7 November 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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Fifth official solo album from the stalwart of indie hip hop
6.6
If you consider yourself a lover of nineties rap, throw this one in ASAP Read Review
Kweli is still, lyrically and technically, one of the most agile MCs around Read Review
Doesn't demonstrate a drastic change in Kweli's style at all Read Review
Gutter Rainbows could only be smoother if it came with a signed photo of the artist propping up a Las Vegas cocktail bar in a white tuxedo Read Review
Dogged street intellectualism Read Review
While so much of modern hip-hop is characterised by crude themes and repetitive formats, Talib Kweli continues to fly the flag for the hardcore of true innovators Read Review
An enjoyable, if not wonderful, record Read Review
In terms of accessibility, he’s done better work, and this release will probably just go down as a good, but not a great Talib Kweli album Read Review
Despite limp production, Kweli is often a great presence here, and fans certainly won’t be disappointed Read Review
Hovers between a mainstream and an indie vibe, embracing neither and potentially isolating both audiences Read Review
Unabashed conscious-rap classicism, with a luscious, string-swamped soul sound and rhymes that tout the MC's left-of-center cred Read Review
Kweli still has an ear for beats, and despite some particular low points here, his lyrics were always overshadowed by his flow, which is as sharp as eve Read Review
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Talib Kweli: Gutter Rainbows
Sorry COSPLAY
Dressed to impress. Print edition only Record Collector
Asha Lorenz's dreamy, deceptively casual vocals soften the sharp edges throughout and help foster an overall coherence even amid Cosplay's outbreaks of giddy chaos. Print edition only Uncut
Danny Brown Stardust
After the insular mood of Quaranta, with its themes of addiction and depression, it’s refreshing to hear Brown having unabashed neon-lit fun The Quietus
The Detroit rapper feared his music would get dull after he went sober, but no-one could be bored by this guest-stuffed, chaotically swaggering new album The Guardian
Sobriety may have taken a long time to achieve, but it’s strapped a rocket to this album without sacrificing any of the glorious weirdness that always made him such a compelling figure Dork
His ambition remains undimmed as he opens this new chapter DIY
A rejuvenated, feature-packed return to form for one of the most innovative rappers around The Skinny
The album finds the Detroit rapper discovering a new lust for life Slant Magazine
Danny Brown looks and sounds better today than ever before, and his latest offering is a testament to his restored health and balance. Don’t forget he’s been in the game for over two decades at this point, yet you’d never guess it from listening to his music Clash
If Sorry “died” making this album, then we can only hope that whoever emerged in their place continues heading down the foreboding path to the pits of hell Clash
Rosalía Lux
A heartfelt offering of avant-garde classical pop that roars through genre, romance, and religion Pitchfork
The album rewards patience as you luxuriate in the breadth of the singer’s world Slant Magazine
Hatchie Liquorice
‘Liquorice’ is Hatchie at her best yet: it’s poignant, poetic, and above all else, utterly hypnotic Clash
Pilbeam has succeeded in creating the culmination of Hatchie; now is the best time to relish her bittersweet brilliance The Line Of Best Fit
The secret weapon here is how charming it all is. ‘Liquorice’ is warm, likeable and just eccentric enough to keep you leaning in Dork
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