1 June 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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The tenth album from this German duo sees them delving into house and techno
7.1
If the textures and beats are winking and mischievous, the overall sense of musical structure is dead serious and, ultimately, virtuosic Read Review
Mouse On Mars are returning in triumphant and rapturous fashion, both sealing their reputation as relentless innovators while basking in the glory as beacons of inspiration Read Review
MoM’s sound remains startlingly distinctive: evidently enough to ensure their continuing relevance and vitality Read Review
Parastrophics sees the duo returning in part to their house and techno roots, but thankfully the signature schizoid humour and restlessness remains Read Review
Atomised techno pop for listeners who think they’ve heard it all Read Review
It might not be as approachable as Radical Connector, but after Varcharz, it’s a very enjoyable return Read Review
Mouse on Mars sound overjoyed to be back, and they continue let their freak flag hang in the wind, deftly balancing the weirdness with a terse sampling of moods and colours Read Review
Mouse on Mars are still a highly experimental unit, but they're not quite as invincible as they once seemed Read Review
Veteran blip-squishers splatter everything left Read Review
Parastrophics is that rare thing: an IDM album that snaps, crackles and pops with life Read Review
A surreal pop record that gleefully warps the tones and inflections of modern radio tunes into funhouse mirror abstractions Read Review
A laptop glitch-heavy record Read Review
Their touch is immaculate. Print edition only
Moments on jubilant techno romping prove that Mouse On Mars are still on polyhedric form. Print edition only
It’s incredibly fun, but after awhile it becomes exhausting Read Review
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Mouse On Mars: Parastrophics
Willie Nelson The Border
In all likelihood, Nelson’s 75th studio album won’t be his last. But the wisdom he imparts in a love song would bring to a profound close a career that’s as intimate as it is enormous Spectrum Culture
The country legend sings about escaping grief and the mysteries of the road on his latest album, and adds an epic story-song about immigration to his catalog Rolling Stone
Overall, The Border is an exquisite collection of tracks that not only emphasises Nelson’s artistic longevity (he’s 91) but also demonstrates his enduring ability to craft or convey profound and relatable narratives through song musicOMH
His gruff grumble suits the narrator’s weary stoicism, and not for the last time on this album, those gnarled fingers wring flamenco flavoured miracles from the fretboard of that battered, antique Martin. Print edition only Uncut
There are some upbeat moments (good ol' boy Made In Texas) but mostly it's on the slow side, a tempo in which Willie excels. Print edition only Mojo
Arooj Aftab Night Reign
The singer and composer’s wondrous fourth album deepens the sound of her boundless folk-jazz style. Its gestures are bold, romantic, and often unforgettable Pitchfork
Aftab has conflated the sounds of her heritage with more elegance and affinity than ever before, creating a jazz-Lahorian sound akin to Billie Holiday performing in the foothills of the Himalayas Far Out
Night Reign is darker than dark with only Aftab’s voice as a guide; yet it upturns the unlikeliest of finds Beats Per Minute
Mercurial and moody soundscapes are infused with wistful romance in one of the Grammy-winning singer and composer’s most spirited records to date The Guardian
Night Reign is a powerful, sensuous, and commanding illustration of the artist's mature vision. It reveals just how receptive, and even vulnerable she is to the spirits of creative inquiry, possibility, and revelation All Music
Dizzied, delirious, conflicted, Night Reign draws in tight around you. Print edition only Mojo
Her songs feel so neatly woven that they deny all attempts to tease them apart. Listening to Night Reign, you mostly find yourself focusing on Aftab’s voice – a rich and smoky thing, gentle and open-hearted on “Whiskey”, reaching back through the centuries on “Na Gul”. Print edition only Uncut
She has worlds in her voice, as intimate and expansive as her own imagination Rolling Stone
Throughout the album, it feels like Aftab is standing on the precipice of transformation—taking a moment to peer into a wild, fluorescent new future and admire all it could have in store Spin
Isobel Campbell Bow To Love
Opiated float-music, smeared to an often delicious gentleness 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