Album Releases by User Score

Black Messiah 1.

Black Messiah

by D'Angelo
December 15, 2014
The first release in 14 years for the R&B singer features songs co-written with Q-Tip and Kendra Foster as well as co-production from James Gadson, Pino Palladino,and Questlove.
Metascore:
95
User Score:
8.8
The Satanist 2.

The Satanist

by Behemoth
February 4, 2014
The tenth studio release for the Polish black/death metal band was produced with Daniel Bergstrand, Slawek Wieslawscy and Wojtek Wieslawscy.
Metascore:
92
User Score:
8.6
Home, Like Noplace Is There 3.

Home, Like Noplace Is There

by The Hotelier
February 25, 2014
This is the second full-length release for the Massachusetts indie rock quartet formerly known as The Hotel Year.
Metascore:
91
User Score:
8.4
St. Vincent 4.

St. Vincent

by St. Vincent
February 25, 2014
The fourth full-length release for the indie artist was produced by John Congleton and includes contributions from Dap-Kings drummer Homer Steinweiss and Midlake's McKenzie Smith.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.6
RTJ2 5.

RTJ2

by Run the Jewels
October 27, 2014
The latest release from Killer Mike and El-P features collaborations with Travis Barker of Blink-182, Diane Coffee, and Zack de la Rocha formerly of Rage Against the Machine.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.7
To Be Kind 6.

To Be Kind

by Swans
May 13, 2014
The third release since the Michael Gira-led band reformed in 2010 was recorded by John Congleton and has a run time of over two hours.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.7
Foundations of Burden 7.

Foundations of Burden

by Pallbearer
August 19, 2014
The second full-length release for the doom metal band was produced by Billy Anderson.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.0
Rooms of the House 8.

Rooms of the House

by La Dispute
March 18, 2014
The third full-length album from the Michigan post-hardcore led by Jordan Dreyer was co-produced with Will Yip.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.4
Cadillactica 9.

Cadillactica

by Big K.R.I.T.
November 10, 2014
The second full-length studio release for the Mississippi rapper features such guests as Bun B, Devin the Dude, E-40, Lupe Fiasco, Rico Love, Raphael Saadiq, and Wiz Khalifa.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.7
You're Dead! 10.

You're Dead!

by Flying Lotus
October 7, 2014
The fifth full-length studio release for the Los Angeles-based artist/producer features guest appearances from Captain Murphy, Angel Deradoorian, Kendrick Lamar, Niki Randa, Snoop Dogg, and Thundercat.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.5
The River & the Thread 11.

The River & the Thread

by Rosanne Cash
January 14, 2014
The first release of new material in eight years for the singer-songwriter was inspired by her travels in the South.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
7.5
Too Bright 12.

Too Bright

by Perfume Genius
September 23, 2014
The third full-length release from Seattle singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas as Perfume Genius was co-produced with Adrian Utley and John Parish.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.3
Colfax 13.

Colfax

by The Delines
June 17, 2014
This is the debut release for the new band formed by Richmond Fontaine's Willy Vlautin with Amy Boone and Sean Oldham.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
7.8
Bécs 14.

Bécs

by Fennesz
April 29, 2014
The sixth full-length solo release for the Austrian electronic producer Christian Fennesz is considered a conceptual follow-up to 2001's Endless Summer.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.4
Are We There 15.

Are We There

by Sharon Van Etten
May 27, 2014
The fourth full-length release for the singer-songwriter was self-produced.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
Syro 16.

Syro

by Aphex Twin
September 23, 2014
This is the first full-length studio release from Richard D. James as Aphex Twin in over 13 years.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.1
Platinum 17.

Platinum

by Miranda Lambert
June 3, 2014
The fifth full-length release for the country singer features guest appearances from Little Big Town, the Time Jumpers (a Grammy-nominated western swing ensemble that includes Vince Gill), and Carrie Underwood.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.1
LP1 18.

LP1

by FKA twigs
August 12, 2014
This is the debut full-length release for the British experimental R&B artist Tahliah Barnett.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.5
From All Purity 19.

From All Purity

by Indian
January 21, 2014
The fifth full-length release for the Chicago doom metal band was produced by Sanford Parker.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
7.7
Present Tense 20.

Present Tense

by Wild Beasts
February 25, 2014
The fourth full-length studio release for the British four-piece was co-produced by Lexxx and Leo Abrahams.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.4
Popular Problems 21.

Popular Problems

by Leonard Cohen
September 23, 2014
The 13th studio release for the Hall of Fame singer-songwriter was co-written with Patrick Leonard, who also produced the album.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
7.9
Lost In the Dream 22.

Lost In the Dream

by The War on Drugs
March 18, 2014
This is the third full-length release for the Philadelphia rock band led by Adam Granduciel.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
Way Out Weather 23.

Way Out Weather

by Steve Gunn
October 7, 2014
The latest solo release for the Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter finds the guitarist backed by a larger group of musicians than 2013's Time Off.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.5
The  Weird and Wonderful 24.

The Weird and Wonderful

by The Marmozets
September 29, 2014
The debut full-length release for the British alternative rock quintet formed by two set of siblings was produced by Larry Hibbitt.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.6
Benji 25.

Benji

by Sun Kil Moon
February 11, 2014
The sixth full-length release for Mark Kozelek as Sun Kil Moon includes contributions from Owen Ashworth, Will Oldham, Sonic Youth's Steve Shelley, and Jen Wood.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.5
Pink City 26.

Pink City

by Jennifer Castle
September 2, 2014
The second full-length studio release for the Canadian singer-songwriter features contributions from Owen Pallett and Kath Bloom.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.2
Clearing the Path to Ascend 27.

Clearing the Path to Ascend

by YOB
September 2, 2014
This is the seventh studio release for the Oregon doom metal trio of Mike Scheidt, Aaron Rieseburg, and Travis Foster .
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.4
Meshes of Voice 28.

Meshes of Voice

by Jenny Hval & Susanna
August 19, 2014
The collaboration between Jenny Hval and Susanna Wallumrød was inspired by Maya Deren's 1943 surrealist film, Meshes of the Afternoon and was originally written for Ladyfest in 2009.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
A World Lit Only by Fire 29.

A World Lit Only by Fire

by Godflesh
October 7, 2014
This is the first release in 13 years from the British industrial metal band led by Justin Broadrick.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
7.6
The Way I'm Livin' 30.

The Way I'm Livin'

by Lee Ann Womack
September 23, 2014
The seventh studio release for the award-winning country singer was produced by her husband, Frank Liddell.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
7.8
The Serpent & the Sphere 31.

The Serpent & the Sphere

by Agalloch
May 13, 2014
The fifth full-length release for the Oregon black metal band was produced by Billy Anderson.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.2
Burn Your Fire for No Witness 32.

Burn Your Fire for No Witness

by Angel Olsen
February 18, 2014
The full-length release for the Missouri-born singer-songwriter was produced with John Congleton.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.3
Rips 33.

Rips

by Ex Hex
October 7, 2014
This is the debut full-length release for the Washington DC trio formed by Wild Flag's Mary Timony, Laura Harris, and Betsy Wright.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.1
Our Love 34.

Our Love

by Caribou
October 7, 2014
The fourth studio release for Dan Snaith as Caribou features contributions from Jessy Lanza and Owen Pallett.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.1
A U R O R A 35.

A U R O R A

by Ben Frost
May 27, 2014
The fifth full-length studio release for the Iceland-based Australian producer was influenced by his time in the eastern Congo.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
7.8
Dude Incredible 36.

Dude Incredible

by Shellac
September 16, 2014
The fifth full-length release for the post-hardcore trio led by Steve Albini album is its first in seven years.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
7.7
More Than Any Other Day 37.

More Than Any Other Day

by Ought
April 29, 2014
The debut full-length release for the Montreal-based post-punk band was recorded over a week with Radwan Ghazi Moumneh.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.6
Emma Jean 38.

Emma Jean

by Lee Fields
June 3, 2014
The latest release for the soul singer and his backing band, the Expressions, was named after his late mother.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.3
American Middle Class 39.

American Middle Class

by Angaleena Presley
October 14, 2014
The debut solo release for the Pistol Annies singer was produced with Jordan Powell.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
tbd
Heal 40.

Heal

by Strand of Oaks
June 24, 2014
The fourth full-length release (and the first on Dead Oceans) from Indiana singer-songwriter Tim Showalter features contribution from J. Mascis and was produced by Ben Vehorn.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.1
Time to Die 41.

Time to Die

by Electric Wizard
September 30, 2014
The eighth studio release for the British doom metal band was produced by lead singer Jus Oborn.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.7
Angels & Devils 42.

Angels & Devils

by The Bug
August 26, 2014
The third full-length release from Kevin Martin as The Bug features guest appearances from Copeland, Death Grips, Flowdan, Gonjasufi, Liz Harris, Manga, Miss Red, and Warrior Queen.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.2
July 43.

July

by Marissa Nadler
February 4, 2014
The sixth studio release for the Boston singer-songwriter is her first on the Sacred Bones label.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.6
Clark 44.

Clark

by Clark
November 4, 2014
The seventh release for Berlin-based IDM producer Chris Clark was recorded in a barn in rural England.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.2
Faith in Strangers 45.

Faith in Strangers

by Andy Stott
November 18, 2014
The fourth full-length solo release from the Manchester-based electronic producer features Alison Skidmore on vocals.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.2
Unflesh 46.

Unflesh

by Gazelle Twin
September 23, 2014
The second full-length release for Elizabeth Bernholz as Gazelle Twin includes production from Benge.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.6
Wine Dark Sea 47.

Wine Dark Sea

by Jolie Holland
May 20, 2014
The sixth solo release for the singer-songwriter was self-produced and includes contributions from Doug Wieselman and Indigo Street.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
tbd
Dead 48.

Dead

by Young Fathers
February 4, 2014
This is the second full-length studio release for the Edinburgh-based hip-hop trio of Alloysious Massaquoi, Kayus Bankole, and Graham Hastings.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.8
Whelm 49.

Whelm

by Douglas Dare
May 13, 2014
The debut full-length release for the British singer-songwriter was produced with Fabian Prynn.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
Moodymann 50.

Moodymann

by Moodymann
January 27, 2014
The Detroit techno artist's latest release includes guest appearances from Amp Fiddler, Andres, and José James.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.2
Typical System 51.

Typical System

by Total Control
June 24, 2014
This is the second full-length studio release for the Melbourne, Australia-based post-punk band formed by Dan Stewart and Mikey Young.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.0
Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone 52.

Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone

by Lucinda Williams
September 30, 2014
Produced with Tom Overby and Greg Leisz, the 11th studio release for singer-songwriter includes a song based on a poem by her father, Miller Williams.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
Under Color of Official Right 53.

Under Color of Official Right

by Protomartyr
April 8, 2014
The second full-length release for the Detroit post-punk band was recorded in one weekend by Bill Skibbe and Jessica Ruffins.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.3
Nikki Nack 54.

Nikki Nack

by tUnE-yArDs
May 6, 2014
The third full-length release for the music project of Merrill Garbus was produced by John Hill and Malay.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.0
Soused 55.

Soused

by Sunn O)))
October 21, 2014
The second collaboration between Scott Walker and Sunn O))) is a five-track album produced by Scott Walker and Peter Walsh.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.4
PUP 56.

PUP

by PUP
April 8, 2014
The debut full-length release for the Toronto punk band that originally was named Topanga (a reference to the Boy Meets World character).
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.2
Loom 57.

Loom

by Fear of Men
April 22, 2014
The debut full-length studio release for the British indie pop trio of Jessica Weiss, Daniel Falvey (Guitar), and Michael Miles is a follow-up to its 2012 single compilation, "Early Fragments."
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.6
Futurology 58.

Futurology

by Manic Street Preachers
July 7, 2014
The 12th full-length release for the Welsh alternative rock trio was recorded at the same time as 2013's Rewind the Film and features guest appearances from Cian Ciaran, Green Gartside, Nina Hoss, and Georgia Ruth.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.3
Mr Twin Sister 59.

Mr Twin Sister

by Mr Twin Sister
September 23, 2014
The second full-length release for the New York indie pop band previously known as Twin Sister was produced by Jonathan Low.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.9
Toumani & Sidiki 60.

Toumani & Sidiki

by Sidiki Diabate
May 19, 2014
The release of unaccompanied kora duets from the father and son duo of Toumani Diabaté and Sidiki Diabaté was produced by Nick Gold, Jerry Boys, and Lucy Duran.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
tbd
Boy 61.

Boy

by Carla Bozulich
March 4, 2014
Described by Evangelista singer as her pop album, the first solo release in six years under her real name was co-produced with John Eichenseer.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
6.0
Transgender Dysphoria Blues 62.

Transgender Dysphoria Blues

by Against Me!
January 21, 2014
The sixth full-length studio release for the punk band led by Laura Jane Grace (who came out as transgendered in 2012) explores gender dysphoria.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.0
Why Do the Heathen Rage? 63.

Why Do the Heathen Rage?

by The Soft Pink Truth
June 17, 2014
The second release for the solo side project of Matmos' Drew Daniel is an electronic black metal covers album.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Shattered 64.

Shattered

by Reigning Sound
July 15, 2014
The first release since 2009's Love and Curses for the garage rock band led by Greg Cartwright is also its first on the Merge label.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.6
Never Hungover Again 65.

Never Hungover Again

by Joyce Manor
July 22, 2014
The third full-length release for the Los Angeles pop-punk band formed by Barry Johnson and Chase Knobb was produced by Joe Reinhart.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.3
Weird Little Birthday 66.

Weird Little Birthday

by Happyness
June 16, 2014
The debut full-length release for the British indie rock trio was self produced.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.9
In Conflict 67.

In Conflict

by Owen Pallett
May 27, 2014
The fourth solo studio release for the Canadian composer features contributions from Brian Eno and the Czech FILMharmonic Orchestra.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.3
Singles 68.

Singles

by Future Islands
March 25, 2014
The Baltimore trio's first release on the 4AD label was produced by Chris Coady.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.6
The Innocents 69.

The Innocents

by Weyes Blood
October 21, 2014
This is the second release for former Jackie-O Motherfucker member Natalie Mering as Weyes Blood.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
The Outsiders 70.

The Outsiders

by Eric Church
February 11, 2014
The fourth full-length studio release for the country rock artist was produced by Jay Joyce.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.7
Salad Days 71.

Salad Days

by Mac DeMarco
April 1, 2014
This is the second full-length solo release for the Canadian singer-songwriter.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
Tomorrow Was the Golden Age 72.

Tomorrow Was the Golden Age

by Bing & Ruth
October 14, 2014
This is the second full-length release for the Brooklyn-based seven-piece instrumental group.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Field of Reeds 73.

Field of Reeds

by These New Puritans
March 4, 2014
The third full-length release for the British art rock band experiments with avant garde and classical music elements arranged with conductor André de Ridder and featuring guest appearances by Henry Lowther, Adrian Peacock, Elisa Rodrigues, and Michel van der Aa.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.4
Heartleap 74.

Heartleap

by Vashti Bunyan
October 7, 2014
Said to be the final album from the British singer-songwriter, the third full-length studio release was produced by Joe Boyd.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
Piñata 75.

Piñata

by Freddie Gibbs
March 18, 2014
The debut release for the collaboration between Freddie Gibbs and Madlib features guest appearances from such artists as Ab-Soul, BJ the Chicago Kid, Danny Brown, Domo Genesis, Mac Miller, Raekwon, Scarface, and Earl Sweatshirt.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
Familiars 76.

Familiars

by The Antlers
June 17, 2014
The fourth album from Brooklyn indie band led by Pete Silberman was influenced by the Eastern philosophy books Silberman was reading.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.2
Easy Pain 77.

Easy Pain

by Young Widows
May 13, 2014
The fourth full-length release for the noise rock trio from Kentucky was produced by Kevin Ratterman.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Grassed Inn 78.

Grassed Inn

by Blank Realm
January 14, 2014
This is the fourth full-length release for the Australian indie band formed by siblings and a friend in Brisbane.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.4
Film of Life 79.

Film of Life

by Tony Allen
October 14, 2014
The tenth studio release for the Afrobeat drummer was recorded in France with the Jazzbastards.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Sea When Absent 80.

Sea When Absent

by A Sunny Day in Glasgow
June 24, 2014
The fourth full-length release for the dream pop group led by Ben Daniels was produced by band member, Jeff Ziegler.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.2
Midnight Sun 81.

Midnight Sun

by The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger
April 29, 2014
The latest release from the duo of Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl was self-produced (except for one Mark Ronson-produced track) and mixed by Dave Fridmann.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.4
Blank Project 82.

Blank Project

by Neneh Cherry
February 25, 2014
The Swedish pop singer worked with producer Kieran Hebden and RocketNumber Nine on her first solo release in over 18 years.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.7
No Way There from Here 83.

No Way There from Here

by Laura Cantrell
January 28, 2014
The fifth studio release for the the country singer was recorded in Nashville and is her first album of original material since 2005’s Humming By The Flowered Vine.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Common Ground: Dave & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill Broonzy 84.

Common Ground: Dave & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill Broonzy

by Phil Alvin
June 3, 2014
Blasters Dave and Phil Alvin come together for this tribute to Big Bill Broonzy.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
tbd
Tarpaper Sky 85.

Tarpaper Sky

by Rodney Crowell
April 15, 2014
After his Grammy-winning collaboration with Emmylou Harris, the singer-songwriter returns with his 14th self-produced solo release.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
tbd
Total Strife Forever 86.

Total Strife Forever

by East India Youth
January 13, 2014
This is the debut full-length release for British electronic musician William Doyle.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.0
Somewhere Else 87.

Somewhere Else

by Lydia Loveless
February 18, 2014
The Ohio country-rock singer is backed by Nick German, Ben Lamb, and Todd May on her third full-length release.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.3
Last Dance 88.

Last Dance

by Keith Jarrett
June 17, 2014
The second release of jazz classic from Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden are from the same 2007 sessions as those on 2010's Jasmine.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
tbd
Morning Phase 89.

Morning Phase

by Beck
February 25, 2014
The 12th studio release for the singer-songwriter includes contributions from Jason Falkner, Smokey Hormel, Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Justin Meldal-Johnsen, and Joey Waronker.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.3
Benjamin Booker 90.

Benjamin Booker

by Benjamin Booker
August 19, 2014
The debu full-length release for the New Orleans based singer-songwriter was produced by Andrija Tokic.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.1
They Want My Soul 91.

They Want My Soul

by Spoon
August 5, 2014
The eighth studio full-length release for the indie rock band is its first with new member Alex Fischel and was produced by Joe Chicarelli and Dave Fridmann.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.5
Blue Smoke 92.

Blue Smoke

by Dolly Parton
May 13, 2014
The 42nd studio release for the country singer features duets with Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
7.9
Punish, Honey 93.

Punish, Honey

by Vessel
September 16, 2014
This is the second full-length electronic release for producer Sebastian Gainsborough as Vessel.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.2
Sea Island 94.

Sea Island

by Loscil
November 18, 2014
The latest full-length release for Canadian artist Scott Morgan as Loscil features contributions from Josh Lindstrom, Ashley Pitre, Elaine Reynolds, Kelly Wyse, and Jason Zumpano.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
tbd
Quixotism 95.

Quixotism

by Oren Ambarchi
October 28, 2014
The five piece album from the experimental Australian composer features contributions from such artists as Matt Chamberlain, Thomas Brinkmann, Crys Cole, the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, Eyvind Kang, Jim O' Rourke, John Tilbury, and U-zhaan.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
tbd

Titles with fewer than 7 critic reviews are excluded.

Highs and Lows
Highest of the Month
  1. 94

    The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd

    • Release Date: Mar 15, 2024
  2. 89

    I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy

    • Release Date: Mar 1, 2024
  3. 88

    Bright Future - Adrianne Lenker

    • Release Date: Mar 22, 2024
  4. 86

    Where's My Utopia? - Yard Act

    • Release Date: Mar 1, 2024
  5. 84

    Akoma - Jlin

    • Release Date: Mar 22, 2024
Lowest of the Month
  1. 65

    Kaiser Chiefs' Easy Eighth Album - Kaiser Chiefs

    • Release Date: Mar 1, 2024
  2. 66

    Bleachers - Bleachers

    • Release Date: Mar 8, 2024
  3. 72

    Scope Neglect - Ben Frost

    • Release Date: Mar 1, 2024
  4. 73

    Flora Ocean Tiger Bloom - Meatbodies

    • Release Date: Mar 8, 2024
  5. 74

    Real Power - Gossip

    • Release Date: Mar 22, 2024