Album Releases by User Score

Channel Orange 1.

Channel Orange

by Frank Ocean
July 17, 2012
Love and life in Los Angeles is the theme of the debut release on Def Jam for Frank Ocean, who earlier this month posted online the liner notes for this album describing a relationship he had with a man.
Metascore:
92
User Score:
8.8
Good Kid, M.A.A.D City 2.

Good Kid, M.A.A.D City

by Kendrick Lamar
October 22, 2012
The official major label debut studio album for the Compton rapper features guest appearances from Dr. Dre, Drake, Jay Rock, And MC Eiht.
Metascore:
91
User Score:
8.9
The  Truth About Love 3.

The Truth About Love

by P!nk
September 18, 2012
Pink's sixth studio album features Eminem, Fun.'s Nate Ruess, and Lily Rose Cooper. It is her first album recorded for RCA Records.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.1
The Lumineers 4.

The Lumineers

by The Lumineers
April 3, 2012
This is the debut release for the Denver folk-rock trio.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
7.8
Born to Die 5.

Born to Die

by Lana Del Rey
January 31, 2012
The full-length debut for the New York singer features the single Video Games, which appeared on the CW TV series Ringer.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
8.6
Red 6.

Red

by Taylor Swift
October 22, 2012
Taylor Swift's fourth album was produced by Max Martin and features Mark Foster (Foster the People) and singer/songwriter Lori McKenna.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.6
Lonerism 7.

Lonerism

by Tame Impala
October 9, 2012
The second release for the Perth, Australian band led by Kevin Parker was co-produce with Dave Fridmann.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.8
The Money Store 8.

The Money Store

by Death Grips
April 24, 2012
The debut release on Epic for Death Grips is the first of two albums released this year by the Sacramento alternative rap trio.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.8
Ten Freedom Summers 9.

Ten Freedom Summers

by Wadada Leo Smith
May 22, 2012
The four-disc set from the jazz trumpeter was inspired by the Civil Rights Movement.
Metascore:
99
User Score:
4.1
Visions 10.

Visions

by Grimes
February 21, 2012
The fourth release for the Canadian artist Claire Boucher is her first on the 4AD label.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.8
Electra Heart 11.

Electra Heart

by Marina and the Diamonds
July 10, 2012
The second album for Marina and the Diamonds includes production from Greg Kurstin, Rick Nowels, Dr Luke, and Liam Howe.
Metascore:
57
User Score:
8.6
Warrior 12.

Warrior

by Ke$ha
December 4, 2012
Iggy Pop sings a duet on the second full-length release produced by Dr. Luke for the dance-pop singer.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.1
Unapologetic 13.

Unapologetic

by Rihanna
November 19, 2012
The seventh studio release for the pop singer features Chris Brown, Eminem, Future, and David Guetta as guests with No I.D., Nicky Romero, StarGate, and The-Dream contributing to production.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
6.9
Coexist 14.

Coexist

by The xx
September 11, 2012
The second release for the British indie pop band was inspired by club music.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.0
Lotus 15.

Lotus

by Christina Aguilera
November 13, 2012
Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton, co-judges on The Voice guest on the pop singer's latest studio release that also includes production from Alex da Kid, Jayson DeZuzio, Max Martin, and Shellback.
Metascore:
56
User Score:
7.4
Django Django 16.

Django Django

by Django Django
January 30, 2012
This is the debut release for the indie London-based quartet that began at an Edinburgh art school.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.7
+ 17.

+

by Ed Sheeran
June 12, 2012
The British singer-songwriter's debut full-length album was produced by Jake Gosling and No ID.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
7.7
MDNA 18.

MDNA

by Madonna
March 26, 2012
Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. guest on Madonna's 12th studio album that includes production from Martin Solveig, Benny Benassi, and William Orbit, who also worked on 1998's Ray of Light.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
6.6
Kiss 19.

Kiss

by Carly Rae Jepsen
September 18, 2012
The second studio album from the Canadian vocalist features Justin Bieber and Owl City.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
6.9
Some Nights 20.

Some Nights

by Fun.
February 21, 2012
The band's first album on the Fueled By Ramen label was produced by Jeff Bhasker and features Janelle Monae on its single We Are Young.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
7.5
Based on a T.R.U. Story 21.

Based on a T.R.U. Story

by 2 Chainz
August 14, 2012
The Georgia rapper formerly known as Tity Boi releases his debut album on Def Jam and it features guest appearances from Drake, John Legend, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Mike Posner, Scarface, The-Dream, and Kanye West.
Metascore:
55
User Score:
4.8
Fear Fun 22.

Fear Fun

by Father John Misty
May 1, 2012
J. Tillman, the former drummer for Fleet Foxes releases his debut solo album as Father John Misty.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.3
On the Impossible Past 23.

On the Impossible Past

by The Menzingers
February 21, 2012
The third full-length release from the punk rock band from Pennsylvania is its first on Epitaph Records.
Metascore:
93
User Score:
8.0
Jesus Piece 24.

Jesus Piece

by Game
December 11, 2012
The fifth studio release for California rapper The Game features guest appearances from such artists as 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Chris Brown, J. Cole, Common, Jamie Foxx, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Tyga, Kanye West, and Wiz Khalifa.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
7.4
Halcyon 25.

Halcyon

by Ellie Goulding
October 9, 2012
The second release for the British pop singer was produced by Jim Eliot.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.7
Shields 26.

Shields

by Grizzly Bear
September 18, 2012
The fourth album for the Brooklyn rock band was recorded in New York after a recordings session in Texas was largely scrapped.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
Koi No Yokan 27.

Koi No Yokan

by Deftones
November 13, 2012
The seventh studio release for the Sacramento alternative metal group was produced by Nick Raskulinecz.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.8
Allah-Las 28.

Allah-Las

by Allah-Las
September 17, 2012
The debut full-length release for the Los Angeles surf/psych rock band who met while working at Amoeba Records was produced by Nick Waterhouse.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.6
Kill For Love 29.

Kill For Love

by Chromatics
March 27, 2012
The fourth full-length album for the band led by Johnny Jewel features 17 tracks.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.6
Lost Songs 30.

Lost Songs

by ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
October 22, 2012
The eighth studio release from the Austin rock band was inspired by various social and political issues like war and apathy.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.4
The  Heist 31.

The Heist

by Macklemore
October 9, 2012
The debut release for Seattle rapper Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis features such guests as Ab-Soul, Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses, ScHoolboy Q, and Allen Stone.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
7.7
Melody's Echo Chamber 32.

Melody's Echo Chamber

by Melody's Echo Chamber
September 25, 2012
The debut full-length release for the dream pop project of Paris-based singer Melody Prochet was produced by Kevin Parker of Tame Impala.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.7
Believe 33.

Believe

by Justin Bieber
June 19, 2012
Big Sean, Drake, Ludacris, and Nicki Minaj guest on the third full-length album from the Canadian pop singer.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
5.5
My Head Is an Animal 34.

My Head Is an Animal

by Of Monsters and Men
April 3, 2012
This is the debut full-length album for the Icelandic folk rock band that won the Músiktilraunir, their homeland's battle of the bands competition, in 2010.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.8
Battle Born 35.

Battle Born

by The Killers
September 18, 2012
The fourth release for the Las Vegas pop band features production from Daniel Lanois, Steve Lillywhite, Brendan O'Brien, Stuart Price, and Damian Taylor.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
7.9
Home Again 36.

Home Again

by Michael Kiwanuka
July 17, 2012
The British soul singer's debut full-length album was produced by Paul Butler.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.3
The Idler Wheel Is Wiser than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More than Ropes Will Ever Do 37.

The Idler Wheel Is Wiser than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More than Ropes Will Ever Do

by Fiona Apple
June 19, 2012
The singer-songwriter began recording her fourth studio album in secret in 2008 or 2009.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.8
Clockwork Angels 38.

Clockwork Angels

by Rush
June 12, 2012
The Canadian trio's latest release is a concept album about a young man's journey to fulfill his dreams and was co-produced with Nick Raskulinecz.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.6
Bloom 39.

Bloom

by Beach House
May 15, 2012
The fourth full-length release for the indie pop band was produced by Chris Coady.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.7
An Awesome Wave 40.

An Awesome Wave

by Alt-J
September 18, 2012
This is the debut full-length album for the British quartet who met at Leeds University.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.5
1991 [EP] 41.

1991 [EP]

by Azealia Banks
June 12, 2012
The debut four-track EP for the New York rapper includes dance elements.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.6
Synthetica 42.

Synthetica

by Metric
June 12, 2012
The fifth full-length album for indie rock band was produced by Metric's guitarist Jimmy Shaw.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
7.9
The Temper Trap 43.

The Temper Trap

by The Temper Trap
June 5, 2012
The second full-length album from the Australian indie rock band was produced by Tony Hoffer.
Metascore:
56
User Score:
6.9
Control System 44.

Control System

by Ab-Soul
May 11, 2012
The rap album for the Black Hippy member is his debut full-length solo release on the Top Dawg Entertainment label.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
Life is Good 45.

Life is Good

by Nas
July 17, 2012
Mary J. Blige, Anthony Hamilton, Miguel, Rick Ross, Swizz Beatz, and the late Amy Winehouse are guests on the tenth release for the rapper.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.4
Unorthodox Jukebox 46.

Unorthodox Jukebox

by Bruno Mars
December 11, 2012
The second full-length release for the singer-songwriiter/producer includes production by Jeff Bhasker, Diplo, Paul Epworth, Mark Ronson, The Smeezingtons, and Andrew Wyatt.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
7.0
Babel 47.

Babel

by Mumford & Sons
September 25, 2012
The second release for the folk band was produced by Markus Dravs.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
6.9
Mondo 48.

Mondo

by Electric Guest
April 24, 2012
The debut full-length album for the Los Angeles-based indie duo of Asa Taccone (co-writer/producer of "Dick in a Box") and Matthew Compton was produced by Danger Mouse.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
8.4
Born and Raised 49.

Born and Raised

by John Mayer
May 22, 2012
The fifth studio album from the singer-songwriter was produced by Don Was and was delayed from its original release date by Mayer's throat granulomas.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.3
Roses 50.

Roses

by The Cranberries
February 28, 2012
Stephen Street produces the first album for the Irish rock band since 2001's Wake Up and Smell the Coffee.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
7.7
The Seer 51.

The Seer

by Swans
August 28, 2012
The second full-length studio release for the Michael Gira project includes the 32-minute title track and guest appearances by Akron/Family), Karen O, Alan Sparhawk, and Mimi Parker of Low
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.5
Swing Lo Magellan 52.

Swing Lo Magellan

by Dirty Projectors
July 10, 2012
The sixth album for the experimental indie rock band was recorded in Delaware County in New York state and produced by the band's lead singer, Dave Longstreth.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.6
Kaleidoscope Dream 53.

Kaleidoscope Dream

by Miguel
October 2, 2012
The second full-length release for the R&B singer includes six songs from two EPs released earlier in the year and features guest appearances from Alicia Keys and Wiz Khalifa.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
METZ 54.

METZ

by METZ
October 9, 2012
The debut full-length release for the Canadian hard rock band was recorded in a barn by Graham Walsh and Alexandre Bonenfant.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.7
Fortune 55.

Fortune

by Chris Brown
July 3, 2012
The fifth album for the R&B singer features guest appearances from Sabrina Antoinette, Big Sean, Nas, Kevin McCall, Sevyn, and Wiz Khalifa.
Metascore:
38
User Score:
3.4
Living Things 56.

Living Things

by Linkin Park
June 26, 2012
Personal relationships influenced the lyrics on the fifth album produced with Rick Rubin for the alternative rock band.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
7.9
Blunderbuss 57.

Blunderbuss

by Jack White
April 24, 2012
With the end of The White Stripes, Jack White releases his debut solo album about love and relationships gone wrong.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.5
Heaven 58.

Heaven

by The Walkmen
May 29, 2012
The seventh album for indie rock band was produced by Phil Ek.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.7
Finally Rich 59.

Finally Rich

by Chief Keef
December 18, 2012
The debut full-length studio album for the Chicago rapper includes guest appearances from such artist as 50 Cent, French Montana, Lil Reese, Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, and Young Jeezy.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
5.6
Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded 60.

Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

by Nicki Minaj
April 3, 2012
The second album from Nicki Minaj focuses on her male alter ego Roman Zolanski and features guest appearances from 2Chainz, Chris Brown, Beenie Man, Bobby V, Cam'ron, Drake, Lil Wayne, Nas, Rick Ross, and Young Jeezy.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
6.4
Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded--the Re-Up 61.

Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded--the Re-Up

by Nicki Minaj
November 19, 2012
The pop rapper reissues her second release with eight new tracks featuring guest appearances by Thomas Brinx, Cassie, Ciara, Lil Wayne, Parker, and Tyga.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.3
Blak and Blu 62.

Blak and Blu

by Gary Clark, Jr.
October 22, 2012
The full-length major label debut for Texas blues-rock singer was produced by Mike Elizondo.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
7.2
Centipede Hz 63.

Centipede Hz

by Animal Collective
September 4, 2012
The ninth studio album sees the return of founding member Deakin and co-producer Ben Allen.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.8
Rize of the Fenix 64.

Rize of the Fenix

by Tenacious D
May 15, 2012
The third album for Jack Black and Kyle Gass as Tenacious D features Dave Grohl on drums.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
8.2
(III) 65.

(III)

by Crystal Castles
November 13, 2012
The third release for the Canadian electro-pop duo was produced by the band member Ethan Kath and recorded in Berlin and Warsaw.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.6
2 66.

2

by Mac DeMarco
October 16, 2012
This is the debut full-length release for the former member of Canadian indie pop band, Makeout Videotape.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.7
Monster 67.

Monster

by Kiss
October 9, 2012
The 20th studio release for the rock band led by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley was recorded on analog equipment.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
7.2
Nocturne 68.

Nocturne

by Wild Nothing
August 28, 2012
The second release for the dream-pop project of Jack Tatum was produced with Nicolas Vernhes.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.6
King Tuff 69.

King Tuff

by King Tuff
May 28, 2012
The second release for King Tuff was produced by Bobby Harlow and is his first on the Sub Pop label.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.3
Noctourniquet 70.

Noctourniquet

by The Mars Volta
March 27, 2012
The sixth album for the progressive rock band is the first album without Isaiah "Ikey" Owens and John Frusciante.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.2
Uno! 71.

Uno!

by Green Day
September 25, 2012
The first release in a planned trilogy for the punk rock band was produced by Rob Cavallo.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
6.9
Away from the World 72.

Away from the World

by Dave Matthews Band
September 11, 2012
The seventh studio album for the alternative rock band sees the return of their first producer Steve Lillywhite, who worked on the band's first three studio albums.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
7.8
Anastasis 73.

Anastasis

by Dead Can Dance
August 14, 2012
The Australian duo of Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry return with their first album since 1996's Spiritchaser.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.4
Overexposed 74.

Overexposed

by Maroon 5
June 26, 2012
The fourth full-length studio album for the rock pop band led by Adam Levine includes production from Benny Blanco, Max Martin, J.R. Rotem, Shellback, Ryan Tedder, Brian West, and a guest appearance by rapper Wiz Khalifa.
Metascore:
54
User Score:
5.2
Oceania 75.

Oceania

by The Smashing Pumpkins
June 19, 2012
The ninth studio album from the alternative rock band led Billy Corgan is part of The Smashing Pumpkins' Teargarden by Kaleidyscope concept album series.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.9
Take Me Home 76.

Take Me Home

by One Direction
November 13, 2012
The British boy band releases its second full-length release featuring production and songs written by such artists as Ed Sheeran, Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub, Savan Kotecha, Max Martin, and Dr. Luke.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
6.6
All We Love We Leave Behind 77.

All We Love We Leave Behind

by Converge
October 9, 2012
This is the eigth studio release from the Boston metalcore band led by Kurt Ballou.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.6
The 2nd Law 78.

The 2nd Law

by Muse
October 2, 2012
The sixth album for the British rock band features bassist Chris Wolstenholme on lead vocals for two tracks he wrote.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
7.1
R.A.P. Music 79.

R.A.P. Music

by Killer Mike
May 15, 2012
The sixth album for Atlanta rapper Killer Mike was produced by El-P and includes guest appearances from Bun B, T.I., Scar, Emily Panic, and Trouble.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.6
Stars and Satellites 80.

Stars and Satellites

by Trampled by Turtles
April 10, 2012
The sixth album for Minnesota group comprised of former punk and rock band members is full of acoustic guitars and bluegrass sounds.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.5
Break It Yourself 81.

Break It Yourself

by Andrew Bird
March 6, 2012
Andrew Bird self-produced his seventh collection of songs featuring a duet with Annie Clark (St. Vincent).
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.5
Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose 82.

Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose

by Beth Jeans Houghton
February 28, 2012
The debut full-length album for the British singer-songwriter and her band, the Hooves of Destiny, was produced by Ben Hillier.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
7.6
Barchords 83.

Barchords

by Bahamas
February 7, 2012
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Afie Jurvanen releases his second album of guitar-centric music.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
7.5
Lonesome Dreams 84.

Lonesome Dreams

by Lord Huron
October 9, 2012
This is the debut full-length release for the Ben Schneider folk rock project.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.7
TOY 85.

TOY

by TOY
September 25, 2012
The debut album for the British indie rock quintet was produced By Dan Carey.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
7.8
Bend Beyond 86.

Bend Beyond

by Woods
September 18, 2012
The latest full-length album for the Brooklyn band features the debut of new drummer Aaron Neveu.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
7.8
Skelethon 87.

Skelethon

by Aesop Rock
July 10, 2012
The sixth full-length studio solo release for the San Francisco-based rapper features guest appearances from the Moldy Peaches' Kimya Dawson, Allyson Baker of Dirty Ghosts, and Rob Sonic.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.3
Oshin 88.

Oshin

by DIIV
June 26, 2012
Formerly known as Dive, this is the debut album for the rock-pop quartet led by Z. Cole Smith of Beach Fossils.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.6
Heaven 89.

Heaven

by Rebecca Ferguson
May 29, 2012
Eg White helped co-write and produced a majority of the debut album for the X Factor (UK) 2010 finalist.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Master of My Make-Believe 90.

Master of My Make-Believe

by Santigold
May 1, 2012
Karen O guests on the second studio album from Santigold featuring production by such artists as Boyz Noise, Bureka Som Sistema, Diplo, Greg Kurstin, Q-Tip, Dave Sitek, and Switch.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.7
Pluto 91.

Pluto

by Future
April 17, 2012
The debut studio album for the Decatur, Georgia-born rapper features guest appearances from Drake, R. Kelly, Juicy J, T.I., Trae, and Snoop Dogg.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
6.2
Port of Morrow 92.

Port of Morrow

by The Shins
March 20, 2012
James Mercer's label Aural Apothecary releases The Shins' first studio album in five years.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.8
Sweet Sour 93.

Sweet Sour

by Band of Skulls
February 14, 2012
The second studio album for the British rock trio was produced by Ian Davenport.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
7.3
The Spirit Indestructible 94.

The Spirit Indestructible

by Nelly Furtado
September 18, 2012
Furtado's first album after a six-year absence, The Spirit Indestructible was produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and features a cameo appearance by Nas.
Metascore:
57
User Score:
7.1
Beacon 95.

Beacon

by Two Door Cinema Club
September 4, 2012
The second release for the Northern Irish indie rock trio was produced by Jacknife Lee.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
7.5
Sun 96.

Sun

by Cat Power
September 4, 2012
Cat Power's Chan Marshall returns with her first album of original material since 2006's The Greatest. The release mixed by Philippe Zdar of Cassius also features Iggy Pop on "Nothin' But Time."
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.3
The  Glorious Dead 97.

The Glorious Dead

by The Heavy
August 21, 2012
The third full-length release for the British soul rock band was recorded in Columbus, Georgia with a gospel choir.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.4
Handwritten 98.

Handwritten

by The Gaslight Anthem
July 24, 2012
The fourth album for the New Jersey rock band is its first on the Mercury Label and was produced by Brendan O'Brien.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.3
Shrines 99.

Shrines

by Purity Ring
July 24, 2012
This is the debut full-length release for the Canadian indie electronic duo of Megan James and Corin Roddick.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.6

Titles with fewer than 7 critic reviews are excluded.

Highs and Lows
Highest of the Month
  1. 87

    Fabiana Palladino - Fabiana Palladino

    • Release Date: Apr 5, 2024
  2. 84

    Hovvdy - Hovvdy

    • Release Date: Apr 26, 2024
  3. 84

    Who Will You Believe - The Pernice Brothers

    • Release Date: Apr 5, 2024
  4. 83

    Light Verse - Iron & Wine

    • Release Date: Apr 26, 2024
  5. 82

    Revelator - Phosphorescent

    • Release Date: Apr 5, 2024
Lowest of the Month
  1. 68

    Ramona - Grace Cummings

    • Release Date: Apr 5, 2024
  2. 69

    Hyperdrama - Justice

    • Release Date: Apr 26, 2024
  3. 70

    Forgiveness Is Yours - Fat White Family

    • Release Date: Apr 26, 2024
  4. 75

    Ohio Players - The Black Keys

    • Release Date: Apr 5, 2024
  5. 76

    One Deep River - Mark Knopfler

    • Release Date: Apr 12, 2024