14 July 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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Third solo album from the ex Beta Band frontman, produced by Elbow’s Craig Potter
7.7
Direct, uncomplicated and beautifully affecting Read Review
Capable of moving and energising its audience in equal measure, Mason has refined his art to a remarkable extent. He’ll have a job bettering it, but you’d be unwise to bet against it Read Review
The most concise and immediate record Mason has released in over a decade Read Review
Fans of any of Mason's earlier projects will find something to love on what is easily the gifted popsmith's best solo effort to date Read Review
Witty, uplifting, tear-jerking and improves with every repeat listen Read Review
Closing track “Words in My Head” marks the breakthrough, a rousing conclusion to a fine album Read Review
Doesn’t demonstrate the same anger or variety of Mason's earlier releases, but it is one of the most cohesive releases of his long career. Read Review
Brit shape-shifter hits his solo creative peak. Print edition only
Songs of warmth and hope from Beta Band survivor Read Review
Mason’s songwriting has never before sounded so beautifully at peace, buoyed by the weightlessness of emotional resolution Read Review
Now in his early 40s, Mason sounds like an artist finally finding his creative stride Read Review
Meet the Humans evolves into something that's both gentler and more experimental, while at the same time being very recognisably Mason Read Review
Expansive, victorious third from experimental pop survivor Read Review
Everything feels bigger, brighter and breezier Read Review
Overall there is a notable lack of risk, which makes the album feel too safe Read Review
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Steve Mason: Meet The Humans
Wet Leg moisturizer
After the whirlwind of their debut album, the Isle Of Wight band could have capitulated to the pressure. Instead, they return smarter, sexier and altogether stronger NME
There’s also a fluidity to the entirety of Moisturizer that ventures beyond the limitations of the debut and everything Wet Leg signalled in their early stages Far Out
Barry Can’t Swim Loner
Loner is an easy improvement over Barry Can't Swim's debut album, and he retains his ability to craft reflective, sentimental material while strengthening his skills at making airtight tracks designed to ignite the dancefloor All Music
Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers double down on the weird energy of their debut The Independent
Rhian Teasdale and co’s second album brilliantly refines all that was great about their brash, bouncy debut The Irish Times
After winning multiple Grammys and Brits, the Isle of Wight band explore love and sexuality on their second LP – but there’s still room for some barbed put-downs The Guardian
Wet Leg’s balance of danger and relaxation pays off in this turbulently fun listen. Excitingly crafted and dangerously sharp, moisturizer is the sound of someone rolling their eyes at how lovesick they’ve become, then shrugging before seeing how far it’ll take them Northern Transmissions
Gwenno Utopia
Utopia is different from her previous work not just because of the language shift, but because of how it was made. Instead of starting electronically, Gwenno composed most of these songs on piano, recording live with her band in her living room. That choice gives Utopia organic warmth. The human touch is evident in how the instruments breathe together Northern Transmissions
Another that sounds like it will be blasted from windows of all kinds whenever the sun shines The Arts Desk
On his latest record, Barry Can’t Swim cements himself as a boundary-pushing voice in electronic music, one fluent in mood, movement, and meaningful reflection The Skinny
U.K. indie-rockers party hard and travel fast on their great second album Rolling Stone
Gwenno’s songwriting matures compellingly on Utopia The Line Of Best Fit
Kesha . [Period]
Kesha’s . is a mess of a statement The Line Of Best Fit
Pulp More
Far more than the themes of aging, sex, and loss, Pulp’s More straight-facedly spreads the word of love and it is the start of something new — a rebirth PopMatters
The Scottish producer trades sun-soaked bliss for emotional introspection – without losing the big drops 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
Spiritbox Tsunami Sea
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