29 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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Much-anticipated debut full-length hip hop mixtape from 23-year-old Harlem rapper Rakim Mayers
7.6
By reaching every-damn-where he could, ASAP Rocky both sidesteps this pitfall and becomes one of the year’s most exciting voices Read Review
Mayers’s laid-back, off-kilter rhymes knock out a heady narrative about his main concerns in life. A dashing statement of intent Read Review
Although it can be tempting to focus on the mere sonic architecture of this tape, ASAP’s rhyming is LiveLoveA$AP’s one element that confirms he is not only bound for fast stardom, but also that he’s sharp enough to deserve it Read Review
LiveLoveA$AP is the sort of album that clocks in at nearly an hour but feels like it’s over in half that Read Review
Simply one of the best hip-hop records of the year Read Review
It's the sometime producer of Lil B, Beautiful Lou, who brings a real freshness. Working on Kissin’ Pink and Trilla, it’s over his hazy, slumbering beats where Rocky's laidback flows truly flourish Read Review
The year’s most stylish mix-tape, a melting pot of nearly every major underground rap trend of the last 16 months Read Review
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Sum 41 Heaven :X: Hell
Despite its imposing 20-count tracklist, ‘Heaven :x: Hell’ never drags, instead firing through hit after hit; time flies when you’re having fun, and Sum 41’s discography is a testament to that. It’s a grand culmination of their work so far Dork
It's a high energy, fun and skillful way to say goodbye The Arts Desk
The Canadian icons leave nothing in the tank on their final LP, a career-spanning double album that carries the occasional hint of their glory days NME
There will be doubters and there will be haters, but Heaven :x: Hell is Sum 41 at their zenith and is, without any shadow of a doubt, the album of their career. What a way to leave Kerrang!
With Heaven :x: Hell, what Sum 41 has given us is a true grand finale, and it's one worth reveling in Sputnik Music (staff)
Chastity Belt Live Laugh Love
See review link XS Noize
Ride Interplay
Essentially, after spending decades dabbling in different notions of psychedelic rock, Ride have gone synth-pop in 2024 Spectrum Culture
They seem determined to do whatever the hell they like and have fun with it The Arts Desk
Overall: troubled, unflinching, but tuneful and triumphant. Print edition only Mojo
Here [on "Yesterday Is Only A Song"] and on the best tunes of Interplay, Ride feel wonderfully, unexpectedly, younger than yesterday. Print edition only Uncut
It's commendable that Ride continue to reach beyond their past, but the best moments of Interplay are the ones that remind the listener what made the band so unique to begin with All Music
Closing with the sighing reflection of ‘Yesterday Is Just A Song’, Ride seem to be embrace and move past their illustrious past, resulting in one of the most finessed, intriguing albums of their career to date Clash
When they delve into the big guitar histrionics of yesteryear, as on “Light in a Quiet Room,” the results are breathtaking Under The Radar
Sheryl Crow Evolution
It is somewhat predictably a soundtrack of life-affirming but slightly knocked-about beige wisdom wearing a pair of cowgal boots The Arts Desk
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