29 March 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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Austin indie rocker Ben Kweller releases his first album since 2009 and his first on his own label, Noise Company
6.6
Spirited, energetic and competent power-pop Read Review
Kweller is a disarming presence and an unpretentious sonic architect. Print edition only
Rich, well-crafted and darned fun Read Review
Like nothing else that is being produced right now Read Review
Intricate, solidly crafted pop-rock Read Review
Hooky, melodic, and sappy power pop Read Review
Straddling the border of alt-country and indie rock Read Review
He hones his best Cars, Harry Nilsson and Wilco moves into a personally revealing breakup record Read Review
He might be rightly questioned whether the relative safety of his style has been wise, but it's certainly kept his fan base happy Read Review
Retaining the sunshine vocals and buzzing guitars blueprint that's served him well thus far. Print edition only
Kweller’s talent as a pop-rock songwriter is plainly evident, but despite the consistent cheeriness that’s offered across Go Fly A Kite, it never manages to shake off the feeling of being merely an appetiser for a main course that never materialises Read Review
A likeable album, but it sounds like Jet at its worst times and like an American alt-rock band past their sell by date at its best Read Review
The most disappointing aspect of Go Fly a Kite is that it sounds so satisfied, almost smug, in its complacency Read Review
Resting on laurels may please some, but in a period where established artists need to make their most exciting and progressive music yet to stand out, just being oneself isn’t always good enough Read Review
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Ben Kweller: Go Fly A Kite
Sum 41 Heaven :X: Hell
Despite its imposing 20-count tracklist, ‘Heaven :x: Hell’ never drags, instead firing through hit after hit; time flies when you’re having fun, and Sum 41’s discography is a testament to that. It’s a grand culmination of their work so far Dork
It's a high energy, fun and skillful way to say goodbye The Arts Desk
The Canadian icons leave nothing in the tank on their final LP, a career-spanning double album that carries the occasional hint of their glory days NME
There will be doubters and there will be haters, but Heaven :x: Hell is Sum 41 at their zenith and is, without any shadow of a doubt, the album of their career. What a way to leave Kerrang!
With Heaven :x: Hell, what Sum 41 has given us is a true grand finale, and it's one worth reveling in Sputnik Music (staff)
Chastity Belt Live Laugh Love
See review link XS Noize
Ride Interplay
Essentially, after spending decades dabbling in different notions of psychedelic rock, Ride have gone synth-pop in 2024 Spectrum Culture
They seem determined to do whatever the hell they like and have fun with it The Arts Desk
Overall: troubled, unflinching, but tuneful and triumphant. Print edition only Mojo
Here [on "Yesterday Is Only A Song"] and on the best tunes of Interplay, Ride feel wonderfully, unexpectedly, younger than yesterday. Print edition only Uncut
It's commendable that Ride continue to reach beyond their past, but the best moments of Interplay are the ones that remind the listener what made the band so unique to begin with All Music
Closing with the sighing reflection of ‘Yesterday Is Just A Song’, Ride seem to be embrace and move past their illustrious past, resulting in one of the most finessed, intriguing albums of their career to date Clash
When they delve into the big guitar histrionics of yesteryear, as on “Light in a Quiet Room,” the results are breathtaking Under The Radar
Sheryl Crow Evolution
It is somewhat predictably a soundtrack of life-affirming but slightly knocked-about beige wisdom wearing a pair of cowgal boots The Arts Desk
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