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30 April 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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Bon IverSABLE, fABLE

"Soulful, almost spiritual in its delivery" (10/10 - DIY). "Marks a return to his fragile folk roots" (9/10 - musicOMH). "Revels in its sense of joy and collaboration" (8/10 - The Skinny)

Craig FinnAlways Been

"The Hold Steady bandleader has never sounded so alive" (8.5/10 - Paste Magazine). "Another rousing success from Finn" (8.4/10 - Northern Transmissions). "Probably his finest solo album to date" (8/10 - musicOMH)

DeafheavenLonely People With Power

"Deafheaven’s best album yet, and one that serves as a snapshot of a band at the peak of their powers" (9/10 - The Line Of Best Fit). "As singular and engrossing as heavy albums get" (8/10 - DIY)

Japanese BreakfastFor Melancholy Brunettes (and Sad Women)

"Deliciously nuanced songwriting shines" (10/10 - NME). "The album’s production is imbued with a rich sense of depth and warmth" (9/10 - Slant)

Edwyn CollinsNation Shall Speak Unto Nation

"A fine album overflowing with excellent musical moments" (8/10 - Clash). "All of this music is a blast, an affecting display of the emotional textures which Collins has always dealt in so confidently, regardless of his health issues" (8/10 - Record Collector)

DivorceDrive To Goldenhammer

"Early contender for album of the year, Divorce are jumping to the front of the next-big-thing-queue" (10/10 - The Skinny). "Rare to find a debut album that exudes as much honesty" (9/10 - Clash)

Sam FenderPeople Watching

"Every song on People Watching is carefully crafted to remain with the listener" (10/10 - The Skinny). "Sam Fender is no longer just a vital voice in UK rock; he’s perhaps the most essential one" (10/10 - Dork)

Martin Simpson

Vagrant Stanzas

The latest solo release from the long-serving folk singer-songwriter and guitarist features Richard Hawley among its co-producers

ADM rating[?]: 8.0
Label: Topic
UK Release date: 29/07/2013
US Release date: 17/09/2013

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10.0 57216
10.0 | The Arts Desk

Few people can tell these stories with as well-judged a combination of silken tones and fiery steel, evoking the blood and terror with both passion and measure
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8.0 57217
8.0 | The Independent

Simpson applies his dazzling fingerstyle technique to a broad range of material
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8.0 57218
8.0 | The Guardian

Shows off his guitar, banjo and vocal skills in an intimate but varied solo set
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8.0 57219
8.0 | Daily Telegraph

Simply a delight
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8.0 57220
8.0 | Evening Standard

A record of austere beauty and purity
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