The Best Songs of February 2026 // New Music Friday!
"White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter" by Lana Del Rey
Whoopsie daisy yoo-hoo! Lana Del Rey is back with a new single off her upcoming album Stove, and it already feels like an instant classic in her catalog. She embodies a sound and style that's unmistakably unique, blending an enchanting Southern‑Gothic, witchy‑princess vibe - a description that's incredibly specific, but really does captures the tone of the song so well. It feels unlike anything she, or anyone else, has ever made before, and it reflects the new stage of life that's inspiring this era of her work.
There's a special charm running through the entire song, serving as the strongest reminder (if anyone needed one) of what an artistic force she is and always has been. Lana creates music that is so singular to her vision; no matter how abstract the idea might seem on paper, she pulls it off with an effortlessness that only she can capture.
"Funny Mouth" by Charli xcx
Charli xcx's Wuthering Heights is such an incredible example of how a modern soundtrack can be completely redefined. She fully immersed herself in the world of this story - both Emily Brontë's original text and the new film adaptation - and created something that feels deeply rooted in the source material while still entirely her own. With this record, Charli stepped out of the world of BRAT and made something unlike anything she's ever released, reinterpreting this ill‑fated, toxic love story in a way that feels contemporary yet still honors the timelessness of Wuthering Heights. Even beyond the narrative, the music stands on its own and the themes woven throughout the album speak for themselves.
There are so many songs worth highlighting here that choosing just one for this list felt nearly impossible. "Funny Mouth" stands out as a powerful, cinematic conclusion to the album. Co‑written with Joe Keery - an unexpected collaboration on this soundtrack, but one I've personally been campaigning for for years, the track beautifully blends both of their songwriting voices. It plays during a pivotal moment in the film and ties directly into the larger themes of betrayal and forbidden love that define Wuthering Heights. I've been completely blown away by this entire record, and no matter how many fantastic albums are released in 2026, there's no world in which this soundtrack doesn't end up at the top of my ranking. Charli is such a visionary artist, and this album only further solidifies that - what a joy it is to experience the magic of her work in real time!
Check out my full review of Wuthering Heights by Charli xcx!
"you and forever" by Bleachers
Bleachers released the long‑awaited lead single from their upcoming album Everyone For Ten Minutes, which is set to arrive in late May. It features one of my favorite lyrics Jack has ever written; "I had never known my name until you spoke it from your chest". That line is so simple, but carries such a powerful and pure sentiment. The whole song is such a strong introduction into this new project, which in many ways feels like it picks up right here they left off in 2024 with their self-titled record.
"ASSIGNMENT" by Power Snatch
Power Snatch, the new side project between collaborators Hayley Williams and Daniel James, who produced her recent record Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party last year, recently released their joint EP independently via Bandcamp, with "ASSIGNMENT" arriving more widely on streaming services. The song is largely a spoken-word piece, built around sharply written reflections that Hayley delivers with raw honesty. The rock production juxtaposes her delivery that make every single line hit so hard. This is clearly such a creatively liberating time for Hayley right now, and it is so inspiring to see her take full agency over her work. Not just in the sound, but also in the unconventional decisions and release methods that she continues to make now that is fully an independent artist. There is such a sense of freedom in her work that shines through in everything she has put out thus far.
"Dancing On The Wall" by MUNA
MUNA's "Dancing On The Wall" is such a perfect lead single for their new album of the same name, which was announced this month. As the title track, it immediately sets the tone for what this new era is going to sound and feel like. It's so anthemic and fully embodies the distinct euphoric pop sound they've mastered over the years. It's going to be so exciting to hear how this track is going to build into the rest of the project in May!
"Badlands" by Mumford & Sons + Gracie Abrams
"Badlands" is such a beautiful collaboration between Mumford & Sons and Gracie Abrams, off of the band's latest album Prizefighter. There is something so special about the way their voices and writing styles intertwine on this song, almost as if their two perspectives are having a conversation through the lyrics. The folk sound suits them both so perfectly and creates such an intimate atmosphere for the track, fully highlighting the softness and emotional depth that define them as artists individually.
"Two Hearts" by Danny L Harle & Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa and her frequent collaborator Danny L Harle teamed up again on an electrifying track from his latest album, "Two Hearts". The song actually originates from their Future Nostalgia sessions around 2019, which makes it feel like such a special return to one of the defining eras of her career thus far. That period was so creatively rich for them, so getting to hear another previously unreleased track from that time is so exciting!
"Song Of The Future" by U2
U2 surprise‑released a new EP this month titled Days of Ash, and there's a deeply powerful, timely message running through every song. They've always used their music as a form of political rebellion and a way to push for peace and amplify the voices calling for change, but these tracks feel needed now more than ever with everything happening in the world.
"Song of the Future" especially stands out as a call toward activism for the next generation, and for the young people who are already leading so much of the change we're seeing. It is written in tribute to Sarina Esmailzadeh, the 16-year-old Iranian girl who became a symbol of the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests after her brutal death in 2022. Even in the darkest moments, especially in the period of history we're living through right now, the song serves as a strong reminder of the power in fighting for something better and the hope for a more equal, unified future.
"Dracula - JENNIE Remix" by Tame Impala
This is such a fun new remix of one of my personal favorite songs off Tame Impala's 2025 album DEADBEAT. JENNIE is definitely an unexpected addition to the track, but she ends up bringing such a cute vibe to it. With her added lyrics and vocals layered into the production, the remix takes on a fresh energy without losing the core of the original.
So many amazing songs have already been released in 2026 so far, I can't wait to hear what the rest of the year will have in store! Be sure to check out more of my New Music Friday posts here, as well as my song of the week series.☆
Related Posts:
Wuthering Heights by Charli xcx // Soundtrack Album Review
Vroom Vroom by Charli xcx // 10 Year Anniversary EP Review
brat by Charli xcx // Album Review
brat and it's completely different but also still brat by Charli xcx // Remix Album Review
how i'm feeling now by Charli xcx // 5 Year Anniversary Album Review
"Guess" remix by Charli xcx & Billie Eilish // Record Store Day 2025 Exclusive 7' Vinyl
Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa // 5 Year Anniversary Album Review
Radical Optimism by Dua Lipa // Album Review
Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party by Hayley Williams // Album Review
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