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18 February 2019

Here's how it works: The Recent Releases chart brings together critical reaction to new albums from more than 50 sources worldwide. It's updated daily. Albums qualify with 5 reviews, and drop out after 6 weeks into the longer timespan charts.

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New

LadytronLadytron

The Arts Desk say that the 6th LP from the electronic pop quartet "has the amped density of feedback-laden indie rock". Drowned In Sound say it is "undeniably more immediate than its predecessor"

New

The Long RydersPsychedelic Country Soul

"A splendid entry into the contemporary Americana field" - American Songwriter's take on the latest album from the reformed band. Mojo say it "puts them right back at the top of a world they helped create"

New

Cosey Fanni TuttiTutti

"A remarkably intelligent and engrossing record" - NME's first full-length release in 37 years for the British avant-garde artist while Resident Advisor say "like its 1983 predecessor, has a timeless quality"

Highest Recent Ratings

Albums to watch

Bob MouldSunshine Rock

PopMatters describe the 13th solo album from the man behind Hüsker Dü and Sugar as "rich, dense, and instantly lovable". "DIY say it's "a taut collection that fits timelessly into his ever-expanding legacy"

Mercury RevBobbie Gentry's The Delta Sweete Revisited

The Music reckon this remake of country pioneer Bobby Gentry's second album is "a compelling listen from start to finish" while the Evening Standard say "it's a treasure"

Panda BearBuoys

Slant say the sixth solo album from Animal Collective founding member Noah Lennox "bristles with the creative energy" while CoS say the sound "envelops the listener in a gentle, serene manner"

BeirutGallipoli

Zach Condon's fifth Beirut album is "an excellent return to form" say Under the Radar while Uncut call it "the most acoustically rich Beirut album to date". Spectrum Culture say it's "a mature work"

Pedro The LionPhoenix

David Bazan's first album under the Pedro the Lion moniker since 2004 "sounds as vital as ever" say TLOBF, with The Skinny calling it "a tender examination of the cyclical nature of our lives"

James BlakeAssume Form

CoS say the London songwriter's 4th LP is "a remarkable achievement by one of the most original songwriters of his generation". Q say he "reveals himself as an artist at the peak of his powers"

Better Oblivion Community CenterBetter Oblivion Community Center

"Like an indie fan’s dream" - Clash's take on this collaboration between singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers and Bright Eyes leader Conor Oberst while The Skinny say it "showcases the complementary talents of two of America's most talented songwriters"

THE CHART: THE TOP RATED NEW ALBUMS

The ADM rating is a weighted average from our survey of more than 50 sources , taking into account the number of reviews

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5.2

The Dandy Warhols

Why You So Crazy

Tenth album from Portland, Oregon's psychedelic pop quartet, led by Courtney Taylor-Taylor

Added: 28/01/2019
5.2

Ian Brown

Ripples

Seventh solo album from the ex Stone Roses man who plays most of the instruments and is on production duties

Added: 01/02/2019
4.7

Weezer

Weezer (Teal Album)

Twelfth studio album from the LA-based power pop four-piece consists of covers of songs by a-ha, Black Sabbath, Electric Light Orchestra, The Eurythmics, Michael Jackson and more

Added: 28/01/2019

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Latest Reviews

Ladytron Ladytron

A distinctive sound in search of hooks The Observer

Chaka Khan Hello Happiness

Thankfully, there are no awkward duets, but instead seven paeans to the consoling powers of love and music The Observer

Ariana Grande thank u, next

In the wake of huge traumas, Ariana Grande has pumped out the hits, challenged the pop machine – and now releases an album she rustled up in two weeks The Observer

More reviews

Fresh stuff

Drift Code by Rustin Man

"It’s gorgeous" - The Guardian's verdict on the second album from the former Talk Talk bassist Paul Webb while PopMatters say it's "mesmeric in its idiosyncratic splendor"

Ariana Grandethank u, next
"It’s sweet pop music wrapped in an unbreakable metal shell" - The Line Of Best Fit's take on the 5th LP from the American pop star while The Guardian describe it as "a break-up album of wit and wonder"

AJ TraceyAJ Tracey
London rapper's debut album "firmly establishes himself as one of the leading lights in UK rap" (Clash) and means he's "laid to down a marker, not just for 2019, but for the future of UK rap" (TLOBF)

Cass McCombsTip Of The Sphere
"McCombs' guitar has never sounded so subtle." - The Arts Desks' take on the 9th LP from the California-born singer-songwriter. The Music say it's "an intimate set of creative and explorative musical expositions"

Boy HarsherCareful
Resident Advisor describe the 2nd LP from the Massachusetts duo Jae Matthews and Augustus Muller as "slick, late-night synth pop" while Pitchfork say "scrappy and spirited, minimal synth music lives on"

Jessica PrattQuiet Signs
"Primed to be one of the year’s standout releases" - Loud And Quiet's verdict on the third album from the San Francisco freak-folk singer-songwriter while Q describe it as "an utterly captivating record"

The SpecialsEncore
"The spirit of The Specials endures on a comeback that complements their mighty legacy" say Evening Standard, with Clash claiming "it’s everything we’d want from a Specials album in 2019"

SpielbergsThis Is Not The End
The Line Of Best Fit describe the first album from the Norwegian indie punk trio as "a beautiful thing" while The 405 say "a debut this confident and cleanly, almost-objectively good is remarkable"

GirlpoolWhat Chaos Is Imaginary
CoS think Cleo Tucker & Harmony Tividad "demonstrate the scope of their maturation" on their third album, which Clash say is "laced with haunting harmonies and a lyrical wisdom far beyond their years"

Blood Red ShoesGet Tragic
The Skinny describe the fifth full-length release from the Brighton based indie rock duo as "a powerful album, raw in its unflinching honesty" while music OMH think it "sounds like a new start for its creators"

All-time top 10

Since we've been around, that is. So, the highest-rated albums from the past eight years or so. Rankings are calculated to two decimal places.

See full list