28 March 2024
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
Tyla Tyla
TYLA will remain as the expertly crafted record that allowed amapiano a moment to shine before new audiences Beats Per Minute
TYLA’s debut album taps into the emerging energies of spring to produce one of 2024’s most insistent projects. The world is hers Clash
The South African singer follows the success of "Water" with a sweet full-length statement Rolling Stone
There are plenty of savvy, intriguing ideas on this self-titled debut that show off the South African artist's range NME
TYLA is turned up to 11 – there is little emotional or energetic dynamism on the album, but every song is club-ready, danceable and infectious The Line Of Best Fit
Julia Holter Something in the Room She Moves
The LA musician's latest processes difficult life changes while juggling them with gratitude for new beginnings, but does so in a manner that mirrors how these conflicts really feel, creating something evocative and challenging even in its more muted turns Paste Magazine
Elbow Audio Vertigo
Guy Garvey and company return with renewed energy, a punchier attack and infectious grooves on Elbow’s tenth studio album, Audio Vertigo PopMatters
Julia Holter drips her semi-conscious thoughts on the musical canvas to access her artistic sensibility, but she seems a bit unsure of the process PopMatters
Empress Of For Your Consideration
Lorely Rodriguez’s fourth album is a dazzling showcase for her unexpected vocal and production approach as she experiences the peaks and valleys of heated romance Pitchfork
Gossip Real Power
Beth Ditto’s second solo LP turned into a full-fledged Gossip comeback once her bandmates got involved. Rick Rubin captures the carefree vibes of old friends enjoying each other’s company Pitchfork
If her latest is any proof, Rodriguez is finally comfortable with herself – not just as a writer who excels at leaving melodies on your tongue, but as a lover, a dancer, and her own shooting star Clash
Waxahatchee Tigers Blood
With Tigers Blood, Katie Crutchfield has consolidated her position as one of the finest songwriters in modern independent music Beats Per Minute
Elbow are back! Northern Transmissions
On her sixth album, Katie Crutchfield teams up with MJ Lenderman, the Cook brothers and Spencer Tweedy to create hard-won and time-worn brilliance Paste Magazine
Tierra Whack World Wide Whack
The influential but less-than-prolific Philly rapper returns with a spare, casually compelling full length Spectrum Culture
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
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Skeleton Tree
Frank Ocean Channel Orange
Dave We’re All Alone In This Together