8 June 2025
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 studio album from the London-based jazz, funk, Afrobeat, world music and tribal pop collective led by former Acoustic Ladyland saxophonist Pete Wareham
7.7
This careening exhortation is a near-perfect soundtrack to counter the confusion, fear, and anger in the era of COVID-19, and any other catastrophe that befalls us Read Review
The six-piece have retained a strong sense of the wonderfully free spirit improvisers they are on stage, but with Youth and Ben Hillier on production duties there is a more refined focus to their output. 100% Yes in turn deserves greater focus from the world at large Read Review
While this album sometimes struggles to maintain focus in its thematic range, the music never misses a beat as it reaches far and wide Read Review
Kushal Gaya's vocal hooks bristle with political fury as polyrhythms jostle with George Crowley and Pete Wareham's brass riffs. Print edition only
An escape from life’s realities in the sprawling expanse of experimental music Read Review
This album is the most joyful, and therefore best, new companion I’ve discovered throughout the lockdown period; party on, Melt Yourself Down Read Review
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Little Simz Lotus
The Londoner raps about getting through tough times on her gripping new record The FT
Pulp More
More is classic Pulp, aged to near perfection All Music
On Lotus, the exceptionally gifted rapper is more vulnerable than ever, yet this only pushes her to be at her most self-empowering All Music
Turnstile Never Enough
Bookended by the rousing title track and radiant "Magic Man," it's a success from start to finish, offering a deft blend of surprise and satisfaction All Music
The Sheffield band’s first album in 24 years is the sound of life moving on, of time eroding us beautifully, and the miracles we’re lucky enough to have whack us in the face in the course of a day Paste Magazine
NEVER ENOUGH is an open invite to be part of something and experience community. If that's not worthy of our continued respect and reverence, I'm not sure what is. Turnstile remain the ambassadors we need, and their latest album is proof of their lasting legacy Exclaim
After ending the creative partnership behind her hit albums, the British rapper responds with a striking ode to the trauma and wisdom of truly growing up Rolling Stone
The Britpop icons’ first album since 2001 sees them evolve in both sound and outlook Rolling Stone
Forget the headlines, Little Simz is the greatest rapper alive. What else is there to talk about? The Line Of Best Fit
If NEVER ENOUGH proves one thing, it's that Turnstile has a bright blue horizon ahead of them. The sky is the limit now The Line Of Best Fit
Death In Vegas Death Mask
Juddering drum tracks are surrounded by a fog-like haze of effects, smudging the canvas like a muddy weather system The Arts Desk
A surprisingly moving reflection of the big issues - family, death and companionship - as he processes his feelings through caustic noise and deep-flanged techno. Print edition only Uncut
Death Mask makes for a visceral, at time abrasive listen. Print edition only Mojo
Fearless has taken the Death in Vegas project in numerous seemingly unrelated directions over the years, and few who have been following him since the big beat era could have predicted him making noisy, uncompromising techno influenced by Terrence Dixon and Pan Sonic All Music
On Death Mask, Fearless lifts the lid on what lies beneath and exposes his true self in ways that he’s always been reluctant to entertain. Fearless honesty suits him. The Quietus
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
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
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