This February, yearning is in – from new romance movies, to 2026 being nicknamed the ‘year of yearning,’ many artists have been putting out albums to match this new emotion. Regardless if you are content with your valentine this year or you’re lamenting the absence of one, these next few albums are good for any listener.
“Wuthering Heights” by Charli XCX
Prefacing the release of the film adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” directed by Emerald Fennell, Charlotte Emma Aitchison, or better known as Charli XCX, created a soundtrack album to accompany the movie.
The album, also titled “Wuthering Heights,” included two singles that helped bring more attention to the film. “The House featuring John Cale” was released Nov. 10 and gained popularity on TikTok. Three days later, she released another single for the album, “Chains of Love,” with the newest trailer for the film. This song quickly gained popularity with fans, as well as accompanying many advertisements.
The entire album amounts to 31 minutes, shorter than many of Charli XCX’s albums. The quantity might not be there, but the quality is. Some songs to listen to that specifically convey yearning are “Dying for You,” “Chains of Love” and “Always Everywhere.”
“Piss in the Wind” by Joji
On Feb. 6, George Kusunoki Miller, or better known as the artist Joji, released his fifth album titled “Piss in the Wind” It follows typical Joji fashion, including lots of bass and soft beats, but soul crushing and deep lyrics. This album is perfect for solemn rainy night listening.
The album runs for 45 minutes and includes 21 tracks, with special guests Giveon, 4bratz, Yeat and Don Toliver. The majority of the songs feel like short excerpts into his mind, ranging from 1:50 to 2 minutes each.
Some standouts to listen to are “Pixelated Kisses,” which was released as a single in October, “Last of a Dying Breed” and “Piece of You (with Giveon).”
“Fleeting” by Sarah Kinsley
On Feb. 13, Sarah Kinsley released her fifth EP, titled “Fleeting.” While there are only five songs on the album, she conveys pining completely through the whole album.
The lead track of the album, “Lonely Touch” and the second single released in preface to the album on Jan. 9, is a highlight of this. The lyrics, “how to love and never land,” and ending the song with the chant, “Where do I put my heart?” pulls in any listener’s feelings of longing.
Fans of indie, lyrical and folk will enjoy Kinsley’s haunting and wanting vocals. Listening to the full album is recommended for the full experience, only amounting to 17 minutes.
Craving some more? Even if February is ending, it doesn’t mean yearning is. In the next coming weeks, these artists are set to release their own interpretations of heartbreak and pining. Peter Gene Hernandez, or more popularly known as Bruno Mars and Mitsuki Laycock, or stage name Mitski, are both set to release their new albums on the same day, Feb. 27. Bleachers releases their album in March, following their single, “you and forever.” Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, or better known as Lana Del Rey is also rumored to release an album soon.
