9 July 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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Third studio album from the Malian singer and guitarist and son of Ali Farka Touré
7.4
He's taken his father's meld of Malian rhythms, drones, and melodies with American blues to an entirely new level Read Review
The long, swirling guitar patterns remain. Print edition only
Vieux can blaze, soar and widdle as well as any western axe hero. Print edition only
Strikes a fine balance between old and new, preserving the essence of Malian blues – hypnotic, interlacing guitar grooves – and adding the backbeats and hooky choruses Read Review
It's the desert blues tracks that stand out, including the last with Vieux's father Ali Farka Touré which forms a magnificent centrepiece Read Review
Vieux Farka Touré is very much his own man as a musician and recording artist Read Review
Living up to his father's lofty reputation is no mean feat, but this record should silence any doubts that Vieux is an important artist in his own right Read Review
Trademark cyclical guitar motifs to the fore Read Review
He joins American peers for a crossover set that slays, primarily because the players come to his music, not the other way around Read Review
His father would have approved Read Review
It can take a while for The Secret's moodier charms to take hold; but existing fans won't be disappointed Read Review
Concentrates on blues-rock, albeit rooted in the traditions of his homeland Read Review
Takes his driving desert blues down an overtly rocky path with a bevy of American guitarists Read Review
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Vieux Farka Touré: The Secret
Wet Leg moisturizer
Moisturizer is a bold, confident blast fuelled by the security and invincibility of a deep love. Print edition only Uncut
Moisturizer shows, decisively, that while the metal gauntlets might be very much on, creatively, Wet leg's gloves are off. Print edition only Mojo
Gwenno Utopia
A reflective journey through memory and identity from an artist who proves that her music knows no boundaries, linguistic or otherwise musicOMH
Tinged with a sense of growth and resilience, Utopia is a work that spans 25 years. That surely deserves a celebration The Quietus
Gwenno roams the cities of her youth on her vivid fourth album, Utopia The Skinny
'Utopia' might be a result of employing a form of astral projection The Arts Desk
The band’s propensity for catchy, danceable garage-punk remains intact Slant Magazine
Kesha . [Period]
Following years of tumult, the newly-independent Kesha is ready for Top 40 glory. Her new album excels when she’s doing it on her own terms PopMatters
Kesha fills her first fully independent album with accordion disco, stadium-sized twang, and too many hooks to handle. It’s… confusing Pitchfork
Spikier, sleazier and sexier, the Isle of Wight duo defy second album syndrome musicOMH
U.S. Girls Scratch It
Though Scratch It is more low-key than one has come to expect of U.S. Girls as of late, it is undeniably a commanding statement that feels like a musical victory lap Beats Per Minute
Period is an album of lukewarm nostalgic bops, where the few moments of truly interesting artistry are left to languish alone in their respective corners Sputnik Music (staff)
A disappointing missed opportunityMaybe after this spell of touring, they need to go off and live their lives instead of rushing back to album number three. A disappointing missed opportunity God Is In The TV
There’s no sniff of second album syndrome here. moisturizer oozes confidence and Wet Leg continue to play to their strengths in style The Skinny
Lorde Virgin
The New Zealander sings dramatically about new selves, the body and gender fluidity on her fourth release The FT
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
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
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