ARIRANG is another deeply uninspired, boring record by the ultra-popular BTS.

underscores' U is a colourful electronic pop album with hyperactive songs, even the more experimental/conceptual tracks. It didn't meet my expectations with the hype, however.

ROSALÍA's LUX's concept is bold and adventurous; themes of the divine, freedom, and culture. Through its calculated structure, powerful instrumentation, and impressive linguistic demonstrations, it generally reaches its goal and is an enjoyable album.

Clipse's fifth album is a legendary comeback; bold, charismatic lyrics and forthright disses, sincere, emotional anthems, and beautiful production from the commended Pharrell Williams.
(late review)

With the joy and energy of a modern cartoon, McKinley Dixon's fifth album demonstrates his excellence in lyricism, song-writing, and story-telling.
(late review)

By Storm's debut album is a mind-blowing piece of art. The crushing, emotional, guttural singing and thrashy genre-bending instrumentation make this my album of the year so far.
(late review)
My 2026 AOTY

Boldy James' collaboration with Your Boy Posca is a solid album. Posca's moody production and samples flow very well with James' indifferent lyricism to make a surprisingly pleasing collaboration.

Jack Harlow is a culture vulture.

The Scratch's third album is a rambunctious blending of metal, punk, and Irish folk that demonstrates their intense instrumentation and exciting experimentation.

As the cover suggests, James Blake’s first self-released album is a balancing act in our constantly moving world. Over nicely produced soundscapes, Blake’s solemn vocals sing optimistic lyrics.

eel's dead load is not a coherent album with any topic or mood. To quote another reviewer, it's like a fungus that waxes and wanes and has no purpose other than grow. The instrumentation goes in mood swings and several tracks serve no purpose.
(late review)

Jill Scott’s return has given us a beautiful, soulful album on themes of love, culture, and resilience with sing-along anthems anyone can relate to, tracks on emotional healing, and hip-hop beats.
(late review)

Lice’s fourth EP has lazy production, annoying melodies, and boring lyrics.

slayr’s mind-bending production creates a journey of digital soundscapes through songs that flow seamlessly to form a generally coherent album. To give any criticism, the tracks are too short and the transitions get old fast.

Harry Styles’ fourth album has commendable production that doesn’t cover up the misused vocals and lack of concept or depth.

The debut mixtape by Denzel Curry’s “The Scythe” is sometimes annoying but generally a very fun trap project which likely shows a bright future for the squad.

The Romantic is very pleasing to the ears...but is nothing more.

Mitski’s eighth album sounds so tragically gentle and so harshly bitter at the same time and the instrumentation on some songs stand out. The album is sometimes repetitive but I was intrigued by how Mitski narrated a single relationship throughout an entire album and had such depth.

It truly is The Mountain for Gorillaz. This album embodies looking at a mountain view, not proudly but in a somber, reminiscent way. From global themes of propaganda and politics to personal themes of death and loss, they find a way of finding hope in dark times and, along the way, create a marvellously entertaining album.

Baby Keem’s long-awaited second album feels weighed down by inner conflict and reflections on his past. The samples feel misused, and as track six admits, “I am not a lyricist.” I didn’t enjoy it, but he shows clear potential throughout.