5 January 2026
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 solo album from the Elbow frontman with the help of members from I Am Kloot and The Whip
7.0
Finds Garvey and his “favourite players outside Elbow” on superlative, genre-hopping form. Print edition only
For fans it’s a win-win: another angle on one of Britain’s best songwriters. Print edition only
Lyrically, as ever, Garvey's skill lies in combining romantic poeticism with sandpaper wit Read Review
A collection of songs from a musician unencumbered by expectation or industry pressure Read Review
Courting the Squall sees him engage with similar topics, but the music is different (and possibly signposts Elbow’s next steps?) Read Review
This is the best album Garvey has worked on since The Seldom Seen Kid Read Review
As vivid and beautiful as Elbow Read Review
Garvey goes down a storm with songs straight from the heart Read Review
As down-to-earth and likeable as its creator, this is an enjoyable collection that mostly avoids the pitfalls of solo albums by members of successful bands that are still very much a going concern Read Review
Ultimately, 'Courting the Squall' is full of engaging charm and portrays all of the romanticism and wit that Guy Garvey has undoubtedly become known for Read Review
A very hit and miss project Read Review
There's not a lot of squall in Elbow frontman Guy Garvey's solo debut, but there are more than enough promising moments to justify this eclectic venture Read Review
Nuanced music for grownups Read Review
His solo work casts an intriguing light on the songwriter’s day job, but stands up on its own as a fine piece of work Read Review
‘Courting…’’s most alluring moves, though, come with the brilliant junkyard blues bits; ‘Angela’s Eyes’ and ‘Yesterday’ Read Review
Many of these homely songs feel like they should have been on Build A Rocket Boys, but without the jagged bluster Read Review
How much you value such gently experimental foraging over Elbow’s typically rousing melodies might determine your enjoyment of this Read Review
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Guy Garvey: Courting the Squall
Perfume Genius Glory
The album’s gestation was not easy, a bout of depression experienced during Covid dragging up old demons. But any sense of despair is marvellously braised with a searing wit Hot Press
Dijon Baby
The man has hits, but Baby is his apotheosis thus far. All Music
Deftones Private Music
private music doesn’t exactly launch Deftones into any unexplored territories, nor does it reimagine the beloved band in any new light. But, as it turns out, Deftones don’t need to do either to squeeze their sound into 2025 Consequence Of Sound
Heartworms Glutton For Punishment
It's an album that invites listeners to confront discomfort, embrace imperfection, and find beauty in some of our darkest and scariest places The Line Of Best Fit
Suede Antidepressants
Britpop stalwarts get abrasive on 10th album Hot Press
Overall, Antidepressants is a nice throwback to ‘80s post-punk music Spill Magazine
With Antidepressants, Suede embrace their station as unlikely alt-rock elder statesmen, crafting an album that embodies a life well lived All Music
A solid, pleasantly dense record from a band who’ve been solid for decades yet DIY
Dove Ellis Blizzard
The ambitious young Irish balladeer crafts a debut album that’s heavy on the drama, letting moments of anthemic beauty peak through his cryptic delivery Pitchfork
Quietstorm of a debut from assured Irish singer-songwriter. Galway-born, Manchester-based musician Dove Ellis arrives fully formed on this self-produced debut, wielding his love of legato phrasing with a dramatic poise that has attracted justifiable comparisons to Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright. Print edition only Uncut
Blood and birds thread menacingly through these often-cruel songs but again and again, Ellis’s choruses suddenly soar heavenward, epiphanies torn from an unblinking heart. Print edition only Mojo
billy woods GOLLIWOG
Never less than compelling, it confirms him as one of hip hop’s most compelling stylists. Print edition only Record Collector
Prolific veteran rap auteur drops bleak, compelling sequel to Maps. Print edition only Mojo
On Golliwog the Brooklyn rapper confronts real-life horrors with a powerfully bleak vision Rolling Stone
Little Simz Lotus
The UK rapper battled self-doubt and legal woes in the run-up to her sixth album; now, however, framed by uncluttered jazz- and rock-influenced production, she sounds in command and at ease Pitchfork
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
Rosalía Lux
Kendrick Lamar Damn.
D'Angelo And The Vanguard Black Messiah
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Ghosteen
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Hayley Williams Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways