14 August 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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Fourth album of self-produced lo-fi pop from New Yorker Darwin Smith
6.1
A real comeback record. Lyrically, the album dances delicately around the line between intelligent satire and quirky humour, creating a more pleasing balance than in their recent releases Read Review
Even when Deez is revisiting past glories, as he could be accused of doing on this record, there’s still an easy charm about his songs Read Review
Indie-pop's near-cliché poster boy Darwin Deez returns with his established style of playful, happy-go-lucky electronica that walks the fine line between lovestruck sweetheart and sickeningly twee wallflower Read Review
Nuggets of joyful indie-pop Read Review
May have erratic talent coursing through his veins but he appears to have transcended his songwriting origins by checking out the pop music legacy of others less fanciful Read Review
Laura Veirs Temple Songs
On "No Masters", romantic contentment mixes with the 19th-century feminist-inspired disavowal of internal male subjugation in favour of a manifesto of self-sufficiency, emphasised by electric guita. Print edition only Uncut
There might be deliberate ambient intrusions and undeleted imperfections, but there is something very intentional going on here, the sense they ae made by somebody carving out space in the jostle of everyday life, consciously taking the time to step away and check in with yourself. Print edition only Mojo
Getdown Services Massive Champion
An album that remains delightfully impossible to predict from beginning to end. Print edition only Uncut
It is daft, not 'zany'. There is enough substance here to go far beyond the gags. Print edition only Record Collector
Some of the more niche references might fly over the heads of non-UK listeners, but regardless of whether you know the Cha Cha Slide dance or who Baby Oleg is, the pair's personality and sense of humour make Massive Champion a winner. Print edition only Mojo
Phoebe Bridgers Lost Weekend
A dense, introspective opus as complex and unpredictable as its author DIY
Ravyn Lenae Blue Island
Even if it's hard to imagine anything on Blue Island blowing up as much as "Love Me Not" did, the album continues Lenae's run of strong, adventurous records All Music
Temple Songs is quietly confident and infused with the strong poetic sense that marks all of Veirs' best work. That she no longer employs a producer to pull it all together is merely a sign of her growth and maturation as an artist All Music
Jungle Sunshine
It’s business as usual for a band that are comfortingly dependable but due a shake-up Rolling Stone UK
Over a decade and still churning out albums like this. Jungle seem completely incapable of putting a foot wrong at this point Far Out
Continues to amalgamate genres into a cacophony of vibes, artist creativity and collaboration, and tracks made for the dance floor. It’s one of the best records to come out of this year, and it is highly recommended Spill Magazine
Consistently enjoyable without ever feeling particularly surprising DIY
A summer smasher. Print edition only Record Collector
Eleven concise tunes float by like a host of funky angels. It's a beach party for the soul. Print edition only Mojo
The noise around the band is at fever pitch, and their second record, Massive Champion, is ready to ignite a flame that will burn out any such nonsense around trend-based accusations. This is a band who are here to stay Far Out
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