Best Pop Songs of 2026

Pop in 2026 is splintered. The chart-pop lane is increasingly Latin and K-pop influenced; the indie-pop lane is leaning lo-fi and intimate; and "alt-pop" has eaten what used to be straight indie rock. The unifying thread: hooks, but smarter than they were a decade ago.

Artists defining the genre right now

• • Sabrina Carpenter
• • Chappell Roan
• • Olivia Rodrigo
• • Charli XCX
• • Doja Cat
• • Tate McRae
• • Renee Rapp
• • Gracie Abrams
• • Conan Gray
• • Troye Sivan

Where to look beyond the obvious

If you only follow Top 40, you're missing the most interesting pop right now. Spend a week with Jane Remover, Magdalena Bay, or 100 gecs to recalibrate.