Album Releases by User Score

Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down 1.

Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down

by Ry Cooder
August 29, 2011
The Grammy-award winning musician returns with a concept album about corruption in America.
Metascore:
92
User Score:
6.9
The Greatest Story Never Told 2.

The Greatest Story Never Told

by Saigon
February 15, 2011
The long-awaited debut album by the Brooklyn-based rapper is produced by Just Blaze and features guest appearances from Q-Tip, Jay-Z and other notable artists.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.3
Charity Starts at Home 3.

Charity Starts at Home

by Phonte
September 27, 2011
The latest album for the rapper who also is a member of Little Brother and The Foreign Exchange features guest appearances by 9th Wonder, Big K.R.I.T., Evidence, Elzhi, and Pharoahe Monch.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.9
Bad as Me 4.

Bad as Me

by Tom Waits
October 25, 2011
The latest album for the singer-songwriter is the first album of all new songs since 2004's Real Gone.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.9
Undun 5.

Undun

by The Roots
December 6, 2011
The 13th studio album is a concept album about the life of Redford Stephens, a fictional character who gets involved with drugs.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.7
No Devolucion 6.

No Devolucion

by Thursday
April 12, 2011
The punk rock band from New Jersey, credited as one of the first bands to give birth to the genre of emo, celebrates 10 years with a new release.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.6
The Wonder Years 7.

The Wonder Years

by 9th Wonder
September 27, 2011
The fourth solo album for the hip-hop producer features such guests as Erykah Badu, Khrysis, Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar, Murs, Phonte, Raekwon, and Warren G.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
7.0
Celestial Lineage 8.

Celestial Lineage

by Wolves in the Throne Room
September 13, 2011
The Washington state metal band's fourth studio album seeks to envision a place full of cedar trees for the listeners.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.3
House of Balloons 9.

House of Balloons

by The Weeknd
March 21, 2011
The mixtape by Canadian artist Abel Tesfaye was released as a free download.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.9
Let England Shake 10.

Let England Shake

by PJ Harvey
February 15, 2011
Polly Jean Harvey takes a political approach on her latest album, as a singer-songwriter speaking on the casualties of war, the cruelty of life and the condition of being human.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
Who Kill 11.

Who Kill

by tUnE-yArDs
April 19, 2011
Oakland experimental artist Merill Garbus returns with a second album of lo-fi sounds and eclectic noise-pop.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.1
Bon Iver 12.

Bon Iver

by Bon Iver
June 21, 2011
The Wisconsin-based indie folk band, fronted by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, follows up its highly acclaimed For Emma, Forever Ago with a new album.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.6
Floreat 13.

Floreat

by Mara Carlyle
August 30, 2011
The British singer-songwriter's second album produced by Dan Carey was delayed for three years after EMI took over her previous record label.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
tbd
Space Is Only Noise 14.

Space Is Only Noise

by Nicolas Jaar
January 28, 2011
The electronic producer who attends Brown University releases the first full-length album of his brand of sub-100-bpm house music.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.6
Stone Rollin' 15.

Stone Rollin'

by Raphael Saadiq
May 10, 2011
The soul singer continues his 1960's-inspired music with a fourth album, blending vintage R&B sounds and smooth soul-pop.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.2
Empros 16.

Empros

by Russian Circles
October 25, 2011
The fourth full-length album for the Chicago instrumental metal band was produced by Brandon Curtis of The Secret Machines.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.6
Ravedeath, 1972 17.

Ravedeath, 1972

by Tim Hecker
February 15, 2011
The latest release for the Montreal-based artist was recorded in a church in Iceland.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.4
David Comes To Life 18.

David Comes To Life

by Fucked Up
June 7, 2011
The Toronto seven-piece release a four-act narrative album, as theatrical as it is musical.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
7.9
When the Heart Emerges Glistening 19.

When the Heart Emerges Glistening

by Ambrose Akinmusire
April 5, 2011
The second album for the jazz trumpeter from California was coproduced with Jason Moran.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
tbd
50 Words for Snow 20.

50 Words for Snow

by Kate Bush
November 21, 2011
Kate Bush's first new album in six years is influenced by snow and features Stephen Fry, Elton John , and Andy Fairweather Low as guest musicians.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.5
New Brigade 21.

New Brigade

by Iceage
June 21, 2011
This is the debut full-length album for the Danish punk rock band.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.2
So Beautiful or So What 22.

So Beautiful or So What

by Paul Simon
April 12, 2011
The veteran singer-songwriter releases his 12th studio album, the first in five years.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.2
Helplessness Blues 23.

Helplessness Blues

by Fleet Foxes
May 3, 2011
The Seattle indie-folk outfit return with the harmonious follow-up to their debut.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
Smother 24.

Smother

by Wild Beasts
May 10, 2011
The British quartet releases its follow-up to its 2010 Mercury Prize-nominated album Two Dancers, produced by Richard Formby.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.4
Strange Mercy 25.

Strange Mercy

by St. Vincent
September 13, 2011
St. Vincent, otherwise known as Annie Clark, releases her third album, produced by John Congleton.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
The  Harrow and the Harvest 26.

The Harrow and the Harvest

by Gillian Welch
June 28, 2011
Eight years after her last release, the country-folk singer releases new material.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
7.7
This Is Our Science 27.

This Is Our Science

by Astronautalis
September 13, 2011
The fourth full-length release for the Minneapolis-based hip-hop artist was produced by John Congleton and features Tegan Quin as a guest vocalist.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.1
Kaputt 28.

Kaputt

by Destroyer
January 25, 2011
Canadian pop craftsman Daniel Bejar's ninth album combines the glam of David Bowie and the rock and roll of T. Rex into a retro dance soundtrack for disco fans.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Indestructible Machine 29.

Indestructible Machine

by Lydia Loveless
September 13, 2011
The Columbus, Ohio, singer releases her debut album of country punk rock music.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
tbd
Hell On Heels 30.

Hell On Heels

by Pistol Annies
August 23, 2011
This is the debut album from the Miranda Lambert-led country trio that includes Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.4
Bird Songs 31.

Bird Songs

by Joe Lovano Us Five
January 11, 2011
The Grammy-award winning saxophonist's latest album is a collection of Charlie "Bird" Parker songs recorded with Lovano's band, the Us Five.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
tbd
Eleven Eleven 32.

Eleven Eleven

by Dave Alvin
June 20, 2011
The singer-songwriter who started his career with The Blasters wrote and recorded his latest solo album while on tour or during breaks from his 2010 tour.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
tbd
A.H.A.T.H.H.A.F.T.C.T.T.C.O.T.E. 33.

A.H.A.T.H.H.A.F.T.C.T.T.C.O.T.E.

by True Widow
March 29, 2011
The Dallas rock trio continues what it terms as "stonegaze" music on its debut on the Kemado label.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
tbd
The  Office of Future Plans 34.

The Office of Future Plans

by The Office of Future Plans
November 21, 2011
This is the debut album for the rock band led by cellist/lead singer J. Robbins.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
tbd
El Camino 35.

El Camino

by The Black Keys
December 6, 2011
Danger Mouse returns to produce the seventh studio album for The Black Keys.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.6
Pinch & Shackleton 36.

Pinch & Shackleton

by Shackleton
December 6, 2011
The two dubstep producers release their first collaboration together.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
tbd
The Miner's Hymns 37.

The Miner's Hymns

by Johann Johannsson
May 24, 2011
This album is the soundtrack to Bill Morrison's film and features a 16-piece brass ensemble.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
tbd
Wondervisions 38.

Wondervisions

by Delicate Steve
January 25, 2011
Steve Marion's debut album as Delicate Steve features a mix of pop and African-influenced sounds.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Carrion Crawler/The Dream 39.

Carrion Crawler/The Dream

by Thee Oh Sees
November 8, 2011
This is the second album in 2011 for the alternative rock band led by John Dwyer.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.5
Nostalgia, Ultra. 40.

Nostalgia, Ultra.

by Frank Ocean
February 18, 2011
The mixtape was released as a free download on Frank Ocean's Tumblr.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.6
Looping State of Mind 41.

Looping State of Mind

by The Field
October 11, 2011
Stockholm-based Alex Willner continues his ambient techno style on his third album.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.5
Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 2 42.

Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 2

by Beastie Boys
May 3, 2011
The Brooklyn-based hip-hop legends return with their eighth studio album.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.2
Skying 43.

Skying

by The Horrors
August 9, 2011
The third album for the British rock quintet was produced and recorded by the band.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.1
Eye Contact 44.

Eye Contact

by Gang Gang Dance
May 10, 2011
The New York quintet release an experimental and electronic-heavy fifth album.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.3
Special Affections 45.

Special Affections

by Diamond Rings
June 21, 2011
Originally released in 2010 on Secret City Records, the debut full-length album for John O'Regan of the D'Urbervilles is rereleased on Astralwerks.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.7
Wounded Rhymes 46.

Wounded Rhymes

by Lykke Li
March 1, 2011
Sweden's Lykke Li continues to disarm listeners with her distinctive voice on her second album, keeping in tune with her tough sensuality and pop whimsy.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
Tryptych 47.

Tryptych

by Demdike Stare
January 31, 2011
Released separately in 2010 as three vinyl records, Forest of Evil, Liberation Through Hearing, and Voices of Dust are released together with additional tracks as a three-CD set for 2011.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
6.7
Megafaun 48.

Megafaun

by Megafaun
September 20, 2011
This is the fourth album for the North Carolina rock trio who at one time were in a band with Justin Vernon named DeYarmond Edison.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
tbd
The Hunter 49.

The Hunter

by Mastodon
September 27, 2011
The Atlanta metal band's first album that is not a concept release was produced by Mike Elizondo.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.4
A Winged Victory for the Sullen 50.

A Winged Victory for the Sullen

by A Winged Victory for the Sullen
September 13, 2011
The duo of Dustin O'Halloran and Stars of the Lid's Adam Wiltzie release their debut album as A Winged Victory for the Sullen.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
tbd
Scandalous 51.

Scandalous

by Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears
March 15, 2011
The retro-soul rock quartet, featuring an eight-piece horn section, offers up a funky blend of R&B and blues reminiscent of early J. Geils Band, James Brown, and Otis Redding.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.6
Wild Flag 52.

Wild Flag

by Wild Flag
September 13, 2011
The indie supergroup, featuring Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss of Sleater-Kinney, releases its debut power pop album.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.3
We're New Here 53.

We're New Here

by Jamie xx
February 22, 2011
Remixed by Jamie XX, R&B and hip hop samples are added to Gil Scott-Heron's 2010 album I'm New Here, creating this latest release.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.2
Four the Record 54.

Four the Record

by Miranda Lambert
November 1, 2011
The aptly titled fourth album for the country singer features a duet with her husband, Blake Shelton.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.4
Severant 55.

Severant

by Kuedo
October 17, 2011
Jamie Teasdale of Vex'd releases his debut solo album as Kuedo.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.2
Field Songs 56.

Field Songs

by William Elliott Whitmore
July 12, 2011
The Iowa songwriter releases a full-length album of alt-rock, blues, and folk.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
tbd
Black Up 57.

Black Up

by Shabazz Palaces
June 28, 2011
The Seattle-based project, including Ishmael Butler of Digable Planets, is Sub Pop's first hip-hop signing.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.3
The Whole Love 58.

The Whole Love

by Wilco
September 27, 2011
The Chicago alternative rock band releases its eighth studio album on its own label dBom.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.5
Ramble at the Ryman 59.

Ramble at the Ryman

by Levon Helm
May 17, 2011
Levon Helm releases a live album from his 2008 Nashville show featuring songs from The Band, as well as original songs and rock covers.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Nine Types of Light 60.

Nine Types of Light

by TV on the Radio
April 12, 2011
The Brooklyn art-rock quintet releases its fourth studio album.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.0
Major/Minor 61.

Major/Minor

by Thrice
September 20, 2011
The Southern California rock band releases their seventh album of melodic alternative rock.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.3
This Is Country Music 62.

This Is Country Music

by Brad Paisley
May 23, 2011
The country star's ninth studio album features the legendary group, Alabama, as well as other special guests.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.5
A Creature I Don't Know 63.

A Creature I Don't Know

by Laura Marling
September 13, 2011
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.6
New History Warfare, Vol. 2: Judges 64.

New History Warfare, Vol. 2: Judges

by Colin Stetson
February 22, 2011
The second album from the Polaris prize-nominated saxophonist was recorded solo, live, and in a single take. Stetson employed circular breathing and used approximately two dozen microphones, placing them on the studio walls, throughout his bass saxophone, and on his throat to produce this otherworldly-sounding album.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.4
Sepalcure 65.

Sepalcure

by Sepalcure
November 21, 2011
This debut album is a collaboration between dance veterans Praveen Sharma and Travis Stewart.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.1
Canary 66.

Canary

by Southeast Engine
March 29, 2011
The latest release for the rock band is a concept album about a family going through the Depression in Ohio.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Glass Swords 67.

Glass Swords

by Rustie
October 10, 2011
This is the debut full-length album for the Scottish producer Russell Whyte.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
Build a Rocket Boys! 68.

Build a Rocket Boys!

by Elbow
April 12, 2011
The Manchester five-piece alt-rock band's fifth album follows up their Mercury Prize-Winning album, The Seldom Seen Kid, and further showcases their poetic, lyric-driven, atmospheric music.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.0
El Tren Fantasma 69.

El Tren Fantasma

by Chris Watson
October 25, 2011
Recorded during five weeks of travel by train throughout Mexico, El Tren Fantasma is a sonic portrait of the "ghost train" captured by sound recordist and co-founder of Cabaret Voltaire, Chris Watson.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Weather 70.

Weather

by Me'Shell Ndegéocello
November 8, 2011
The ninth album for the singer was produced by Joe Henry and features appearances by Chris Connelly and Benji Hughes.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.5
Mesabi 71.

Mesabi

by Tom Russell
September 6, 2011
The singer-songwriter's latest album was coproduced by Barry Walsh and features Calexico, Augie Meyers, Van Dyke Parks, and Lucinda Williams as guest singers.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light, Vol. 1 72.

Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light, Vol. 1

by Earth
February 22, 2011
The pioneers of drone doom return with part one of its latest concept album (Volume 2 is scheduled for 2012).
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.2
Back to Love 73.

Back to Love

by Anthony Hamilton
December 13, 2011
The fourth release for the soul singer features production from Babyface, James Poyser, Kelvin Wooten, and Salaam Remi.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.3
Clash Battle Guilt Pride 74.

Clash Battle Guilt Pride

by Polar Bear Club
September 13, 2011
The rock band's third album was produced by Brian McTernan.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Echoes of Silence 75.

Echoes of Silence

by The Weeknd
December 21, 2011
This is the third of the Balloon Trilogy mixtapes offered for free via download by Canadian artist, Abel Tesfaye.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.8
The Dreaming Fields 76.

The Dreaming Fields

by Matraca Berg
May 17, 2011
The singer-songwriter who has written songs for such artists as Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, Faith Hill, and Martina McBride amongst many others returns with her first album in more than a decade.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Parallax 77.

Parallax

by Atlas Sound
November 8, 2011
The third studio album under the Atlas Sound name was produced by Bradford Cox himself and Nicholas Vernhes.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.5
The Magic Place 78.

The Magic Place

by Julianna Barwick
February 22, 2011
The Brooklyn-based singer is minimalist in her music, using piano, drums, and her voice to make haunting songs--often drawing comparisons to Enya.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.1
From Africa With Fury: Rise 79.

From Africa With Fury: Rise

by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
June 21, 2011
The youngest son of Fela Kuti teams up with his father's band, Egypt 80, on this album produced by Brian Eno and John Reynolds.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Slave Ambient 80.

Slave Ambient

by The War on Drugs
August 16, 2011
The Philadelphia-based group releases a second album of Americana roots-rock.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.0
Everything's Getting Older 81.

Everything's Getting Older

by Aidan Moffat
May 24, 2011
Arab Strap's Aidan Moffat and composer Bill Wells collaborated for more than eight years before releasing their debut album.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
City of Refuge 82.

City of Refuge

by Abigail Washburn
January 11, 2011
The artist combines the sounds of Americana and Asia for her first album on the Rounder label.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Past Life Martyred Saints 83.

Past Life Martyred Saints

by EMA
May 10, 2011
Erika M. Anderson of Gowns returns with her debut solo full-length album.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.8
Impossible Spaces 84.

Impossible Spaces

by Sandro Perri
October 18, 2011
The second album under his real name combines the sounds of electronic, folk and rock music.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Smoke Ring for My Halo 85.

Smoke Ring for My Halo

by Kurt Vile
March 8, 2011
The fourth full-length from the Philadelphian songwriter showcases his ability to weave stories and strings together with his lyrical craftsmanship – comparable to Tom Petty and Bob Seger – and guitar-playing skills.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.1
Bad Vibes 86.

Bad Vibes

by Shlohmo
August 9, 2011
The second album for Los Angeles producer Henry Laufer is the first to feature his vocals.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.6
The Secret 87.

The Secret

by Vieux Farka Touré
May 24, 2011
The third album for the son of Ali Farka Toure integrates different musical styles with his Malian music and includes such guest stars as Dave Matthews, Derek Trucks, and John Scofield.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
An Empty Bliss Beyond This World 88.

An Empty Bliss Beyond This World

by The Caretaker
June 21, 2011
British producer/experimental artist Jim Kirby releases his latest album under The Caretaker name.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.6
Condors 89.

Condors

by Nedry
April 19, 2011
Named after a character in Jurassic Park, the British trio releases their debut album, with band member Ayu Okakita's voice as a looped instrument.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.4
Tirtha 90.

Tirtha

by Vijay Iyer
March 8, 2011
Vijay Iyer collaborates with Prasanna and Nitin Mitta to combine their different styles of music to create this jazz album.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
tbd
Mikal Cronin 91.

Mikal Cronin

by Mikal Cronin
September 20, 2011
The Moonhearts singer-bassist, who also works with Ty Segall, releases his solo debut album.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
7.9
The  Randy Newman Songbook, Vol. 2 92.

The Randy Newman Songbook, Vol. 2

by Randy Newman
May 13, 2011
This is the second of three planned volumes of newly recorded piano solo versions of Randy Newman's songs.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
tbd
Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me 93.

Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me

by Touché Amoré
June 7, 2011
Recorded over five days with producer Ed Rose, the second album for the Los Angeles post-hardcore band is its first on the Deathwish label.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
7.8
Last 94.

Last

by The Unthanks
April 19, 2011
The fourth album for the Northumberland folk group was produced by Adrian McNally.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
tbd
Deep Politics 95.

Deep Politics

by Grails
March 8, 2011
This is the first album in three years for the Portland, Oregon-based instrumental post-rock quartet.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
tbd
Civilian 96.

Civilian

by Wye Oak
March 8, 2011
The Baltimore duo, named after Maryland’s state tree, is made up of musicians Andy Stack and Jenn Wasner – a couple of indie rock and folk favorites.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.6

Titles with fewer than 7 critic reviews are excluded.

Highs and Lows
Highest of the Month
  1. 89

    I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy

    • Release Date: Mar 1, 2024
  2. 86

    Where's My Utopia? - Yard Act

    • Release Date: Mar 1, 2024
  3. 84

    Playing Favorites - Sheer Mag

    • Release Date: Mar 1, 2024
  4. 84

    The Collective - Kim Gordon

    • Release Date: Mar 8, 2024
  5. 84

    Y’Y - Amaro Freitas

    • Release Date: Mar 1, 2024
Lowest of the Month
  1. 67

    Bleachers - Bleachers

    • Release Date: Mar 8, 2024
  2. 72

    Scope Neglect - Ben Frost

    • Release Date: Mar 1, 2024
  3. 73

    Flora Ocean Tiger Bloom - Meatbodies

    • Release Date: Mar 8, 2024
  4. 77

    Grip - serpentwithfeet

    • Release Date: Feb 16, 2024
  5. 79

    Half Divorced - Pissed Jeans

    • Release Date: Mar 1, 2024