13 September 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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Debut LP of synth-pop centred indie from the young Mancunian quartet led by Alexander Hewett, fresh from a stint as a touring musician for Charlotte Gainsbourg
6.8
A clever, fascinating and intricate triumph Read Review
If they do decide to go missing again, at least Egyptian Hip Hop leave behind a debut album for us all to get irretrievably lost in Read Review
Many bands trip over themselves while exploring new ground, but these young chaps - who, we must remember were wrongfully dubbed ‘Egyptian Drip Plop’ by a certain Viva Brother - have done so with graceful ease Read Review
Intrepid and long-awaited debut from the boy wizards. Print edition only
Their early, punky tunes carried flourishes of post-DFA dance music, whereas the songs here are now imbued with modern electronic music's more liquid, experimental spirit Read Review
An altogether uneven album that finds not an inconsiderable amount of its charm in that very unevenness Read Review
A bold and slightly odd return that underscores the quartet’s intricate layers Read Review
Like all good drug experiences, inventiveness soon gives way to repetition and Good Don’t Sleep falls into a pattern, several tracks indistinguishable from others Read Review
Never startling, never seizing your attention, it simply washes over you Read Review
Interesting textures trump actual songs, making this an album that's easier to admire than it is to love Read Review
The biggest letdown is frontman Alex Hewlett's sometimes shockingly weedy voice. Print edition only
Truth is Egyptian Hip Hop’s debut falls short of expectation – it just drifts without any real highs or lows. A missed opportunity Read Review
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Egyptian Hip Hop: Good Don't Sleep
David Byrne Who Is The Sky
The artist’s new album of bright, bustling pop is positioned as a celebration of reasons to be cheerful. Often its fountain of optimism feels like a firehose of forced positivity Pitchfork
Ed Sheeran Play
On the enjoyably moreish Play, the ‘culturally Irish’ star sounds as if he’s back on form. Although we’ve only had time for a quick listen The Irish Times
Baxter Dury Allbarone
This record plays like his shot for glory, and with tracks as hooky and well-constructed as "Mockingjay" or the title track, there's no reason he shouldn't hit the big time All Music
Parcels Loved
While not for cynics, LOVED is a late-summer delight that comes at audiences with open arms. Comfortable dancing shoes recommended for listening All Music
Parcels have built something contagious here, with a joy that leaves you feeling that little bit lighter when you’re done with it Dork
Loved is a departure for Parcels but one that is constantly invigorating, the group are clearly incredibly relaxed and that is reflected in the calming, and highly enjoyable soundscape they have created on this record The Line Of Best Fit
The star of this entire record is without question the harmonies. They are razor sharp, technically astounding and forever charming, leaving you wanting more of them at the close of every song Far Out
Maruja Pain To Power
They really have taken a complicated moment and made it into a fantastic piece of music Far Out
Incredible lead single Look Down On Us is just one of three tunes here that capture Maruja’s free-flowing approach by stretching out to the 10-minute mark Kerrang!
The Manchester jazz-punks let loose on their savage debut album through cathartic outpourings of fury, despair and love NME
The thrill of this band is the extremes. From moshpits one minute and silence the next, they are in command with their music, unifying the crowd God Is In The TV
This band and this record want you to punch a hole in the wall, ask if you're willing to step through it – and then beckon others to do the same The Line Of Best Fit
Maruja emerge from the studio with raucous rap-rock and meandering jam music in tow, resulting in an album full of the same songs several times over. By the end, listeners may feel they have deja vu. Fans may feel they have dementia The Quietus
Rage-infused music of dissolution Clash
Jade That's Showbiz Baby!
Debut solo album by Little Mix singer is packed with incident and a multitude of musical styles musicOMH
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
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Skeleton Tree
Frank Ocean Channel Orange