25 August 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 Afghan Whigs Soft Control
Greg Dulli and The Afghan Whigs have been an important and singular part of the indie rock firmament for their entire career. Soft Control is the latest example of their excellence Under The Radar
Brandon Flowers Thrasher
Though certain skeptical attitudes are held regarding Flowers as an artist and man, THRASHER ranks among the year’s most enjoyable and perhaps intriguing listens Under The Radar
Lambchop Punching The Clown
There are probably other currently operating indie acts that are nearly 20 albums in (or more), but safe to say none where they continue to operate at peak creativity Under The Radar
The Killers frontman does a solid job channeling his Nashville heroes on Thrasher, but the mystery train doesn’t always stay on track Rolling Stone
Julia Holter Materia
As a companion to Something, it’s a pleasant listen that still shows just how inventive Holter can be as a composer Far Out
Materia might be only 7-tracks long but it’s a transformative experience for the listener in how music doesn’t have to be completely brand new but can be recycled and reshaped God Is In The TV
This companion piece to Something In The Room She Moves epitomises the Los Angelino's duality of fluidity and restlessness musicOMH
A wonderful testament to following ideas and feelings wherever they lead All Music
Experimental composer Julia Holter returns to 2024's Something in the Room She Moves to tend to some unfinished business The Skinny
Compelling even when she isn't trying that hard. Print edition only Mojo
Holter plays with time throughout, from the electro-ambient dream "Clepsydra" (named after the ancient water clock) to the 10-minute standout "My Twin". Print edition only Uncut
The art-pop artist’s latest album, a companion piece to 2024’s Something in the Room She Moves, moves from calming chaos to stirring minimalism Paste Magazine
Rather than pushing every composition toward some big payoff, Holter enjoys the silence Slant Magazine
Kurt Wagner reinvents his band yet again, this time slimming down to a bare-bones acoustic setup and stripping away the studio artifice. But his storytelling remains as expansive as ever Pitchfork
With Waylon Jennings’ drawl and a profound sincerity, the Killers frontman sells the blustery, Nashville-via-Utah sound of his gaudy but affecting new country album Pitchfork
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