29 March 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.
Browse specific styles
Third album from the Northern Mali band produced by Matt Sweeney, guitarist with Skunk, Chavez and Zwan
7.9
Optimisme deals in the same joyous protest music Songhoy Blues are known for, only now bolstered with a grit that matches the multi-lingual lyrics. “Don’t worry/You’re going to be happy/Keep fighting today/That smile will come one day”. Optimisme indeed Read Review
At times it hits harder and heavier than anything they've attempted before. Print edition only
It's an adrenalin rush to experience rather than listen to, and the 11 tracks are over too soon. Print edition only
Songhoy Blues produce song after song that is resolutely up-tempo, exuberant and loaded with optimism Read Review
Both the funk stomper Bon Bon and the highlife inspired Fey Fey feature jumpy guitar signatures that John Frusciante would be proud of, and the tracks Bare and Korfo foam and twist like dust storms carried across the breeze Read Review
A record that punches as hard as an early AC/DC album, but is still as danceable as a Rick James cut Read Review
Roll over video for more options
Ride Interplay
Essentially, after spending decades dabbling in different notions of psychedelic rock, Ride have gone synth-pop in 2024 Spectrum Culture
They seem determined to do whatever the hell they like and have fun with it The Arts Desk
Overall: troubled, unflinching, but tuneful and triumphant. Print edition only Mojo
Here [on "Yesterday Is Only A Song"] and on the best tunes of Interplay, Ride feel wonderfully, unexpectedly, younger than yesterday. Print edition only Uncut
It's commendable that Ride continue to reach beyond their past, but the best moments of Interplay are the ones that remind the listener what made the band so unique to begin with All Music
Closing with the sighing reflection of ‘Yesterday Is Just A Song’, Ride seem to be embrace and move past their illustrious past, resulting in one of the most finessed, intriguing albums of their career to date Clash
When they delve into the big guitar histrionics of yesteryear, as on “Light in a Quiet Room,” the results are breathtaking Under The Radar
Sheryl Crow Evolution
It is somewhat predictably a soundtrack of life-affirming but slightly knocked-about beige wisdom wearing a pair of cowgal boots The Arts Desk
It’s hard to see Evolution as anything less than a gift – something positive put out into the world. Sheryl Crow is just what the doctor ordered The Line Of Best Fit
The vibe is familiar but the sound is fresh and, better still, Evolution isn't ponderous: it's brisk and bright, keeping its focus squarely on the gifts that brought Crow into the Rock Hal All Music
With ‘Evolution’ it feels like this has been an album she has been itching to make and she has done so with wisdom, purpose and candour Clash
Chastity Belt Live Laugh Love
Overall this record is a heady, expansive treat. Print edition only Mojo
Chastity Belt's latest asks that we move through the world with just a bit more compassion and humour — a little life, a little love, a little laughter Exclaim
Chastity Belt are dovish and disarming on Live Laugh Love, which explores the self. It’s unadulterated self-expression in its purest form PopMatters
By opening up their songwriting process, the band have managed to carve out an even more singular sound. The possibilities from here seem endless DIY
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