The end of the year is upon us, and it's time to reflect on your favorite music of 2026! Here are Natalia Toledo’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 Songs

Cleo Sol – “Sentimental Love”

English songstress Cleo Sol blessed us with a new album in 2026. Gentlewoman is everything fans had been waiting for, and more. Her signature mellow sounds and silky-smooth voice are the balm we need for a tumultuous year. “Sentimental Love” is a romantic bop, perfect to play during your slow weekend mornings and is the one I’ve had on repeat, but the entire album is fantastic. A particularly mysterious artist, Cleo Sol is finally going on tour at the beginning of 2027 but sadly not stopping in Minneapolis.

Jhené Aiko – “Like, Whatever” (feat. Tyga)

2026 was truly the year for the R&B girlies (me). Jhené Aiko made her return after six years with Westside Whimsy, and it did not disappoint. After a very public separation from rapper Big Sean and losing her home to the recent LA fires, Jhené returned in her full essence. The album is vulnerable, catchy, soft, and sometimes ruthless. “Like, Whatever” is about focusing on herself and on the people who love her. Everyone else can get the hell on!

Masego – “Sounds Like…”

Masego has been one of my favorite artists for a long time and never seems to stop creating and putting out projects. It had been a bit since he released a full album, and his fans were extremely excited. For Fix Your Face, Masego really leaned in to the R&B, nostalgic vibes. The opening track “Sounds Like…” begins with the line “Miss my white wired headphones” and that’s a good introduction to what the album feels like. I got a chance to see him live during his Minneapolis stop and he was phenomenal, as always.

Jorja Smith – “Make It Your Home”

2026 truly blessed me personally with albums from my faves, including Jorja Smith. To me, Jorja is a super underrated UK artist. She has never been afraid to experiment with different sounds, and for her recent album What Are The Odds, she went full electronic. If you’re a fan of house, garage, and Afro house, this one is for you. It was hard to pick just one song but “Make It Your Home” is definitely one I’ve had on repeat (“Dancing” came close). Jorja Smith is a great songwriter as well, check it out.

Karol G, Judeline & rusowsky – “BBy WOW”

Colombian artist Karol G had her big moment this year when “BBy WOW” went number 1 globally on various charts. You might recognize the sample from songs like Kehlani’s “After Hours” or more famously early 2000s “Move Your Body” by Nina Sky. This one has a more emo undertone, as it speaks of heartbreak and nostalgia for a past lover. The track features two Spaniard artists Judeline & rusowsky and has definitely been the most viral out of her recent album No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto, (“I don’t regret feeling so much”).

Girl Ultra, Chromeo – “Denisse”

If you’re into electro-funk and synth-pop vibes, you would love Girl Ultra’s latest album RRRomeo. Mexican artist Girl Ultra has definitely made my list in previous Top 89s and for good reason. Another artist who is never afraid to experiment with different sounds, this time she teamed up with Canadian electro-funk duo Chromeo. “Denisse” is a certified bop even if you’re not a Spanish speaker, and the whole album is a really fun listen.

Jungle – “Move Like You Do”

I had the opportunity to see Jungle live earlier this year in Minneapolis, and I was able to really feel the essence of the band; I would describe it as a pure joy. Jungle released Sunshine earlier this year and it follows the typical Jungle formula sonically. “Move Like You Do” is funky, upbeat, and you can’t help but dance.

Tinashe – “Empty Stadium”

Tinashe really had her comeback moment this year with the release of her album Popstar. It has received nothing but great reviews and to some this might be surprising, as she has always been viewed as an “underdog” in the mainstream. I would consider myself a long-time fan of her boldness and willingness to try all types of sounds throughout her career. Tinashe’s latest album is just that. The track “Empty Stadium” is produced by one of my favorite producers, Machinedrum, and it describes a vivid dream of singing to an empty stadium.

Victoria Monét – “Reach Out”

Victoria Monét is an artist that has mostly lived in the background, writing for huge artists such as Ariana Grande and Fifth Harmony. Her debut album, Jaguar II, was released in 2023 and it included some big hits like “On My Mama” (major bop!). This year she released a new album called Frequency of Love, after taking a break and diving into culinary school. The single “Reach Out” has been on repeat for me – it’s so fun and catchy. She is an incredible songwriter, singer, and performer.

Steve Lacy – “doom”

It was a big year for Steve Lacy and I had to include at least one of his songs from his recent album Oh yeah?. The track “doom” was a consistent fave for me because it’s funny and it reminds me the 90s, in some ways. “doom” incapsulates Steve Lacy’s personality and dark humor pretty well, being a pretty phenomenal musician and also, not taking it too seriously.

Top 10 Albums of 2026

Cleo Sol – Gentlewoman

Jhené Aiko – Westside Whimsy

Masego – Fix Your Face

Tinashe – Popstar

Jorja Smith – What Are The Odds

Jungle - Sunshine

Girl Ultra – RRRomeo

Steve Lacy – oh yeah?

Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist

Erykah Badu & The Alchemist – Before The World Blows

Top 89 of 2026: Staff Picks Playlist