14 September 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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Debut album of dream pop from London-based Italian Alessio Natalizia
6.1
A thing of gorgeousness; tremolo guitars, unfolding drum patterns and dreamlike arrangements Read Review
It is not an album underpinned by hype – it is a finely tuned statement of intent from a young songwriter who, like very few others, has an incredibly patient yet potent Midas touch in his craft Read Review
Headphones donned and lights extinguished, each submersion is every bit as worthy as the last Read Review
Treads the impressive line between epic and restrained Read Review
Unsettling, weirdly compelling stuff Read Review
A big gooey feast of melancholy laptop pop, and it’s relatively lovely stuff Read Review
There are occasional flashes of creativity-stuffed aptitude - but this time around they're merely flashes Read Review
Softly burred guitar loops, Fripp-like trippiness and heavy psych/space-rock grooves. Print edition only
There are no weak links or moments which falter, yet neither does 'Banjo Or Freakout' do anything to really seize the listener's attention Read Review
Banjo Or Freakout? More of each please Read Review
An obvious enthusiast of lo-fi recordings, Natalizia is first and foremost a pop artist, and this is realized on the album’s more successful endeavors Read Review
Once Natalizia writes some songs better flattered by his sonic sense, I suspect he'll really have something here Read Review
Some of the worst offenders here feel like demos and, damn, they are tough to endure. Read Review
You will get some relaxed, passive listening from the record, but the overly hazed production makes for an aimless set of tracks Read Review
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Banjo or Freakout: Banjo or Freakout
David Byrne Who Is The Sky
The artist’s new album of bright, bustling pop is positioned as a celebration of reasons to be cheerful. Often its fountain of optimism feels like a firehose of forced positivity Pitchfork
Ed Sheeran Play
On the enjoyably moreish Play, the ‘culturally Irish’ star sounds as if he’s back on form. Although we’ve only had time for a quick listen The Irish Times
Baxter Dury Allbarone
This record plays like his shot for glory, and with tracks as hooky and well-constructed as "Mockingjay" or the title track, there's no reason he shouldn't hit the big time All Music
Parcels Loved
While not for cynics, LOVED is a late-summer delight that comes at audiences with open arms. Comfortable dancing shoes recommended for listening All Music
Parcels have built something contagious here, with a joy that leaves you feeling that little bit lighter when you’re done with it Dork
Loved is a departure for Parcels but one that is constantly invigorating, the group are clearly incredibly relaxed and that is reflected in the calming, and highly enjoyable soundscape they have created on this record The Line Of Best Fit
The star of this entire record is without question the harmonies. They are razor sharp, technically astounding and forever charming, leaving you wanting more of them at the close of every song Far Out
Maruja Pain To Power
They really have taken a complicated moment and made it into a fantastic piece of music Far Out
Incredible lead single Look Down On Us is just one of three tunes here that capture Maruja’s free-flowing approach by stretching out to the 10-minute mark Kerrang!
The Manchester jazz-punks let loose on their savage debut album through cathartic outpourings of fury, despair and love NME
The thrill of this band is the extremes. From moshpits one minute and silence the next, they are in command with their music, unifying the crowd God Is In The TV
This band and this record want you to punch a hole in the wall, ask if you're willing to step through it – and then beckon others to do the same The Line Of Best Fit
Maruja emerge from the studio with raucous rap-rock and meandering jam music in tow, resulting in an album full of the same songs several times over. By the end, listeners may feel they have deja vu. Fans may feel they have dementia The Quietus
Rage-infused music of dissolution Clash
Jade That's Showbiz Baby!
Debut solo album by Little Mix singer is packed with incident and a multitude of musical styles musicOMH
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