NME’s album reviews that count toward B-Side Breakdowns: 2,178 reviews of 2,178 albums, going back to 1991, each next to the album’s Breakdown. 2,168 of them come from Wikipedia ratings boxes, mostly for older albums.
Top critics
- Nick Levine 65 reviews
- Rhian Daly 62 reviews
- Emily Mackay 46 reviews
- Mark Beaumont 45 reviews
- Leonie Cooper 42 reviews
418 reviews with no named critic yet.
What it reviews
- Indie & Alternative 29%
- Rock 20%
- Pop 19%
- Hip-Hop & Rap 13%
- Electronic 7%
Find NME
By the numbers
71average score it gives, on the 0 to 100 scale (2,178 reviews)
53%of its reviews score an album 75 or higher
18points: how far a typical review lands from its own average score
125albums given a perfect score (5.7% of its reviews)
73A-Sides reviewed, the albums the critics rate highest
302different critics with a byline on its reviews here
55%of its scores landed within 10 points of the other critics’ average for the same album (2176 albums)
10points, on average, between its release-week reviews and where the other critics ended up (584 reviews)
How its scores spread
- 0–49212
- 50s100
- 60s356
- 70s357
- 80s844
- 90+309
Its top scores
RayeThis Music May Contain Hope. 100 Puah Ziwei
RosalíaLux 100 Rhian Daly
Florence + the MachineEverybody Scream 100 Laura Molloy
TurnstileNever Enough 100 Alastair Shuttleworth
Sleep TokenEven in Arcadia 100 Rishi Shah
FKA twigsEusexua 100 Aneesa Ahmed
Bad BunnyDebí tirar más fotos 100 Lucas Villa
Kendrick LamarGNX 100 Kyann-Sian Williams
Its newest 200 reviews
| Critic | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chloe QishaFantasize“Chloe Qisha's debut mixtape 'Fantasize' sells us a facade of slick, sexy dream-pop – but rarely lets us peek underneath.” | Alex Rigotti Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | not yet | Oct 30, 2026 |
 Queens of the Stone AgePerfecth“Queens Of The Stone Age open their hearts to deliver their most intimate and adventurous work yet on album number nine, 'Perfecth'.” | Andrew Trendell Read the review | 80 4/5 | 78 | Oct 29, 2026 |
 DIIVZIRP!“On 'ZIRP!', the Los Angeles band DIIV offer up an ambitious, unflinching look at where the ills of capitalism have taken us.” | Joe Goggins Read the review | 80 4/5 | 75 | Oct 28, 2026 |
 Miley CyrusBass Persuades“Ever-evolving Miley Cyrus settles comfortably into her own skin on 'Bass Persuades', even if the best stuff is hidden away on the record.” | Cordelia Lam Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 64 | Sep 22, 2026 |
 AdélaPrima“On her debut album 'Prima', ADÉLA is growling, thrusting and squealing her way to superstardom, one hit at a time.” | Bailey Slater Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 67 | Sep 4, 2026 |
 Ariana GrandePetal | Kristen S. Hé Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 69 | Aug 3, 2026 |
 The StrokesReality Awaits | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 69 | Jul 24, 2026 |
 Gracie AbramsDaughter from Hell | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 66 | Jul 17, 2026 |
 MadonnaConfessions II | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 76 | Jul 2, 2026 |
 MuseThe Wow! Signal“The NME review of Muse's 'The Wow! Signal': Matt Bellamy and co respond to heartache and the unknown with an update on their early sound” | Andrew Trendell Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 76 | Jun 25, 2026 |
 Olivia RodrigoYou Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love“Olivia Rodrigo goes three-for-three on ‘You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love’, her introspective depiction of adult relationships.” | Alex Rigotti Read the review via Wikipedia | 90 4.5/5 | 87 | Jun 15, 2026 |
 DrakeIceman | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 55 | May 22, 2026 |
 Kacey MusgravesMiddle of Nowhere“Stepping away from the stargazing and glitz of her last few records, Kacey Musgraves makes a return to cowboy country on 'Middle Of Nowhere'.” | Cordelia Lam Read the review via Wikipedia | 70 3.5/5 | 80 | May 1, 2026 |
| RayeThis Music May Contain Hope.“RAYE's second album ‘This Music May Contain Hope’ can be a lot to take in, but her unrestrained, all-in approach is worth the journey.” | Puah Ziwei Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 85 | Mar 27, 2026 |
 SlayyyterWorst Girl in America“Chasing the highs of her Tumblr-addled youth, Slayyyter finds her sound in a new strain of brash, sleazy pop on ‘Wor$t Girl In America’.” | Bailey Slater Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 77 | Mar 27, 2026 |
 BTSArirang“BTS are back with 'Arirang', bringing with them new reflections on life and shining light on more facets of their cultural heritage.” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 76 | Mar 24, 2026 |
 Harry StylesKiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.“Harry Styles’ ‘Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally’ finds him taking a new approach to life – and to music – with liberating results.” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 75 | Mar 4, 2026 |
 Bruno MarsThe Romantic“The global superstar still might not be baring his soul in his lyrics, but his fourth solo album – and first in a decade – presents a more mature deployment…” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 70 | Feb 27, 2026 |
 MegadethMegadeth“Dave Mustaine and co. remind us of their legacy, yet it’s the rarely seen moments of tenderness on 'Megadeth' that truly stand out.” | Liberty Dunworth Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 63 | Jan 21, 2026 |
 Robbie WilliamsBritpop“NME reviews Robbie Williams' 13th album 'Britpop': Nostalgia offers the pop icon protection on this daft but deft celebration of his journey” | Andrew Trendell Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 73 | Jan 16, 2026 |
| RosalíaLux | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 92 | Nov 7, 2025 |
| Florence + the MachineEverybody Scream“On her sixth album as Florence + The Machine, Florence Welch enlists horror and magic to harness hope” | Laura Molloy Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 83 | Oct 31, 2025 |
 Taylor SwiftThe Life of a Showgirl | Kristen S. Hé Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 67 | Oct 6, 2025 |
 Olivia DeanThe Art of Loving | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 81 | Sep 26, 2025 |
 Cardi BAm I the Drama?“Seven years on from her debut, Cardi B doubles down on bravado on 'Am I The Drama?' but drowns it in overlong tracks and half-baked collabs.” | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 71 | Sep 24, 2025 |
 Ed SheeranPlay“After the beige dud ‘Autumn Variations’, Ed Sheeran returns to the eclecticism that defined ‘÷’ on his new album 'Play'.” | Jordan Bassett Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 53 | Sep 11, 2025 |
 Justin BieberSwag II“Two months after the Canadian pop star made his long-awaited return, he’s back with a second instalment that’s more playful in places, but still feels monotonous” | El Hunt Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 50 | Sep 5, 2025 |
 Tyler, the CreatorDon’t Tap the Glass“Tyler, The Creator’s ‘Don’t Tap The Glass’ is a crate-digging party project that favours feel over formula – read the NME album review” | Niall Smith Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | Jul 25, 2025 |
 ClipseLet God Sort Em Out“Reunited after 16 years, Virginia duo Clipse are missing the killer punches that first made them icons of hip-hop.” | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 77 | Jul 11, 2025 |
 KeshaPeriod | Kristen S. Hé Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 66 | Jul 4, 2025 |
 LordeVirgin | Alex Rigotti Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 80 | Jun 26, 2025 |
 Addison RaeAddison | Alex Rigotti Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | Jun 9, 2025 |
| TurnstileNever Enough | Alastair Shuttleworth Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 87 | Jun 6, 2025 |
 Miley CyrusSomething Beautiful | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | May 30, 2025 |
 Kali UchisSincerely“Kali Uchi's first all-English album 'Sincerely,' builds its own dreamy sanctuary full of deep affection – read the NME album review” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 80 | May 9, 2025 |
| Sleep TokenEven in Arcadia“Spearheaded by the piano and some of Vessel’s most human lyrics to date, Sleep Token' fourth album seals their status as the overlords of their scene and generation” | Rishi Shah Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 69 | May 8, 2025 |
 PinkPantheressFancy That | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 81 | May 7, 2025 |
 SkrillexFuck U Skrillex You Think Ur Andy Warhol but Ur Not!! | Alex Rigotti Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 68 | 2025 |
 Playboi CartiMusic“Playboi Carti remakes trap again in his own image on his breathlessly anticipated third studio album 'Music' – read the NME review” | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 70 | 2025 |
 Lady GagaMayhem | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 79 | 2025 |
 Sam FenderPeople Watching“Feeling existential, uprooted and disconnected from his old life, Sam Fender channels it all into 'People Watching' – read NME's album review” | Tilly Foulkes Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 80 | 2025 |
 The WeekndHurry Up Tomorrow | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2025 |
| FKA twigsEusexua | Aneesa Ahmed Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 86 | 2025 |
| Bad BunnyDebí tirar más fotos“After going global, Bad Bunny returns to his roots and reclaims his reggaeton throne on 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos', his most daring LP yet.” | Lucas Villa Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 90 | 2025 |
 Snoop DoggMissionary“As a follow-up to the history-making ‘Doggystyle’, ‘Missionary’ swaps out its predecessor’s hedonistic charm for some more mature nuggets of wisdom” | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 67 | 2024 |
| Kendrick LamarGNX“After a year full of scathing diss tracks, Kendrick Lamar converts that energy into love while carrying the West Coast on his back” | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 86 | 2024 |
 Father John MistyMahashmashana“After “a few non-elective ego deaths”, Father John Misty looks inward for new record ‘Mahashmashana’, on which sarcasm is in short supply” | Jordan Bassett Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 82 | 2024 |
 Tyler, the CreatorChromakopia“The LA rapper's seventh album is packed with sonic invention and beautiful storytelling, but its messaging is confused” | Fred Garratt-Stanley Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 78 | 2024 |
 HalseyThe Great Impersonator“On the surface, the ever-evolving artist’s fifth album is an homage to the musicians who have helped shape them. Dig deeper, though, and you’ll find a her grappling with her…” | Kristen S. Hé Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 80 | 2024 |
 Kylie MinogueTension II | Puah Ziwei Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 86 | 2024 |
 The CureSongs of a Lost World“The NME review of The Cure's long-awaited first album in 16 years, 'Songs Of A Lost World' – dealing in death but with flowers on the grave” | Andrew Trendell Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 90 | 2024 |
 ColdplayMoon Music“Pop optimists Coldplay fight the blues on 'Moon Music', highlighting the power of music to weather life’s storms – read the NME review” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 62 | 2024 |
 Katy Perry143“Katy Perry reconnects with old collaborators for her seventh album '143', but fails to recreate the magic – read NME's 2-star album review” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 40 | 2024 |
 Nick Cave and the Bad SeedsWild God“Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' Wild God' review: Once the godfather of goth, now a freewheelin' preacher of joy, Cave elevates above the grief” | Andrew Trendell Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 88 | 2024 |
 Sabrina CarpenterShort n’ Sweet | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 78 | 2024 |
 Fontaines D.C.Romance | Sophie Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 85 | 2024 |
 BeabadoobeeThis Is How Tomorrow Moves | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 78 | 2024 |
 Ice SpiceY2K!“Rapper Ice Spice’s debut album ‘Y2K!’ is promising but uneven. It's unlikely to slow her rapid ascent – read the NME review” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 62 | 2024 |
 EminemThe Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) | Jordan Bassett Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 53 | 2024 |
 ClairoCharm | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 82 | 2024 |
 Gracie AbramsThe Secret of Us“On new album ‘The Secret of Us’, Gracie Abrams aims for pop catharsis and hints at dancefloor euphoria – read the NME review” | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 73 | 2024 |
 AURORAWhat Happened to the Heart?“The NME review of AURORA's fifth album 'What Happened To The Heart' – a heavy, ravey call for humanity and career-high” | Andrew Trendell Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 78 | 2024 |
 Charli XCXBrat“Driven by her desire to fully embrace club music, the British artist's sixth record fuses well-earned confidence and vulnerability in thrilling fashion” | not named Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 86 | 2024 |
 Twenty One PilotsClancy“The US duo's seventh album concludes the lore that has been in their material for the past decade. Shame it's a bit of a bore” | Joe Goggins Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 78 | 2024 |
 Billie EilishHit Me Hard and Soft“On the Billie Eilish's third album, there are upbeat bangers and a clear vision established for her artistry in the years to come.” | Thomas Smith Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 85 | 2024 |
 Dua LipaRadical Optimism | Thomas Smith Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 73 | 2024 |
 St. VincentAll Born Screaming | Jordan Bassett Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 85 | 2024 |
 JusticeHyperdrama | Thomas Smith Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 68 | 2024 |
 Taylor SwiftThe Tortured Poets Department“Arriving at the peak of her imperial phase, Swift’s 11th studio album is surprisingly flat and, at times, cringeworthy.” | Laura Molloy Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 76 | 2024 |
 Pearl JamDark Matter“The grunge icons are back with their 12th album 'Dark Matter', and seem to be reclaiming their '90s roots after years of playing it safe.” | Liberty Dunworth Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 83 | 2024 |
 Sum 41Heaven :x: Hell | Rishi Shah Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 79 | 2024 |
 TylaTyla | Kayleigh Watson Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2024 |
 Liam GallagherLiam Gallagher John Squire | Jordan Bassett Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2024 |
 Green DaySaviors“Green Day's’ 14th album finds them wiser, more subtle, but still up for a romp – on a state-of-the-nation LP and their best since ‘American Idiot” | Andrew Trendell Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2024 |
 Nicki MinajPink Friday 2“Similarities to Nicki Minaj's 2010 original may run only name-deep, but this sample-heavy material holds its own. Read the NME review of 'Pink Friday 2” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 69 | 2023 |
 Taylor Swift1989 (Taylor’s Version)“Taylor Swift’s journey to re-record her first six albums has been a nostalgia trip through the eras. The pop icon’s first three ‘Taylor’s Version’ re-releases – 2008’s ‘Fearless’, 2010’s ‘Speak…” | Hollie Geraghty Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 91 | 2023 |
 Blink-182One More Time…“After brushes with mortality and a protracted absence for Tom DeLonge, the reunited trio sound simply happy enough just to be rocking out again .” | Emma Wilkes Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 69 | 2023 |
 DrakeFor All the Dogs“Rap mega-star promises a return to form, but instead doubles-down on his worst impulses on the final album before his hiatus” | Luke Morgan Britton Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 49 | 2023 |
 Doja CatScarlet“Doja Cat doesn't want you to like her. But with a Number One hit and a memorable fourth album, the attention is unlikely to wane” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 66 | 2023 |
 Kylie MinogueTension“Get outta her way, Kylie's back with another high-energy blast of dance-pop that's more than just hit single 'Padam Padam” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 85 | 2023 |
 Olivia RodrigoGuts“The 20-year-old's self-assured second album documents her hopes, fears and trauma with thrilling emotional candour” | Sophie Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 84 | 2023 |
 VLayover“V, The jazz-loving BTS star, heads back to the past for his debut solo album 'Layover' – but keeps one foot in the present.” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 79 | 2023 |
 LaufeyBewitched“The Icelandic-Chinese star's dazzlingly second album is confident and musically ambitious, melding jazz, pop and modern classical composition” | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 82 | 2023 |
 Travis ScottUtopia“The Houston rapper's first album since 2018 teases a brave new sonic world, but has little to say about what happens when we get there” | Nathan Evans Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 66 | 2023 |
 BlurThe Ballad of Darren“The band's joyous reunion only gets more emotional with this tear-jerking, soaring ninth studio album. Read the NME review” | Thomas Smith Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 83 | 2023 |
 Sigur RósÁtta“Without a drummer but with an old friend back in the line-up, the post-rock pioneers return with their first album in a decade and their best since the now classic…” | Andrew Trendell Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 79 | 2023 |
 Foo FightersBut Here We Are“Following the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins, Foo Fighters' eleventh album is a pensive toast to rock’s restorative power” | Ali Shutler Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 84 | 2023 |
 Sleep TokenTake Me Back to Eden“The mysterious group have become one of the scene’s most talked-about bands. Their latest album more than justifies the intrigue” | Emma Wilkes Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 74 | 2023 |
 Jessie WareThat! Feels Good!“Ware’s best album of her career is a transformative experience, an outlandishly good record that allows her to let loose” | Sophie Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 85 | 2023 |
 SugaD-Day | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 87 | 2023 |
 Metallica72 Seasons“On album eleven, the hard rock veterans roll back the years to deliver a thrilling sonic onslaught – including their longest ever song” | Kevin EG Perry Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2023 |
 Ellie GouldingHigher Than Heaven“The British pop star has trailed her fifth record as her least "personal yet" – it makes for a welcome change-up. Read the NME review” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2023 |
 Boygeniusthe record | Erica Campbell Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 82 | 2023 |
 JiminFace | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2023 |
 Depeche ModeMemento Mori“Depeche Mode are a band who’ve existed at extremes. On their journey from squeaky-clean popsters to alternative titans they’ve lived a fast, hard life. Lead singer Dave Gahan’s brushes with…” | Thomas Smith Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 82 | 2023 |
 Lana Del ReyDid You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd“The LA artist's ninth album – amongst her most revealing work yet – continues to expand the modern icon's artistry” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 79 | 2023 |
 Miley CyrusEndless Summer Vacation“Endless Summer Vacation' may appear subdued by her standards, but it remains remarkably intriguing. Read the NME review” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 75 | 2023 |
 GorillazCracker Island“The band eschew industry-busting rollouts or a concept-heavy narrative, instead showing their influence on pop's present and future” | Thomas Smith Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 72 | 2023 |
 Gracie AbramsGood Riddance | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 77 | 2023 |
 SkrillexQuest for Fire | Ben Jolley Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 71 | 2023 |
 Caroline PolachekDesire, I Want to Turn Into You“The follow-up to 2019’s ‘Pang’ is hindered by a lengthy rollout, but Polachek’s sheer ambition is never in doubt” | Ella Kemp Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 88 | 2023 |
 ParamoreThis Is Why“The trio's clear-eyed and powerful sixth album encapsulates their journey to becoming a generation-defining band” | Sophie Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 86 | 2023 |
 RayeMy 21st Century Blues“Several years in the making, the London singer/songwriter's debut LP is bold, brilliant and unapologetically her own” | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 78 | 2023 |
 MåneskinRush!“The Italian band cap off a whirlwind period by sticking to their guns in the face of industry bluster and interference. Read the NME review” | Thomas Smith Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 61 | 2023 |
 Iggy PopEvery Loser“With his 19th studio album the Godfather of Punk resurrects the primal rock energy that started his career five decades ago” | Erica Campbell Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 80 | 2023 |
 RMIndigo | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 85 | 2022 |
 Bruce SpringsteenOnly the Strong Survive“The Boss shines a light on the greats of the past and leans into his full vocal prowess with this beautiful celebration of soul music” | Erica Campbell Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 71 | 2022 |
 DrakeHer Loss“The Toronto and Atlanta megastars show promise and flashes of brilliance, but can't stay out of their own way on the 16-track collaboration” | Fred Garratt-Stanley Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 63 | 2022 |
 Taylor SwiftMidnights“The pop titan's tenth record pivots away from her lockdown creations and recent re-recording project, offering up brighter sounds” | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 84 | 2022 |
 Carly Rae JepsenThe Loneliest Time | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 75 | 2022 |
 Arctic MonkeysThe Car“Arctic Monkeys' seventh album 'The Car' summarises their story so far: sharp songwriting, relentless innovation and unbreakable teamwork” | Thomas Smith Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 77 | 2022 |
 Red Hot Chili PeppersReturn of the Dream Canteen“On their second album release of 2022 the Californians break new ground, but bury these new discoveries with tired old tricks” | Ali Shutler Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 71 | 2022 |
 Tove LoDirt Femme | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2022 |
 The 1975Being Funny in a Foreign Language“After an experimental phase, the band’s fifth album is succinct, cuttingly self-aware, and boasts some of their most-direct pop hits in years” | El Hunt Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 84 | 2022 |
 BjörkFossora“What goes up must come down, but maybe you don’t need to fear the fall. Björk’s last album, 2017’s ‘Utopia’, was borne aloft by the thermals of optimism, activism, flutes…” | Emily Mackay Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2022 |
 BlackpinkBorn Pink“Moments of endearing vulnerability peer through the classic BLACKPINK bombast on their second album 'Born Pink' – read the NME review” | Tanu I. Raj Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 68 | 2022 |
 MuseWill of the People“The band ditch the awkward trend-chasing of 'Simulation Theory' to focus on politicised, guitar-oriented brutality” | Andy Price Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 69 | 2022 |
 Demi LovatoHoly Fvck“The star harks back to their earlier days with this collection of head-banging guitar solos and ferocious riffs” | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 76 | 2022 |
 Panic! at the DiscoViva Las Vengeance“Shiny arena pop is out and classic rock is in for the quintessential band of the Myspace era. The result is weird, nostalgic and refreshing” | Ali Shutler Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 75 | 2022 |
 Calvin HarrisFunk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 58 | 2022 |
 BeyoncéRenaissance“The superstar’s first studio album in six years is indebted to house music and New Orleans bounce, keenly reclaiming gentrified genres” | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 89 | 2022 |
 LizzoSpecial“Positivity reigns on the star's fourth album; a jubilant collection of confidence anthems and romantic serenades” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2022 |
 Conan GraySuperache | Georgia Evans Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 80 | 2022 |
 DrakeHonestly, Nevermind“Drake has surprise-released his seventh album – get the NME verdict” | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 70 | 2022 |
 Post MaloneTwelve Carat Toothache“On his fourth album, the US star details a complicated relationship with his vices, but finds a new path forward” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 57 | 2022 |
 Harry StylesHarry’s House“The former One Directioner has described this record as his “biggest and the most fun". It's also his best yet” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2022 |
 Kendrick LamarMr. Morale & the Big Steppers“The rapper overcomes "writer's block" to triumph with a collection on which his observational skills go into overdrive” | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 87 | 2022 |
 The SmileA Light for Attracting Attention“Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and Sons Of Kemet’s Tom Skinner cut loose on this curious and energetic supergroup romp” | Andrew Trendell Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 82 | 2022 |
 Florence + the MachineDance Fever | Sophie Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2022 |
 The Black KeysDropout Boogie“The Ohio blues-rockers pack a familiar swagger on their 11th studio album, which nods to the greats of rock'n'roll” | Rhys Buchanan Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 68 | 2022 |
 Jack HarlowCome Home the Kids Miss You“With the help of integral rap OGs such as Lil Wayne, the 25-year-old chart-topper addresses his ascent as an international rap superstar” | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 47 | 2022 |
 FutureI Never Liked You“The pioneer – along with an all-star cast including Drake and Ye – puts his melodies and robotic croon to good use” | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 67 | 2022 |
 RammsteinZeit“This is unmistakably a record from the provocative German band, but it’s also unlike anything we’ve heard from them before” | Ali Shutler Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2022 |
 Fontaines D.C.Skinty Fia“On their third album, the five-piece ambitiously broaden their style, making for a breathtaking collection that’s like nothing they’ve ever done before” | Sophie Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 89 | 2022 |
 Jack WhiteFear of the Dawn | Mark Beaumont Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 69 | 2022 |
 Father John MistyChloë and the Next 20th Century“On album five, Mr Tillman’s ambitious, big band-style visions and bossa nova experiments (yes, really) come to life with thrilling effect” | Sophie Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 84 | 2022 |
 Red Hot Chili PeppersUnlimited Love“Reunited with guitar wizard John Frusciante, the band channel the best moments from their heyday to prove there's plenty more gas in the tank” | Ali Shutler Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 70 | 2022 |
 Machine Gun KellyMainstream Sellout | Ali Shutler Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 53 | 2022 |
 PlaceboNever Let Me Go | Andrew Trendell Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2022 |
 RosalíaMotomami“The star's third album is a dazzling musical grab-bag of flamenco, reggaetón, left-field pop, glitchy R&B and even despondent gospel” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 90 | 2022 |
 Charli XCXCrash“The star marks the beginning of an experimental chapter, but in doing so, she puts her own funk-infused spin on mainstream pop” | El Hunt Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 77 | 2022 |
 GhostImpera“Stark social commentary and a procession of left-field collaborators make for a truly delicious pop-rock proposition” | James McMahon Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 83 | 2022 |
 Avril LavigneLove Sux“The star has signed to Travis Barker's label DTA Records for a comeback that combines legendary guests with thrilling relative newcomers” | Ali Shutler Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 72 | 2022 |
 alt-JThe Dream | Sophie Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 76 | 2022 |
 Animal CollectiveTime Skiffs | Charlotte Krol Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 80 | 2022 |
 BastilleGive Me the Future“Album four is about finding joy, whatever the situation. Or as the band put it: “Who knows what the future holds? Doesn’t matter if I got you” | Ali Shutler Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 72 | 2022 |
 KornRequiem | Dannii Leivers Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 79 | 2022 |
 AURORAThe Gods We Can Touch“The NME review of Norwegian sensation AURORA's third album 'The Gods We Can Touch', with the Billie Eilish muse opening up her sonic pallette” | Andrew Trendell Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 83 | 2022 |
 The WeekndDawn FM“Abel Tesfaye marks a period of reflection with perhaps his most mature, emotionally robust collection yet. Oh, and Jim Carrey narrates it” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 82 | 2022 |
 Alicia KeysKeys“The singer has been stunningly prolific in the past year, and – for better or worse – this sprawling record is ideal for the streaming era” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 63 | 2021 |
 Rick RossRicher Than I Ever Been | Will Lavin Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 64 | 2021 |
 Neil YoungBarn“There’s a cracked and weary charm to the rock'n'roll veteran’s latest outing, an album that deftly navigates the personal and political” | Rhys Buchanan Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 77 | 2021 |
 Adele30“Previously accused of playing it safe, Adele enters a new decade by experimenting with bolder sounds. It gives intriguing but mixed results.” | El Hunt Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 80 | 2021 |
 Silk SonicAn Evening with Silk Sonic“The highly anticipated collaborative album from Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak is bold, vibrant and totally compelling” | Sophie Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 82 | 2021 |
 Lana Del ReyBlue Banisters“On her eighth record – one that subtly responds to her critics – Del Rey's voice has never sounded better” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 76 | 2021 |
 ColdplayMusic of the Spheres“Some of Chris and the gang's ninth album is quintessentially them – all stadium ambition and rousing choruses – but there are surprises, too” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 53 | 2021 |
 PinkPantheressTo Hell with It“The Bath-born artist's impeccable debut caps off an incredible breakthrough year and proves why she’s one of the fastest-rising in the world” | Ben Jolley Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 85 | 2021 |
 Lady GagaLove for Sale“The veteran crooner and art-pop legend team up again, this time to pay tribute to Cole Porter's big band classics” | El Hunt Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 70 | 2021 |
 Lil Nas XMontero“It’s refreshing to see him in a reflective light, but when he's upstaged by Megan Thee Stallion, the gulf between them become apparent” | El Hunt Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 83 | 2021 |
 Amyl and the SniffersComfort to Me“The punks' second record is louder, sillier and at times more introspective than its predecessor, showing a more versatile side to the band” | El Hunt Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 87 | 2021 |
 Kacey MusgravesStar-Crossed“The pop's dissection of a crumbling relationship is split into three parts, never collapsing under its own concept” | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 72 | 2021 |
 DrakeCertified Lover Boy“On his sixth studio album, Drizzy sounds jaded and dull, treading water while he once again whines about women and fame” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 54 | 2021 |
 Kanye WestDonda“The rapper's 10th album follows an odyssey of delays and bizarre not-quite-release parties” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 58 | 2021 |
 HalseyIf I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 78 | 2021 |
 LordeSolar Power“The New Zealand star's third album continues her winning streak, as she blazes a trail through the pop landscape” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 70 | 2021 |
 The KillersPressure Machine | Thomas Smith Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 80 | 2021 |
 Billie EilishHappier Than Ever“Tackling fame with old-timey Hollywood glamour, the star has repeated the success of her stellar debut – without repeating any of its tricks” | El Hunt Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 81 | 2021 |
 PrinceWelcome 2 America“Welcome 2 America', the first full album of unheard material from Prince’s legendary vault, tackles race and injustice through joyful funk” | Andrew Trendell Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 73 | 2021 |
 John MayerSob Rock“With his first album in four years, soft rock’s boy wonder pays homage to the ‘70s and ‘80s while nursing a broken heart” | Will Lavin Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 68 | 2021 |
 Tyler, the CreatorCall Me If You Get Lost“The iconoclast confronts cancel culture, his own controversial past and the notion of personal growth on this kaleidoscopic record” | Luke Morgan Britton Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 86 | 2021 |
 Doja CatPlanet Her“The star enlists industry titans The Weeknd and Ariana Grande to ensure this album will help her to ride out any social media storm” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 77 | 2021 |
 MigosCulture III | Sam Moore Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 76 | 2021 |
 Marina DiamandisAncient Dreams In A Modern Land“She's far too interesting to fit into a cookie-cutter hitmaker mould, and here Marina Diamandis settles into her own idiosyncratic groove” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 75 | 2021 |
 Tomorrow X TogetherThe Chaos Chapter: Freeze | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 85 | 2021 |
 Wolf AliceBlue Weekend | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 91 | 2021 |
 Olivia RodrigoSour“After 'Drivers License', pop's brightest new thing proves she's no flash-in-the-pan, but a multidimensional artist who's here to stay” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 76 | 2021 |
 The Black KeysDelta Kream | Rhys Buchanan Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 69 | 2021 |
 GojiraFortitude“French four-piece Gojira's seventh album 'Fortitude' is a thunderous yet playful thing that bristles with raw power” | Ali Shutler Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 78 | 2021 |
 Greta Van FleetThe Battle at Garden’s Gate | Steven J. Horowitz Read the review via Wikipedia | 40 2/5 | 65 | 2021 |
 London GrammarCalifornian Soil | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2021 |
 Paul McCartneyMcCartney III Imagined | Thomas Smith Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2021 |
 Taylor SwiftFearless (Taylor’s Version)“Amid legal battles, the singer is releasing re-recorded versions of her albums, another sign of the determination that made her famous” | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 83 | 2021 |
 Godspeed You! Black EmperorG_d’s Pee at State’s End!“The Montreal experimentalists have bottled our turbulent moment with an idiosyncratic slab of noise that gives way to moments of beauty” | Patrick Clarke Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 8/10 | 82 | 2021 |
 24kGoldnEl Dorado“The Bay Area native wanted to prove his rap credentials – but his skills as a pop master are just as dazzling on his debut album” | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 70 | 2021 |
 Lana Del ReyChemtrails over the Country Club“The star follows up her career-high 'Norman Fucking Rockwell!' with a stunning album that aches with meditations on fame and romance” | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 80 | 2021 |
 Justin BieberJustice“Last year's 'Changes' saw the singer take a wrong turn, but here he's back at his best, tapping into his personal experiences” | Will Lavin Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 65 | 2021 |
 Madison BeerLife Support“Whether she's belting out sex-positive pop songs, R&B or exploring slow-burning country twang, the singer is always defiantly herself” | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 70 | 2021 |
 SHINeeDon’t Call Me“The Princes of K-pop continue to deliver the bops but only showcase glimpses of their distinctive musicality on their new album.” | Puah Ziwei Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 79 | 2021 |
 Zayn MalikNobody Is Listening“The former one Directioner's last album, 'Icarus Falls', was a critical hit but commercial flop. This time he swaps maximalism for simplicity” | Dhruva Balram Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 58 | 2021 |
 AshnikkoDemidevil“A debut album proper in all but name, mixtape ‘Demidevil’ shows that Ashnikko’s far more than a two-trend wonder” | El Hunt Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 73 | 2021 |
 Playboi CartiWhole Lotta Red“The rapper hoped to give fans a Christmas treat with this surprise release, which doesn't reach the dizzying highs he's capable of” | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 60 3/5 | 71 | 2021 |
 Paul McCartneyMcCartney III“Like the rest of us, Macca's been whiling away the hours” | Mark Beaumont Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 79 | 2020 |
 Kid CudiMan on the Moon III: The Chosen“A cinematic masterstroke that electrifies the senses at every turn, the third instalment in the 'MOTM' trilogy offers a sense of closure” | Will Lavin Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 73 | 2020 |
 Taylor SwiftEvermore“The NME review of 'Evermore', Taylor Swift's second album of 2020, a follow-up to the surprise mega-smash 'Folklore'.” | Hannah Mylrea Read the review via Wikipedia | 100 5/5 | 83 | 2020 |
 Miley CyrusPlastic Hearts“Enlisting Joan Jett and channelling Stevie Nicks, the singer has drawn deep from her recent rock cover songs and done an Ashley O” | El Hunt Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 73 | 2020 |
 Megan Thee StallionGood News | Kyann-Sian Williams Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 84 | 2020 |
 Kali UchisSin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) | Rhian Daly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 79 | 2020 |
 BeneeHey U X“Grimes, Lily Allen and Flo Milli all star on this eclectic collection where Benee's biggest strength is just being herself” | Caitlin O'Reilly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 77 | 2020 |
 AC/DCPower Up“After 50 years in the game, the band don't reinvent the wheel, but their timely comeback is a hell of a ride” | Nick Reilly Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 78 | 2020 |
 Kylie MinogueDisco“Kylie goes full disco-diva on her most consistent and enjoyable album in a decade” | Nick Levine Read the review via Wikipedia | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2020 |