Riff Magazine’s album reviews that count toward B-Side Breakdowns: 92 reviews of 92 albums, each next to the album’s Breakdown.
What it reviews
- Pop 41%
- Rock 18%
- Indie & Alternative 13%
- Metal & Punk 11%
- Hip-Hop & Rap 7%
Find Riff Magazine
By the numbers
78average score it gives, on the 0 to 100 scale (92 reviews)
66%of its reviews score an album 75 or higher
13points: how far a typical review lands from its own average score
4albums given a perfect score (4.3% of its reviews)
4A-Sides reviewed, the albums the critics rate highest
57%of its scores landed within 10 points of the other critics’ average for the same album (92 albums)
How its scores spread
- 0–491
- 50s4
- 60s8
- 70s18
- 80s33
- 90+28
Its top scores
Every review
| Critic | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Katy Perry143“Katy Perry returns with "143," her seventh studio album and the first collection of new material since 2020. Is it any good?” | not named Read the review | 60 6/10 | 40 | |
 Taylor Swift1989 (Taylor’s Version)“Taylor Swift delivers a reimagined collection of "1989"-era tracks in the latest in her series of "Taylor's Version" re-releases.” | not named Read the review | 100 10/10 | 91 | |
 Metallica72 Seasons“Except for the last two songs, '72 Seasons' sounds like Metallica, the Bay Area's thrash kings, are just about out of fresh ideas.” | not named Read the review | 50 5/10 | 74 | |
 Cardi BAm I the Drama?“Rapper Cardi B takes on all-comers on her long-awaited sophomore album, "Am I The Drama?" The record features some major collabs.” | not named Read the review | 60 6/10 | 71 | |
 Silk SonicAn Evening with Silk Sonic“Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars have finally released their debut album as Silk Sonic. Blending humor and harmony, it's one funky project.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 82 | |
 Marina DiamandisAncient Dreams In A Modern Land“Marina Diamandis' fifth LP is a pop-laden meditation on the sad state of the world in a way that's so catchy, you'll forget how dark the lyrics truly are.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 75 | |
 BTSArirang“BTS’ "ARIRANG" aimed to showcase the group’s growth but falls short, offering a mixed album that doesn’t fully reflect its evolution.” | not named Read the review | 50 5/10 | 76 | |
 Miley CyrusBass Persuades“Miley Cyrus remains most convincing when she stops trying to fit in. 'Bass Persuades' offers several reminders of how compelling that can be.” | not named Read the review | 60 6/10 | 64 | |
 Lana Del ReyBlue Banisters“On her second album of 2021 'Blue Banisters,' Lana Del Rey pulls tracks from her archives and composes new material around her concept of the blues.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 76 | |
 BlackpinkBorn Pink“Born Pink' marks the next chapter of Blackpink, experimenting with new sounds instead of stagnating by following the previously proven formula.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 68 | |
 Twenty One PilotsBreach“In telling a 10-year story, Twenty One Pilots have created a sound of their own. The conclusion is interesting, and a fun listen.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 74 | |
 Ellie GouldingBrightest Blue“Ellie Goulding shows her darker side on "Brightest Blue," a double album that balances emotional lyricism and infectous pop.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 72 | |
 Lana Del ReyChemtrails over the Country Club“The newest album from Lana Del Rey was rumored to be a collection of country music, but plays more like a lullaby or spoken-word poetry.” | not named Read the review | 60 6/10 | 80 | |
 Tyler, the CreatorChromakopia“With each new project, and each step toward maturity and vulnerability, Tyler, the Creator never ceases to amaze.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 78 | |
 Twenty One PilotsClancy“Twenty One Pilots close the book on their Trench narrative with "Clancy," which harkens back to the sound that brought Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun success.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 78 | |
 MadonnaConfessions II“Decades after "Confessions on a Dance Floor" became one of the defining dance-pop albums of the 2000s, Madonna returns with its sequel.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 76 | |
 BeyoncéCowboy Carter“Beyoncé isn’t afraid to innovate while also being willing to embrace her roots. Her ability to fit into seemingly infinite genres is truly astonishing.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 90 | |
 GorillazCracker Island“Cracker Island," the seventh LP from Gorillaz, is a snapshot of life for a species of primates rapidly being displaced by their creations.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 72 | |
 Pearl JamDark Matter“Pearl Jam has never made a bad record and the streak continues with "Dark Matter," which has an edge and enthusiasm not heard from the band in some time.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 83 | |
 Bad BunnyDebí tirar más fotos“The latest by Bad Bunny feels like a passport to Puerto Rico, brimming with celebratory rhythms, poignant reflections and cultural pride.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 90 | |
 Ava MaxDiamonds & Dancefloors“Rising star Ava Max delivers a new collection of 14 rousing dance floor anthems on her sophomore effort, 'Diamonds and Dancefloors.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 76 | |
 Lana Del ReyDid You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd“Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd" by Lana Del Rey is intimate but expansive, exploratory but familiar, lush and spacious.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 79 | |
 Kylie MinogueDisco“DISCO,' the 15th album by Australian dance queen Kylie Minogue, brings to a full circle a career that began way back in 1987 with a decidedly disco single.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 74 | |
 Fontaines D.C.Dopamine Chamber“Fontaines D.C. explore escapism and hedonism with sleek instrumentation and a multitude of captivating moments.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 82 | |
 Miley CyrusEndless Summer Vacation“Miley Cyrus returns with her eight studio album, "Endless Summer Vacation," a mature and introspective work filled with slower anthems.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 75 | |
 Ariana GrandeEternal Sunshine“Ariana Grande explores new pop territory while honing her soulful sound on her now-unsealed seventh album, "Eternal Sunshine.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 79 | |
 Post MaloneF-1 Trillion“It would be easy to treat "F-1 Trillion" as a novelty, but it's just not. Post Malone takes care in doing right by the genre, as well as his own…” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 72 | |
 Taylor SwiftFearless (Taylor’s Version)“Taylor Swift’s 'Fearless' includes new recordings and production of all tracks from the original and new bonus tracks pulled “From the Vault.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 83 | |
 GojiraFortitude“Gojira continues to incorporate its artistry and environmental activism in ways that convey complex thoughts via mind-blowing riffs, tears and shredding.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 78 | |
 Linkin ParkFrom Zero“The first Linkin Park album with vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain, "From Zero" carries the flame as well as it could.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 70 | |
 Kendrick LamarGNX“After a yearlong battle with Drake, Kendrick Lamar is taking a victory lap on "GNX," with guest artists like SZA.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 86 | |
 Olivia RodrigoGuts“What do Avril Lavigne, Jack White and Taylor Swift all have in common? All three are in the DNA of "GUTS" by Olivia Rodrigo.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 84 | |
 The Rolling StonesHackney Diamonds“Hackney Diamonds" by the Rolling Stones is proof that the band still has that essential spark that made it the world’s greatest rock band.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 78 | |
 Harry StylesHarry’s House“On "Harry's House," Harry Styles opts for lighthearted and emotionally sensitive lyrics to create another album that's sure to keep fans swooning.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 81 | |
 Ellie GouldingHigher Than Heaven“U.K. singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding returns with a collection of dance pop anthems on her fifth album, "Higher Than Heaven.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 74 | |
 Demi LovatoHoly Fvck“Vocal powerhouse Demi Lovato returns with a heavy and aggressive rock-influenced album, 'HOLY FVCK.' Do they address their tumultuous last few years?” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 76 | |
 The WeekndHurry Up Tomorrow“The new LP by The Weeknd is bursting with creativity and unique storytelling, using retro-futurism to back tales of drugs and hope.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 74 | |
 GhostImpera“Every Ghost album has been better than its predecessor. 'Impera' breaks that trend by merely maintaining its exceptional standard.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 83 | |
 Judas PriestInvincible Shield“Pressing play on "Invincible Shield," the 19th album by Judas Priest, is like a time machine with a direct pathway to the late '70s.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 86 | |
 ShabazzpalacesItsastylesport“Shabazz Palaces' latest album, "It's A Style Sport," showcases the smooth philosophical inquiry of Digable Planets' Ishmael Butler.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 76 | |
 Justin BieberJustice“Justin Bieber takes risks and sprinkles in sugary sweet songs on 'Justice,' but the album feels scattered and all over the place.” | not named Read the review | 50 5/10 | 65 | |
 Harry StylesKiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.“Most of the track list doesn’t take on the electronic sound fans may have expected based on Harry Styles' single "Aperture.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 75 | |
 The OffspringLet the Bad Times Roll“The Offspring have returned after a nine-year hiatus with “Let The Bad Times Roll,” a mix of songs that experiment and return to form.” | not named Read the review | 60 6/10 | 56 | |
 Bruce SpringsteenLetter to You“Bruce Springsteen delivers on 'Letter to You,' even if it feels like the celebration is a bit muted. The road has been long, and seemingly without end.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 83 | |
 Avril LavigneLove Sux“Avril Lavigne digs into her pop-punk roots, with the help of a few friends, to create her most complete album to date in 'Love Sux.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 72 | |
 Lady GagaLove for Sale“On their collaborative album 'Love For Sale,' Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett revisit the music of Cole Porter for another gleeful take on American standards.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 70 | |
 David GilmourLuck and Strange“The fifth solo LP by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour has all his signatures: deliberate tempos, atmospheric keyboard washes, jazzy piano and moody guitar solos.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 80 | |
 Sabrina CarpenterMan’s Best Friend“The latest from Sabrina Carpenter nearly veers into concept album territory in its dedication to provocation and satirizing the male gaze.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 76 | |
 Paul McCartneyMcCartney III“He didn't have to make it, but a record like this from walking legend Paul McCartney is really an unexpected gift for the holidays.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 79 | |
 Foo FightersMedicine at Midnight“Foo Fighters' 'Medicine at Midnight' has its requisite moments of cleverness, the usual smattering of real emotion and big guitar riffs.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 73 | |
 Depeche ModeMemento Mori“Spurred on both by lockdowns and the death of Andrew Fletcher, the new album by Depeche Mode is brooding and claustrophobic.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 82 | |
 Lil Nas XMontero“The wait is finally over for Lil Nas X's full-length debut, "Montero," which finds the rapper staying true to himself—even when it isn't easy.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 83 | |
 ColdplayMoon Music“U.K. powerhouse Coldplay sets its eyes on the end with its 10th album, "Moon Music." Does it change perceptions of the band?” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 62 | |
 Kendrick LamarMr. Morale & the Big Steppers“Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers' see's the return of Compton's Kendrick Lamar examining his psychology transposed against ongoing chaos.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 87 | |
 DeftonesOhms“As proven by 'Ohms,' Deftones can keep mining their style without stagnating, thanks to their unmistakable stamp of heaviness and moodiness.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 84 | |
 Bruce SpringsteenOnly the Strong Survive“Bruce Springsteen proves that an artist can make something his own without abandoning the feel of what made it great to begin with.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 71 | |
 Ariana GrandePetal“Ariana Grande offers up an intimate and personal portrait of her life on her eight album, "petal." It shows her at her most mature.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 69 | |
 Sheryl CrowPick You Up“Sheryl Crow finds connection amid uncertainty on 'Pick You Up,' a warm, restless collection rooted in rock, Americana and empathy.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 63 | |
 Nicki MinajPink Friday 2“Hip-hop superstar Nicki Minaj returns with her long-awaited and much anticipated fifth album, "Pink Friday 2," her first since 2018.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 69 | |
 Miley CyrusPlastic Hearts“Miley Cyrus taps into the rock and roll influences of yesteryear for her latest album, 'Plastic Hearts.' Enjoy it before she swerves again.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 73 | |
 Dua LipaRadical Optimism“Everything feels more organic on "Radical Optimism," by Dua Lipa: more analog instruments, fewer synths and a feeling that the she's right there with you.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 73 | |
 SiaReasonable Woman“Pop hitmaker Sia worked with new friends on her new album, "'Reasonable Woman," a strong bounce back from 2021 film "Music" and its partner album.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 61 | |
 BeyoncéRenaissance“On 'Renaissance,' Beyoncé boldly reinvents her sound with extensive collaborations, bouncing and trap-influenced beats. Six years of waiting was worth it.” | not named Read the review | 100 10/10 | 89 | |
 Red Hot Chili PeppersReturn of the Dream Canteen“Half a year since the Red Hot Chili Peppers returned with John Frusciante, they're back with another weighty album of new material.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 71 | |
 JennieRuby“Blackpink’s Jennie Jim rounds out a slew of solo releases by the K-pop superstars. "Ruby" may be the best of the bunch.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 77 | |
 Doja CatScarlet“Doja Cat takes on her detractors on her defiant fourth album, 'Scarlett,' which sees the rapper and singer show love and throw thunderbolts.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 66 | |
 Iron MaidenSenjutsu“I want Iron Maiden to make me feel like I’m having a heart attack. But on the band’s 17th studio LP, 'Senjutsu,' there are no chest pains.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 83 | |
 GhostSkeletá“Ghost has thrived on reinvention, but "Skeletá" revisits the genres and sounds Tobias Forge has dabbled in through the years to great effect.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 76 | |
 Katy PerrySmile“Katy Perry's fifth album, 'Smile,' chronicles the singer's battle back from depression. It's a pop record that hits all the right notes in hard times.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 68 | |
 Tate McRaeSo Close to What“The third album by Tate McRae, "So Close to What," is a solid straightforward pop record full of anthemic and self-assured songs.” | not named Read the review | 60 6/10 | 68 | |
 LordeSolar Power“Existential worries and the death of loved ones have taken a toll on Lorde. The change is reflected on 'Solar Power,' even if she plays it off as sarcasm.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 70 | |
 Miley CyrusSomething Beautiful“Miley Cyrus puts in her most adventurous work yet on "Something Beautiful," the musical component to a new "visual album.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 74 | |
 The CureSongs of a Lost World“Much like the best Cure albums, "Songs Of a Lost World" isn’t just about the sadness. It’s about moving through the sadness.” | not named Read the review | 100 10/10 | 90 | |
 BlurThe Ballad of Darren“Blur explores loss and mourning on "The Ballad of Daren," with Damon Albarn at his most vulnerable. But there’s another fault line running through it: joy.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 83 | |
 EvanescenceThe Bitter Truth“The Bitter Truth' shows Evanescence still has plenty of compelling music left to make while Amy Lee reminds she's one of the best vocalists around.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 74 | |
 Paul McCartneyThe Boys of Dungeon Lane“Paul McCartney’s 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane,' which he made almost entirely by himself, might be his most personal album ever.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 81 | |
 Arctic MonkeysThe Car“On 'The Car,' the Arctic Monkeys leave behind straightforward rock to indulge in the soundscapes they first explored on 'Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.” | not named Read the review | 50 5/10 | 77 | |
 SlipknotThe End, So Far“On 'The End, So Far,' Slipknot shows off its musical evolution by going back to the sound and feel of 2003 album 'Vol. 3'—and doing it better.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 72 | |
 Taylor SwiftThe Life of a Showgirl“Taylor Swift turns up the pop on “The Life of a Showgirl,” her 12th studio album and a return to a more upbeat sound.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 67 | |
 Bruno MarsThe Romantic“Bruno Mars returns with "The Romantic," his first solo album in a decade, blending funk, soul and vulnerability in a confident comeback.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 70 | |
 Taylor SwiftThe Tortured Poets Department“Taylor Swift returns for her highly anticipated new record, "The Tortured Poets Department," which shows even more lyrical bite.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 76 | |
 Jennifer LopezThis Is Me… Now“This Is Me… Now" connects two loops for Jennifer Lopez: Her growth since 2002's "This is Me… Then" and her romance with now-husband Ben Affleck.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 58 | |
 ParamoreThis Is Why“Paramore is back with long-awaited studio album "This Is Why," a work that shows off the growth and musical maturity of the formerly pop-punk trio.” | not named Read the review | 100 10/10 | 86 | |
 RayeThis Music May Contain Hope.“By remaining true to herself, RAYE positions herself not just as a performer, but a narrator, a guide and, at times, a source of reassurance.” | not named Read the review | 90 9/10 | 85 | |
 Post MaloneTwelve Carat Toothache“Twelve Carat Toothache" by Post Malone obfuscates its lacking lyrical composition with swelling keyboard chords and sentimental piano ballads.” | not named Read the review | 20 2/10 | 57 | |
 Red Hot Chili PeppersUnlimited Love“The Red Hot Chili Peppers reunite with guitarist John Frusciante for the first time in 16 years and return to their core sound.” | not named Read the review | 60 6/10 | 70 | |
 LordeVirgin“This Lorde is raw, primal and witty as ever, with a gleam in her eyes. Ella Yelich-O'Connor is mature like we've not seen before.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 80 | |
 ABBAVoyage“It took 40 years, but Swedish pop megastars ABBA are finally back with their first album of new material. The group is also prepping a virtual concert tour.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 69 | |
 Marilyn MansonWe Are Chaos“Marilyn Manson throws caustion to the wind on his 11th album, 'WE ARE CHAOS,' produced by Shooter Jennings, which aptly lives up to its title.” | not named Read the review | 70 7/10 | 76 | |
 Shawn MendesWonder“You either join Shawn Mendes in happiness or wait until he's facing a roadblock. Whether you like or love 'Wonder' will come down to the camp you sit in.” | not named Read the review | 60 6/10 | 64 | |
 Olivia RodrigoYou Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love“On her third album, Olivia Rodrigo shifts into a more mature perspective, playing out what happens when she gets what she wants.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 87 | |
 RammsteinZeit“German industrial heroes Rammstein return faster than expected and reclaim the band's industrial crown while treading into new waters.” | not named Read the review | 80 8/10 | 81 |