9 July 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 from Cocteau Twins' bassist Simon Raymonde and Dif Juz's drummer Richie Thomas with guest appearances from ex-Midlake frontman Tim Smith and Sharon Van Etten among others
6.9
Elegant from the first minute to its 70th, Ojalá is an essential album for fans of Raymonde-affiliated projects like Snowbird and This Mortal Coil, and is among his and the year-in-indie's most exquisite works Read Review
A cluttered canvas on paper, perhaps – but the duo’s experience allows them to distil what works best on record Read Review
A diverse collection of quality melancholia by two intuitive veterans with nothing to prove except their ability to create music to invest your soul into Read Review
It hold together, though--a quiet coalition, but one that is wholly satisfying. Print edition only
Raymonde elicits gorgeous performances from guest vocalists. Print edition only
This record is not for everyone but fans of either musician or any of the plethora of contributors will find something to enjoy within its charming, ethereal walls and it certainly would be essential for Cocteau Twins or Bella Union completists Read Review
Even the worst albums can be the beginning of a great conversation Read Review
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Wet Leg moisturizer
Moisturizer is a bold, confident blast fuelled by the security and invincibility of a deep love. Print edition only Uncut
Moisturizer shows, decisively, that while the metal gauntlets might be very much on, creatively, Wet leg's gloves are off. Print edition only Mojo
Gwenno Utopia
A reflective journey through memory and identity from an artist who proves that her music knows no boundaries, linguistic or otherwise musicOMH
Tinged with a sense of growth and resilience, Utopia is a work that spans 25 years. That surely deserves a celebration The Quietus
Gwenno roams the cities of her youth on her vivid fourth album, Utopia The Skinny
'Utopia' might be a result of employing a form of astral projection The Arts Desk
The band’s propensity for catchy, danceable garage-punk remains intact Slant Magazine
Kesha . [Period]
Following years of tumult, the newly-independent Kesha is ready for Top 40 glory. Her new album excels when she’s doing it on her own terms PopMatters
Kesha fills her first fully independent album with accordion disco, stadium-sized twang, and too many hooks to handle. It’s… confusing Pitchfork
Spikier, sleazier and sexier, the Isle of Wight duo defy second album syndrome musicOMH
U.S. Girls Scratch It
Though Scratch It is more low-key than one has come to expect of U.S. Girls as of late, it is undeniably a commanding statement that feels like a musical victory lap Beats Per Minute
Period is an album of lukewarm nostalgic bops, where the few moments of truly interesting artistry are left to languish alone in their respective corners Sputnik Music (staff)
A disappointing missed opportunityMaybe after this spell of touring, they need to go off and live their lives instead of rushing back to album number three. A disappointing missed opportunity God Is In The TV
There’s no sniff of second album syndrome here. moisturizer oozes confidence and Wet Leg continue to play to their strengths in style The Skinny
Lorde Virgin
The New Zealander sings dramatically about new selves, the body and gender fluidity on her fourth release The FT
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