29 July 2021
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.
View top rated by publication
Browse specific styles
First album since her self-titled debut in 2010 for Berlin-based electro post-punk artist
Second full-length album for the collaboration between Laura Marling and Tunng's Mike Lindsay
Latest posthumous album from the legendary artist who died in 2016 was recorded in 2010 with the New Power Generation features eleven originals
Fifth album of indie rock from Orlando-born Mackenzie Scott
Eighth full-length solo release by veteran singer-songwriter of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills and Nash features a guest appearance from Sarah Jarosz
Eighth album from the Californian punk rock quartet formed in 1977 contains eighteen songs written by the band between 1977 and 1980 but never released before
Fourth album from the LA-born, Austin-based singer-songwriter produced by Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley from Tennis
Second full-length album from the London-born rapper includes guest appearances from Stormzy, James Blake, Wizkid, Snoh Aalegra and Boj
Fifteenth album from the American singer-songwriter featuring guest appearances from Leslie Mendelson and Eugene Rodriguez of Los Cenzontles
Debut full-length album from the Yorkshire-born London-based jazz composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer
Third studio album of gospel/soulful R&B from the American singer-songwriter featuring guest appearances from Robert Glasper, Ink and Terrace Martin
Second full-length album from ambient producer Nicolas Jaar and jazz guitarist Dave Harrington
Second posthumous album from the rapper following his death in February 2020 includes guest appearances from Kanye West, Pusha T, Rick Ross, 21 Savage, Future, Chris Brown, Dua Lipa and Pharrell
Second album from the Watford-born YouTuber and rapper featuring guest appearances from Future, 21 Savage, Yungblud, Polo G, Anne-Marie, Craig David, and Bugzy Malone
Fourth full-length album of electronic soul from Melbourne-born Nicholas James Murphy
Fourth album of pop punk from the LA singer Willow Smith features guest appearances from Travis Barker, Avril Lavigne, Tierra Whack, Cherry Glazerr and Ayla Tesler-Mabe
Second album from the Atlanta, Georgia-born singer-songwriter Claire Cottrill co-produced with Jack Antonoff (Taylor Swift, Lorde, St. Vincent)
Seventh studio album from the San Diego surf-rock four-piece led by Nathan Williams
First album in 12 years for the Texas trio of Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Butch Hancock
Fourth album from the English singer-songwriter
Clairo Sling
The beauty of Sling is immediately apparent, but it is so much more than ‘pretty’, Clairo is letting us in to her safe space and reminding us to nurture one another. She is creating songs that throw an arm (or paw) around you and share the weight of your experiences The Quietus
Torres Thirstier
Drink it in, ‘Thirstier’ is a bottomless glass of water that keeps beckoning you back for one more gulp, over and over again Northern Transmissions
Anika Change
An album like Change only works if its creator believes in its message and gives the audience reason to believe as well, even as both parties are working through unlearning automatic negative thoughts Northern Transmissions
Change seems more concerned with how the music impacts on a subliminal level than how it actually ends up sounding. Without those inner blemishes out on full display, that magnanimous intent could only go so far Beats Per Minute
On her first solo album in 11 years, Annika Henderson continues exploring personal and political power, with a clearer sound than ever before Paste Magazine
A joy to behold. Print edition only Mojo
A most welcome return. Print edition only Uncut
Change's artful, heartfelt expressions of frustration and hope aren't just perfect for the transformative time in which they appeared, they're also an exciting and satisfying reintroduction to Anika the solo artist All Music
Mackenzie Scott’s latest is anthemic and euphoric, loaded with hooks and joyous reflections on love and self-discovery Pitchfork
Dave We’re All Alone In This Together
The British-Nigerian rapper’s second album is as ambitious, technical, and deeply felt as his first. It is sure to keep his star on the rise Pitchfork
Eleven years on from her debut, TORRES’ songwriting remains as infatuating as ever Clash
LUMP Animal
Perhaps the only reason LUMP work so well is because of their push-pull process: a creative speed date less concerned with maintaining a spark, and more about capturing a little bit of magic Loud And Quiet
This intoxicating second album proves that LUMP – Laura Marling and Tunng's Mike Lindsay – are greater than the sum of their parts The Skinny
Overall the album is an earnest investigation of Psychoanalysis with lyrics and vignettes that land a punch. A necessary addition to Laura Marling’s fans collection and an engaging listen for non-fans XS Noize
Sturdy melodies and flushes of beauty help steady LUMP’s off-piste intrigues Record Collector
As we're sure you are aware this is a really tough time for websites like ours. So we are asking you to help support us in any way you can via Patreon. Whether it's a small amount each month or a one-off payment, everything we receive will be put back into making ADM as good as it can possibly be.
"A true testament to Clairo’s masterful songwriting talents" - The Line Of Best Fit's take on the second album from the Atlanta, Georgia-born singer-songwriter Claire Cottrill
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
Fiona Apple Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Kendrick Lamar Damn.
D'Angelo And The Vanguard Black Messiah
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Ghosteen
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Skeleton Tree
Frank Ocean Channel Orange
Anaïs Mitchell Hadestown