Album Releases by User Score

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Blue Banisters
9.6
1.

Blue Banisters
by Lana Del Rey
October 22, 2021
The eighth full-length studio release for the singer-songwriter features production from Zach Dawes, Mike Dean, Dean Reid, and Gabe Simon.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
9.6
Red (Taylor's Version)
9.3
2.

Red (Taylor's Version)
by Taylor Swift
November 12, 2021
The new recording of Taylor Swift's fourth studio album features nine previously unreleased songs that include guest appearances from Phoebe Bridgers, Ed Sheeran, and Chris Stapleton.
Metascore:
91
User Score:
9.3
Love for Sale
9.1
3.

Love for Sale
by Tony Bennett
October 1, 2021
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga reunite for an album of Cole Porter songs accompanied by the Brian Newman Quintet with arrangements by Marion Evans & Jorge Callandrelli.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
9.1
A Beginner's Mind
9.1
4.

A Beginner's Mind
by Sufjan Stevens
September 24, 2021
The debut full-length release for the collaboration between Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine was inspired by such films as All About Eve, Bring It On Again, Night of the Living Dead, Mad Max, Point Break, Silence of the Lambs, and The Thing.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
9.1
kiCK iiiii
9.0
5.

kiCK iiiii
by Arca
December 3, 2021
One of the four releases on the same day for Arca's KICK anthology features a guest appearance from Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
9.0
An Evening with Silk Sonic
9.0
6.

An Evening with Silk Sonic
by Silk Sonic
November 12, 2021
The full-length collaboration between Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars was inspired by 1970s funk, soul and R&B; music.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
9.0
Optimist
9.0
7.

Optimist
by FINNEAS
October 15, 2021
This is the debut full-length release for the songwriter and producer who is best known for his work with his sister, Billie Eilish.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
9.0
Flux
9.0
8.

Flux
by Poppy
September 24, 2021
The fourth full-length studio release for the Boston-born artist was produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
9.0
Lifeforms
9.0
9.

Lifeforms
by Angels & Airwaves
September 24, 2021
The sixth full-length studio release for the alternative rock band led by Tom DeLonge is its first on the Rise label.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
9.0
Raise The Roof
8.8
10.

Raise The Roof
by Robert Plant And Alison Krauss
November 19, 2021
14 years after 2007's Raising Sand, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss reunite for their second full-length collaboration, with T-Bone Burnett also returning to produce.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.8
Crawler
8.8
11.

Crawler
by Idles
November 12, 2021
The fourth full-length release for the British punk band was recorded with co-producer Kenny Beats.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.8
Music for Psychedelic Therapy
8.8
12.

Music for Psychedelic Therapy
by Jon Hopkins
November 12, 2021
The latest full-length release for British electronic producer Jon Hopkins was inspired by the Tayos Caves of Ecuador.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.8
Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows
8.8
13.

Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows
by Damon Albarn
November 12, 2021
The second full-length solo release for Blur/Gorillaz's Damon Albarn was inspired by Icelandic and was originally planned as an orchestral project for Lyon's Fête des Lumieres.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.8
Ocean to Ocean
8.8
14.

Ocean to Ocean
by Tori Amos
October 29, 2021
The first full-length studio release for the singer-songwriter in four years was written during the pandemic lockdown in Cornwall, England.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.8
Juno
8.8
15.

Juno
by Remi Wolf
October 15, 2021
The debut full-length for the Los Angeles-based pop artist was co-produced by Jared Soloman.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.8
Seventeen Going Under
8.8
16.

Seventeen Going Under
by Sam Fender
October 8, 2021
The second full-length release for the British indie rock singer-songwriter was produced by Bramwell Bronte.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.8
9
8.8
17.

9
by Pond
October 1, 2021
The latest full-length release for the Australian psychedelic rock band was self-produced.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.8
kick iiii
8.7
18.

kick iiii
by Arca
December 3, 2021
One of the four releases on the same day for Arca's KICK anthology features guest appearances from Oliver Coates, Shirley Manson, No Bra, and Planningtorock.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.7
30
8.7
19.

30
by Adele
November 19, 2021
The first full-length release from Adele in six years features production from Ludwig Göransson, Inflo, Tobias Jesso Jr., Greg Kurstin, Max Martin, and Shellback.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.7
Voyage
8.7
20.

Voyage
by ABBA
November 5, 2021
This is the first new studio release of new songs in 40 years for the Swedish pop quartet.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.7
Projector
8.7
21.

Projector
by Geese
October 29, 2021
The debut full-length release for the Brooklyn indie rock band was mixed by Dan Carey.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
Shade
8.7
22.

Shade
by Grouper
October 22, 2021
The 12th full-length studio release for Liz Harris features songs recorded in the past 16 years in Mount Tamalpais, Portland, and Astoria.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
Friends That Break Your Heart
8.7
23.

Friends That Break Your Heart
by James Blake
October 8, 2021
The fifth full-length studio release for the British singer-songwriter features guest appearances from JID, Monica Martin, SwaVay, and SZA.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.7
Let Me Do One More
8.7
24.

Let Me Do One More
by Illuminati Hotties
October 1, 2021
The latest full-length release for the Sarah Tudzin project features guest appearances from Buck Meek and Alex Menne.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.7
KEYS
8.6
25.

KEYS
by Alicia Keys
December 10, 2021
Produced with Mike WiLL Made-It, the two-disc release from R&B; artist Alicia Keys features piano-based originals and more upbeat versions with drums.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.6
KicK iii
8.5
26.

KicK iii
by Arca
December 3, 2021
One of the four releases on the same day for Arca's KICK anthology is said to be "more manic, violently euphoric and aggressively psychedelic."
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.5
Valentine
8.5
27.

Valentine
by Snail Mail
November 5, 2021
The second full-length release for the Lindsey Jordan's indie rock project was co-produced by Brad Cook.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.5
The Path of the Clouds
8.5
28.

The Path of the Clouds
by Marissa Nadler
October 29, 2021
The latest full-length solo release for the singer-songwriter was inspired from watching Unsolved Mysteries episodes during the pandemic lockdown and features contributions from Jesse Chandler, Simon Raymonde, Emma Ruth Rundle, and Amber Webber.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.5
Thank You
8.4
29.

Thank You
by Diana Ross
November 5, 2021
The first new full-length studio release in more than 20 years for the artist known as Queen of Motown was produced with Jack Antonoff.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
8.4
Colourgrade
8.4
30.

Colourgrade
by Tirzah
October 1, 2021
The second full-length studio release for the British artist was co-produced by Mica Livi and Coby Sey.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.4
And Then Life Was Beautiful
8.4
31.

And Then Life Was Beautiful
by Nao
September 24, 2021
The third full-length studio release for the British artist features guest appearances from Adekunle Gold, Lucky Daye, Lianne La Havas, and serpentwithfeet.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.4
Barn
8.3
32.

Barn
by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
December 10, 2021
The latest full-length release for Neil Young & Crazy Horse was recorded in a replica of the barn (the original had collapsed) they recorded 2019's Colorado.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.3
Kick ii
8.2
33.

Kick ii
by Arca
December 3, 2021
One of the four releases on the same day for Arca's KICK anthology features influences from reggaeton.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.2
Hushed and Grim
8.2
34.

Hushed and Grim
by Mastodon
October 29, 2021
The eighth full-length studio release for the Atlanta metal band was produced by David Bottrill.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.2
In These Silent Days
8.2
35.

In These Silent Days
by Brandi Carlile
October 1, 2021
The seventh full-length release for the singer-songwriter features a guest appearance from Lucius and was co-produced by Dave Cobb and Shooter Jennings.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.2
Still Over It
8.1
36.

Still Over It
by Summer Walker
November 5, 2021
The second full-length release for the Atlanta R&B; artist features guest appearances from Cardi B, Ciara, JT, Ari Lennox, Lil Durk, Omarion, and Pharrell Williams.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.1
Mercurial World
8.1
37.

Mercurial World
by Magdalena Bay
October 8, 2021
This is the debut full-length release for the Los Angeles-based indie pop duo of Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.1
Talk Memory
8.1
38.

Talk Memory
by BadBadNotGood
October 8, 2021
The latest full-length release from the Canadian trio features guest appearances from Laraaji, Terrace Martin, Karriem Riggins, Brandee Younger, and Arthur Verocai.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.1
Things Take Time, Take Time
7.9
39.

Things Take Time, Take Time
by Courtney Barnett
November 12, 2021
The third full-length studio release for the Australian alternative singer-songwriter was produced with Stella Mozgawa.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
7.9
I Don't Live Here Anymore
7.8
40.

I Don't Live Here Anymore
by The War on Drugs
October 29, 2021
The fifth full-length release for the Philadelphia rock band led by Adam Granduciel is its first in four years.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
7.8
Prioritise Pleasure
7.8
41.

Prioritise Pleasure
by Self Esteem
October 22, 2021
The second full-length solo release for Slow Club's Rebecca Taylor was produced by Johan Karlberg.
Metascore:
92
User Score:
7.8
Sympathy for Life
7.8
42.

Sympathy for Life
by Parquet Courts
October 22, 2021
The seventh full-length studio release for the Brooklyn indie rock band was produced with Rodaidh McDonald.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.8
The Myth of the Happily Ever After
7.7
43.

The Myth of the Happily Ever After
by Biffy Clyro
October 22, 2021
The latest full-length release for the Scottish alternative rock band was produced with Adam Noble.
Metascore:
91
User Score:
7.7
My Morning Jacket
7.5
44.

My Morning Jacket
by My Morning Jacket
October 22, 2021
This is the first new studio release in six years for the rock band led by Jim James (who also produced the album).
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.5
Flying Dream 1
7.2
45.

Flying Dream 1
by Elbow
November 19, 2021
The ninth full-length studio release for British alternative rock band Elbow was recorded at the Theatre Royal Brighton.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.2
Bloodmoon: I
7.1
46.

Bloodmoon: I
by Converge
November 19, 2021
The debut full-length collaboration between Converge, Chelsea Wolfe, Ben Chisholm, and Steve Brodsky began recording in 2019 but was completed remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
7.1
Queens of the Summer Hotel
7.0
47.

Queens of the Summer Hotel
by Aimee Mann
November 5, 2021
The latest full-length solo release for the singer-songwriter was originally part of a planned stage musical adaptation of Girl, Interrupted.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
7.0
Music of the Spheres
6.2
48.

Music of the Spheres
by Coldplay
October 15, 2021
The latest full-length release for the British alternative rock band was produced by Max Martin and features guest appearances from BTS, Jacob Collier, Selena Gomez, and We Are KING.
Metascore:
55
User Score:
6.2
Equals
5.7
49.

Equals
by Ed Sheeran
October 29, 2021
The fourth full-length release for the British singer-songwriter was influenced in part by his marriage, the birth of his daughter and the death of a friend.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
5.7
The Lockdown Sessions
4.1
50.

The Lockdown Sessions
by Elton John
October 22, 2021
The latest full-length release for the pop singer-songwriter features both new originals and cover songs recorded remotely with such artists as 6LACK, Jimmie Allen, Glen Campbell, Brandi Carlile, Miley Cyrus, Gorillaz, SG Lewis, Lil Nas X, Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj, Stevie Nicks, Charlie Puth, Rina Sawayama, Surfaces, Eddie Vedder, Stevie Wonder, Years & Years, and Young Thug.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
4.1

Titles with fewer than 7 critic reviews are excluded.

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Highs and Lows
Highest of the Month
  1. Projector Image
    83

    Projector - Geese

    • Release Date: Oct 29, 2021
    • User Score: 8.7
  2. Time of the Foxgloves Image
    83

    Time of the Foxgloves - Michael Hurley

    • Release Date: Dec 10, 2021
  3. KicK iii Image
    81

    KicK iii - Arca

    • Release Date: Dec 3, 2021
    • User Score: 8.5
  4. Christfucker Image
    81

    Christfucker - Portrayal of Guilt

    • Release Date: Nov 5, 2021
  5. kiCK iiiii Image
    80

    kiCK iiiii - Arca

    • Release Date: Dec 3, 2021
    • User Score: 9.0
Lowest of the Month
  1. At My Piano Image
    66

    At My Piano - Brian Wilson

    • Release Date: Nov 19, 2021
    • User Score: 8.5
  2. Richer Than I Ever Been Image
    69

    Richer Than I Ever Been - Rick Ross

    • Release Date: Dec 10, 2021
  3. An Orchestrated Songbook: Paul Weller with Jules Buckley & the BBC Symphony Orchestra [Live] Image
    69

    An Orchestrated Songbook: Paul Weller with Jules Buckley & the BBC Symphony Orchestra [Live] - Paul Weller

    • Release Date: Dec 10, 2021
  4. A Beautiful Revolution, Vol. 2 Image
    70

    A Beautiful Revolution, Vol. 2 - Common

    • Release Date: Sep 10, 2021
    • User Score: 8.2
  5. Old Friends New Friends Image
    71

    Old Friends New Friends - Nils Frahm

    • Release Date: Dec 3, 2021