19 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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First album in 6 years from the Portland post-rock group
7.2
Not only is Chalice Hymnal well worth the wait, it makes it even harder to choose which album is the pinnacle of Grails' ever-fascinating discography Read Review
Progressive without being prog rock, instrumental without ever leaving room to wonder where the words are, Chalice Hymnal travels extensively across its eleven songs, yet it also becomes a contained cycle Read Review
Grails have been many things over the last 15 years, but with Chalice Hymnal, they seem to have found an identity that fits them perfectly Read Review
Their most satisfyingly sensual work to date. Print edition only
The Portland post-rock trio have subtly expanded their approach, building moods of somber reflection, energized optimism, and cathartic release Read Review
Given the five years, the band have been working on their latest, it is surprising to find a record that feels more performed than written, with varying degrees of success Read Review
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Grails: Chalice Hymnal
Haroumi Hosono Yours Sincerely
By the time you softly float out of Hosono’s world on the fairground closer ‘Anemo Wheel’ you’ll find yourself desperately flicking back to the first track, to play the album again and get a better understanding of the textural approach Far Out
Beabadoobee Pylon
Beabadoobee’s latest offering has appeal, but that’s only if you prefer to take your rock music highly manufactured Far Out
Struggles to live up to her strengths The Line Of Best Fit
Laus circles the dynamics of her electrifying debut Fake It Flowers, but never quite recaptures its precise power. Print edition only Mojo
Another stellar record. Print edition only Record Collector
Members of Turnstile, Deftones, Paramore, and Pinegrove push Bea Kristi toward slightly grungier, angstier territory on her fourth album Pitchfork
The Dirty Hit signee embraces uncertainty on a rawer, more forceful fourth album NME
On her excellent fourth album, the young star pumps all her doubts and fears into righteous guitar noise Rolling Stone
This is where she came from, this is what shaped her, and she’s the one at the helm DIY
The Filipino-British songwriter’s fourth album sprinkles 90s alt fuzz with disarmingly sweet melodies and an impressive host of guests including Paramore’s Hayley Williams and Turnstile’s Brendan Yates The Guardian
Beatrice Laus comes full circle on her fourth album, a return to the soaring pop-punk of her early days and her most consistent release to date musicOMH
Pylon is a powerful marker — a sign of how possible it is to make music that's as filled with unselfconscious pop catharsis as it is with ragged, irreplaceable soul Exclaim
Beck Ride Lonesome
There is still wonder in his music, only now it comes from refinement rather than reinvention Clash
Echo And The Bunnymen Apples For Isaac
Echo & The Bunnymen’s first album in more than a decade is a resounding success that both band and production team can take great pride in. The Liverpool greats rise to the occasion, expertly balancing darkness and pain with optimism, hope and love Clash
Final part to the deeply heartfelt trilogy of albums in response to his divorce is wondrous and uniquely uplifting 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
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