The end of the year is upon us, and it's time to reflect on your favorite music of 2026! Here are Amber Hoback'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.

My headline: FIONA POKED HER HEAD OUT, SYLVAN ESSO ROCKED OUT, AND MR. BRIGHTSIDE BROUGHT ME TO TEARS

Top 10 Songs (in no particular order)

Brandon Flowers "Miss America"

I learned a lot about the Killers' frontman from his solo album, THRASHER. Stories of his family, his hometown of Vegas, and his love of country music all shone through. Rarely does a song bring me to tears; this one did.

Sylvan Esso "Hot Slob"

For the past decade, they've been my number one most played artist. The streak continues in 2026. The lead single was an unexpected punchy rocker that truly enticed me for the rest of the album.

Fiona Apple "Horns of a Bull"

When your favorite artist decides to dedicate most of their time to being a court-watcher, you pay attention to when any news music comes out...even a 1:40 minute television theme song.

Megasound "Supersize"

The joy they had creating this song is evident. I love this collaboration and that their origin story involves Josie & the Pussycats. Makes me want to find a fun side quest - perhaps pottery...

Harry Styles "Ready, Steady, Go!"

While I may be a (elder) millennial, I never listened to One Direction. And I previously wrote off Harry as an artist that just wasn't for me. This latest album changed my opinion, and I've been enjoying catching up on what I missed.

Michael Kiwanuka "California"

The new album just released and I'm still spending time with it, yet it already feels special. This song had me wondering when I'll stop being homesick for California.

Westside Cowboy "Kick Stones (The Boys)"

A new to me band!

aja monet "love is a choosing" feat. Mereba

aja monet's album, the color of rain is my most recommended album of the year. I sent it to all my "music friends". It's different than anything else you'll hear.

Thomas Sticha "Mississippi Down"

Thomas is another example of the amazing talent surrounding us here in MN. I think this song is a perfectly constructed country song.

Anderson .Paak & Cordae "A Good Day"

An instant shortcut to joy.

2026 CONCERTS I WISH I COULD RELIVE:

February 26, 2026: An Evening with Cat Power live at First Avenue - The Greatest Tour - 20th Anniversary performance of the album in its entirety

March 31, 2026: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at Target Center - Land of Hope and Dreams Tour (No Kings)

April 8, 2026: Florence and the Machine at Target Center - Everybody Scream Tour

May 21, 2026: KELS Happy Hour Set for The Current at Insight Brewing

June 5, 2026: The Last Dinner Party at Palace Theatre

July 10, 2026: Death Cab for Cutie at The Armory - I Built You A Tower Tour

August 18, 2026: LCD Soundsystem at The Armory

September 17, 2026: Phoebe Bridgers at Grand Casino Area - Lost Weekend Tour

October 24, 2026: Sylvan Esso at First Avenue - Ow ∞ Tour

Top 89 of 2026: Staff Picks Playlist