20 September 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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Latest album from the Japanese experimental / modern classical composer written and recorded in while recovering from cancer treatment
7.9
A record of endurance, struggle and the lingering ability to create something new. 12 shows a path can be made, even into that unknown Read Review
As much as these graceful and meditative pieces became threnodies for Sakamoto's condition, 12 is also something of a personal and creative victory for the composer. Print edition only
‘12’ is not an album to take lightly. It is an album to listen to intently as often as you can Read Review
The solo musician and Oscar-winning composer has made a fascinating album of instrumentals Read Review
The methodical way in which the album has been put together is surprisingly artful and induces touching moments of real beauty Read Review
The album is a paradoxically delicate yet fearless plunge into the unknown Read Review
In a dozen somber, elegiac pieces for piano and electronics recorded in the wake of a cancer diagnosis, the Japanese composer reckons with his own mortality Read Review
There is beauty in Sakamoto’s latest work, but will listeners have the patience for it? Read Review
A poignant, peaceful listen Read Review
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Wednesday Bleeds
It has all the ingredients and themes explored, the witty lyrics depicting eccentric narratives, soulful steel and melodic guitar, whether scratchy or tender Clash
Biffy Clyro Futique
It’s a good effort in their catalogue with some shining moments, but it’s unlikely to invite those in who aren’t already fans of the band Clash
Karly Hartzman leads her North Carolina band in another triumph. The careful songwriting and coiled performances wrestle with the many fiascos of life and love Pitchfork
Alice Cooper The Revenge Of Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper still possess artistry in spades. As their new album reveals, the band’s musical bond was too strong to be broken by time—or even by death PopMatters
Kieran Hebden and William Tyler 41 Longfield Street Late ‘80s
It’s ultimately futile to fight the album’s considerable charms, culminating in “When It Rains”, a low-lit, minimalist beauty that eventually curdles into a storm of fiercely shrieking guitar feedback and electronic dissonance The Line Of Best Fit
Bringing some straight up country sounds to the mix broadens Hartzman’s palette and the added variety makes Bleeds an across the board winner Under The Radar
Jade That's Showbiz Baby!
Jade has released one of the most fun, ambitious and varied debut albums of the year. It was more than worth the wait God Is In The TV
NewDad Altar
Dawson resists, bawling the word 'hate' on the scathing 'Roobosh', as if she were Poly Styrene or Siouxsie Sioux The Arts Desk
Not too extreme, but also not safe; Biffy Clyro soar elegantly here The Arts Desk
With more eyes on Wednesday than ever before, Karly Hartzman has delivered a record that’s lean, confrontational and lived-in NME
Looking inward for a reason to go on, the Scottish rock legends draw on their best moments and a Bowie-esque European sheen for a vulnerable yet life-affirming blast NME
On the indie rock outfit’s fourth album, darkness and humor uplift each other with jocose morbidity as Karly Hartzman’s pen amplifies them both Paste Magazine
Maruja Pain To Power
Musically, Pain to Power doesn’t stick to one genre. The raw edge of post-punk collides with jazz, doom, rap-rock, and post-rock ambience Northern Transmissions
Bleeds is an album of being kept awake by the trivial, a collage of bleary-eyed snapshots of the humorously mundane and our attempts to wrestle with their unsightliness Northern Transmissions
Violent Nature might be the most honest record I Prevail have given us in their quick rise. Having come through big change, they’re embracing their new reality, and delivering on their promise to be one of the finest metalcore acts of their time Kerrang!
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
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Skeleton Tree
Frank Ocean Channel Orange