I think Complex cooked with this list.

Complex has officially released its list of the best albums of 2026 so far, and the ranking should spark plenty of debate over the coming weeks.

At No. 1 sits Drake’s ICEMAN, followed by Don Toliver’s OCTANE and J. Cole’s The Fall-Off. Other projects featured include Baby Keem’s Ca$ino, Isaiah Rashad’s It’s Been Awful, Brent Faiyaz’s Icon, Elmiene’s sounds for someone, Kehlani’s self-titled album, Jordan Ward’s Backward, and Drake’s Maid of Honour.

The biggest takeaway? Complex didn’t overthink this one.

Too often, midyear lists become exercises in trying to prove how different or intellectual a publication can be. Instead, Complex acknowledged the projects that have genuinely mattered throughout the year.

Of course, seeing ICEMAN at No. 1 won’t surprise anyone paying attention. The album has dominated streaming platforms, generated nonstop discussion, and produced one of the year’s biggest hits in “Janice STFU.”

At the same time, it’s refreshing to see newer artists like Elmiene and Jordan Ward receive recognition alongside established stars.

Whether your personal rankings differ or not, this feels like a realistic snapshot of what 2026 has sounded like so far. That’s ultimately what makes the list work.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.