As New Year’s rolled around this year, I, like many people do, naturally did some reflection on what aspects of myself I wanted to improve. While I was doing this, I put in my headphones to listen to some music, when I had a realization: my music taste is shockingly limited. My playlists almost exclusively feature the same three artists, and that’s about it. Now, of course, there’s nothing wrong with listening to comfort artists, but I was not content with having such slim options all the time. Thus began my New Year’s Resolution: to listen to a new album all the way through every single day in 2026. That was a few months ago, and since then I’ve listened to just over 50 albums. So, if you’re like me and need something good to listen to, here’s a quick rundown of a few of my favorite albums and singles!
Disclaimer: I am in no way trying to say that these albums are “niche,” in fact, many of them, and are very well established, critically acclaimed albums. I, on the other hand, have been living under a rock for the past 17 years of my life, and am simply trying to document the joy I’m finding in discovering this wonderful music. Enjoy!
Lux by Rosalia. 2025’s Lux marks Spanish artist Rosalia’s fourth studio album, but took a very different tone than much of her other music. The orchestra-pop album had not only very classical influences, but mainly centered on religious themes — with many songs being inspired by different Christian saints. The combination of grand orchestral sounds and Rosalia’s soothing voice make for an overall very beautiful listening experience. Additionally, Rosalia sings in 13 different languages on the album to both represent the people she is trying to portray. Moreso, languages besides Spanish aren’t just used in one-off lyrics or words — entire songs are sung in languages Rosalia doesn’t speak herself. No matter what language Rosalia is singing in, Lux is an ethereal, powerful album that clearly was very well thought out and executed. Best tracks: Berghain, La Perla, and Reliquia.
When the Pawn… by Fiona Apple. Marking Fiona Apple’s second studio album, When the Pawn… is a testament to Apple’s ability to convey emotional depth through music. Although generally not as critically acclaimed as her first album Tidal, When the Pawn… has a much more honest, dramatic flair to it — almost less tame in a way. The album explores themes of heartbreak, rage, guilt, and navigating turbulent relationships, all of which the listener can feel so deeply through the songs. The unique instrumentals and powerful vocal performances by Apple create a really unique style that captures the essence of the themes she explores. Despite exploring similar themes, another strength of the albums is the lack of repetition, as each track is distinct from the others. The emotions carry throughout however, creating a very cathartic listening experience. Best tracks: Limp, On the Bound, Paper Bag, A Mistake, and Fast As You Can.
Tribalistas by Tribalistas. Tribalistas are a Brazilian MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) group, whose style mainly blends samba-rock, indie pop, and soft rock. Their debut album by the same name was released in 2002. The album draws on the group’s strengths of soft, comforting melodies while still having dynamic instrumentals. While the group does not have a main vocalist, Tribalistas vocals stay grounded and blend to create beautiful, soothing harmonies. Both the calming vocals and rhythmic, other worldly sounding instruments combine to create some very beautiful tracks. At the same time, the album isn’t just one note, as the group also takes on a more upbeat, faster tone in songs like Passe Em Casa. Overall, Tribalistas was a relaxing, sometimes playful album with the full package: incredibly well thought out instrumentals and great vocals. Best Tracks: Mary Cristo, Um a Um, Passe Em Casa, and Carnavália.
Love Deluxe by Sade. English band Sade’s fourth studio album marks a distinct shift in the band’s style, but with it came a great collection of tracks that feel reflective, calming, and lush above anything else. The album mainly explores themes of love, with the album’s title coming from the idea that one can buy so many pleasures, but never “love deluxe,” according to the band’s vocalist Sade Adu. Many tracks feel smooth and almost jazzy, but Love Deluxe isn’t just a one note record with just love songs. Themes of survival and vulnerability are essential to the album, and they are explored in several tracks including Pearls — a haunting track where Sade Adu’s vocal talent shines through. Best tracks: Pearls, No Ordinary Love, Mermaid, and Kiss of Life.
Ocean Rain by Echo and the Bunnyman. From Liverpool rock band Echo and the Bunnymen, Ocean Rain was released in 1984. The album blends post-punk and baroque pop elements, creating a very distinct style from their harsher, more classic rock albums. The album isn’t very unique compared to other British post-punk records, but it exceeds many in quality. The tracks on this album specifically are more subdued and calming while still featuring classic dynamic instrumentals. The tracks also don’t tend to blend into one continuous sound, with each maintaining a distinct style. Overall, Ocean Rain is more of a vibes album compared to many of the other more emotional albums on this list, but I find myself coming back to it pretty regularly. It’s a great album for chill background music or if you’re just getting introduced to British post-punk. Best Tracks: The Killing Moon, Silver, Seven Seas, Nocturnal Me, and Thorns of Crowns.