Although it’s only three months into the new year, it is clear that the music industry will continue to leave a lasting impression in 2026. Students have a wide variety of songs to choose from as numerous genres have seen major success with new album releases.
Don Toliver and DaBaby are two artists with large platforms that both released albums “OCTANE” and “Be More Grateful” on Jan. 30, 2026. Despite the albums being dropped at the exact same time, there was no effect on the streaming popularity of either album, with both placing in Billboards Hot 100.
“I really like Don Toliver’s new album,” said senior Easton Gothberg. “He’s got a creative way of sampling older songs to work for his music, which I think is really cool.”
Not only did Don Toliver and DaBaby release new albums, but another artist in the hip-hop/rap genre, A$ap Rocky did as well. “Don’t Be Dumb” was A$ap Rocky’s fourth studio album marking his first full-length release since 2018. The fan-favorite album among some Eagle High students features artists like Tyler the Creator, Doechii and Brent Faiyaz.
“My favorite song on the album would have to be ‘Stay here 4 life’,” said freshman Harper Borst.
While some students were completely satisfied by the release of those three albums, others that opt for more romantic/nostalgic songs or country anticipated Bruno Mars and Zach Bryan’s new albums. Zach Bryan released his album “With Heaven On Top”, a 25-song project, and soon after Bryan’s release, Mars followed with the drop of “The Romantic”, marking his first solo project in a decade since “24k Magic” in 2016.
The sheer number of new albums being released can be overwhelming, but most students agree that they appreciate the diversity of options they are now offered.
“I love that so many artists are dropping right now, because no matter what mood I’m in, I have something to listen to that I haven’t already heard thousands of times,” Borst said. “It also means that they will all be going on tour soon, and I love going to concerts.”
Students are ecstatic over the new releases in the music industry and what it might entail for future events for each artist. The coverage of recent albums spanning all genres also allows for more students to participate in listening and enjoying what a difference just three months has made. Whether its Don Toliver, DaBaby, A$ap Rocky, Zach Bryan or Bruno Mars, the “best album” is undecided. With more drops inevitably to come, the title will most likely never officially settle to just one.
