23 January 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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7th album from the country / folk singer-songwriter, following her Grammy-winning gospel LP and singing with partner Robert Plant's Band of Joy
8.5
A triumph of songwriting and expressive singing Read Review
Patty Griffin has clearly been saving the best of her own material for a long time, making this perhaps her finest hour Read Review
Seals Griffin’s reputation as a remarkable artist in the roots tradition Read Review
Taking emotional truths and cutting to the quick, her razor-sharp sense of detail has never been sharper Read Review
One of the best albums of the year so far Read Review
It's her most stripped-down recording since her debut Read Review
American Kid successfully recaptures Griffin’s acoustic roots in haunting and moving fashion Read Review
Griffin reaches deep for the songs Read Review
A compelling experience Read Review
It's her devastating voice and ear for the smallest detail that makes all the difference. Print edition only
Her writing remains as surprising as it is masterful Read Review
Deeply affectionate without being sentimental. Print edition only
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Mogwai The Bad Fire
Some of the most euphoric music they’ve made in a while DIY
Despite moments of overfamiliarity and some flat vocal experiments, Mogwai’s 11th studio record captures a band still reinventing their signature sound PopMatters
Mac Miller Balloonerism
Recorded in 2014 but never released, Mac Miller’s second posthumous album is the missing link between the earnest rapper he was and the evocative songwriter he would become Pitchfork
Songhoy Blues Héritage
Fourth album from Mali’s premier desert guitar troupe incorporates more in the way of nuance and fluidity while still maintaining their striking impact musicOMH
For years now, Mogwai have watched them from the post-rock mountaintop. On this evidence, it’s a hell of a view Kerrang!
As Mogwai embark on their fourth decade, eleventh album The Bad Fire proves this legendary group can still produce moving, intelligent and vital work The Skinny
To call it a mature album would be to take away some of the perennially youthful spirit of Mogwai, but it certainly achieves a crafted, discerning grace. However hellish it may have been, a baptism in The Bad Fire has clearly proved to be a renewing experience. Print edition only Mojo
Even on a record of many detours, the closing three tracks are uniquely surprising. Print edition only Record Collector
These 10 sheeting, luminous soundscapes lean into the band's considerable pop smarts as well as their soundtrack and post-rock mastery. Print edition only Uncut
While old-school fans may lament their softening, the Glasgow band swap rage for refuge as they face personal strife – and their 30th anniversary The Guardian
Rose Gray Louder, Please
The London artist’s debut album adds an enigmatic cutting edge to her upbeat dance-pop sound NME
A must-listen for those looking for new hits to dance the night away or blast at full volume at a party God Is In The TV
A sonic journey for head, body and soul to soundtrack all your partying needs for 2025 Dork
The London musician’s assured debut runs the gamut from aggressive jungle to uplifting house, toggling between hedonism and introspection The Guardian
While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, ‘Louder, Please’ is a wholly enjoyable record that captures the spirit of the dance floor with unflinching authenticity Clash
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