17 May 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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First full-length solo album since 2007 from the Lone Justice singer features a 19-piece orchestra
7.4
The American singer-songwriter’s first album in 13 years makes for intense, high-stakes listening Read Review
A dazzling return. Print edition only
A singer-songwriter back at the peak of her powers. Print edition only
La Vita Nouva is a deeply personal and cathartic album and is certainly one that requires more than one listen. Each time will lift you up into a higher state of consciousness. A dramatic and unbridled return to a new beginning Read Review
The violent unhinging McKee has experienced, a witchy madness resulting in new sanity, is repeatedly recalled Read Review
The former Lone Justice singer’s history is the stuff of great rock memoirs, but on her first album in 13 years she looks ahead, celebrating her new life as an out queer woman Read Review
La Vita Nuova pulls together some pretty disparate genres of music and combines them in a very pleasing way. Chamber strings augment folk melodies. Torch songs are re-imagined as child ballads Read Review
McKee’s new album follows some big life changes: coming out inspires and informs these rhapsodic, string-drenched songs Read Review
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Tune-Yards Better Dreaming
These 11 songs brim with images of armed men, noxious air and entitled egotists, intermingled with notions of self-liberation and community solidarity. But the sonics too often seem stuck in Garbus's past. Print edition only Mojo
They're following their "first thought" instincts while allowing space for the full expression of Garbus's mighty soul voice. Print edition only Uncut
Billy Nomates Metalhorse
Altogether, with added depth and melody, it’s Maries’ best yet. Print edition only Mojo
The dilapidated English fairground has served as a metaphor for the vicissitudes of the music business for everyone from Ray Davies to Kevin Ayers, but it's rarely been so vividly, furiously and poignantly realised. Print edition only Uncut
Rico Nasty Lethal
Very much out there in her own lane, Rico Nasty attacks each song with purpose Clash
The rapper's latest LP, Lethal, matches her characteristic raw energy with a rock-influenced sound and introspective tone Rolling Stone
The ideas are present, but the urgency and edge that once defined her work feel dialled back The Arts Desk
An alluring feat that feels just as trendy as it is against the grain DIY
Perhaps mastering a sense of duality is what Rico Nasty is gunning for – harsh and soft, or trap and rock Kerrang!
billy woods GOLLIWOG
The American rapper dwells on scary things – both fictional and real – for his latest album musicOMH
Tor Maries’ third album is testimony to the fact that whatever doesn’t kill you does indeed make you stronger musicOMH
Kali Uchis Sincerely
The singer-songwriter’s new album is a phantasmagoria of pleasure—the perfect complement to her talent for keeping her cool Pitchfork
William Tyler Time Indefinite
William Tyler’s Time Indefinite is an experimental ambient record from a guy who isn’t known for making experimental ambient albums A.V. Club
Viagra Boys viagr aboys
As always, they make wallowing together in the dirt and filth seem like great fun Under The Radar
Kali Uchis’ Sincerely, is another near-perfect release from the singer—and an affirmation that true love and young motherhood make for a plethora of inspiration Spectrum Culture
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