21 April 2026
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 album from the London rapper featuring guest appearances from Drake, Naira Marley, Jorja Smith, Burna Boy, Popcaan, CB, Villz and Boss Belly
7.3
The London rapper’s third album extends his carnal and philosophical investigation of masculinity against lush, robust beats that evoke a distinctly Black British take on G-funk Read Review
Back after three years away, the east Londoner is polarised between feelgood summer tracks and bleak reportage – but he makes it all cohere, despite some terrible sex puns Read Review
Beautiful and Brutal Yard displays both the beauty and brutality of the world, from a man at the top but also aware of where he came from. It is an album that connotes the essence of home, and his home is his music Read Review
On his third album – and first since 2020 – the British star taps Drake, Burna Boy and more for a scattershot burst of brilliance Read Review
No other artist commands rhythm and rhyme like Hus, and it’s patently clear that the Stratford rapper is enjoying making music again, which is a blessing for the rest of us Read Review
The Stratford rapper is back with both fiery drill cuts and forays into a smoother sound Read Review
The London rapper inhabits various roles on his third album, from badman to Casanova Read Review
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Johnny Blue Skies & The Dark Clouds Mutiny After Midnight
A revolutionary country-funk masterpiece Mojo
They Might Be Giants The World Is to Dig
They're also practitioners of the ancient art form of popcraft, constructing tight, clever confections then working with longtime co-producer Pat Dillett to ensure the hooks are delivered cleanly and efficiently. They remain funny, too. Print edition only Mojo
Tomora Come Closer
Dance don Tom Rowlands and Norwegian phenomenon Aurora take us on an otherworldly rave as an "exceptional" supergroup NME
Jessie Ware Superbloom
On Superbloom, Jessie Ware goes toe-to-toe with the law of diminishing returns The Skinny
Self-effacing pop diva indulges in carnal pleasures Clash
Building on the sumptuous disco stylings of her last two albums, this time the mirrorball - and the horniness - giddy right up musicOMH
Angine de Poitrine Vol.II
The duo’s ability to match the experimentation with a sparkling energy and infectious drive suggests that Vol. II would impress even if its creators dressed in nothing more eye-catching than road-worn jeans and T-shirts The Line Of Best Fit
The third album in the singer’s disco trilogy feels like something brighter and more perennial Slant Magazine
Ware doesn’t just sound like a natural dancefloor maestro. She proves to be a force of nature Under The Radar
Neither a Chemical Brothers record with a guest vocal, nor an AURORA record with heavier production, Come Closer feels more like a shared space, with each artist’s approach left largely intact Spectrum Culture
Glittering, supersized dance juggernaut fuses the Chemical Brother’s propulsive electronica and the Norwegian’s icy, eerie singing and production The Irish Times
Overstimulating, eerie, weird and wild Dork
Occasionally uneven effort from art-pop star and dance maestro Hot Press
Tomora comes off as a good-natured side quest, freely venturing into unexpected territory and maintaining an adventurous spirit All Music
Raye This Music May Contain Hope
Grander, louder and packed with even more lyrics than her debut, Raye’s THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. is perhaps the best and first must-listen in pop music this year Spectrum Culture
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
Rosalía Lux
Kendrick Lamar Damn.
D'Angelo And The Vanguard Black Messiah
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Ghosteen
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Hayley Williams Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways