8 November 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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First new songs since 2004 from the reformed Boston alt.rock band on a four-track EP recorded in Wales with producer Gil Norton
4.3
Three out of the four songs are at least enjoyable, one of them an absolute blinder Read Review
While it doesn’t reach the impossibly high standards of their back catalogue, there’s enough promise to suggest there are good times ahead Read Review
Black Franic sounds more collected than the circumstances demand Read Review
The songs on EP1 contain none of the revelatory brilliance of the group’s original albums Read Review
It has its moments, but on the whole it leaves a lot to be desired Read Review
It’s a minor tragedy that it was released, and it’s almost enough to make me wish the reunion never happened Read Review
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Sorry COSPLAY
Dressed to impress. Print edition only Record Collector
Asha Lorenz's dreamy, deceptively casual vocals soften the sharp edges throughout and help foster an overall coherence even amid Cosplay's outbreaks of giddy chaos. Print edition only Uncut
Danny Brown Stardust
After the insular mood of Quaranta, with its themes of addiction and depression, it’s refreshing to hear Brown having unabashed neon-lit fun The Quietus
The Detroit rapper feared his music would get dull after he went sober, but no-one could be bored by this guest-stuffed, chaotically swaggering new album The Guardian
Sobriety may have taken a long time to achieve, but it’s strapped a rocket to this album without sacrificing any of the glorious weirdness that always made him such a compelling figure Dork
His ambition remains undimmed as he opens this new chapter DIY
A rejuvenated, feature-packed return to form for one of the most innovative rappers around The Skinny
The album finds the Detroit rapper discovering a new lust for life Slant Magazine
Danny Brown looks and sounds better today than ever before, and his latest offering is a testament to his restored health and balance. Don’t forget he’s been in the game for over two decades at this point, yet you’d never guess it from listening to his music Clash
If Sorry “died” making this album, then we can only hope that whoever emerged in their place continues heading down the foreboding path to the pits of hell Clash
Rosalía Lux
A heartfelt offering of avant-garde classical pop that roars through genre, romance, and religion Pitchfork
The album rewards patience as you luxuriate in the breadth of the singer’s world Slant Magazine
Hatchie Liquorice
‘Liquorice’ is Hatchie at her best yet: it’s poignant, poetic, and above all else, utterly hypnotic Clash
Pilbeam has succeeded in creating the culmination of Hatchie; now is the best time to relish her bittersweet brilliance The Line Of Best Fit
The secret weapon here is how charming it all is. ‘Liquorice’ is warm, likeable and just eccentric enough to keep you leaning in Dork
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