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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Latest lo-fi indie pop project from Manchester's Gary McClure, recorded straight to tape at home after a relocation to St. Louis
6.9
He's shown that he can make a great record with any old junk at his disposal Read Review
By times lo-fi and dreamy, at others basking in melodic power-pop. Print edition only
He may sound like an actor from a land that time forgot but McClure is clearly a talented individual Read Review
This has the feel of a 21st century private press album, with benefits that you don’t get from just any self-released album: catchy songs Read Review
The album feels birthed out of a fleeting and unpredictable moment of inspiration, urgent but without the burden of undue foresight or planning Read Review
The highlights of American Wrestlers reveal themselves immediately, but elsewhere on the record McClure demonstrates a curious ability to bury concise hooks in otherwise-doughy or unfinished song Read Review
A strange, echoey piece of pop culture that seems out of place in time and space Read Review
McClure's cool charm makes these homespun songs feel like long-lost guitar-pop gems, newly discovered and barely dusted off Read Review
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American Wrestlers: American Wrestlers
Ride Interplay
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
It’s hard to see Evolution as anything less than a gift – something positive put out into the world. Sheryl Crow is just what the doctor ordered The Line Of Best Fit
The vibe is familiar but the sound is fresh and, better still, Evolution isn't ponderous: it's brisk and bright, keeping its focus squarely on the gifts that brought Crow into the Rock Hal All Music
With ‘Evolution’ it feels like this has been an album she has been itching to make and she has done so with wisdom, purpose and candour Clash
Chastity Belt Live Laugh Love
Overall this record is a heady, expansive treat. Print edition only Mojo
Chastity Belt's latest asks that we move through the world with just a bit more compassion and humour — a little life, a little love, a little laughter Exclaim
Chastity Belt are dovish and disarming on Live Laugh Love, which explores the self. It’s unadulterated self-expression in its purest form PopMatters
By opening up their songwriting process, the band have managed to carve out an even more singular sound. The possibilities from here seem endless DIY
The four-piece’s dreamy fifth album is refreshingly lucid and the culmination of each member's lifelong musical evolution taking the collective whole to new heights Paste Magazine
Jlin Akoma
On her dazzlingly detailed new album of experimental post-footwork, the Indiana producer pushes extreme rhythmic precision so far that it begins to feel psychedelic Pitchfork
Tyla Tyla
The South African singer’s star-making debut is a lithe, contemporary take on pop-R&B that pulses with the log-drum heartbeat of amapiano Pitchfork
Adrianne Lenker Bright Future
Bright Future’s recording style mirrors the listener’s experience: as time goes on, these songs and the emotions associated with them will inevitably deepen, transmute, and attach themselves to the memory of different people Rolling Stone
The Staves All Now
There are times when the multi-coloured music on All Now can sound Americanized (understandable with American producer John Congleton once again at the helm) but the lyrics are written with idiosyncratic English cautious optimism that will make it relate especially to those from England, while also providing perhaps helpful insight to the uninitiated God Is In The TV
Julia Holter Something in the Room She Moves
An interpretive reflection of the giddy dizziness that one might feel when enjoying life’s unpredictable now God Is In The TV
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