12 February 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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Horsegirl Phonetics On And On
Although this album isn’t boundary-pushing by any means, it is filled with very joyful and light-hearted songs that will definitely brighten your day and make you smile, and I have to say that it is pretty nice Northern Transmissions
The album is the result of what happens when introverts discover the power of the guitar Slant Magazine
The songwriting and its deadpan delivery are still engaging but the overall feel is so understated as to be frustratingly bashful. Print edition only Record Collector
In another world, Andy Warhol would want to manage them, but on this evidence, Horsegirl have pop down to an art by themselves. Print edition only Mojo
Even more impressive than 2022's Versions Of Modern Performance. Print edition only Uncut
Equal parts pensive and dreamy, minimal yet expansive, Phonetics On and On is the unapologetic sound of confident experimenting, the product of three musicians years ahead of their respective ages. Horsegirl rule, and so does this record. Put it on and on (and on and on and on) Exclaim
Manic Street Preachers Critical Thinking
Finds them scratching their heads at the cultural landscape they find themselves in Dork
When introduced with the kind of fanfare it is, it feels safe DIY
FKA Twigs Eusexua
Where Magdalene found itself virtually overburdened by its own emotional weight, this album is almost ponderously short of it, yet malleable and playful in a way that vindicates its escapist bent Sputnik Music (staff)
Biig Piig 11:11
Life is messy, full of ripping highs and crushing lows, dancefloor bliss and the wee small hours of the morning. On her debut album, Biig Piig captures that exquisitely Spectrum Culture
Squid Cowards
On their third effort, Squid call out their own cowardice with nine stories of evil. It feels disturbingly personal Spectrum Culture
Once the gigantic production is stripped away these 12 numbers veer between the passable and the also-ran The Arts Desk
She has released some memorable and bold singles over the last eight years (this writer’s favourites being ‘Sunny,’ ‘Feels Right’ and ‘Roses and Gold’). 11:11 half delivers on the promise that came before it God Is In The TV
Building on the sociopolitical themes of previous LPs, the UK post-punks’ latest frames even heavier subject matter—the nature of evil itself—in darkly dazzling songs at once ominous and luxurious Pitchfork
Circa Waves Death & Love Pt.1
Whilst the fast-paced songs are fun and produced well, the beauty of Death & Love Pt.1 lies in the emotive and vulnerable slower-paced tracks that give the album a depth that was previously unobtainable Northern Transmissions
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