6 January 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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Debut full-length album from the Canadian poet featuring contributions from Clairo, Aaron Dessner, Simon Hessmann, Nicolas Jaar, Rosalía and Ramy Yousef
7.5
Wherever he goes, it's a journey solely for himself. That we're invited occasionally to check on his progress in all its disarming, emotional breadth is simply a blessing Read Review
The singer and poet’s Dunya emerges as a stunning work of personal reflection Read Review
His breakout 2021 EP debut got him tagged a poet of anguish. This time he's going for something deeper Read Review
A quite singular record from a singular voice, ‘Dunya’ is testament to the strength of Mustafa’s ambitions, and his desire to be heard Read Review
With subtly shifting production and incisive writing, the Toronto singer adapts intimate stories of pain and devotion to his worldly folk palette Read Review
The multitalented Canadian renders his subtle songs in tasteful autumnal shades – but could have benefitted from more head-turning numbers such as Gaza Is Calling Read Review
Dry Cleaning Secret Love
The standout act in the sprechgesang wave, the four-piece’s newly expansive sound carries singer Florence Shaw’s distinctive tales of mundane lives spiralling out of control The Guardian
Armand Hammer & The Alchemist Mercy
On their second collaboration with The Alchemist, billy woods and E L U C I D refuse grand answers, turning instead to the quiet labor of endurance—attention, routine, and survival inside a world that won’t stop grinding Paste Magazine
The Lemonheads Love Chant
The band’s first album of original music in 20 years is an undeniably self-conscious comeback, manifesting the existential angst of middle age in sludgier-than-usual riffs, sudden switchups, and some of Evan Dando’s most self-reflective lyrics to date Pitchfork
Perfume Genius Glory
The album’s gestation was not easy, a bout of depression experienced during Covid dragging up old demons. But any sense of despair is marvellously braised with a searing wit Hot Press
Dijon Baby
The man has hits, but Baby is his apotheosis thus far. All Music
Deftones Private Music
private music doesn’t exactly launch Deftones into any unexplored territories, nor does it reimagine the beloved band in any new light. But, as it turns out, Deftones don’t need to do either to squeeze their sound into 2025 Consequence Of Sound
Heartworms Glutton For Punishment
It's an album that invites listeners to confront discomfort, embrace imperfection, and find beauty in some of our darkest and scariest places The Line Of Best Fit
Suede Antidepressants
Britpop stalwarts get abrasive on 10th album Hot Press
Overall, Antidepressants is a nice throwback to ‘80s post-punk music Spill Magazine
With Antidepressants, Suede embrace their station as unlikely alt-rock elder statesmen, crafting an album that embodies a life well lived All Music
A solid, pleasantly dense record from a band who’ve been solid for decades yet DIY
Dove Ellis Blizzard
The ambitious young Irish balladeer crafts a debut album that’s heavy on the drama, letting moments of anthemic beauty peak through his cryptic delivery Pitchfork
Quietstorm of a debut from assured Irish singer-songwriter. Galway-born, Manchester-based musician Dove Ellis arrives fully formed on this self-produced debut, wielding his love of legato phrasing with a dramatic poise that has attracted justifiable comparisons to Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright. Print edition only Uncut
Blood and birds thread menacingly through these often-cruel songs but again and again, Ellis’s choruses suddenly soar heavenward, epiphanies torn from an unblinking heart. Print edition only Mojo
billy woods GOLLIWOG
Never less than compelling, it confirms him as one of hip hop’s most compelling stylists. Print edition only Record Collector
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