18 May 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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Album No.6 from the band led by indie rock singer-songwriter Eric Bachmann, formerly of Archers of Loaf
7.5
Breaks In The Armor goes in more for the beauty than the gruff. These are some of the most melodious songs Bachmann has recorded Read Review
A gorgeous, toothy record from indie rock's most refreshingly unpretentious auteur Read Review
Finds Bachmann still rooted in Springsteen’s more solemn folk leanings, but now with a bit of Nick Cave’s baroque edge, a little more of a pulse, and much, much better flow Read Review
Although the simpler moments recall Neil Young-levels of earnestness, most of the album is shot through with the (somewhat) modern equivalents of Tom Waits’ dark vignettes of Americana Read Review
It may not be as pretty as Red Devil Dawn or as road trip-ready as Forfeit/Fortune, but Breaks in the Armor has got more gas in the tank than either of them Read Review
The 11 songs here read like a downcast but ultimately redemptive catalog of struggle-with life and its oft-unrequited promise Read Review
It's all spare and often dark, but Breaks in the Armor is a surprisingly comforting album in its cloudy way Read Review
This set serves to offer possibly the best examples to date of Bachmann's strengths as a songwriter and as a compelling singer Read Review
Rarely had bleakness sounded so appealing Read Review
A finely crafted album of intricate subtleties that leaves a lasting impression long beyond the initial listening, and shows that there are still singer/songwriters with invention and passion out there Read Review
Breaks' homespun sound is solemn and spacious, opting for subtle coloring and economy of gesture Read Review
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Crooked Fingers: Breaks in the Armor
Tune-Yards Better Dreaming
These 11 songs brim with images of armed men, noxious air and entitled egotists, intermingled with notions of self-liberation and community solidarity. But the sonics too often seem stuck in Garbus's past. Print edition only Mojo
They're following their "first thought" instincts while allowing space for the full expression of Garbus's mighty soul voice. Print edition only Uncut
Billy Nomates Metalhorse
Altogether, with added depth and melody, it’s Maries’ best yet. Print edition only Mojo
The dilapidated English fairground has served as a metaphor for the vicissitudes of the music business for everyone from Ray Davies to Kevin Ayers, but it's rarely been so vividly, furiously and poignantly realised. Print edition only Uncut
Rico Nasty Lethal
Very much out there in her own lane, Rico Nasty attacks each song with purpose Clash
The rapper's latest LP, Lethal, matches her characteristic raw energy with a rock-influenced sound and introspective tone Rolling Stone
The ideas are present, but the urgency and edge that once defined her work feel dialled back The Arts Desk
An alluring feat that feels just as trendy as it is against the grain DIY
Perhaps mastering a sense of duality is what Rico Nasty is gunning for – harsh and soft, or trap and rock Kerrang!
billy woods GOLLIWOG
The American rapper dwells on scary things – both fictional and real – for his latest album musicOMH
Tor Maries’ third album is testimony to the fact that whatever doesn’t kill you does indeed make you stronger musicOMH
Kali Uchis Sincerely
The singer-songwriter’s new album is a phantasmagoria of pleasure—the perfect complement to her talent for keeping her cool Pitchfork
William Tyler Time Indefinite
William Tyler’s Time Indefinite is an experimental ambient record from a guy who isn’t known for making experimental ambient albums A.V. Club
Viagra Boys viagr aboys
As always, they make wallowing together in the dirt and filth seem like great fun Under The Radar
Kali Uchis’ Sincerely, is another near-perfect release from the singer—and an affirmation that true love and young motherhood make for a plethora of inspiration Spectrum Culture
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
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
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