4 June 2023
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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Fifth album from London-born jazz pianist featuring guest appearances from Bongeziwe Mabandla and Kaya Thomas-Dyke
7.5
‘Variables’ gently pushes Alfa Mist in a newer direction, there are glimpses of his usual evocative and bassy tones, but overall the project is almost absent of his vocal presence Read Review
The arrangements and musicianship are consistently top-notch throughout, and the mood maintains a balance between reflection and optimism, making for one of Alfa Mist's most accomplished and enjoyable works to date Read Review
Warm, subtle jazz rubs shoulders with hip-hop and R&B in an evocative album that hits the sweet spot between accessible and experimenta Read Review
Alfa Mists addresses a key weakness in so much contemporary jazz - it actually has some decent tunes. Print edition only
The cumulative effect is lulling and hypnotic. Print edition only
Variables can be forgiven for going hard on the, well, variety, and everything here is skillfully constructed and played, whatever the genre Read Review
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Beach Fossils Bunny
Beach Fossils’ latest album distills the best of their daydreamy indie-pop with new wisdom and existential angst. But they’re just still as laid-back as you remember Pitchfork
If you allow yourself the time to uncover all of its layers of depth, that glow only becomes brighter Clash
The moderate pacing and more personally derived songwriting make the album one that demands closer attention to fully understand and enjoy, but it rewards that attention with some of the band's most nuanced and subtly detailed pop constructions to date, ultimately revealing new depths both musical and emotive Albumism
Payseur's vocals might still sound diaphanous, his lyrics still concerned with small moments of sadness and pleasure, but there is now a structured professionalism here that will delight and confound others. Print edition only Mojo
Every moment shimmers with atmosphere, as the rippling melodies and contoured choruses enclose Payseur's knotty ruminations in sun-dappled serenity. Print edition only Uncut
Bunny's performances are pristine: the record navigates its hooks, sonic sways and immaculate v..v..vibes with palpable ease Sputnik Music (staff)
Rufus Wainwright Folkocracy
Reminisces about his folk-oriented upbringing on tranquil and relaxing Folkocracy The Line Of Best Fit
Turning 50 is, if you’re Rufus, a good excuse to bring famous friends and family round to make a new album inspired by the sort of music he listened to while growing up musicOMH
While the album does delve into unusually -- for Wainwright -- rustic traditional fare, selections keep listeners on their toes by not only broadly defining folk, but with a slew of diverse guest singers and arrangements that, at least occasionally, stray into lush orchestral territory. All Music
If it has little earth under its nails, with any background maid or shepherd perfectly cast and choreographed, there are still plenty of lovely, curious tableaux - among them David Byrne's dreamy appearance on Moondog's High On A Rocky Ledge, or Nina Simone-inspired Cotten Eyed Joe, featuring Chaka Khan. Print edition only Mojo
He puts a uniquely Rufus twist on the likes of "Shenandoah" and "Wild Mountain Thyme" of course, singing them in his best operatic tenor with a touch of John Jacob Niles. Print edition only Uncut
It is a worship album for the very notion of folk itself, and an exploration of where it has gotten him thus far Paste Magazine
While, for the most part, this is a celebration of other artists’ folkocracies, Wainwright is well aware of his own place within all of this. The cover of ‘Going To A Town’ is case in point, but more obvious still is the collaborations with other members of the Wainwright clan Clash
Ben Folds But Here We Are
The album amounts to a relatively familiar reflection on aging and the passage of time Slant Magazine
What Matters Most is also tied together with a consistent underlying sense of dread. With its brushed snare, simmering piano, and tender vocal delivery, the elegant "Moments" closes the album with a call for optimism, even in absence of reason All Music
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