with Disc 29 telling a story of returning to his hometown at age 29, and Disc 39 offering insight into his mindset as a 39-year-old man. It's a climactic ending to Cole's 19-year career.Him Horrison - Starting Not To Hurt (self-released)
MSPAINT vocalist Deedee goes for something more dreamy and tender on their debut solo album as Him Horrison. The album is a collage of psychedelic pop, folk, and shoegaze, showcasing Deedee's gorgeous singing voice and personal, sentimental songwriting.Joshua Chuquimia Crampton - Anata (self-released)
There's more to Joshua Chuquimia Crampton's new album than last year's Los Thuthanaka album. Anata mixes traditional Andean music with modern psychedelia, dedicated to the Andean ceremony of Anata. Joshua's hypnotic guitar parts are impossible to ignore.Tha God Fahim - Tha Dark Shogunn Saga, Vol. 3 (Nature Sounds)
Atlanta rapper Tha God Fahim is on a roll with the long-awaited third volume of Tha Dark Shogunn Saga. The project is insanely prolific, with 11 songs that are all around two minutes each, and Fahim is in top form.Dirt Buyer - Dirt Buyer III (Bayonet)
Joe Sutkowski's third Dirt Buyer album is his most hi-fi and lyrically dark yet. The songs pop out at you more, offering a cathartic release from the dark, personal themes that make up this record.Mayhem - Liturgy of Death (Century Media)
Over 30 years after their pioneering debut album, Mayhem are still one of the most reliable forces in black metal. Their third album with Teloch as lead songwriter is sharp, dynamic, and inspired, asserting that you should be ripping off Mayhem if you want to make high-fidelity and technical black metal.
So, what's your favorite release of the week? Don't be shy, share your thoughts in the comments below!
