February 2026 Albums Collection
Amidst the world’s chaos, some rather eclectic sonic distractions Swipe/flip through; details below
Spotify playlist for this month:
February didn’t really shine for me. Some of the releases didn’t rise to my expectations, and there are quite a few EPs I decided to include. We’ll see if any of these will sparkle in future listening sessions, or be completely overshadowed…
1. Mumford & Sons - Prizefighter
6th album, less than a year after their 5th album - 2025's Rushmere, which I loved. This one was produced by Aaron Dessner, who’s on a roll, expanding his extended sonic universe (following the excellent albums he produced with Brandi Carlile and Florence + the Machine last year). The folk-rockers have their formula down, and it mostly works for me, despite the tepid reaction from critics.
10th album following 2024’s lovely Light Verse. Comforting melodic folk, as if lifted from another era.
3. U2 - Days of Ash EP
Bono and co. are back with what signals their return, timely, and unabashedly political. It finds them in good form, but let’s see what they are cooking for their next album cycle, which is said to be in a more uplifting and joyful direction.
4. C.Y.M & Abby Sage - My Whole World EP
Very soon, just a few months after their full-length debut, the Vampire Weekend futuristic side project (and one of my favorite surprises from last year), adds 3 new songs and a female voice to the mix - love those harmonies. More, please.
5. Two Feet - Songs for February EP
I would have liked a full-length from this mix-genre innovator (love his distinct use of heavy base). I picked the “Clocks”-sounding song for the playlist. It’s really good.
6. Chet Faker - A Love for Strangers
Another mix-genre jazz-influenced, electronic pop experimenter. His 4th album.
This one’s a mix-artists affair. His 2nd solo(ish) album is filled with collaborations. He co-produced Dua Lipa’s third album, and she’s also on here contributing her star power. Give me Caroline Polachek’s vocals any day. Techno-tinged, electronica, dark, and mercurial.
2nd album from RAYE’s middle sister. Full disclosure - I loved her closure “Goodbye Glitter” so much that I already used that song in my year-end post. I expected to like this full-length so much more than I did (thus far). Maybe I need to give it time; it’s intricate and arresting, but not as inviting as I’d hoped. Very creative and out there, for sure.
9. Hemi Hemingway - Wings of Desire
2nd album from this singer-songwriter, a bit somber and dark, but there’s a pulse and tunefulness to it, which I quite enjoy and would like to hear more.
10. The Lone Bellow - What a Time to Be Alive
6th album for these rootsy rockers. It might be a case of diminishing returns for me. The music and its sound still work, but except for the song I picked, “I Did it for Love”, the music sort of saunters.
11. alexsucks - Autopilot
I don’t often go for alternative garage rock, but something here clicked; it’s fun, it’s quick. 2nd not-quite-full-length release that whizzes by.
4th solo album. Why is this megastar so low on the list? Because I’ve learned not to underestimate him, I like it, but just don’t love it. I’m on the fence, it works then it doesn’t, and sometimes his voice is too straining for my taste. It could still be a good time, I’m not sure, it’s kind of the same from him...despite all the Latin influences.
13. Em Beihold - Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter
Total guess as to how she’ll fare in the future, but debut album (!) and although the song I picked closes the album on a more emotional tone, there’s a lot of lightweight, tongue-in-cheek POP here. Unabashed, at times silly, but pleasantly packaged. The strings in the beginning are quite misleading; it’s full of these unexpected left turns.
Refreshing breath of Swedish dreamy, slightly atmospheric, and relaxing pop.
That’s it for February. Did any of these strike a chord with you?
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