30 June 2022
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.
Browse specific styles
Our archive of chart news from the past, and present.
Damien Jurado Reggae Film Star
Despite is cryptic nature, this isn’t cerebral post-rock abstraction, these are red-blooded pieces that pull at the emotion The Arts Desk
While Reggae Film Star is often droll, Jurado's empathy for his characters - from the enduring recriminations of Lois Lambert to the aching isolation of What Happened To The Class Of '65? - often makes for affecting songwriting. Print edition only Mojo
Reggae Film Star is a luminous beauty. Print edition only Uncut
An epic that goes by in a mere 35 minutes. All Music
Jurado has remained steadfastly allergic to any stereotypical singer-songwriter navel-gazing from day one, and perhaps it’s this aversion to familiar templates that both keeps the masses at an arm’s length and makes albums like Reggae Film Star so richly rewarding for those in the know The Line Of Best Fit
Martin Courtney Magic Sign
All in all, it's lovely, uplifting stuff. Print edition only Mojo
The way it weaves this constellation of influence and artfulness into 10 songs that are lighter than air, deceptively simple, yet cumulatively, surprisingly moving. Print edition only Uncut
A set of subtle musical gems sees Real Estate frontman effortlessly recount the joys of youth musicOMH
The second solo album from the Real Estate frontman defaults to carefree songwriting that explores sacred moments of adolescence in the Jersey suburbs Pitchfork
Courtney might give the impression that he's aiming for a low-stakes, minor effort to pass the time in Magic Signs, a stopgap until moving on to a relatively more ambitious project. But he couldn't be more in his element, shifting in and out of focus as he recaptures his youthful wonder No Ripcord
Regina Spektor Home, before and after
She may still be trying to find the right balance between her larger soundscape and storytelling, but Home, before and after is an exciting evolution that feels both old and new Beats Per Minute
Soccer Mommy Sometimes, Forever
It’s music to laugh about our former selves at, just as much as it’s perfect to get drunk and eat ice cream to – and in that, it could define a whole new generation. But for now, it will totally define this summer Beats Per Minute
This is an album filled with good songs Northern Transmissions
Zola Jesus Arkhon
It is a wild ride The Music
Perfume Genius Ugly Season
A ground-breaking and difficult art object that challenges categorisation The Arts Desk
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.
"Foals deliver an effervescent start to their new chapter with Life Is Yours" (The Line Of best Fit). "A superb antidote to the gloominess of the world we’ve all been facing" (The Skinny)
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