Recent music reviews & album reviews by Any Decent Music

Any decent music? We review the reviews. You get the final word

Hello

16 April 2024

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.

Just in

New albums just added

Unlisted recent releases

Follow us on

Source list

Specialist Genres

Browse specific styles

Mercury Prize 2011; the ADM verdict

As usual we at ADM Towers like to think we have a litle more information to hand than the bookies when it comes to picking the winner, namely our tried and trusted sources. Adele and PJ Harvey are currently leading the betting but we'll be putting our pocket money on Polly Jean who's Let England Shake not only has the highest ADM rating, but also sits proudly at No. 3 in the ADM all-time chart.

And who lost out this year? Probably the biggest surprise was Wild Beasts who were exciting the critics back in May when Smother was released. But there might a few others feeling a little disappointed. The Phantom Band, Wire, Rumer, Edwyn Collins, Dels, Roots Manuva Meets Wrongtom, Robert Plant, Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat and Mogwai all scored better than our sixth placed album by Metronomy.

Of the 12 albums shortlisted 10 have featured in the ADM chart over the last 12 months. The only exceptions being Ghostpoet and Gwilym Simcock who were not reviewed by the majority of our sources.

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, 6 September 2011.

So here is our top 10...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

8.7
PJ Harvey

Let England Shake
A richly inventive album that's unlike anything else in Harvey's back catalogue
The Guardian
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

8.0
James Blake

James Blake
Gorgeous, indelible tunes that are as generous in content as they are restrained in delivery.
Pitchfork
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

7.9
King Creosote & Jon Hopkins

Diamond Mine
The final results are of such subtle beauty they take the breath clean away.
music OMH

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

7.8
Elbow

Build A Rocket Boys!
If anything, 'satisfyingly weathered' may fit the bill best - its imperfections only serve to hold the interest further.
This Is Fake DIY
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

7.6
Anna Calvi

Anna Calvi
Pop has its place and all that, but for serious lovers of serious music, Calvi is the one to watch.
Independent On Sunday

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

7.6
Metronomy

The English Riviera
An album that has been thought about, craftsmanship that has been contemplated and carefully created, this is a pure joy.
State

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

7.4
Katy B

On A Mission

She scrupulously avoids the kind of melismatic over-singing that is the female pop star's usual lot in a post-TV talent show world.
The Guardian

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

7.3
Everything Everything

Man Alive
A captivating, thrilling listen from start to finish - 'Man Alive' is the best British guitar debut of 2010.
The Fly

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

7.1
Adele

21
Watch out here for the majestic closing track, Someone Like You - a torch song exquisitely delivered. Brilliant.
The Irish Times

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

6.2
Tinie Tempah