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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Sixth album of lo-fi alt rock from the London multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter Alex Shields
6.5
'Passover' is a great album. It's made with a depth and nuance which allows it to give as much back to the listener as they're willing to put in Read Review
It’s not an album made for background listening, it’s made for losing yourself in completely, and, in that, it succeeds perfectly Read Review
While many albums of loss are as hard to hear as they are beautiful, Shields has opted for a somewhat more welcoming approach Read Review
Captures the spectre of death but its existential meditations can be obscured Read Review
Lavish you with warmth and joy it will not, but as it engulfs you with grief and sadness Passover feels more like an album Shields had to get out of his system than an offering for others Read Review
Tracks come and go with little but Shield's soft voice and squeaky guitar. Print edition only
A record based on loss and the aftermath at the family home, it has it’s moments of plain emotion, but at times it feels as if the pain was almost too much to get across Read Review
Chastity Belt Live Laugh Love
See review link XS Noize
Ride Interplay
Essentially, after spending decades dabbling in different notions of psychedelic rock, Ride have gone synth-pop in 2024 Spectrum Culture
They seem determined to do whatever the hell they like and have fun with it The Arts Desk
Overall: troubled, unflinching, but tuneful and triumphant. Print edition only Mojo
Here [on "Yesterday Is Only A Song"] and on the best tunes of Interplay, Ride feel wonderfully, unexpectedly, younger than yesterday. Print edition only Uncut
It's commendable that Ride continue to reach beyond their past, but the best moments of Interplay are the ones that remind the listener what made the band so unique to begin with All Music
Closing with the sighing reflection of ‘Yesterday Is Just A Song’, Ride seem to be embrace and move past their illustrious past, resulting in one of the most finessed, intriguing albums of their career to date Clash
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
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
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