On The Record: The Best Songs of 2026 So Far

At the end of each month, we go On the Record to share the newest songs on our playlist. Bringing the international music scene straight to your device, each list contains a combination of established and up-and-coming artists from around the world.

The first half of 2026 came to an end with the solstice marking the official start of summer. With artists continuously elevating their discographies, each month to date has been rich in music from every corner of Earth.

As temperatures pick up, No Manners reviews the first six months of 2026 through the lens of music. Below, find the songs we’ve kept on rotation all year, plus some of our favorite June and July hits.

A$AP Rocky & Tokischa – “FLACKITO JODYE”

Making a return from our January OTR is “FLACKITO JODYE” by unexpected duo A$AP Rocky and Dominican rapper Tokischa. The trippy bilingual collaboration is set to a Latin-trap beat practically made for this summer’s hottest parties.

Kento Nakajima – “XTC”

To start the year, Kento Nakajima channeled the dark winter atmosphere on “XTC.” As noted in our January issue of On The Record, “XTC” was an exciting break from the Japanese multi-hyphenate’s usual releases. Departing from his signature upbeat style, Nakajima leaned into a sultry confidence to showcase both his vocal range and dance ability.

MAIYARAP & Z9 – “Rain Zone”

“Rain Zone” is a sweet, slow-paced reflection on the small moments that matter most. Thai rappers MAIYARAP and Z9 take a laid-back approach to the song, opting for soft pop vocals over the hip hop style they are often praised for.

RAYE & Hans Zimmer – “Click Clack Symphony”

RAYE made our February line-up for “Nightingale Lane,” but “Click Clack Symphony” deserves recognition of its own. The cinematic track features original composition by famed Hans Zimmer and captivating harmonies by RAYE. “Click Clack Symphony” is a masterclass in artistry, where RAYE once again proves her generational talent.

Santos Bravos – “MHM”

Since their 2025 debut, Santos Bravos has been redefining boy band culture in Latin America. The multicultural quintet has been regularly featured on No Manners for their escapades across music and fashion, but here, we are highlighting their March single, “MHM.” The short, breezy track featured clear Afrobeats influences and a candid music video that celebrates the group’s off-stage charm and chemistry.

The Grapes – “Flying Jacket”

Recently debuted band The Grapes entered the music scene with a taste of K-rock. The Seoul-based brothers dropped their first EP, trivial, and full -English title track “Flying Jacket” in April. Energetic, classic and self-written, the lead single is a compelling introduction to the duo, tinged with 2000s rock.

BTS – “Body to Body”

In their long-awaited return as a full group, BTS dropped the chart-topper ARIRANG. The opening “Body to Body” is an amalgamation of everything Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook stand for and do best—a combination of modern hip-hop instrumental and compelling vocal runs. Complete with samples of the emblematic folk song “Arirang,” a symbol of Korean identity, and the traditional “Moon Moon, Bright Moon,” as well as a subtle nod to Koreana’s “Hand in Hand” (the official theme song of the 1988 Seoul Olympics), “Body to Body” is an apt introduction to an album that showcases BTS’ ability to move across genres with depth and intensity, but without disregarding their roots.

KAROL G & Greg Gonzales – “Después de ti”

No On The Record “best of” round-up is complete without a mention of our favorite colombiana, Karol G. In April, the singer partnered with Greg Gonzales of Cigarettes After Sex for the melancholic duet “Después de ti,” which debuted at Coachella. Tackling the grief associated with the loss of a loved one with mesmerizing vocals and lyricism, the song showcased Karol G’s commitment to push boundaries for Latin artists worldwide.

Yves & Lexie Liu – “Break it”

Yves and Lexie Liu are returning On The Record features for their first-time collaboration “Break it.” The release is true to Yves’ alternative, experimental sonic direction, with a simple but engaging composition. Liu, meanwhile, is an obvious addition to the song; the Chinese singer’s siren-like vocal tone lends “Break it” the perfect balance of risk and temptation.

Konomi Suzuki & Ashnikko – “Recollect”

Japanese singer Konomi Suzuki, known for her various contributions to anime soundtracks, tapped US singer Ashnikko for “Recollect” in April. Suzuki is in her element, confidently riding the fast-paced electronic instrumental. Meanwhile, Ashnikko claims her feature with ease, molding her tone to complement the song’s energy.

FELIP – “SULFUR”

Weeks after the single’s official release (which we highlighted in the May issue of On The Record), P-pop artist FELIP dropped the music video for “SULFUR.” The edgy, bass-heavy track is a continued exploration of FELIP’s artistry outside of SB19—the trailblazing Filipino act with whom FELIP launched his international career. This intense, rock-trap fusion serves as the perfect stage for FELIP’s deep tenor and conceptual artistry to shine. Not to mention, FELIP also brings the best of his style repertoire, consolidating himself as one to watch in fashion.

TAEYONG – “WYLD”

South Korean rapper TAEYONG has shared a series of solo releases in 2026, including his first full-length album, WYLD. The eponymous title track, “WYLD,” boasts a dynamic composition that pits lower-register raps with bouncy vocalizing. Meanwhile, the heavy bass and swooping chorus instrumental lend themselves well to TAEYONG’s avant-garde sensibilities and powerful performance, as exemplified in the accompanying music video.

El Muisca, Ramzes Buda, JARLS & RAP-BOHEMIO – “Como Ella No hay”

Showcasing the very best of Bogota’s independent rap scene, NMM honoree El Muisca joined forces with Ramzes Buda, JARLS and RAP-BOHEMIO for the romance-packed “Como Ella No hay” (No One Like Her). Featured in our May roundup, the track opens up with a captivating guitar riff that smoothly transitions into old-school melodic rap verses that allow each artist to flex their lyricism and razor-sharp delivery.

Dolly Ave – “Bad Brain”

In “Bad Brain,” her first release since 2023, Vietnamese-American singer Dolly Ave explores how the weight of expectations breeds frustration and self-doubt. Accompanied by an alt-pop and grungy instrumental—the kind people obsessed about in the late 2000s—“Bad Brain” prefaces Ave’s upcoming album, set for a September release.

Kunmie & Lojay – “Gorgeous”

“Gorgeous” is an intimate love song with a matrimony-inspired music video to match. The enchanting Afro-fusion track is the first collaboration between Nigerian artists Kunmie and Lojay. Kunmie sets the song’s foundations with gentle vocals, while Lojay lends the track his signature smooth delivery.

Young Jonn – “Elumelu”

Young John shared “Elumelu” on the last day of May, making it doubly suitable for this installment of On The Record. As per the “Elumelu” music video, the Nigerian singer is channeling confidence and manifesting in this ode to success. Though short, the track packs a satisfying punch—and “I see the money coming” may just get stuck in your head.

Olivia Rodrigo – “stupid song”

Pop phenom Olivia Rodrigo dropped “stupid song” in tandem with her highly-anticipated third album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, on June 12. The song opens with a subdued verse where Rodrigo’s voice dances an intimate duet with piano instrumental. Strings, bass and drums join the composition later as the singer details her state of infatuation, which is too intense even for music to capture.

Carly Rae Jepsen – “On Wires”

Carly Rae Jepsen is gearing up for a fall album—her latest release, “On Wires,” is just the start of the roll out. The Canadian singer-songwriter brings almost 20 years of industry expertise to “On Wires,” and her confidence is palpable. Jepsen is sultry and self-assured on the song’s mesmerizing, rock instrumental.

Ana Mena & Lola Indigo – “pa ti toa❤️”

“pa ti toa❤️” draws on Latin music trademark merengue instrumental cues to create a summer-ready hit. Spanish singers Ana Mena and Lola Indigo brought upbeat, sensual energy to the track, trading verses and harmonizing effortlessly.

TUL8TE, Saint Levant – ”Nano”

Egyptian singer TUL8TE and French-Palestinian star Saint Levant link up in a June release titled “Nano.” The genre-bending track is a retro-infused display of diversity that merges languages, sounds and visual universes to praise an “otherworldly” lover. The music video, directed by Egyptian director Reem Eid, extends the song’s concept with a pastel-colored setting that brings together Americana and old-school Arab film aesthetics.

FEID – “A Xon De Que”

Welcoming a new era in his discography, Colombian rapper Feid released “A Xon De Que” on July 10. A glimpse into his upcoming EP, El Club de las 19 Flores, the summer-ready single addresses a puzzling breakup over a nostalgic reggaeton track that thrives thanks to a combination of percussion and lovesick, honest lyricism.

Jaehyun – “99 Degrees”

Following his military service discharge, Jaehyun serenades fans with “99 Degrees,” a slow-built ballad anchored by a stunning piano arrangement and compelling bass line. With lyrics that metaphorically address the one degree separating water from its boiling point (100°C), the song is an earnest love pledge that portrays imperfections as a uniting force in relationships. Jaehyun adds emotional depth to the track with a balanced vocal performance: restrained at parts, powerful and dramatic where the song demands intensity.

Number_i – “Bugs Life”

A first taste of their debut EP under Atlantic Records, “Bugs Life” is Number_i’s latest music release. Produced by the band’s own Yuta Jinguji, the track combines elements of phonk, Afrobeats, and Latin music, finding inspiration in the idea of a system error (bug). Teeming with “beat switches” and sounds from the digital ecosystem, the song is an ode to Number_i’s burgeoning career, which the band compares to a “glitch in a system.”

PROXIE – “Boys Don’t Cry”

A year after their breakthrough with the contagious “Bad Shawty,” PROXIE proves their range isn’t limited to fun, breezy summer hits with the pop ballad “Boys Don’t Cry.” An anguished plea to a lover who might be neglecting a relationship, the song addresses the conflicting feelings of inadequacy and societal expectations in relationships with a vocal delivery reminiscent of the ‘90s best pop acts.

Silvestre Dangond, Elena Rose – “Efectos Secundarios”

Silvestre Dangond and Elena Rose deliver an unexpected Latin crossover in “Efectos Secundarios,” a vallenato-tinged track celebrating love’s aftereffects. Bubbly and teeming with references to the singers’ Colombian and Venezuelan roots, the song seamlessly blends Dangond’s joyful cadence and Rose’s hazy pop vocals.