5 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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Third studio album of country pop from the 20-year old singer
6.9
When Swift sings it, damn if you don't believe every word Read Review
I’m probably gonna have to hand in the indie snob card after this one, but fuck it, Speak Now is really good Read Review
Speak Now engages in that act of making our story hers, and her story ours, which is what pop stars do well Read Review
The gradual way in which it becomes clear that she's singing to herself is devastating and genuinely uncomfortable Read Review
A sparky and affecting record Read Review
Let's have a toast for the ladies who stick it to the douchebag Read Review
Speak Now falters whenever Swift lets her outsized personality be subsumed by big, generic ballads Read Review
A clumsy attempt to articulate emotional complexities Swift can’t fully convey Read Review
She can't write a weak tune Read Review
All good? Nah, but a damn good effort Read Review
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Taylor Swift: Speak Now
Kasabian Happenings
It feels as though you’re caught in a snow-globe, being shaken up and down, from side to side – watching the pieces fall is a thrilling experience Clash
The Leicester band’s eighth opus, now with Serge Pizzorno taking on lead vocals, dispenses with grand ideas and prog rock pretensions musicOMH
Camila Cabello C,XOXO
Glitchy electronics meld with urban influences and excitable auto-tuned delivery for a surreal hyperpop experience musicOMH
Redd Kross Redd Kross
This unmissable album proves to be a magnificent starting point for the third act. Red Kross’s eighth studio album is not one to be missed XS Noize
Both energy and melodies hold strong throughout, and, suitably topped off with Ballad Of Mott-style self-chronicling finale Born Innocent, Redd Kross is these Angelenos’ defining epic. Print edition only Mojo
A self-titled collection that ranks among their very best. Print edition only Uncut
This is rock music at its most exciting and meaningful from a band who's doing their level best to keep the form alive and thriving All Music
Decades deep into a monumental career, you wouldn’t expect Redd Kross to hit a power-pop zenith. But they’ve done just that with their self-titled double album—all in their trademark flying colors Spin
Hiatus Kaiyote Love Heart Cheat Code
Song structures start to morph, disguising themselves beneath blossoming instrumentation that swirls into sonic tangents as fractals expanding. Arrangements shift almost entirely between verses, and a dense, psychedelic mix feat Sputnik Music (staff)
The Lemon Twigs A Dream Is All We Know
The Lemon Twigs have crafted something truly special with this release, blending the old and the new in a way that feels both timeless and innovative Northern Transmissions
Vince Staples Dark Times
Staples shows his emotional depth without wallowing in pathos. Dealing with fame can be complicated, but the Long Beach emcee bares his troubled psyche and celebrates his accomplishments. It’s another great step for an increasingly special artist Albumism
Overall, Happenings is a messy attempt at making a cohesive album. It sounds like the first draft of a band caught in the midst of an argument will go down as one of Kasabian’s worst outings so far Far Out
The lad-favourites shift into neon hues on their second Serge Pizzorno-led album, as knockout choruses face off against some disappointing filler The Guardian
Short and snappy, it's 11 songs in under half an hour The Arts Desk
Serge Pizzorno brings both a warmer energy and proud ownership of his own material that has put fresh (rechargeable) batteries in Kasabian’s mood The Independent
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