2026: The First Quarter - Singles
- kevpalowe8
- Jul 6
- 4 min read
INTRO:
The first few years of this project (although I didn’t notice it initially in year 1) taught me that the first quarter of the year is a little slow in the singles chart. Its largely made up of residuals from the year before, and track bouncing back from the last few years, with the odd new item here and there. 2026 has been a prime example.
“I Run” by Haven & Kaitlin Aragon is a track released towards the end of 2025 but big in 2026.
There are a number of tracks big in 2025 that crossed over into 2026. Olivia Dean’s brilliant “Its So Easy (To Fall In Love) hit its peak (just shy of the #1 spot it deserves) in early 2026.
The following all made there eventual way to the top of the chart – most of them for one week, as if they were politely all taking there turn.
Olivia Dean “Man I Need”
Taylor Swift “Opalite”
“Raye” Where Is My Husband?”
Dave “Raindance”
Olivia Dean & Sam Fender “Rein Me In” (The most successful track of 2026 thus far)
One of the most successful tracks of 2026 has been Zara Larsson’s “Lush Life” released in 2015 and huge in 2016. She has become increasingly popular (or re-popular) again in the last few years and this marks the 10 anniversary of that being a hit originally. This also lead to a residual track of hers from last year, “Midnight Sun” gaining momentum.
"Lush Life"
"Midnight Sun"
The finale of the momentous (and brilliant) TV series “Stranger Things” at the new year saw an onslaught of its soundtrack entering the charts including David Bowie, Kate Bush, Prince, The Police and a mass of others. Cast members Djo’s hit released in 2022, massive in 2024, finally became a UK number one hit in 2026 off the back of this as well.
Djo “End Of Beginnings”
Bad Bunny saw his album released a year previously near the top of the album chart after US President Donald Trump bad mouthed him for performing in Spanish (........ which is what he always performs in) at the Super Bowl. This led to some of those tracks doing well in the singles chart to. Damn good he is too, Trump!
Bad Bunny “DtMF”
Milky’s “Just The Way You Are” from 2002 reappeared too, filling me with nostalgia for my University years.
Dominik Fike “Baby Doll” (2017) was also a re-release
Catchy pop-R&B. Its a ‘nice little modern ditty’ I’d say. Short and sweet too at less than 100 seconds.
2026 Singles (1st Quarter):
There was a splattering of new stuff, however.
Katseye “Internet Girl”
I do like these girls. I’m a fan. I like the way the phrase ‘eat Zucchini’ is used a vocal percussive-like punctuation to divide sections – much in the same way as the Venga Boys would use ‘we like to party’............ but ‘eat Zucchini’ is funnier.
Bruno Mars “I Just Might”
A fairly typical Bruno Mars effort..... an essay in Bruno Mars tracks. Its pretty good really, but yoyve heard it before, you know.
Mitski “Where’s My Phone”
I enjoy listening to this. Its just a fairly standard indie track. But, I like the way it starts falling apart from about 2/3rds in until it completely falls away at the end.
Harry Styles “Aperture” (#1)
I like it. A good 80s vibe with a modern edge. One of my favourites of 2026 so far.
Snail Mail “Dead End”
Its OK.
Noah Kahan “The Great Divide”
A good track...... but I worry he’s getting dragged away from his interesting folksy-side into his more dull Sam Fender (who he did a collab with in 2024) persona.
Bella Kay “iloveitiloveitiloveit”
I didn’t think a great deal of this track to begin but, boy, its grown on me and a contender for my favourite track of 2026 so far. I’m not really sure what I think of the lyric (‘I like it when you’re mean’ etc.,) but its performed excellently and drops the typical pop ensemble format for a more stripped back affair.
Sombr “Homewrecker”
Alright, but really starting to sound the same every time.
Alex Warren “Fever Dream”
Another one who is impressive, but I’m worried is a one-trick pony.
Tame Impala “Dracula”
Also a 2025 single but a 2026 remix release help propel it. Its got a Supertramp/10cc feel to it. I die music with a disco-y/funk edge to it. Pretty good.
Sienna Spiro “The Visitor”
I really like it. However, I do fear that this ‘heartfelt lyrics about unreciprocated love delivered via powerful melodic ballads with big orchestral backing’ may become tiresome. But, at the moment, I really rate her.
Chelsea Cara “idea of you”
An alternative listen....... its ok.
Francene Rouelle “september bby”
Same as previous.
RIP Magic “5words”
A bit of an alternative listen as well. I’ve always liked numbers like this – with an insistent and disturbing repetitiveness that seems to reveal a deeper and darker meaning behind its surface level. In this case, it seems to be how a moment of passing meaningless words we utter can trap us for life if we let it. I don’t know what the 5 words are here....... but i imagine they could be something like “I will always love you”
........ I said 5 words. I’m living in it now! This could be my favourite track of the year so far.
So – not much has happened. My favourites are Katseye, Styles, Kay, Spiro & RIP Magic.
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