29 July 2014
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
Roll over video for more options
Ben Kweller: Go Fly A Kite
5 Seconds of Summer 5 Seconds of Summer
What we have here is earnest, by-the-numbers pop-punk music The Music
Yes Heaven & Earth
Eight new tunes containing striking melodic ideas. Print edition only Mojo
The Raveonettes Pe'ahi
An atmospheric sound. Print edition only Mojo
Andrew Bird Things Are Really Great Here, Sort of...
He brings an easy empathy to these songs. Print edition only Mojo
Jungle Jungle
Moody funk troop's inscrutable debut. Print edition only Mojo
Eno & Hyde High Life
An unfinished, scrapbook feel that's far from unbecoming. Print edition only Mojo
Alvvays Alvvays
Charming and cherishable. Print edition only Mojo
Luluc Passerby
Quietly seductive second album. Print edition only Mojo
Lana Del Rey Ultraviolence
Pop's Ms Darkside shows that she packs a punch. Print edition only Mojo
Lawrence English Wilderness of Mirrors
Electronic composer eschews sonic rapture for feedback and melancholy. Print edition only Mojo
Common Nobody's Smiling
A deep treat almost on a par with Common's mid-'90s prime. Print edition only Mojo
Sébastien Tellier L'Aventura
Could well be his best album. Print edition only Uncut
Slow Club Complete Surrender
Heartfelt and easily wounded love songs. Print edition only Uncut
Old Crow Medicine Show Remedy
Louder than any string band has a right to be. Print edition only Uncut
Eugene McGuinness Chroma
Vocal that's more often irksome than endearing. Print edition only Uncut
A couple of 9s amongst the reviews for the 3rd solo album from the former Rilo Kiley frontwoman. LoBF say "there isn’t a weak track on the album" while The 405 praise "positivity and glorious pop songwriting"
Since we've been around, that is. So, the highest-rated albums from the past four years and a half or so. Rankings are calculated to two decimal places.
Frank Ocean Channel Orange
Anaïs Mitchell Hadestown
Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Deafheaven Sunbather
PJ Harvey Let England Shake
My Bloody Valentine mbv
Ry Cooder Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down
St Vincent St Vincent
Kendrick Lamar good kid, m.A.A.d city
Arcade Fire The Suburbs