Top 89 of 2026: Jessica Paxton's top 10 songs
November 05, 2026
The end of the year is upon us, and it's time to reflect on your favorite music of 2026! Here are Jessica Paxton's favorite songs of the year.
Once you've made your own list, vote in The Current's Top 89 poll by Monday, Nov. 16, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a pair of coveted tickets to both nights of Brandi Carlile: Burn the Setlist (The All Request Tour) taking place Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis.
The Current will count down your Top 89 of 2026 at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31.
Top 10 New Songs (played on The Current):
Westside Cowboy/Kick Stones (The Boys)
Kevin Morby/Javelin
RAYE/WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!
RAYE/Click Clack Symphony (feat. Hans Zimmer)
Metric/Time Is A Bomb
Lykke Li/Lucky Again
Andrew Sa/Lavender Cowboy
Mariachi El Bronx/Forgive Or Forget
Kacey Musgraves/Dry Spell
ASAP Rocky/Punk Rocky
Honorable Mention:
Vince Staples/Blackberry Marmalade
Jill Scott/Be Great (feat. Trombone Shorty)
Julia Jacklin/Get Away From Me (I Think I’ll Love You Soon)
Tyler Ballgame/I Believe in Love
Fave song not played on The Current:
James the Seventh/Trauma Olympics (Demo version)
Fave album
Andrew Sa/American Rough
Biggest heartbreak:
Passing of artist, musician, storyteller, humanitarian, and philanthropist Dolly Parton
Craziest musical phenomenon/headline:
Angine de Poitrine: Genius musical gimmick or genius musicians? The answer is yes. (I predict full global & interplanetary domination in 2027).
Fave festival:
Finally made it to Big Ears in Knoxville, TN: hands-down the best four days & nights of non-stop performance experienced all year. Already have my tickets for 2027!
Fave shows:
Patti Smith Trio: March 14 & 15, Parkway Theater. I am forever changed by this experience. Two nights of stories and songs in a very intimate setting. Singing along with “People Have The Power” in a sold-out room proved so healing and inspiring – music truly is the great connector.
Annie & the Caldwells: August 30, Minnesota State Fair; this legendary family band, based in Mississippi, experienced the Great Minnesota Get Together and performed songs from one of my favorite albums of 2025.
Beth Orton: September 26, Parkway Theater; the interplay between the vocalist & her bandmates was astounding to witness. A beautiful performance.
Fave book:
Just Kids by Patti Smith: 16 years after purchasing my coveted first edition, I finally sat down to read this beautifully written memoir.
