If you’re the kind of music fan hoping that 2026 will be a great year for rock, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence leading in this direction. The second Five Songs You Must Hear list of the year features some of that evidence.
1. Yungblud and The Smashing Pumpkins, Zombie
Single (Universal)
Recommended If You Like: Unlikely collaborations
Yungblud is turning out to be the real deal when it comes to contemporary alt-rock. His latest seal of approval comes from Billie Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins, a group that has never, ever collaborated on a song with anyone before. The song is, of course, not entirely new, but it is a complete re-recording of the Yungblud track.
2. Gretel, Darkness Be My Friend
Single (Breadcrumb Records/AWL)
RIYL: Long winter nights
Gretel Hänlyn, the London-based singer, released several singles last year, with this being the last. If you’re looking for a song to go with a cold winter night when it seems that the sun will never come up again, this may be what you’re looking for. Haunting stuff.
3. The Ramona Flowers, That Summer
Made By Humans (Distiller Music)
RIYL: Movie references
Born in Bristol, England, this four-piece band has already opened for Noel Gallagher, Muse, and Bastille. They also have a fan in producer Nile Rodgers, who appeared on a single called Up All Night. You may have heard their version of Kids by MGMT, too. They’re launching what they hope to be a breakthrough American tour in Vancouver on February 12. And yes, their name does comes from Scot Pilgrim vs. The World.
4. Colony House, OK OK OK OK
Single (Last Daze Records)
RIYL: Non-country bands from Tennessee
This is raw stuff right from the garage that captures all the feels of playing in a rock band. After doing well with a song called Cannonballers, they’re back with this record that has landed them on late night TV along with all the big American Festivals. How can you not love a band with a drummer in a bucket hat?
5. Autumn Kings, Hellbound
Single (Hopeless Records)
RIYL: 90s/early 2000s vibes
This trio originally from LaSalle, Ontario, but now use Detroit as their home base. How many different late 90s/early 2000s elements can you pick out of this? Linkin Park, Eminem, Papa Roach—I could go on, but you’ll hear them. They’ve already toured with Bush, Pop Evil, Sublime With Rome and others. Watch these guys.
© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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