2 July 2024
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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The Brooklyn neo-soul pioneer with his third release
7.5
He is now playing in a different garden of music delights of which he’s the groomed and suited gatekeeper. BLACKsummers’night is distinct from anything that came before. It stands on its own and is compulsively listenable. Read Review
This neo-soul trailblazer hasn’t released a new album since 2001’s Now, but after returning to the stage last fall, Maxwell is coming back with a flourish Read Review
Print edition only
An R&B album about love, not just sex, for grown-ups who know the difference Read Review
Grittier and less New Age-y than his previous work, BLACKsummers’night suggests that Maxwell spent his sabbatical doing more than yoga. Read Review
Lacks the imagination of Maxwell's 1996 debut. ""I can be anything want me to be,"" he proclaims on Love You, a track that's as old school as its title intimates. Truth is, while his honeyed tones merit adoration, he is more soul purist than intrepid chameleon Read Review
Johnny Cash Songwriter
This album has been lovingly produced and arranged and it is a Johnny Cash album. Songwriter comes from a transitional time for Cash and is important to hear, something between his vastly underrated Mercury albums and his Rubin records. And, really, the bottom line is it is a new Johnny Cash album Spill Magazine
Camila Cabello C,XOXO
To its credit, there are some interesting ideas on C, XOXO. “pretty when i cry” is the best song on the record simply because of its normality — no piano cuts, awkward interludes, gibberish or autotune, it’s a solid Afrobeats number that interpolates some house elements later on Northern Transmissions
The pop star’s fourth studio album is remarkably apathetic and lacks the charisma needed to leave any kind of worthwhile impression Paste Magazine
This album is imperfect by all measures. It's derivative at times, its attention seems scattered, and it can feel intentionally immature – particularly in the lyrical department. Yet, there's a magic to this that is undeniable Sputnik Music (staff)
Hiatus Kaiyote Love Heart Cheat Code
In serving up a feast for the senses, Hiatus Kaiyote have raised the already high bar they had set for themselves yet again, plating up a platter of sheer talent God Is In The TV
Kehlani Crash
On their lusty new album, the L.A. singer and songwriter leapfrogs across trap-inflected R&B, countryfied ballads, and bassy pop confections Pitchfork
Set of recently unearthed studio recordings sheds light on the country icon’s remarkable comeback in the early 1990 Pitchfork
Dirty Three Love Changes Everything
Ninth album from Warren Ellis and co ranges from the filthy and greasy to the reserved and demure, confirming them to be masters of their craft musicOMH
A collection of songs recorded before the Man in Black’s 1990s Rick Rubin revival and reworked by his son has much to offer The Observer
Mabe Fratti Sentir Que No Sabes
The Guatemalan musician’s new record offers art-pop songs that are affecting, engrossing and richly textured The FT
Cash’s magisterial, seemingly bottomless voice is out front and distinctive as ever The Arts Desk
Despite a pleasing variety of emotions, paces and stylistic approaches, this beautifully restored vocal maintains a strong sonic identity Far Out
John Carter Cash cleans up original recordings, dropping all but his father’s renowned voice The Irish Times
The songs themselves are a mixed bag, some showing promise and others showing disillusionment Rolling Stone
Songwriter is indeed a by-product of music rendered on a digital frontier; it is a worthy effort because it reinforces the humanity of a star who, in his last days, could seem like some untouchable god. Print edition only Mojo
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