2 December 2024
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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Surprise release of 2020 from the Detroit rapper is produced by Dr Dre and includes guest from Skylar Grey, DJ Premier, Ty Dolla Sign, Black Thought, Q-Tip, Juice Wrld and Ed Sheeran
5.3
Once the listener burns through forgettable opener "Black Magic" — a less-inspired tread through a familiar Eminem theme, the increasingly toxic relationship drama, complete with Skylar Grey hook — the fun begins Read Review
In the end, Side B is an album of far more questions than answers Read Review
Acts as an equal companion, not hasty offcuts
The album’s deluxe version adds an hour of new music rich in dextrous delivery but intent on pushing the same old buttons Read Review
He covers everything from Covid-19 to Colin Kaepernick but the results feel superfluous rather than subversive Read Review
The rapper’s verbal energy is impressive but the tracks here are routine and free of thrills Read Review
As with Prince, or Bob Dylan, he has found refuge from fame in work’s simple constancy Read Review
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Lauren Mayberry Vicious Creature
The Scottish star’s solo debut is about ‘empowering myself to listen to my own intuition’ – leading her to alternately clumsy and deft songs influenced by Y2K pop The Guardian
The Cure Songs Of A Lost World
A work of genius that was worth the wait. Print edition only Record Collector
Kendrick Lamar GNX
It may be album aimed at club or in-car entertainment than listening at home but that doesn’t stop it having a rich and eclectic sound The Irish Times
A truly remarkable feat and already one of the best rap records all year, proving once again that Kendrick continues to operate at a level all to himself Clash
Michael Kiwanuka Small Changes
The London-born musician tweaks his sound and thematic concerns, burrowing deeper into the niche he has forged The Irish Times
Kim Deal Nobody Loves You More
Nothing fits, but that’s the point – it’s four decades of experience distilled into an eclectic, fun, and eminently listenable album Spill Magazine
Father John Misty Mahashmashana
He never sacrifices any song for the sake of being different, but rather expands the boundaries of a song Spill Magazine
This collection of songs is well worth your time and another example of a singular voice who doesn’t need any of us to help gas up his GNX Northern Transmissions
There is no Big Three. There never really was. There’s just Kendrick Lamar, and then there’s everyone else Sputnik Music (staff)
Kim Deal’s first solo record is a pleasant and likeable album with hidden depths, channeling deep, powerful and often ambivalent emotions into a set of surprisingly mild and melodic pop songs Spectrum Culture
Poppy Negative Spaces
Vocally Poppy has come on leaps and bound from what she was laying down on ‘I Disagree’, but it’s the instrumental composition across most of the album that causes it to fall so flat God Is In The TV
He embraces his dual identities of spiritualist and block thumper Rolling Stone
070 Shake Petrichor
The American singer-rapper, who had a breakthrough hit with Raye, showcases her imaginative musical scope The FT
The rapper seems inspired by his recent feud with Drake in songs riffing on rivalry, loyalty and status The FT
The one-time rapper unleashes howling guitars, weeping strings and OTT vocals – including those of Courtney Love – on her overcooked third album The Guardian
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
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
Dave We’re All Alone In This Together