BTS has added another achievement to their long list of accomplishments this year! The septet earned a place on NME’s list of “The Best Albums of 2026 So Far,” which was released on June 16, 2026, as part of the British publication’s midyear roundup. The ranking featured 25 albums from various musical genres, with BTS’ latest project, “ARIRANG,” making the list. The album has received critical recognition and enjoyed massive commercial success since its March 20, 2026, release, becoming a music highlight thanks to its positive response. }
NME described ARIRANG as an album in which “the biggest boyband in the world return from mandatory military service by tackling the tensions of love and fame.” The publication also praised the South Korean group for blending elements of their culture with international musical influences, such as pop, dance-pop, R&B, and hip-hop. In addition, the outlet complimented “Body to Body,” describing it as one of the strongest tracks on the album thanks to its impact on the overall project.
See the full list below:
- Aldous Harding – ‘Train On The Island’
- BTS – ‘ARIRANG’
- Chalk – ‘Crystalpunk’
- Dua Saleh – ‘Of Earth & Wires’
- Ecca Vandal – ‘Looking For People To Unfollow’
- Elmiene – ‘Sounds For Someone’
- Genesis Owusu – ‘Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge’
- Hemlocke Springs – ‘The Apple Tree Under The Sea’
- Isaiah Rashad – ‘It’s Been Awful’
- Kacey Musgraves – ‘Middle Of Nowhere’
- Kneecap – ‘Fenian’
- Lime Garden – ‘Maybe Not Tonight’
- Lip Critic – ‘Theft World’
- Mitski – ‘Nothing’s About To Happen To Me’
- My New Band Believe – ‘My New Band Believe’
- Olivia Rodrigo – ‘You Look Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love’
- RAYE – ‘This Music May Contain Hope’
- Robyn – ‘Sexistential’
- Slayyyter – ‘Wor$t Girl In America’
- Static Dress – ‘Injury Episode’
- The Itch – ‘It’s The Hope That Kills You’
- Underscores – ‘U’
- Vince Staples – ‘Cry Baby’
- Waterbaby – ‘Memory Be A Blade’
- Xaviersobased – ‘Xavier’
