7 November 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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Debut album of electropop from Nantes-born artist Héloïse Letissier, originally released in France back in 2014
8.1
You never find yourself in the presence of music that sounds self-consciously clever. Everything flows easily, nothing jars Read Review
A truly enjoyable record, a durable collection of interesting and exciting pop music that is hopefully only the first of many to come from Christine and the Queens Read Review
Chaleur Humaine is as sharp and classy as the suits Letissier dons, and is full to the brim with feeling Read Review
It’s spacey, atmospheric, a little weird, with an almost menacing edge, especially in the creeping reverb of album closer ‘Here’ Read Review
There's no manifesto here, only an exploration of identity, just as Letissier searches for her place in this decade's pantheon of fabulous poly-musical femmes. Print edition only
Shimmering synth-pop meets sexual politics. Print edition only
Live, Letissier can use her theatrical poise to embellish these songs, but they’re wonderfully bright and infectious in the studio setting too Read Review
A bright, well constructed and boldly vivid first outing Read Review
A shimmering collection of great pop songs from a magnetic performer who nonetheless seems unconcerned with being the center of attention Read Review
Her music is bold and fully formed, but Letissier unpeels the façade of outer confidence to shine a light on the way that queer identity requires constant negotiation Read Review
Coupled with some remarkable videos, Letissier gives every impression of being a real artist who’s thankfully chosen pop Read Review
Stylish, empathetic songs Read Review
Songs benefit from restrained electronic production, at once moody and catchy Read Review
What’s so striking about this album is its restraint. Letissier holds back enough to make you crawl deeper into her world Read Review
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Christine and the Queens: Chaleur Humaine
Sorry COSPLAY
Dressed to impress. Print edition only Record Collector
Asha Lorenz's dreamy, deceptively casual vocals soften the sharp edges throughout and help foster an overall coherence even amid Cosplay's outbreaks of giddy chaos. Print edition only Uncut
Danny Brown Stardust
After the insular mood of Quaranta, with its themes of addiction and depression, it’s refreshing to hear Brown having unabashed neon-lit fun The Quietus
The Detroit rapper feared his music would get dull after he went sober, but no-one could be bored by this guest-stuffed, chaotically swaggering new album The Guardian
Sobriety may have taken a long time to achieve, but it’s strapped a rocket to this album without sacrificing any of the glorious weirdness that always made him such a compelling figure Dork
His ambition remains undimmed as he opens this new chapter DIY
A rejuvenated, feature-packed return to form for one of the most innovative rappers around The Skinny
The album finds the Detroit rapper discovering a new lust for life Slant Magazine
Danny Brown looks and sounds better today than ever before, and his latest offering is a testament to his restored health and balance. Don’t forget he’s been in the game for over two decades at this point, yet you’d never guess it from listening to his music Clash
If Sorry “died” making this album, then we can only hope that whoever emerged in their place continues heading down the foreboding path to the pits of hell Clash
Rosalía Lux
A heartfelt offering of avant-garde classical pop that roars through genre, romance, and religion Pitchfork
The album rewards patience as you luxuriate in the breadth of the singer’s world Slant Magazine
Hatchie Liquorice
‘Liquorice’ is Hatchie at her best yet: it’s poignant, poetic, and above all else, utterly hypnotic Clash
Pilbeam has succeeded in creating the culmination of Hatchie; now is the best time to relish her bittersweet brilliance The Line Of Best Fit
The secret weapon here is how charming it all is. ‘Liquorice’ is warm, likeable and just eccentric enough to keep you leaning in Dork
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