3 September 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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Jim James Wowed Out
James’ latest record offers a collage of modern-day musings to soundtrack the overstimulated mind, lifting you away from the intensity of everyday life and onto a journey towards some much-needed relaxation Far Out
At this phase of his career, James sounds increasingly like a guide to relaxation, to being aware of rhythms and to paying attention to how cast-off sounds might become diamonds over time Spectrum Culture
The My Morning Jacket frontman sounds graceful and unburdened on his latest solo album. It’s his strongest work in a decade Pitchfork
Though the LP intended to be experienced as a whole, the buoyant "Come Again", the gently grooving "Hands On" and the summery "Lost Child" the lone newly written song - unfurl with James' familiar rhythmic soulfulness. Print edition only Uncut
Cynics might call the message simplistic, but when the results are as beautiful as Whole Heart (Into It), James' invitation to roll with it proves mighty irresistible. Print edition only Record Collector
As a rescue operation on his archives, Wowed Out is a triumph, but James, in his wisdom, might just be out to save your sanity, too. Print edition only Mojo
Dexy Midnight Runners LOVE
If this is the end, it's a poignant and graceful farewell. Print edition only Uncut
Producer David Holmes gives LOVE a warm, organic richness. If it were to be Dexys' final album, LOVE feels like a fitting end to the journey that started with Searching For The Young Soul Rebels. Print edition only Mojo
LOVE is the first album credited to Dexys Midnight Runners since 1985, an apposite gesture since the themes and undertones link back to Don’t Stand Me Down PopMatters
The word ‘love’ is sung over 60 times on the album; old love, lost love, parental love, familial love, love for country and concern for future. Like the greatest of Dexys works, its flaws contribute to the entire picture Record Collector
Arab Strap Half-Told Tales
Hal-Told Tales flip from splenetic guitar noise to minimal electro grooves and ambient spoken-word pieces. Print edition only Mojo
Over Malcolm Middleton's fertile arrangements, Moffat's poetry offers the reassurance that good people still exist in the world. Print edition only Hot Press
Their Malcolm Middleton-orchestrated musical backdrop is as exciting and unpredictable as ever. Print edition only Record Collector
The downbeat duo can't help but wallow, but there's hope and joy in small moments on their latest The Skinny
Alabama Shakes I Must Be Dreaming
Recorded at Nashville’s Sound Emporium and Blackbird Studios, it expands their familiar collision of rock, gospel, blues and soul with flute, harpsichord, sitar and densely layered vocal arrangements Hot Press
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