20 April 2025
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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Our archive of chart news from the past, and present.
Julien Baker & Torres Send A Prayer My Way
The Boygenius star and singer-songwriter Torres find the perfect vehicle for their pained and defiant storytelling The Observer
Tunde Adebimpe Thee Black Boltz
The TV on the Radio frontman’s sharp pop instincts kick in on a multifaceted synth-punk-funk set born out of deep personal loss The Observer
Given Adebimpe's legacy with TV on the Radio and his lengthy break from music, expectations for his debut album were high, but Thee Black Boltz' passionate, imaginative songs more than meet them All Music
As they reclaim the sounds of their roots on Send a Prayer My Way, Baker and Torres bring out the best in each others' music All Music
Beirut A Study Of Losses
A Study Of Losses is ultimately a pleasant (if sometimes monotonous) release. Print edition only Record Collector
A further example of his fluency in the ancient, internationally shared languages of wonder and imagining. Print edition only Uncut
What might be his [Zac Condon's] most beautiful record to date, particularly the instrumental numbers. Print edition only Mojo
For Zach Condon to write music for a troupe of acrobats might seem a little too on the nose, given his roots. But the results are the most effortless and surprising Beirut album in ages Pitchfork
As a whole, only one of the 18 tracks here crosses the four-minute mark, so A Study of Losses' hour-long playing time seems to go by quickly, and its unceasing sweetness and longing linger after Condon is "Left to be/A sea of tranquility" ("Mare Tranquillitatis") to close a lovely theater project All Music
This album feels like that—beautiful, elusive, but almost too distant to truly mourn what once was Northern Transmissions
The two singer-songwriters embrace their Southern roots for a country collaboration. Their folksy depictions of queer love are charming, but the album’s moments of humor and homage can fall flat Pitchfork
Bon Iver SABLE, fABLE
Even for those who may not be in the mood for all this peace and love, it’s hard not to read this album as a personal triumph Under The Radar
Send a Prayer My Way sounds more like the twinkly, pastoral indie-folk Baker makes than the dramatic engaging bubblegum grunge Torres makes, but it’s still a step far enough away from either body of work that it hits you like a breath of fresh air Spectrum Culture
A hooting and hollering good time Sputnik Music (staff)
The two songwriters’ collaboration album is a refreshing exploration of new territory for them, even if it doesn’t always connect NME
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"Soulful, almost spiritual in its delivery" (10/10 - DIY). "Marks a return to his fragile folk roots" (9/10 - musicOMH). "Revels in its sense of joy and collaboration" (8/10 - The Skinny)
Since we've been around, that is. So, the highest-rated albums from the past twelve years or so. Rankings are calculated to two decimal places.
Kendrick Lamar To Pimp A Butterfly
Fiona Apple Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
Kendrick Lamar Damn.
D'Angelo And The Vanguard Black Messiah
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Ghosteen
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Skeleton Tree
Frank Ocean Channel Orange