29 September 2026
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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Latest album from the r&b legend, initially only available on Jay-Z's steaming service Tidal
5.2
'HITNRUN Phase One' isn’t one of Prince’s best albums. But neither is it his worst. He hasn’t lost it. He’s just resting it Read Review
There are enough glimpses of his genius gathered here to satisfy Read Review
It’s refreshing to hear a more processed and often volatile sound being weaved through his signature guitar and bass funk Read Review
When it’s not erratically overflowing, HITNRUN Phase One may get you to believe in him as he evidently believes in himself in 2015 Read Review
Prince is getting his second wind. Let’s enjoy it while it lasts Read Review
If only he'd really relax and let it flow a little more Read Review
Deliciously gritty… eventually Read Review
On an artistic level well…it’s pretty good. Well, it’s okay would be more accurate Read Review
This one isn't his best album in the last twelve months, let alone years Read Review
Experimentation sometimes leads to disastrous results—and in the case of HITNRUN Phase One, it’s done just that Read Review
He got his mojo back. Now he's lost it again. Print edition only
Mashup of overused modern dancefloor styles. Print edition only
Can we assume that “direct-to-streaming” is the new “direct-to-video” for really bad albums? Read Review
Prince: HITNRUN Phase One
Blondshell Violins
Sabrina Teitelbaum’s third album explores new subject matter while maintaining her signature sound Paste Magazine
Julia Jacklin The Gem
The Melbourne indie rocker explores autonomy and love from an omnipotent perspective Paste Magazine
Protomartyr Hotel Usona
It is undoubtedly the most mature collection of songs the band released yet and that excitement that appears every time they announce a new LP paid off once more Sputnik Music (staff)
Miley Cyrus Bass Persuades
After a daring and impressive ninth album, Miley Cyrus rebrands by going back to basics with a boring, cliched release that’s often unpleasant to listen to Spectrum Culture
With more confidence, sparseness and sharpness, Julia Jacklin’s The Gem features some of her most direct and affecting songs yet Spectrum Culture
Jungle Sunshine
While Sunshine successfully bottles a cohesive mood, the album’s primary limitation across these 11 tracks is its reluctance to depart from an established formula Spectrum Culture
Orville Peck Mule
A punchy collection of country songs overflowing with morose stories, emotional growth and electric music Spectrum Culture
Some of his most insightful storytelling and his boldest vision of country music yet. Print edition only Uncut
Narratively, it's among Peck's strongest work. Musically, however, it just doesn't quite click Exclaim
Fourth album from the masked country singer is a searingly honest, sometimes wryly humorous account of the breakdown he experienced in 2023 musicOMH
The country singer’s fourth album follows one of the most harrowing years of his life, revealing the man behind the mask for his most soul-baring, personal music yet Paste Magazine
The South African-born country singer’s latest album is a hell-and-back tale of addiction and redemption. But where other artists might opt for austerity, Peck goes all in on his usual pomp Pitchfork
His most powerful and thoughtful album to date All Music
Bloc Party Anatomy Of A Brief Romance
Kele Okereke is less interested in letting us in than he is in just airing things out, and the experience is about as pleasant as that sounds Spectrum Culture
Carly Rae Jepsen Day & Night
If the words ‘double album’ fill your mind with images of prog synth lords and dread, fear not: Carly Rae Jepsen’s new album is a beautiful banquet stacked with treats that cater for many tastes 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
Rosalía Lux
Kendrick Lamar Damn.
D'Angelo And The Vanguard Black Messiah
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Ghosteen
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Hayley Williams Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways