5 January 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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Third album from the Liverpool indie rock quartet produced by Alan Moulder (Suede, Howling Bells)
6.4
They know how to play with the tension that can build between soft and hard Read Review
Slicker and catchier than anything they’ve done before Read Review
Transcending indie into something much larger than themselves, the new album from Circa Waves marks a stylistic change in direction that reaps plentiful rewards Read Review
A banger of an album Read Review
This is an ambiguous, disjointed affair that feels like a missed opportunity Read Review
The Liverpool quartet move away from their breakneck tunes and into dreary piano pop. Their sugar rush sound has become a toothache Read Review
Both over-produced and underwhelming Read Review
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Perfume Genius Glory
The album’s gestation was not easy, a bout of depression experienced during Covid dragging up old demons. But any sense of despair is marvellously braised with a searing wit Hot Press
Dijon Baby
The man has hits, but Baby is his apotheosis thus far. All Music
Deftones Private Music
private music doesn’t exactly launch Deftones into any unexplored territories, nor does it reimagine the beloved band in any new light. But, as it turns out, Deftones don’t need to do either to squeeze their sound into 2025 Consequence Of Sound
Heartworms Glutton For Punishment
It's an album that invites listeners to confront discomfort, embrace imperfection, and find beauty in some of our darkest and scariest places The Line Of Best Fit
Suede Antidepressants
Britpop stalwarts get abrasive on 10th album Hot Press
Overall, Antidepressants is a nice throwback to ‘80s post-punk music Spill Magazine
With Antidepressants, Suede embrace their station as unlikely alt-rock elder statesmen, crafting an album that embodies a life well lived All Music
A solid, pleasantly dense record from a band who’ve been solid for decades yet DIY
Dove Ellis Blizzard
The ambitious young Irish balladeer crafts a debut album that’s heavy on the drama, letting moments of anthemic beauty peak through his cryptic delivery Pitchfork
Quietstorm of a debut from assured Irish singer-songwriter. Galway-born, Manchester-based musician Dove Ellis arrives fully formed on this self-produced debut, wielding his love of legato phrasing with a dramatic poise that has attracted justifiable comparisons to Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright. Print edition only Uncut
Blood and birds thread menacingly through these often-cruel songs but again and again, Ellis’s choruses suddenly soar heavenward, epiphanies torn from an unblinking heart. Print edition only Mojo
billy woods GOLLIWOG
Never less than compelling, it confirms him as one of hip hop’s most compelling stylists. Print edition only Record Collector
Prolific veteran rap auteur drops bleak, compelling sequel to Maps. Print edition only Mojo
On Golliwog the Brooklyn rapper confronts real-life horrors with a powerfully bleak vision Rolling Stone
Little Simz Lotus
The UK rapper battled self-doubt and legal woes in the run-up to her sixth album; now, however, framed by uncluttered jazz- and rock-influenced production, she sounds in command and at ease Pitchfork
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
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways