19 December 2018
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.
Browse specific styles
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
Roll over video for more options
Cloud Nothings Last Building Burning
The band rediscovers the taste for making some genuine, loud, grungy noise Gig Soup
Richard Swift The Hex
Richard Swift's final album before his untimely passing, The Hex offers a fitting moment of closure for a supremely talented songwriter The Skinny
Aidan Moffat & RM Hubbert Ghost Stories For Christmas
These songs remind us to find comfort in the warmth – to cherish what love we have, and hold it close Clash
Anderson .Paak Oxnard
May his lyrical eye mature to match his musical vision next time out. Print edition only Mojo
Vince Staples FM!
The breeziness is deceptive. Print edition only Mojo
Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert enter the festive fray on formidable form with a sobering and intoxicating Christmas album The Skinny
Whatever your Christmas finds you doing, putting a brave face on your despair in the bosom of your family, or savouring your glass of reeking punch with no one but sad memories, Ghost Stories for Christmas makes an excellent companion God Is In The TV
Throughout the 10 songs both performers are clearly having fun, and yet – as you might expect from its Ghost Stories title – there is darkness at the heart of this album music OMH
Humour peeks through like a minuscule bauble amid tiers of green pine The Irish Times
A refreshingly dark take on a tired format. Print edition only Q
Ryley Walker The Lillywhite Sessions
Completely unexpected, utterly brilliant. Print edition only Q
Van Morrison The Prophet Speaks
Morrison might just be summoning a new creative burst. Print edition only Q
Lubomyr Melnyk Fallen Trees
Melnyk's compositions wobble and hesitate, as if embarrassed by their beauty. Print edition only Q
Daniel Knox Chasescene
Knox has put together a package that's hard to resist. Print edition only Q
Alessia Cara Alessia Cara
Overall it's too stodgy to soar. Print edition only Q
Since we've been around, that is. So, the highest-rated albums from the past eight years or so. Rankings are calculated to two decimal places.
Kendrick Lamar To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar Damn.
D'Angelo And The Vanguard Black Messiah
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Skeleton Tree
Frank Ocean Channel Orange
Anaïs Mitchell Hadestown
Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Leonard Cohen You Want It Darker
Sufjan Stevens Carrie & Lowell
Mount Eerie A Crow Looked at Me