The 10 Best Albums of the Year: Where to Catch These Artists on Tour in 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, we’re looking back at a transformative year for music lovers, critics, and live concert enthusiasts alike. From genre-defying experimental pop to country storytelling at arena scale, 2025 delivered albums that didn’t just top charts—they shaped cultural conversations and redefined artistic boundaries.

Below, we’ve curated the 10 Best Albums of 2025, featuring artists who are all hitting the road in 2026. Whether you’re a versed music listener tracking critical acclaim, or a fan ready to secure concert tickets for next year’s hottest tours, this year-end roundup has you covered.

And when you’re ready to buy? Head to TickPick for transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and the best last-minute deals on 2026 concert tickets.

1. Rosalía — LUX (November 7, 2025)

Rosalía’s fourth studio album is a sonic cathedral. Critics hailed LUX as one of the year’s most daring pop statements, blending flamenco traditions with avant-garde production. Operatic, multilingual (featuring 14 languages), and spiritually ambitious, LUX is one of the most discussed records of the year for a reason.

Guest features from Björk, Yves Tumor, and Yahritza Y Su Esencia elevate LUX to becoming a cross-cultural meditation on transcendence, sexuality, and devotion. Rolling Stone and Variety both ranked LUX in their top three albums of 2025, cementing Rosalía’s status as a visionary architect of modern pop music.

The LUX Tour 2026 launches in March across Europe before hitting North America in June. Rosalía will perform arena spectacles at venues like Madison Square Garden (June 16), TD Garden (June 11), United Center (June 20), and the Kia Forum (June 29-July 1). This is her first major tour since the sold-out “Motomami” World Tour.

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2. Lady Gaga — Mayhem (March 7, 2025)

After flirting with more subdued aesthetics, Gaga returned to her dark-pop roots with Mayhem—a genre-blending juggernaut that fuses synth-pop, industrial sheen, and stadium-ready hooks.

Lead single “Abracadabra” became a viral phenomenon, while deeper cuts like “Disease” and “Garden of Eden” showcased Gaga’s ability to balance artistic experimentation with mainstream appeal. The album topped year-end lists and reaffirmed her reign as pop’s most fearless provocateur.

The Mayhem Ball Tour extends into 2026 with arena dates across North America. Mother Monster is performing multiple nights in select cities, giving fans ample opportunity to witness her theatrical, high-concept live show.

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3. Bad Bunny — DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (January 5, 2025)

Benito Martínez Ocasio delivered his most culturally grounded work yet, blending reggaetón with traditional Puerto Rican genres like plena, bomba, and salsa. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is both a love letter to his homeland and a meditation on memory, loss, and identity. The album topped charts globally and sparked renewed interest in Caribbean musical traditions, making it one of 2025’s most talked-about releases.

Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (DtMF) World Tour continues into 2026, with his first-ever UK stadium shows and additional dates across North America and Latin America.

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4. Clipse — Let God Sort Em Out (July 11, 2025)

After a 16-year hiatus, hip-hop duo Clipse (Pusha T and No Malice) returned with their most refined work yet. Entirely produced by Pharrell Williams, Let God Sort Em Out recaptures the sibling’s chemistry with the addition of hard-won wisdom and spiritual reflection.

The album earned five Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, and reminded critics why Clipse was so influential to begin with. Tracks like “The Birds Don’t Sing” and “Chains & Whips” (featuring Kendrick Lamar) showcase the duo’s razor-sharp lyricism and the album’s impeccable production.

Clipse is hitting festivals across North America and Europe in 2026, including Bonnaroo and Coachella. They’ll also support Linkin Park on select European dates.

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5. Ethel Cain — Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You (August 8, 2025)

Hayden Anhedönia’s sophomore album, Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, is an exploration of Southern Gothic Americana. With slow-burn epics and narrative depth, Willoughby Tucker builds on the acclaim of Preacher’s Daughter while pushing Cain’s sonic palette into even more ambitious territory.

The album has been praised for its literary songwriting, immersive production, and emotional intensity—qualities that have made Ethel Cain one of indie music’s most compelling voices.

The Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour spans Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Europe throughout 2026. US dates run April through May, with hometown shows in Tallahassee and festival appearances at Coachella. This is a completely sold-out tour at most venues, so we suggest fans grab their tickets sooner than later.

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6. Sabrina Carpenter — Man’s Best Friend (August 29, 2025)

Following the massive success of Short n’ Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter didn’t let momentum fade. Man’s Best Friend leans into playful, sex-positive pop with infectious hooks and polished production. Led by single “Manchild,” the album solidified Carpenter’s status as a major pop force, earning praise for its vibrant energy and clever songwriting.

Critics noted the album’s maturity and confidence—Carpenter is no longer Disney’s ingénue. She’s a pop star in full command of her artistry.

Sabrina Carpenter will perform at Coachella in April 2026, with additional Latin American dates in March. While a full North American tour hasn’t been announced yet, expect 2026 dates to materialize given the album’s success.

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7. FKA twigs — EUSEXUA (January 24, 2025)

EUSEXUA is avant-pop at its most visceral: club futurism meets sensory overload. FKA twigs crafted a razor-sharp, obsessively produced album that explores the body, desire, and emotional transcendence.

Critics praised it as one of 2025’s most acclaimed left-field pop releases, with tracks that feel both intimate and alien. The album’s sonic innovation and conceptual ambition make it essential listening for anyone tracking the cutting edge of experimental pop.

While the EUSEXUA tour concluded in March 2025 with a limited North American and European run, fans are hopeful for additional 2026 dates given the album’s acclaim.

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8. Hayley Williams: Ego Death at A Bachelorette Party (August 28, 2025)

Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams delivered an emotionally raw solo statement that critics and fans wholly embraced. Williams’ 2025 album showcases her versatility beyond punk-pop, exploring intimate songwriting and genre fluidity. Rough Trade included it among their top albums of the year, and Williams’ fanbase eagerly awaited the live renditions of these deeply personal tracks.

Hayley Williams is expected to tour in support of the album throughout 2026, though specific dates have not yet been announced. Check TickPick regularly for updates.

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9. Viagra Boys — viagr aboys (April 25, 2025)

The Swedish punk provocateurs delivered their most absurd and quotable album yet with viagr aboys. A fever dream of satirical storytelling that skewers far-right politics, AI, and modern art, the album pairs free jazz instrumentation with scuzzy textures and dance-punk grooves. Rough Trade crowned it Album of the Year, praising the band’s commitment to their authentic DIY ethos and larger-than-life characters.

Viagra Boys will tour North America and Europe throughout 2026, bringing their chaotic, high-energy performances to festivals and clubs.

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10. Pulp — More (June 6, 2025)

British legends Pulp returned with More, a triumphant comeback that reminded everyone how they first became Britpop royalty. The album features warm, anthemic tracks with gorgeous string arrangements. In More, Pulp delivered a mature sound, still capable of writing compelling, emotionally resonant music.

Rough Trade hailed More as one of 2025’s defining records, while critics celebrated Pulp’s ability to evolve without losing their essence. Pulp is expected to announce 2026 tour dates in support of More. Given the album’s reception, expect significant demand for tickets across the UK and internationally.

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How to Find the Cheapest Concert Tickets on TickPick

Shop smart with TickPick’s transparent pricing model. Unlike other ticket platforms, TickPick never charges hidden fees at checkout—what you see is what you pay. This makes TickPick the go-to destination for music fans looking for the cheapest concert tickets and best last-minute deals.

Set price alerts and act fast. Tickets for these in-demand 2026 tours will move quickly. On TickPick, you can set alerts for your favorite artists and get notified when prices drop.

Consider weeknight shows and secondary markets. Saturday night concerts in major cities are always the most expensive. If you’re flexible, weeknight shows in nearby cities can save you significant money on tickets.

Check for festival appearances and residencies. Artists performing at festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo, or Primavera Sound offer more affordable ways to see multiple acts. Similarly, limited residencies at venues like Sphere can sometimes offer better ticket value than traditional tour stops.

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