https://collegeradiocharts.com/08-26-26-unweighted-chart/ Laurie Larson's 2026 studio album, Rare Skies, has successfully climbed to No. 159 on the music charts!
This exciting milestone follows the album's release on June 15, 2026, and its steady upward momentum over the summer—having previously jumped to position No. 225 on the College Radio Charts unweighted list last week.
Laurie Larson's rock album Rare Skies, released on June 15, 2026, marks the latest milestone in her ongoing relationship with college radio charts. Historically rooted in the independent music scene, Larson actually co-edited Crossroads Magazine in the 1990s, which was the first publication to track and chart airplay for college and non-commercial radio stations. Her recent musical projects continue to find a home on these exact types of unweighted and weighted grassroots college radio charts. Rare Skies made its debut on the NACC Unweighted chart at 251 two weeks ago, and this week it bumps up to 225 this week!
Rare Skies is a 2026 multi-genre rock album by singer-songwriter, photographer, and multi-talented creative Laurie Larson. Released on June 15, 2026, the 9-track record has been actively receiving radio airplay across various stations, including notable placement on prominent independent and alternative radio platforms like New York's WFUV. Alongside seven original tracks, it includes two special covers representing encores she performed live at the iconic Whisky a Go Go venue.
Laurie Larson's 2026 album Rare Skies marked a significant continuation of her multi-year presence on the college radio charts, where she has maintained consistent airplay since 2021.
Radio Chart Milestones
Multi-Album Charting: Larson achieved the rare feat of having three separate albums charting simultaneously on the college radio charts during her post-2021 run.
Evolution to Commercial Airplay: Building on her sustained college radio success, BMI tracking confirmed her crossover into commercial radio airplay following her chart runs.
Deep Radio Roots: Larson's connection to college radio spans decades; she actually got her start in 1983 hosting the number one freeform show in Albuquerque on the college station KUNM.
True to her "renaissance woman" background as both an artist and an astrophysicist, the album blends psychedelic folk-rock with celestial themes.
One-Woman Production: On the majority of the Rare Skies tracks, Larson played every instrument in addition to handling the recording, mixing, and mastering.
Notable Collaborations: The record features lead guitar work from Johnny Echols (co-founder of the psychedelic rock band Love) on tracks like "Arrival".
Awards Consideration: Key tracks from the album, including "East of My Heart" and "Still Haven't Found the Treasure," were submitted for Grammy consideration under the American Roots, Rock, and Contemporary Folk categories.