24 January 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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Third studio album from the New York rapper with guest appearances from FKA twigs, French Montana, Juicy J, Kid Cudi, Kodak Black, Moby, Frank Ocean, Skepta
6.4
The Harlem rapper's latest is loud, frenetic, and about as vibrant as hip-hop gets Read Review
Sonically, Testing is an experimental project. A shedding of the 29-year-old artist's old skin and a rebirth of something more profound and slightly more complicated Read Review
On his third studio album, Rocky is more experimental and personal. But for music that relies on the New York rapper’s artful intuitions, it’s unfortunate his intuitions are often very basic Read Review
An intriguing mix of garbled white noise and amp interference interspersed with splashes of instrumentals and a smattering of A-list features Read Review
ASAP Rocky takes to more experimentation in his music to match up with his style of fashion Read Review
Testing is what it says it is, though this far into his career, he should be doing better than merely a passing grade Read Review
The rapper’s aversion to the mainstream takes his third album to some glorious heights, with the help of Skepta and Frank Ocean. But is his swaggering decadence wearing thin? Read Review
Testing’s title might suggest experimentation, but it delivers more on tentativeness, with a smattering of solid songs mixed into aesthetically interesting but unresolved experiments Read Review
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Mogwai The Bad Fire
Some of the most euphoric music they’ve made in a while DIY
Despite moments of overfamiliarity and some flat vocal experiments, Mogwai’s 11th studio record captures a band still reinventing their signature sound PopMatters
Mac Miller Balloonerism
Recorded in 2014 but never released, Mac Miller’s second posthumous album is the missing link between the earnest rapper he was and the evocative songwriter he would become Pitchfork
Songhoy Blues Héritage
Fourth album from Mali’s premier desert guitar troupe incorporates more in the way of nuance and fluidity while still maintaining their striking impact musicOMH
For years now, Mogwai have watched them from the post-rock mountaintop. On this evidence, it’s a hell of a view Kerrang!
As Mogwai embark on their fourth decade, eleventh album The Bad Fire proves this legendary group can still produce moving, intelligent and vital work The Skinny
To call it a mature album would be to take away some of the perennially youthful spirit of Mogwai, but it certainly achieves a crafted, discerning grace. However hellish it may have been, a baptism in The Bad Fire has clearly proved to be a renewing experience. Print edition only Mojo
Even on a record of many detours, the closing three tracks are uniquely surprising. Print edition only Record Collector
These 10 sheeting, luminous soundscapes lean into the band's considerable pop smarts as well as their soundtrack and post-rock mastery. Print edition only Uncut
While old-school fans may lament their softening, the Glasgow band swap rage for refuge as they face personal strife – and their 30th anniversary The Guardian
Rose Gray Louder, Please
The London artist’s debut album adds an enigmatic cutting edge to her upbeat dance-pop sound NME
A must-listen for those looking for new hits to dance the night away or blast at full volume at a party God Is In The TV
A sonic journey for head, body and soul to soundtrack all your partying needs for 2025 Dork
The London musician’s assured debut runs the gamut from aggressive jungle to uplifting house, toggling between hedonism and introspection The Guardian
While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, ‘Louder, Please’ is a wholly enjoyable record that captures the spirit of the dance floor with unflinching authenticity Clash
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
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Skeleton Tree
Frank Ocean Channel Orange
Dave We’re All Alone In This Together