14 September 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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Trevor Powers' third album of neo-psychedelic dream pop, produced by Ali Chant (Perfume Genius, Gruff Rhys)
6.6
Trevor Powers has produced another remarkable album in a discography that seems to be ever-expanding, never content to stick with one style, yet consistently delivering a style fully his own Read Review
Powers has expanded the Youth Lagoon sound without losing any of the intimacy of his bedroom pop beginnings Read Review
Forever surfing skywards on euphoric dreamrock currents. Print edition only
He could tell stories for days, and he compresses tragic, ponderous tales into striking songs backed by strings and wild instrumentation Read Review
Savage Hills Ballroom has highlights worth celebrating. Three albums in, Youth Lagoon will likely remain as lauded as before Read Review
On his third album, Powers is back to building, but he’s ditched the pillow forts in favor of more ambitious frameworks, surpassing even the wonders of Bughouse… musically Read Review
The most truly self-searching Youth Lagoon album Read Review
An incredibly textured album full of nighttime philosophising Read Review
Not to say that Ballroom lacks the charms and flourishes that signify a Youth Lagoon record; they’re just honed to their bare essentials Read Review
The 26-year-old from Boise, Idaho, sounds bolder, the production is crisper, and the wondrous effects that characterized his dreamy sound have nearly disappeared Read Review
An acquired taste, but those who enjoy a bitter pill will swallow it whole. Print edition only
Demonstrates Power’s unpredictability and it will certainly be interesting to see which direction he chooses to take Youth Lagoon in next Read Review
Powers is blessed with one of the more appealingly idiosyncratic voices in indie rock, a kind of eunuchoid Appalachian warble Read Review
Can a band thrive when it’s stripped of everything that made it unique? Read Review
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Youth Lagoon: Savage Hills Ballroom
David Byrne Who Is The Sky
The artist’s new album of bright, bustling pop is positioned as a celebration of reasons to be cheerful. Often its fountain of optimism feels like a firehose of forced positivity Pitchfork
Ed Sheeran Play
On the enjoyably moreish Play, the ‘culturally Irish’ star sounds as if he’s back on form. Although we’ve only had time for a quick listen The Irish Times
Baxter Dury Allbarone
This record plays like his shot for glory, and with tracks as hooky and well-constructed as "Mockingjay" or the title track, there's no reason he shouldn't hit the big time All Music
Parcels Loved
While not for cynics, LOVED is a late-summer delight that comes at audiences with open arms. Comfortable dancing shoes recommended for listening All Music
Parcels have built something contagious here, with a joy that leaves you feeling that little bit lighter when you’re done with it Dork
Loved is a departure for Parcels but one that is constantly invigorating, the group are clearly incredibly relaxed and that is reflected in the calming, and highly enjoyable soundscape they have created on this record The Line Of Best Fit
The star of this entire record is without question the harmonies. They are razor sharp, technically astounding and forever charming, leaving you wanting more of them at the close of every song Far Out
Maruja Pain To Power
They really have taken a complicated moment and made it into a fantastic piece of music Far Out
Incredible lead single Look Down On Us is just one of three tunes here that capture Maruja’s free-flowing approach by stretching out to the 10-minute mark Kerrang!
The Manchester jazz-punks let loose on their savage debut album through cathartic outpourings of fury, despair and love NME
The thrill of this band is the extremes. From moshpits one minute and silence the next, they are in command with their music, unifying the crowd God Is In The TV
This band and this record want you to punch a hole in the wall, ask if you're willing to step through it – and then beckon others to do the same The Line Of Best Fit
Maruja emerge from the studio with raucous rap-rock and meandering jam music in tow, resulting in an album full of the same songs several times over. By the end, listeners may feel they have deja vu. Fans may feel they have dementia The Quietus
Rage-infused music of dissolution Clash
Jade That's Showbiz Baby!
Debut solo album by Little Mix singer is packed with incident and a multitude of musical styles musicOMH
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
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Skeleton Tree
Frank Ocean Channel Orange