By Gabriel Katko
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — 2026 has been full of splendid music. From Ella Langley’s hit song “Choosin’ Texas,” to the return of Bruno Mars with “The Romantic,” there is a theme becoming very familiar in modern music – the collision of different genres.
Mars, for example, blended musical textures of soul, funk and even disco throughout his new album, with a modern touch. By pairing those genres with rhythmic, Latin inspired instrumentations, the album sounds like something familiar but futuristic at the same time.
Here are three of my personal favorite albums released this year that follow a similar concept of intermingling genres.
Honorable Mentions: “The Understudy” by Wyatt Waddell, “Distracted” by Thundercat, “This Music May Contain Hope” by RAYE
“BACKWARD”- Jordan Ward
This album feels like a breath of fresh air. Ward’s carefully crafted melodies and purposeful use of strings movements and synths creates contrastingly unique songs with very intimate themes. The first track, “STRANGER” sets the tone, explaining how as he’s grown older, his ways of coping with everyday life have left him questioning where to go next. Even at its slower moments, “BACKWARD” does not have a dull moment. Tracks like “THEMSELVES” and “HIGH FUNCTIONING,” are songs full of energy, dreamy instrumentations, with undeniable grooves. Whether he is singing, rapping, or pitching his voice up and down, the album is sonically inviting from top to bottom.
“Honora”- Flea
Although everyone knows him as the bass player for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea first gained his love of music through jazz and playing the trumpet. “Honora,” his debut solo album, exploring elements of funk, traditional jazz, spoken words, and covers of popular hits such as “Thinkin Bout You” by Frank Ocean and “Wichita Lineman” made famous by Glen Campbell in 1967. With moments of chaos and powerful messages in the song “A Plea,” to the melodic and intricate 10-minute journey of “Frailed,” “Honora” embodies many different jazz elements while paying tribute to current and past music greats.
“DON’T BE DUMB”- A$AP Rocky (EXPLICIT)
Prior to the release of “DON’T BE DUMB” in January, it had been nearly eight years since A$AP Rocky’s last album. The 37-year-old rapper’s ability to lyrically traverse over several genres such as jazz, R&B, trap, and rock, are on full display. Rocky also teams up with his long-time friend Tyler the Creator on the song “FISH N STEAK,” Brent Faiyaz on “STAY HERE 4 LIFE,” along with many other guest features. The musical palette of choice creates a uniquely engaging listening experience, different from other hip-hop and rap albums released this year. Whether you enjoy upbeat, hard-hitting anthems or slower, melodic ballads, the 19-track record is full of adroit rapping and intriguing instrumentals.
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