MUNA Explore the Joys and Traumas of Being Queer on New LP
Synthpop trio MUNA craft an LP boldly exploring how being queer is composed of both joys and traumas, and that there’s no shame in messily embracing both.
Jeffrey Davies
Jeffrey Davies is a professional introvert and writer with imposter syndrome whose work spans the worlds of pop culture, books, music, feminism, and mental health. In addition to PopMatters, his writing has appeared on HuffPost, Book Riot, Collider, and other places.
Mary Laura Philpott on Making Human Connections Through Memoir
Mary Laura Philpott’s new memoir, Bomb Shelter, grapples with life’s curveballs in these uncertain times and, as she discusses here, that’s something to which we can all relate.
Avril Lavigne’s ‘Let Go’ Is an Angsty Classic 20 Years Later
In 2022, most fans seek from Avril Lavigne what they sought in 2002: a place to air their angst and grievances, no longer teenagers but likely now disillusioned millennials.
Harry Styles Invites Us Into ‘Harry’s House’
Harry Styles demonstrates his genuine affinity for modern pop with Harry’s House, as he stands out amidst a collection of pandemic-influenced bedroom offerings.
Alias’ Carl Lumbly and Michael Vartan on Its Legacy and Streaming Rebirth
Alias actors Carl Lumbly and Michael Vartan recall their work with J.J. Abrams, Jennifer Garner, and others on the spy/sci-fi action thriller, now airing on Disney+.
Florence + the Machine Are Free on ‘Dance Fever’
Creating their most conceptual, theatrical work, Florence + the Machine air out their lockdown grievances and ugly feelings by reminding us all to dance it out.
Hatchie Boldly Embraces Uncertainty on ‘Giving the World Away’
By letting her existential anxieties take center stage, Hatchie embraces alt-pop sensibilities on Giving the World Away to process life and loss in all its messy glory.
Camila Cabello’s ‘Familia’ Is a Disappointment
What should be her most authentic music yet in Familia is Camila Cabello’s most sonically dull work to date.
LÉON Pushes the Boundaries of Vulnerability on ‘Circles’
LÉON creates a synth-heavy work on Circles whose ambient sound conjures the feeling of calm after the storm, even if that calm might still be emotionally fraught.
Here’s to Never Letting Avril Lavigne Grow Up on ‘Love Sux’
Capitalizing on early 2000s pop-punk nostalgia, Love Sux is an algorithm-appeasing record that feels like the most impersonal Avril Lavigne has ever been.
Fefe Dobson Is Ready to Rock Again
Twelve years since her last album, Canadian pop-rock singer Fefe Dobson talks about her new music and speaks frankly about growing up in a music industry that wasn’t always on her side.
Adele Needs No Comeback on ’30’
Adele’s new music is far more personal in a way that separates her experiences enough from the public consciousness to provide some much-needed distance.