11 October 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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Thirteenth studio album from the Northern Irish orchestral pop band fronted by Neil Hannon recorded at Abbey Road Studios
7.7
Neil Hannon’s best album in years sports his characteristic wit and orchestral flourishes. But its personal subject matter elevates these songs to something greater Read Review
It is one of The Divine Comedy’s finest records and it draws from many of the most powerful elements of his musical instincts in support of a welcome emotional wallow Read Review
Hannon's most personal and poignant album to date. Print edition only
Hasn't sounded so confident since his 90s commercial peak. Print edition only
Not an album for those who only love the frivolous side of TDC, there’s no pure pop bangers a la ‘National Express’ here, in fact taking the subject matters out of context, it can seem like it could be hard work to get through. Alzheimer’s, love related angst, lost childhood Christmases and Donald Trump, and that’s just for starters Read Review
The writing is sublime as the show tunes musing on the mortality of man unspool with a jaunty spirit Read Review
Hannon is in his element, from the bittersweet ba-ba-Bacharachian title track to the glam, high-kicking chorus of "Down The Rabbit Hole". Print edition only
Hannon’s gentle wit is still very much to the fore Read Review
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Doja Cat Vie
On Vie, Doja Cat references the 1980s to prove that pop is one of many genres in her wheelhouse. Doja remains an elusive, genre-bending savant PopMatters
Geese Getting Killed
The Brooklyn four-piece’s impressive latest is an album that feels longer than it really is, but still makes you frustrated when it ends Spectrum Culture
Nine Inch Nails Tron: Ares Soundtrack
Until they release a “real” NIN record, at least this one is as real as you want it to be Spectrum Culture
Jade That's Showbiz Baby!
Where That’s Showbiz Baby succeeds as a Europop album, it suffers from severe overproduction and fails to establish Jade with a clear identity outside of Little Mix Spectrum Culture
Snõõper Worldwide
If Super Snooper is a test run that puts the band onto the next stage, then Worldwide is the proper showcase of what Snooper can efficiently do in their compositions, now pushed to another level with more weight in theme and production Northern Transmissions
Jay Som Belong
Fans and new listeners alike should have no trouble riding shotgun with Duterte – as she reaches for new levels of authenticity The Line Of Best Fit
What once was meticulous and solitary is now plural and porous, Jay Som’s Belong is a study in letting go The Skinny
This is a compact, finessed 11-tracker, with ‘Belong’ serving notice of Jay Som’s continued abilities. Let’s just hope we don’t have wait six long years for the next instalment Clash
A welcome addition to Jay Som's discography, and will undoubtedly solidify her reputation as your favourite pop singer's favourite pop singer. Exclaim
Belong is full of lyrics about being on the outside looking in, a perspective that gives context to its skillful mix of angsty and dreamy textures All Music
Blawan SickElixir
SickElixir is the most challenging listen in Blawan's catalog, which makes it all the more unexpected that it's his first album for such a high-profile label, but it still contains some fascinating material All Music
The sound of technology having long widened the disparity between the ruthlessly wealthy and those clinging on by the half moons of their brittle fingernails The Quietus
Jamie Roberts’ unsettling take on bass music is crammed with glitchy rhythms and jolting sounds. It’s as disorienting as it is immersive Uncut
Gnarled grooves and unintelligible vocals intersect at uncanny angles on the British producer’s new album, which amplifies his pugnacious style into a brutish, unhinged gestalt Pitchfork
Taylor Swift The Life of a Showgirl
Swift's 12th album rarely reaches the dizzying heights of her previous work A.V. Club
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
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Skeleton Tree
Frank Ocean Channel Orange