[2026] A roundup of classic UK rock songs: from the latest tracks to timeless staples!

Which One Do You Want?Ash

ASH – Which One Do You Want? (Official Video)

Ash, the Northern Irish rock band that blazed through the Britpop scene of the 1990s and still commands a devoted following—having hit No.

1 in the UK with their 2001 classic Free All Angels—have just released this pop number ahead of their album Ad Astra, due out in October 2025.

The track is a confident piece the drummer calls “the perfect pop song,” a long-shelved idea that didn’t fit past records but has finally found its form.

Over shimmering, floaty, hope-filled guitars, you’ll find a poignant melody that sings of longing.

It also boasts a star-studded lineup with Blur’s Graham Coxon contributing guitar and vocals, and it’s the perfect song for when you want to lighten your mood.

HoneycombPanchiko

Panchiko – Honeycomb (Official Video)

The highly anticipated new release from Panchiko, the Nottingham, UK–based indie rock band, arrives in February 2025.

Skillfully fusing elements of 1970s pop rock and neo-psychedelia influenced by ELO and MGMT, the band elevates these sounds with a contemporary twist.

After reuniting in 2020, they made their official debut with the 2023 album Failed at Math(s).

This track is a lead single from their forthcoming album Ginkgo, slated for release in April 2025, and its animated music video—depicting the meeting of the sun and the moon—has also been generating buzz.

If you’re seeking a fantastical atmosphere and dreamy soundscapes, this is sure to deliver a deeply satisfying experience.

Little Bit CloserSam Fender

Little Bit Closer

A masterful song that vividly depicts the feelings of young people confronting an oppressive society and loneliness has arrived from British singer-songwriter Sam Fender.

This work weaves intricate guitar work with an arresting tenor vocal, delicately expressing the loneliness and anxiety of people living today.

Released as an advance single from the album “People Watching,” which came out in February 2025, it has also been chosen as the theme song for the film “The Last Connection,” slated for release the same year.

Its powerful sound, influenced by Bruce Springsteen, and its raw, hometown-rooted lyrics drawn from experiences in North Shields, England, resonate deeply.

It’s a track for everyone seeking connection amid the clamor of the city.

(Wish I Could Fly Like) SupermanThe Kinks

The Kinks – (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman [Official Audio]

When you hear “the most quintessentially British band,” which group comes to mind? The Kinks are a defining act of the UK rock scene, and today we’re spotlighting their distinctive foray into disco rock.

This track is a thrilling number that cheekily answers the record label’s request for “a song that works in clubs,” filtered through the band’s own wit.

Its driving four-on-the-floor beat intertwined with crisp, choppy rock guitar riffs practically forces your hips to move.

Delve into the lyrics and you’ll find the protagonist’s grumblings as he wavers between hero-worship and harsh reality—exactly the kind of irony that showcases Ray Davies at his best.

Released as a single in January 1979, it reached No.

41 on the U.S.

charts.

It’s perfect for dancing at a party while savoring the deeper message beneath the groove.

Not Like The RestGIRLBAND!

GIRLBAND! – Not Like The Rest (Official Music Video)

Girlband, a band currently drawing attention on the UK rock scene.

Hailing from Nottingham, they deliver indie punk that combines the punch reminiscent of riot grrrl with a pop sensibility.

Among their releases, the one you should definitely hear is their debut single, released in February 2024.

It channels feelings of alienation in a small town and the struggle to find one’s true self, sung over a powerful sound.

The catchy, sing-along chorus is also striking.

The music video featuring actor Bella Ramsey has become a hot topic as well.

It’s an anthem that lifts up anyone who’s ever felt out of place or longed to embrace who they are.