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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Fifth full-length album from singer-songwriter Erin Birgy featuring contributions from members of Big Thief, Hand Habits and Iji
7.7
It's part folk-rock fantasy, part avant-pop mind trip, and all gorgeous. Print edition only
Birgy is a rare talent who, a decade into her career, might just be due her moment. Print edition only
Erin Birgy’s voice is as direct and unsettling as Dory Previn’s Read Review
Dolphine’s songs are mystical, yes – but by no means are they not also tough, topical and profound Read Review
Even though her dreamscapes are surreal, there are moments that jolt. Print edition only
Birgy's command over both her arrangements and Dolphine's emotional flow meet with some of her best songs, making the album her strongest statement in a history of exceptional work Read Review
Erin Birgy’s fifth album feels like the heartfelt expression of a uniquely weird viewpoint. It flits from groovy jazz to psych-pop to sylvan folk with freaky glee Read Review
It’s the sound of Mega Bog reaching for the musical freedom Birgy’s been pursuing for years. She’ll get there soon enough Read Review
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Jlin Akoma
The Indiana-based footwork producer and Pulitzer Prize finalist broadens her horizons on her first album in seven years Paste Magazine
The Jesus and Mary Chain Glasgow Eyes
Glasgow Eyes isn’t far off being a great record, but those drops in quality aren’t just blips, they’re chasms Beats Per Minute
Beyoncé Cowboy Carter
There’s no question that Cowboy Carter is a landmark record. Arguably, an inevitable one. But once the dust of its audacity settles, it misses the mark of a classic The Line Of Best Fit
Straying far beyond its original country concept, the musician’s eighth album straddles the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the blues – and Becky with the Good Hair via Dolly Parton’s Jolene The Guardian
The Black Crowes Happiness Bastards
The Robinson brothers’ greatest successes have been with the Black Crowes. Perhaps that’s why they agreed to reunite for this album, finally (but no doubt grudgingly) admitting that they do their best work when they’re playing together Spectrum Culture
Four Tet Three
Small soundscapes grow and expand without dominating Hebden’s aural trademarks Spectrum Culture
Adrianne Lenker Bright Future
A deceptively quiet solo outing from the Big Thief singer carries a vibrant emotional impact Spectrum Culture
On Akoma, all bets are off. Jlin pulls inspiration from everywhere, and even though the source material couldn’t be further from each other, they all meld together under her idiosyncratic eye Spectrum Culture
The Staves All Now
Returning with only two of the three sisters, they feature a sound threatening to eat them whole Spectrum Culture
Life-affirming songs from Jessica and Camilla Staveley-Taylor The Irish Times
The beginning of a new chapter for the reconfigured duo centres on gentle, wistful folk pop with an emphasis on harmonies musicOMH
The Staves have shown they’re happy to branch out into more indie-rock territory which sits well alongside their folk roots Clash
Tyla Tyla
TYLA will remain as the expertly crafted record that allowed amapiano a moment to shine before new audiences Beats Per Minute
TYLA’s debut album taps into the emerging energies of spring to produce one of 2024’s most insistent projects. The world is hers Clash
The South African singer follows the success of "Water" with a sweet full-length statement Rolling Stone
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