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 full-length album from the Olympia, Washington trio
6.8
This savage young trio offers a stiff reminder of those bygone halcyon days when Chad Channing drummed for Nirvana instead of Dave Grohl Read Review
Looking for an album to blast away the cobwebs? You’ve come to the right place Read Review
The album as a whole plays out like a person struggling with sanity, and the song titles reflect this Read Review
This is a bruising, effective set, whatever the year may be, and one that really could only have come from one place Read Review
Strange Wilds carry more than a hint of their illustrious heritage. However, they have plenty to make them stand out from the crowd Read Review
Loud, sneering, and heavy-set, ‘Subjective Concepts’ could come wrapped in a rain-soaked plaid shirt Read Review
Their unrefined grunge tones and twangs almost make Subjective Concepts feel like an overlooked album from back in the day Read Review
Sounds like it was raised on ‘Bleach’-era Nirvana and aligns the band with their Washington peers Milk Music and Naomi Punk Read Review
They are a powerful outfit, and Subjective Concepts is cohesive and fierce. But there's a fine line between "influenced by" and "outright derivative" Read Review
Reference points? Try TAD, The Jesus Lizard and (duh!) Nirvana, but when Subjective Concepts hits hardest, ticking names off a checklist won’t matter Read Review
Imitation might be the most sincere form of flattery, but for Strange Wilds it isn’t too complimentary Read Review
Though the group manage to display flashes of powerful punk prowess, their debut record cant quite escape the shadows of their considerable Northwest predecessors Read Review
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Strange Wilds: Subjective Concepts
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