15 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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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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Tune-Yards Better Dreaming
Ever since 2009’s lo-fi debut Bird-Brains, every Tune-Yards album has offered raw excitement. Better Dreaming does too, and it may just be their most uplifting and inspiring work to boot. Give it a listen – you’ll be dreaming better The Line Of Best Fit
The music is still as vibrant as it was before, although some of the introspection is translated into more downcast songs on Better Dreaming Far Out
Better Dreaming plays like an eccentric dance party to aid movement (physical, emotional, political) in times of stagnancy and helplessness— and everyone is invited Northern Transmissions
Billy Nomates Metalhorse
This isn’t the fairground soundtrack of your childhood memories – it’s what plays in your head when you revisit those places years later and realise nothing gold can stay. But as Billy Nomates proves, sometimes the rust tells the better story Dork
East Midlands post-punker tries on some yacht rock The Arts Desk
As we reach the end and exhale at last, one thing is for certain: no matter how rundown the ride, we’ll be lining up to see what Billy Nomates brings next time the carnival’s in town God Is In The TV
Moments of joy and uncertainty are on this ride – as we’re spun by the happenings in Nomates’ life, maybe even more melodic cards are yet to leave her sleeve The Line Of Best Fit
Confessional yet cathartic, ‘Metalhorse’ is an emotionally resonant piece of work that is vital, vivid and showcases why Billy NoMates is an undisputed ‘Tor’ de force Clash
Sleep Token Even In Arcadia
When they’re good, Sleep Token are untouchable Dork
Mclusky The World Is Still Here and So Are We
They’ve returned to the well balanced noise rock of their debut Beats Per Minute
billy woods GOLLIWOG
Dislocated ends this record in a crushing and emotionally expressive way with the jagged instrumentation reacting to the flows and bars of Billy with some gorgeous strings floating in the background. A stunning end to a beautiful record Northern Transmissions
Mark Pritchard and Thom Yorke Tall Tales
Rather than resting on their reputations, both artists continue to explore new terrain with boundless curiosity and invention XS Noize
PinkPantheress Fancy That
Scratching just about every nostalgic itch DIY
billy woods is the premier lyricist of his generation, and the details that flow out of his pen sharpen with every album he releases Spectrum Culture
While the tracklist barely breaks the 20-minute mark, the brevity in her music has never sounded so intentional 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