It’s only a quarter of the way into 2026, and new music is flowing like a river. From big names to rising stars, fresh songs are giving fans a strong start to the year. This week’s “13 Beats” spotlights new releases to put on your radar.
1. “Aperture” – Harry Styles (2026)
Harry Styles released the single “Aperture,” his first new music in nearly three years, at the end of January. A steady electronic beat clears the way for his unmistakable vocals, and the lyric “we belong together” is bound to linger long after the song ends. Styles also announced a new album, “Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally,” and an accompanying tour to top it all off.
2. “E85” – Don Toliver (2026)
The first track on Don Toliver’s latest album, “Octane,” “E85” features a catchy chorus, an addictive rhythm and a sample from Malcolm Todd’s “Chest Pain” in its production. Before its release, Toliver performed “E85” on “The Tonight Show.”
3. “you and forever” – Bleachers (2026)
“Darling, it’s just you and forever,” lead singer Jack Antonoff sings in this upbeat love song about his lover being the good in his world. The track marks Bleachers’ first single released since 2024.
4. “hands to myself” – Keni Titus (2026)
Keni Titus is a lesser-known artist and a great find if you like music by Clairo, beabadoobee and quinnie. “Remind me why I keep my hands to myself,” Titus sings on this track from her new album “AngelPink,” about missing a lover even though they treated her poorly.
5. “Wall of Sound” – Charli XCX (2026)
Whether or not you’re a fan of the new and divisive “Wuthering Heights” movie, you have to admit that Charli XCX killed the soundtrack. The haunting production in “Wall of Sound” perfectly captures the building tension it accompanies on-screen.
6. “Dirt” – Searows (2026)
“Dirt” features a Searows signature slow, acoustic melody with heartbreaking lyrics and is a part of his recently released album, “Death in the Business of Whaling.” “To the dirt I knew we’d always come back to,” Searows sings, capturing the anxiety of realizing that life on earth is finite.
7. “PUNK ROCKY” – A$AP Rocky (2026)
A$AP Rocky blends a punk rock sound with rap in this upbeat track off of his long-awaited album, “Don’t Be Dumb.” Lyrics like “I thought I fell in love, I thought she felt it too,” illustrate the desire for reciprocal feelings and how confusing love can be.
8. “The Great Divide” – Noah Kahan (2026)
“You know I think about you all the time and my deep misunderstandin’ of your life,” Kahan sings in this folk rock anthem about missing an old friend across “The Great Divide” that has emerged between them. This title track off of Kahan’s upcoming album features bright electric guitar and is sure to improve any playlist.
9. “Dancing on the Wall” – MUNA (2026)
Power pop group MUNA gives us a very danceable beat and passionate lyrics in their latest single. “I would wait forever as long as I’m waiting for you,” lead singer Katie Gavin sings about how her lover makes her feel and is the only one she wants.
10. “Life Sentence” – J. Cole (2026)
“Life Sentence” showcases J. Cole’s hip-hop sound with a rock-solid beat and powerful lyrics, complementing the other tracks on “The Fall-Off,” his most recent album. Lyrics like “the temptation of other lovers is a hard one to overcome” illustrate the importance of commitment and tuning other people out when in love.
11. “Push My Luck” – Cold War Kids (2026)
Indie rock fans will love this new track by Cold War Kids with upbeat drums and bright, loud vocals. Lead singer Nathan Willett sings, “I got a feeling I’ll make it,” about having hope that he’ll be lucky in life and love.
12. “dust to dust” – Truman Sinclair (2026)
Truman Sinclair is a smaller indie artist who deserves more hype, especially for his new EP, “Rivers of Sugar and Blood.” “dust to dust” and his other songs are anchored by soft guitar and his smooth, almost country-like, vocals.
13. “Plastic Cigarette” – Zach Bryan (2026)
“I just went home and scribbled some poem that I know you’ll never read,” Bryan sings in this emotional country track about trying to heal from a passionate relationship ending. The song is unmistakably Bryan and the best from his newest album, “With Heaven On Top.”
