Over the course of the past six months or so, there have been a lot of new songs released that I’ve really enjoyed. I have one specific playlist that I’ve been listening to on loop this semester, so I want to share some of the non-top 40 songs from it that have been released in 2026. These songs, among others, have truly defined this semester for me in a very positive way--- even if some of their lyrics aren’t so positive.
The first song that I want to highlight is “365” by ONE OR EIGHT. “365” is a J-pop song with optimistic lyrics and an uplifting sound. This song is technically the only exception on this list to the qualification of being released in 2026, as it was a single released in 2025, but it comes from ONE OR EIGHT’s 2026 debut album “GATHER” and is one of only a few songs on the album that is not a cover or otherwise derivative work. It makes me very hopeful for ONE OR EIGHT’s future as they continue to create more music.
The next song that I would like to focus on is “Dream Of Mine” by Ellur. This song is actually in WUSC’s rotation right now, which is how I discovered it. It reminds me a lot of another song that I really like, “Your Car” by Egocheck, as it has a very warm sound that would fit a summer night atmosphere well. “Dream Of Mine” has a very freeing sound that meshes well with the others on this list. This pop song is easy to listen to and never fails to improve my mood.
I also want to highlight “Better Dead” by Jady ft. Jay Joseph. This song definitely does not have positive lyrics and presents a darker sound, but it somehow still fits with the others. It’s more hip-hop and rock-inspired and blends genres well. I especially like the bridge of the song, which brings a renewed energy that pushes the song to its end and leaves me energized. This song is characteristic of Jady’s unique sound that’s also present in their other songs.
Next, I want to discuss “Go For Broke” by Knox. I play songs from Knox’s debut album “Going, Going, Gone” on my show on WUSC all the time. This song is the first single that Knox has released since the deluxe version of that album, and it makes me optimistic about the future of his music. It has his signature pop-punk sound and feels freeing to listen to. I see this song as the glue that connects the others on this list in a way because it has a warm, upbeat sound with more sad but hopeful lyrics. This song, “Better Dead”, and the following were actually released on the very same day, February 13.
Finally, I want to highlight “PHASES” by SCATTERBRAIN. SCATTERBRAIN is actually the solo project from Brian Burkheiser, who was previously the clean vocalist from the metalcore band, I Prevail. However, SCATTERBRAIN resembles more of a crossover between hip-hop and rock. “PHASES” was SCATTERBRAIN’s first original single following his cover of “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift. I really like how it blends genres seamlessly. Of the songs on this list, it is sonically and lyrically most similar to “Better Dead” by Jady, but it still fits with all of the others. It is especially catchy and, although it has a darker sound and lyrics, I appreciate how much it sticks with me when I’m not actively listening to it.
These are just some of the songs that I’ve been listening to on repeat. I wanted to share them because they’ve all been released in the past few months and I already have significant memories tied to them, so I believe that they could positively impact others too. I look forward to seeing the music that these artists continue to make throughout 2026 and beyond!
Hi! My name is Stephanie and I am a Marketing major and Music Industry Studies minor here at USC. I am currently in my third semester with WUSC and cohost The Tide on Tuesday nights!