27 October 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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The former Busted boyband member turned emo/rock merchant with Fightstar is transformed into an indie folk singer-songwriter
5.4
Our hero has two important things on his side: a robust way with a tune and a swag-bag rammed with glorious multi-tracked harmonies Read Review
Charlie Simpson has found a shoe that fits better than anything he's tried before Read Review
He has captured that easy listening quality alongside his raw vocals and certified himself a successful solo artist Read Review
Solid rather than spectacular, his Eddie Vedder croon occasionally let down by a lyrical clunker Read Review
Acoustic rock with made-to-order emotional gravity Read Review
Pretty terrible Read Review
Leaving Simpson alone to his songwriting devices, a box of inherited vinyl and a comedown does not a nu-folk star make Read Review
It's pretty terrible. Print edition only
Will be a hit with anyone who’s ever brought an acoustic along to a festival, but, sadly, it’s not for us Read Review
Anonymous and innocuous in equal measure Read Review
Sees him trying out the earnest stance of the "authentic" singer-songwriter. Print edition only
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Charlie Simpson: Young Pilgrim
Michael Kiwanuka Fudge
A mostly brilliant effort from Michael Kiwanuka that serves as a showcase for his improvements in songwriting, as well as his ear for great melodies Spill Magazine
Tony Iommi From The Dark
From The Dark is a strong, latter career highlight that sees Iommi seamlessly pickup from where he left off over a decade ago in what hopefully ignites the start of a new era for Iommi Spill Magazine
A portrait of an artist in-progress — still learning, still adapting and still evolving rather than staying complacent and safe once set Exclaim
This LP seems to have more of a hazy, late night essence. There is still an underlying melancholia but there is something lighter and hopeful. The strings are euphoric, the extended codas are extravagant and kaleidoscopic, stretching out for ever and ever in a glorious wall of sound, as on ‘Just Another Moment’ God Is In The TV
Fontaines D.C. Dopamine Chamber
While there is no doubt Fontaines D.C. will rightly go down as one of the era’s greats, this LP shows them struggling to close the gap between ambition and lasting impact PopMatters
Wishy Natures Pill
Indianapolis indie poppers Wishy take their sound to a new level of craftsmanship and catchiness with Nature’s Pill. It’s one of the year’s best records PopMatters
Sheryl Crow Pick You Up
Sheryl Crow prioritizes compassion and connection in Pick You Up, her most political album to date PopMatters
Teaming with Norwegian vocalist Jørn Lande, the 78-year-old Black Sabbath guitarist gets back to heavy-metal basics on a proudly uncompromising new solo album Pitchfork
Doomheads may regret this new record isn't an experimental black mass of riffs. Fans of lacy-sleeved hard rock, however, will lean into the tuneful thunderstorm. Print edition only Uncut
The whole thing is biblically, sometimes exhaustingly epic, but a timely reminder of Iommi's pioneering musicianship. Print edition only Mojo
From The Dark is the sort of album where nothing is out of place - everything adds to its integrity, and to the brooding atmosphere of foreboding. Print edition only Record Collector
Considering that Tony Iommi is one of, if not the, most significant heavy metal figure in the current landscape, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t believe From The Dark to be a deeply significant moment in his career Far Out
Iommi’s vision and intentions make for a seriously powerful set of tunes that will keep plenty of Metalheads more than happy The Arts Desk
This is a splendid album, brilliantly performed and recorded; it is forward-looking and completely able to hold its own in the contemporary metal world Louder Than War
A reaffirmation of the man’s elemental power and enduring importance Kerrang!
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