7 July 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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Third album from the London rapper featuring guest appearances from Drake, Naira Marley, Jorja Smith, Burna Boy, Popcaan, CB, Villz and Boss Belly
7.3
The London rapper’s third album extends his carnal and philosophical investigation of masculinity against lush, robust beats that evoke a distinctly Black British take on G-funk Read Review
Back after three years away, the east Londoner is polarised between feelgood summer tracks and bleak reportage – but he makes it all cohere, despite some terrible sex puns Read Review
Beautiful and Brutal Yard displays both the beauty and brutality of the world, from a man at the top but also aware of where he came from. It is an album that connotes the essence of home, and his home is his music Read Review
On his third album – and first since 2020 – the British star taps Drake, Burna Boy and more for a scattershot burst of brilliance Read Review
No other artist commands rhythm and rhyme like Hus, and it’s patently clear that the Stratford rapper is enjoying making music again, which is a blessing for the rest of us Read Review
The Stratford rapper is back with both fiery drill cuts and forays into a smoother sound Read Review
The London rapper inhabits various roles on his third album, from badman to Casanova Read Review
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Lorde Virgin
The New Zealander sings dramatically about new selves, the body and gender fluidity on her fourth release The FT
Rival Consoles Landscape From Memory
A reset of sorts brings forth an album full of positive energy, showcasing electronic music at its most instinctive musicOMH
It's a steady, comforting blast of warmth, from the Jon Hopkins-Style soft techno pulse of Soft Gradient beckons to Nocturne's ambient swell. Print edition only Mojo
Surges and pulses with emotionally charged, meticulously detailed, luminescent electronica that never panders to the gridded restrictions of conventional techno. Print edition only Uncut
Landscape from Memory runs a little too long, with a few of the slower, less exciting tracks seeming unnecessary. That's not to say that it all sounds samey or lacks inspiration, however, and the record's best tracks are exceptional All Music
The latest from Ryan Lee West injects some heart into his technically brilliant, but icy electronics The Skinny
Kae Tempest Self Titled
Some tracks tend to border on prosaic, but others sparkle with Tempest’s cheeky wit The Independent
Despair runs through the Londoner’s fifth album but, in what is essentially a love letter to the trans community, his home town and partner, a hard-won beauty breaks through The Guardian
Five albums into an already sterling career, Tempest has made no real missteps, keeping his catalog consistently interesting, emotionally engaging, and, above all, incisive All Music
It's often raw, venerable, painful stuff, as on the impassioned charge of "Breathe", but it's also peppered with moments of joy. Print edition only Uncut
‘Self-Titled’ makes up for its musical instability with Tempest’s sharp penmanship, and it is difficult not to be raptured on their next word Clash
The award-winning poet and rapper's fifth studio album is a beefy, self-assured celebration of newfound identity NME
Instinctive and raw, yet tender to the touch, his most powerful statement yet demands to be heard musicOMH
Kesha . [Period]
Achieves a post-Brat sound that’s lathered in quirky personality The Arts Desk
Spectacular serves sit alongside catharsis and contemplation on the pop star’s first release on her own label, Kesha Records NME
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