9 March 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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First new songs since 2004 from the reformed Boston alt.rock band on a four-track EP recorded in Wales with producer Gil Norton
4.3
Three out of the four songs are at least enjoyable, one of them an absolute blinder Read Review
While it doesn’t reach the impossibly high standards of their back catalogue, there’s enough promise to suggest there are good times ahead Read Review
Black Franic sounds more collected than the circumstances demand Read Review
The songs on EP1 contain none of the revelatory brilliance of the group’s original albums Read Review
It has its moments, but on the whole it leaves a lot to be desired Read Review
It’s a minor tragedy that it was released, and it’s almost enough to make me wish the reunion never happened Read Review
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Lady Gaga Mayhem
A star is reborn with this exhilarating, high-energy riot of sound that amounts to her best album in years musicOMH
Bob Mould Here We Go Crazy
The record is not without some brighter moments and a celebration of unconditional love on ‘Thread So Thin’ and ‘Your Side’ Clash
Bleach your eyebrows and head to your nearest gay bar, Lady Gaga is back Evening Standard
Gaga’s sixth studio album hails the return of your Mama Monster to all her shock-horror-bop glory The Independent
Jason Isbell Foxes in the Snow
Jason Isbell is a singer and songwriter who is never afraid to do the work to make his music something special, and even when he's performing in stripped-down fashion, he delivers great songs and the commitment to make them special. Anyone who questions that hasn't heard Foxes in the Snow All Music
If he wanted to make an album that reflects the chaos of the culture that witnessed its creation, he may have hit the bullseye just a bit too close to the center All Music
The singer-songwriter sings expressively and produces intricate patterns from strumming and picking The FT
Having promised to ‘go with the chaos’, the singer resorts to throwbacks and pastiche after a few strong songs The FT
With the world growing darker by the minute, one of the planet’s biggest stars is ready to unroot pop’s foundations once more – and we’re totally here for it Clash
Divorce Drive To Goldenhammer
Nottingham quartet leave quite the calling card with this confident and ambitious debut musicOMH
Darkside Nothing
Nothing is another manifestation of Jaar and Harrington’s efforts to preserve a harmonious fusion of rock and electronics, without compromising either side The Quietus
MAYHEM is more like an inspired album rather than one that inspires, and where Gaga usually flips the game on its head, she’s stuck to the rules this time The Line Of Best Fit
The album commits a mortal pop sin: It’s kind of boring Slant Magazine
There’s not much on This Side of the Island that is daring or new in terms of musical explorations, but the energetic vocals and Leithauser’s distinct delivery keeps the album afloat Under The Radar
Here We Go Crazy is simply a fantastic album, and easily one of my favourites of 2025 so far. You’d never know that Bob Mould was practically a pensioner now. He’s still as vibrant as ever, and long may that continue God Is In The TV
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