We are always listening to what’s next, but we’re only human, and these are the records that are stuck on repeat. We’re highlighting some of 2026’s most outstanding albums to date by rounding up the ones that have earned high scores and Best New Music designations with a quick list of RIYLs (that’s Recommended If You Like) and links to our coverage. Unlike our year-end lists, this one is organized in reverse chronological order. To help you keep track of the year’s best music, we’ll be updating it periodically throughout the remainder of 2026. April Motion Ward Cancer House : The Moth RIYL: Early Day Miners; Low; Bedhead; patience; panpsychism, dejection; bummer jams Listen/Buy: Amazon | Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify | Tidal Rough Trade My New Band Believe : My New Band Believe RIYL: Folk; prog; folk-prog; fantasy novels; slipping quotes from pop songs into daily conversation; the Windmill scene Listen/Buy: Amazon | Apple Music | Bandcamp | Rough Trade | Spotify | Tidal Self-released Los Thuthanaka :…