30 April 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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Fifth album of rap and pop from the Trinidad-born MC from Queens, New York with guest appearances from J. Cole, Lil Wayne, Tate Kobang, Drake, Lourdiz, Lil Uzi Vert, Skillibeng, Skeng and Future
6.6
While similarities to her 2010 original may run only name-deep, this sample-heavy – and sometimes emotional – material certainly holds its own Read Review
Refusing to be hemmed in, it’s a record of real ambition, an example mirroring fan-pleasing tendencies with actual artistic growth Read Review
Stepping away from Barbie-Girl pop towards her strengths as a rapper, this is the sound of a more mature artist in fierce command of her talent Read Review
The sound of Nicki Minaj cracking her knuckles and getting her hands dirty again. It’s the purest distillation of her uniquely feminine bravado Read Review
Pink Friday 2 is a long album, and it’s going to get longer Read Review
Thirteen years after her landmark album Pink Friday, the pop-rap superstar aims to conjure and build on that moment with an ambitious 22-song statement that is a very mixed bag Read Review
The pop-rap phenomenon is back with her first album in five years Read Review
While some moments of interpolation are more inspired, the musician’s increasing reliance on recognisable samples can start to feel like cruise control Read Review
Unlike its predecessor, the album doesn’t leave much of an impression. Read Review
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Self Esteem A Complicated Woman
The UK star repeats some of her breakout album’s formula but little of its lacerating insight on a record where the Big Feminist Statements feel frustratingly basic Pitchfork
Self Esteem has returned with one of the most important albums of 2025 Clash
Femi Kuti Journey Through Life
The album is a triumph for Femi Kuti, reflecting his tireless dedication to his father’s legacy, in addition to his own artistic vision Far Out
The apple doesn't fall far, as they say, and a 62-year-old Femi is still raging against the system on Journey Through Life. Print edition only Record Collector
Kuti plots a way forward with the high-energy "Shotan" and "Corruption Na Stealing", his message ultimately uplifting. Print edition only Uncut
Best of all is Politics Don Expose Them, which hits hard yet swings on great horn lines and a catchy call-and-response chorus. Print edition only Mojo
Femi Kuti injects fresh energy into afrobeat on Journey Through Life The Line Of Best Fit
Samia Bloodless
What also makes Bloodless so special is Samia’s ability to find moments of unadulterated joy amidst it all Beats Per Minute
Sunflower Bean Mortal Primetime
“Please check if I’m breathing,” they sing on the fourth song of the album. If you have a pulse, you will find something on this album to enjoy Northern Transmissions
Prioritise Pleasure, in its snarling ferocity, began with a pack of women barking, shrieking to ward off male prey. A Complicated Woman is more of a whimper Northern Transmissions
Viagra Boys viagr aboys
Viagr Aboys dares to be stupid, smart, ugly, and sincere all at once Northern Transmissions
On the trio’s fourth album, the louds are louder, the quiets quieter, no power chord or lilting lullaby so fey it can't be goosed just a little bit more. Glam pivots to folk, hair-metal melds seamlessly with soft rock, yet it never once trips over itself with an out-of-place reference or hoary retread Paste Magazine
The New York musician’s third album may also be her best. The writing is richly human and gladly vulnerable, fearlessly interrogating what makes up a self Paste Magazine
For as much as the singer-songwriter has an undeniable knack for melodic hooks that permeate throughout the different shades of her alt-pop permutations, it's her lyricism that I've always found most compelling Exclaim
SUMAC & Moor Mother The Film
For those who care, The Film is one to be treasured Sputnik Music (staff)
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
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
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