17 January 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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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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Sleaford Mods The Demise of Planet X
Continues their mission to hold a mirror up to broken Britain in the cold light of day, revealing the sagging eyes, manky teeth, the spot-ridden skin, and just how shit everything is Under The Radar
With colourful noise and wisdom, the Sex Pistols of modern sprechgesang show that you don’t have to take the decline lying down NME
As dysfunction becomes more apparent in the U.K. and beyond, Sleaford Mods may not offer any easy answers, but musically at least, they're more committed to progress than the society around them All Music
Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore Tragic Magic
Simply put, Tragic Magic is an affecting, powerfully gentle testament to the alchemy that comes from sharing the burdens - and opportunities - of hard times with love and creativity All Music
With tight production and clear ideas, the duo’s eighth album gleams technically while documenting a world that very clearly does not musicOMH
On their debut album together, two longtime friends and peers synthesize their respective styles, seeking out new directions and new ways of connecting Pitchfork
Jenny on Holiday Quicksand Heart
On her debut solo album, the English singer-songwriter—and member of Let’s Eat Grandma—channels childlike wonder and joy with euphoric hooks and a nostalgic synth-pop palette Pitchfork
Stella Donnelly LOVE AND FORTUNE
The songwriter performs a penetrating and generous post-mortem of a lost friendship in pearlescent little showstoppers where her voice is often barely adorned at all Pitchfork
Jenny on Holiday captures love’s emotions on an intimate, confessional record wrapped in a glossy, pretty synthpop package PopMatters
Its best songs are worth a relisten; taken as a whole, though, it’s something of a disappointment The Line Of Best Fit
Dry Cleaning Secret Love
Secret Love contains some of Dry Cleaning’s prettiest moments, even as the lyrics are at their most dire The Line Of Best Fit
Florence Shaw's low-spoken abstract vignettes and dryly comedic, poetic flights of fancy are the key ingredient The Arts Desk
What Tragic Magic understands early on is that limitation can be a compositional force rather than an obstacle Spectrum Culture
The Cribs Selling A Vibe
By polishing their sound and developing their melodies, the Cribs have expanded what they do without resorting to anything radical Spectrum Culture
Though it may be categorized as experimental or avant-garde, Tragic Magic is an accessible and rewarding listen. It's music you can get lost in, or get lost to Exclaim
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