4 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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Second full-length release from the English pop singer-songwriter working with producers including Joe Rubel, Elvira Anderfjärd, Oscar Görres, Matias Téllez and Ben Ash
7.2
Some tracks on The Good Witch serve as incantations to manifest a better lover; others spit curses on past ones. All of them, though, convincingly set Peters up as the next musician to confidently march us into another sad girl summer Read Review
A glorious running of pure pop’s emotional gamut Read Review
Maisie Peters knows the power of being the one who has it, of being the one who controls the narrative, as she shows on her new album, The Good Witch Read Review
It’s in her bright and brilliant rage that Peters truly dazzles Read Review
A dazzling little record that is as entertaining to listen to as it sounds like it was for Peters to make. It’s fun without being frivolous or thoughtless, and packs as much talent as it does promise Read Review
The Good Witch is pleasant pop, a record that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard while still cutting with witty writing Read Review
Already something of a veteran of stadiums and arenas at 22, this focused second collection shows that she’s becoming a bit of an expert in addictive little pop tunes Read Review
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Father John Misty Mahashmashana
Josh Tillman ties together the misery, wit and showmanship of his previous albums on a set laced with strings and swagger The Observer
Kendrick Lamar GNX
Fresh from his feud with Drake, the US hip-hop star’s latest album finds him on imperious form The Observer
Kendrick's most speaker-knocking set to date All Music
Gwen Stefani Bouquet
Love and marriage are to be celebrated, but on this evidence they don’t make for the world’s most exciting music musicOMH
Considering this is an album that started development 4 years ago, we’re just lucky it’s only a 30 minute listen Sputnik Music (staff)
The music is presented about as unironically as the singer’s views on marriage Slant Magazine
Bouquet is fine as a first country album – there’s a relaxed sheen over the whole thing, and she sounds great as ever – it’s just disappointing for what we know Stefani to be capable of The Line Of Best Fit
Album continues the ex-SoCal punk’s rebranding as a down-home country gal Rolling Stone
Whilst still channelling her pop song writing tendencies, there is a distinct sense of emotional depth at the heart of ‘Bouquet’, which feels as though it finds Gwen Stefani at the peak of her songwriting craft Clash
Things get crazy, scary, spooky and hilarious on the Compton rapper’s triumphant new record musicOMH
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
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
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