New Albums January 9, 2026

 New Music Releases 1/9/2026

If you know me at all,  you know that I love music. I try to listen to as much as I can. I feel like I have an eclectic taste in music. One of my 2026 goals is to listen to even more music, so I figured one way to hold myself accountable was to start a music blog. It also coincides with my goal to write more, so two birds one stone. Every new music Friday, my goal is to listen to 3-5 new albums and then come here and give you my unfiltered first impressions. Now, I will say, if I really hate the genre, I'm not going to torture myself. And the amount of albums will definitely depend on the number of releases, obviously. The first week of the year is typically relatively light. But we do have three not terrible albums this week, so let's get right into it.

The Kid LAROI - "Before I Forget"

Have I Listened to This Artist Before: No

Standout Songs: "A PERFECT WORLD," "THE MOMENT," "NEVER CAME BACK," "MAYBE I'M WRONG"

First Impressions: Apparently, The Kid LAROI had an album ready to go but he decided to scrap most of it and recorded a whole new album that became "Before I Forget." This isn't a huge shock since he broke up with Tate McRae in July 2025. And who doesn't love a break-up album, right? The problem with this particular break-up album is that once you finish listen to it the overwhelming feeling you're left with is "meh." The whole thing is very same-y same. The majority of the songs sound identical. The overall vibe is what if the Weeknd was the Weeknd but with none of the darkness that permeates some of his material. The Kid LAROI has a really pleasant voice and it is not the worst thing I've ever heard. But I'm going to go on an old man rant. The majority of this songs barely hit the three minute mark with a lot clocking in under it. This TikTok music length can work, but the issue with these songs is that they feel like they are building up to something and then they just end. They feel unfinished. For a break up album there is no real emotional arc. The only emotion that he can muster up is melancholy and that adds up to a very boring 45 minutes.

Would I Purchase This Album: No.

Jenny on Holiday - "Quicksand Heart"

Have I Listened to This Artist Before: No

Standout Songs: "Every Ounce of Me," "These Streets I Know," "Dolphins," "Push"

First Impressions: Jenny on Holiday is Jenny Hollingsworth, one half of the duo, Let's Eat Grandma. I've never listened to them, but after listening to her debut solo album, I may have to remedy that. This album is just what I love. It's very much an '80's New Wave vibe but with a current interpretation. Her vocals are really pure and pretty. The instrumentation is really, really cool. I think it's helpful to compare if there's a similar artist that they feel like and I immediately got Tegan and Sara vibes from this record. So, if you're a fan of them, then I'd really recommend checking Jenny on Holiday out. 

Would I Purchase This Album: Yes

Dry Cleaning - "Secret Love"

Have I Listened to This Artist Before: No

Standout Songs: "Cruise Ship Designer," "My Soul / Half Pint," "Evil Evil Idiot," "The Cute Things" (honestly all of the songs are great)

First Impressions: Talk about saving the best for last. This album is phenomenal. This is avant-garde pop perfection. I read somewhere that it's not music you sing along with, and that is so true, but it's not a knock against it. Lead singer, Florence Shaw, has a really cool voice with lots of textures. She's primarily kind of talk singing throughout most of the songs, but when she does just sing, she has a really gorgeous, pretty tone. The lyrics are really fun and cheeky. I mean, Cruise Ship Designer is exactly what you think it is and it's amazing. The guitar playing here is top-notch. They were going for a Rolling Stones feel and that certainly comes through. This is not music for everyone but if you dig this kind of weird, post punk vibe than it's for you. And if you are a fan of the record label 4AD, home of artists like Cocteau Twins, Pixies, St. Vincent, TV on the Radio, Bon Iver, then you should absolutely know what to expect and should definitely check this out.

Would I Purchase This Album: Yes

There you have it! My first new albums post! Let's hope that this is just the first of 52 of these. Fingers crossed. I'd love to hear what you think. If you listened to any of these on your own or you listen because I mentioned this here, hit up the comments and give me your thoughts!