30 September 2026
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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Adult DVD Adult DVD
Every beat pounds from their hearts like a life force Far Out
It's funny, catchy, silly and absolutely stacked with tunes. Adult DVD aren't trying to be cool, which has had the unfortunate side effect of making them very cool indeed Dork
Adult DVD won’t revolutionize the world any time soon, but you can bet you’ll be hearing their ravey tracks at plenty of club nights and parties to come Under The Radar
Adult DVD have given us an album which pokes fun at the modern world and all its idiosyncrasies. It’s exactly what we need right now, overflowing with characters and situations and all presented through the prism of humour Clash
These are anthems purpose built around groove and lyrical flow, so immediately hypnotic and catchy it doesn't really matter where the song goes after it starts, just as long as it keeps pumping through the speakers All Music
Gilla Band Pugnello
Even among their peers and other noise rock circles they are a singular force to be reckoned with All Music
Protomartyr Hotel Usona
Hotel Usona is a stunning merger of form and content, and a State of the Union address as important as it is fiery All Music
Blondshell Violins
Guitars continue to drive her forward, forceful and reflective as she centres her lyrical focus not on romance, but on a spectrum of relationships: ones shared with friends, social norms, femininity and herself Far Out
Leon Bridges Happiness Anytime
Happiness Anytime relinquishes joy, good times, and catch feelings of a mix of emotions, ranging from pure bliss of happiness to a romantic atmospheric medley. It comes highly recommended Spill Magazine
The sequencing leaves something to be desired. Halfway in, Violins slows to a crawl and there’s barely enough momentum to salvage the pace by “Fur Elise” Beats Per Minute
Julia Jacklin The Gem
A true gem, indeed Beats Per Minute
Emma Ruth Rundle These Killing Times
This is the album Emma Ruth Rundle has long wanted and been destined to make. These Killing Times marks the actualization of a signature artist PopMatters
Casting a wide collaborative net across the world of heavy music, the Portland musician captures a newfound sense of momentum, even optimism, in her doomy, downcast songwriting Pitchfork
It’s a beautiful album from an artist at their absolute peak who understands that acceptance of the darkness is good enough Beats Per Minute
It’s the sense of community inherent in the creation of These Killing Times that provides the clearest imprint of optimism, though. On Engine Of Hell, Emma was alone. This time, she’s surrounded herself with like-minded creators to fight the good fight. Her reinvigoration is a bright burst of light indeed Kerrang!
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
Rosalía Lux
Kendrick Lamar Damn.
D'Angelo And The Vanguard Black Messiah
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Ghosteen
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Hayley Williams Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways