13 September 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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Debut album of lo-fi, summery, reverb-soaked indie pop from the Brooklyn band led by Dustin Payseur
6.9
Each song is built around ... joyous riffs, which are soon joined by rapidly picked basslines and some of the driest drums this side of The Cure’s A Forest. It’s simple, and for the most part devastatingly effective Read Review
The sound of life being enjoyed for the simpler things and getting over the rest. It makes for a languidly pleasing bout of escapism at the very least Read Review
Even if you think you've mentally checked out of anything summery and lo-fi, this is a wonderful record Read Review
For the sake of your summer, this is one record that you absolutely must try get into. It’s certainly not the most intelligent thing that’s been released this year, but it’s certainly amongst the sunniest Read Review
Eleven evenly balanced tracks which drift and dissolve into each other amidst a confident blurring of heat and light Read Review
There are stripped down Velvet Underground references colliding with The Cure, Flying Nun lo-fi strumming filtered through New Order’s bass and guitar riffery Read Review
Beach Fossils are not about to win any originality awards. This is a sound you’ve heard before, but not always with such carefree charm Read Review
There’s appeal in listening to sharp, jaunty rhythm-sections and Payseur’s guitar delivering one memorable riff after another. But the appeal stops there Read Review
These melodies are all pretty and pleasant and would serve great as a soundtrack to early-evening summer barbecues Read Review
It does peak and then glide, resting perhaps too much on the laid-back beach-bum vibe Read Review
As a whole, Beach Fossils’ wandering spirit is felt on occasion, but devoid of any pertinent connection Read Review
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Beach Fossils: Beach Fossils
David Byrne Who Is The Sky
The artist’s new album of bright, bustling pop is positioned as a celebration of reasons to be cheerful. Often its fountain of optimism feels like a firehose of forced positivity Pitchfork
Ed Sheeran Play
On the enjoyably moreish Play, the ‘culturally Irish’ star sounds as if he’s back on form. Although we’ve only had time for a quick listen The Irish Times
Baxter Dury Allbarone
This record plays like his shot for glory, and with tracks as hooky and well-constructed as "Mockingjay" or the title track, there's no reason he shouldn't hit the big time All Music
Parcels Loved
While not for cynics, LOVED is a late-summer delight that comes at audiences with open arms. Comfortable dancing shoes recommended for listening All Music
Parcels have built something contagious here, with a joy that leaves you feeling that little bit lighter when you’re done with it Dork
Loved is a departure for Parcels but one that is constantly invigorating, the group are clearly incredibly relaxed and that is reflected in the calming, and highly enjoyable soundscape they have created on this record The Line Of Best Fit
The star of this entire record is without question the harmonies. They are razor sharp, technically astounding and forever charming, leaving you wanting more of them at the close of every song Far Out
Maruja Pain To Power
They really have taken a complicated moment and made it into a fantastic piece of music Far Out
Incredible lead single Look Down On Us is just one of three tunes here that capture Maruja’s free-flowing approach by stretching out to the 10-minute mark Kerrang!
The Manchester jazz-punks let loose on their savage debut album through cathartic outpourings of fury, despair and love NME
The thrill of this band is the extremes. From moshpits one minute and silence the next, they are in command with their music, unifying the crowd God Is In The TV
This band and this record want you to punch a hole in the wall, ask if you're willing to step through it – and then beckon others to do the same The Line Of Best Fit
Maruja emerge from the studio with raucous rap-rock and meandering jam music in tow, resulting in an album full of the same songs several times over. By the end, listeners may feel they have deja vu. Fans may feel they have dementia The Quietus
Rage-infused music of dissolution Clash
Jade That's Showbiz Baby!
Debut solo album by Little Mix singer is packed with incident and a multitude of musical styles musicOMH
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
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Skeleton Tree
Frank Ocean Channel Orange