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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Eighth studio album from the New Orleans-born rapper released while in jail in Rikers Island
6.8
He is so prolific he sometimes spreads himself a lil' thinly. Not here Read Review
Lil Wayne is pop's most reliable deliverer of unadulterated fun. He's also the greatest rapper alive Read Review
His languid, nasal style nods to his southern roots and the massive productions of the highlights Right Above It and What's Wrong With Them make the man who calls himself Weezy sound like the hip-hop grandee he's fast becoming Read Review
Weezy dominates every track and the end result is a lot stronger than Tha Carter III Read Review
Print edition only
The Lil Wayne who could make masterpieces out of autobiography...seems to be on temporary retirement Read Review
An interim album while he prepares to work on 'Tha Carter IV'. Print edition only
Wayne has already done better versions of almost every song on I Am Not a Human Being Read Review
Serves as a potent reminder that Wayne is still capable of both greatness and awfulness Read Review
Acts as a reminder to people that despite being behind bars he’s still here, not necessarily at the top of his game, but definitely present Read Review
Human Being is a primer for his planned post-prison album Read Review
The best tracks are those which pair Wayne with his protegé Drake, especially the single Right Above It Read Review
Though this is a flawed and scattershot project, Wayne remains an artist who makes music like a pâtissier--his songs are frivolous, delicious, and meant to be relished for just a moment Read Review
An average record that delivers and fails to do so simultaneously, while serving as a reminder that Lil Wayne is dedicated to his continued improvement as a premier MC Read Review
This is a fun record, but Lil Wayne at his peak was a world-beater. It would feel great to welcome that version of Wayne home again Read Review
This isn’t a terrible album, it’s simply a weak one; especially considering the heights Lil Wayne is capable of reaching Read Review
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Lil Wayne: I Am Not a Human Being
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