Welcome to New Music Friday! January wraps up with an absolutely stacked slate of releases on Jan. 30, 2026 that’ll keep you busy all weekend. From experimental pop to punk revivals, heavy psych to jazz explorations, there’s something here for every mood.
Featured Highlights
Steve Poltz returns with “Joyride,” leaning into his signature mix of humor, heart and lived-in storytelling, the kind of songs that feel conversational and quietly disarming.
Geologist steps out with “Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights?” a project rooted in texture and atmosphere that reflects his instinct for building worlds as much as writing songs.
Tyler Ballgame makes a strong impression with “For the First Time, Again,” capturing a sense of reset and reflection that feels especially fitting for the end of the month.
J. Cole marks the moment with “BIRTHDAY BLIZZARD ’26,” a release that underscores his ability to pair sharp perspective with cultural weight.
Joyce Manor round out the highlights with “I Used to Go to This Bar,” delivering compact, emotionally charged punk that feels nostalgic without being stuck in the past.
As always, the entire list of new albums released today, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 is below in no particular order. My most anticipated albums are in bold.
Let me know what you’re listening to in the comments below and on social media @highnoteblog.
Please support The High Note and Buy Me A Coffee.
New Album Releases – Friday, January 30, 2026
A. G. Cook – The Moment (The Score)
Ailbhe Reddy – Kiss Big
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Howl (20th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set)
Blackwater Holylight – Not Here Not Gone
Butch Walker Jr. – Paleo Sol
Buzzcocks – Attitude Adjustment
By Storm – My Ghosts Go Ghost
Cast – Yeah Yeah Yeah
Cordovas – Back to Life
Demob Happy – The Grown Ups Are Talking
Don Toliver – Octane
Emily Scott Robinson – Appalachia
ER Jurken – To Be Continued
Francis Rossi – The Accidental
Geologist – Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights?
Grupo Um – Nineteen Seventy Seven
GUV – Warmer Than Gold
Indira Paganotto – Arte Como Amante
Infected Mushroom – IM30
J. Cole – BIRTHDAY BLIZZARD ’26
Jake Shimabukuro – Calm Seas
James Walsh – It’s All Happening
Joel Ross – Gospel Music
Jordan Ward – Backward
Joseph – Closer to Happy
Joyce Manor – I Used to Go to This Bar
Julia Hülsmann – While I Was Away
KiiiKiii – Delulu Pack
Kula Shaker – Wormslayer
Labrinth – Cosmic Opera: Act I
Lande Hekt – Lucky Now
Leon Thomas – PHOLKS
LIGHTS – A6EXTENDED
Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon – As of Now
Marta Del Grandi – Dream Life
Møl – DREAMCRUSH
Orestes Gomez – No me fui porque quise
Robin Trower – One Moment in Time: Live in the USA
Sébastien Tellier – Kiss the Beast
Shackleton – Euphoria Bound
Softcult – When a Flower Doesn’t Grow
The Soft Pink Truth – Can Such Delightful Times Go on Forever?
Therion – Con Orquesta
Whitelands – Sunlight Echoes
Xaviersobased – Xavier
Ye Vagabonds – All Tied Together
Yumi Zouma – No Love Lost to Kindness
Steve Poltz – Joyride
Tinsley Ellis – Labor of Love
Tyler Ballgame – For the First Time, Again
