22 January 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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Second posthumous release from the Pittsburgh rapper featuring guest appearances from Delusional Thomas and SZA
7.5
NEW This album is a gift — a bittersweet reminder of Mac Miller’s unparalleled talent and the indelible mark he’s left on the world of music Read Review
NEW An emotional and plaintive posthumous entry for Mac Miller Read Review
NEW Made during a difficult time in the late rapper’s life, this abandoned work captures the musicianship and introspection of his fertile mid-career Read Review
NEW Unlike your typical bucket-scraping rattlebag of audio oddities thrown together to con extra cash from grieving fans, this record feels complete and cohesive Read Review
NEW Avoiding the perils of leaks – poor audio, fractured tracklistings – the Estate have been able to paint in the details of a generation-defining feat of artistic evolution Read Review
NEW The rapper’s second posthumous release lets listeners into his dark, blue thoughts from over a decade ago Read Review
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Mogwai The Bad Fire
For years now, Mogwai have watched them from the post-rock mountaintop. On this evidence, it’s a hell of a view Kerrang!
As Mogwai embark on their fourth decade, eleventh album The Bad Fire proves this legendary group can still produce moving, intelligent and vital work The Skinny
To call it a mature album would be to take away some of the perennially youthful spirit of Mogwai, but it certainly achieves a crafted, discerning grace. However hellish it may have been, a baptism in The Bad Fire has clearly proved to be a renewing experience. Print edition only Mojo
Even on a record of many detours, the closing three tracks are uniquely surprising. Print edition only Record Collector
These 10 sheeting, luminous soundscapes lean into the band's considerable pop smarts as well as their soundtrack and post-rock mastery. Print edition only Uncut
While old-school fans may lament their softening, the Glasgow band swap rage for refuge as they face personal strife – and their 30th anniversary The Guardian
Rose Gray Louder, Please
The London artist’s debut album adds an enigmatic cutting edge to her upbeat dance-pop sound NME
A must-listen for those looking for new hits to dance the night away or blast at full volume at a party God Is In The TV
A sonic journey for head, body and soul to soundtrack all your partying needs for 2025 Dork
The London musician’s assured debut runs the gamut from aggressive jungle to uplifting house, toggling between hedonism and introspection The Guardian
While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, ‘Louder, Please’ is a wholly enjoyable record that captures the spirit of the dance floor with unflinching authenticity Clash
Mac Miller Balloonerism
This album is a gift — a bittersweet reminder of Mac Miller’s unparalleled talent and the indelible mark he’s left on the world of music Northern Transmissions
The Weather Station Humanhood
Revisiting Ignorance’s infectious palette and embracing improvisation, Tamara Lindeman overcomes pain and uncertainty to reconnect with herself on her seventh album Paste Magazine
Ringo Starr Look Up
If Ringo’s playing around at somebody else’s rodeo, may be we can all just be happy that he can still ride Sputnik Music (staff)
Victoria Canal Slowly, It Dawns
A rising singer/songwriter bursts with well-earned confidence while questioning herself and her choices 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
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