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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First album in two decades from the Ethiopian keyboard maestro who still works as a Washington DC taxi driver
7.2
This record has the capacity to stir the feelings without using words; knowing the years of heartache and hard work that preceded it simply makes you happy to live in such interesting times Read Review
With only six tracks, Lala Belu shows that being hypnotized is what we secretly want Read Review
The Ethiopian keyboard maestro’s first new album in two decades radically updates a style that already sounded like the future Read Review
Surprisingly experimental. Print edition only
Any fears his propulsive energy may have waned in exiles are quickly dispelled. Print edition only
These six new tracks flow neatly on from those recorded for Tche Belew 40 years before. Print edition only
Depending on whether or not you’ve encountered him before, this is either an infectious comeback or one seriously charming introduction Read Review
It’s not a life-changing body of work, but the biggest achievement of all is that, all these years later, Mergia is still a true original Read Review
Exuberant or contemplative – the closing Yefikir Engurguro is solo piano – it’s a thrilling ride Read Review
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