Adam Levine’s Vanity Project: Reassessing Maroon 5’s ‘It Won’t Be Soon Before Long’ at 15
Maroon 5’s sophomore album, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long, pivoted away from their pop-punk beginnings and set them up for a decade of pop culture omnipresence.
blue-eyed soul
Joss Stone Returns with Classy New Album After COVID Fight
Although COVID halted her tour, British soul’s Joss Stone comes out swinging with a new album while loving life, celebrating the best gig she ever had, and collaborating with Dave Stewart.
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.
Adele Returns for More Heartbreak with the Melancholic ’30’
Adele’s 30 is an impeccable album with a strong set of songs. But its impact will feel somewhat diminished because we’re getting a very familiar Adele.
Paul Weller’s ‘Illumination’ Gets a Vinyl Reissue Nearly 20 Years Later
Paul Weller’s Illumination is a highly enjoyable – if not groundbreaking – effort, filled with good-to-great songs. But Weller doesn’t move the needle here.
Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats Engage the Moment and Evolve Musically
On their new album The Future, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats expand their musical territory without abandoning their soulful rock.
Paul Weller’s ‘Days of Speed’ Gets a Long-Awaited Vinyl Reissue
The vinyl reissue of Paul Weller’s Days of Speed is an inspired release, as it shows a vital new phase of his career with a live set that’s a sheer pleasure to rediscover.
Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean Band Together to Make Ida Mae ‘Click’ in Nashville
Summer might be the perfect time to celebrate Ida Mae Day with a refreshing married duo from England whose new album Click Click Domino should heat up lukewarm Americana traditions.
50 Years Ago Todd Rundgren Wrong-Footed the World with ‘Runt. The Ballad of Todd Rundgren’
Fifty years ago, Todd Rundgren’s 1971 LP, Runt. The Ballad of Todd Rundgren took on the growing army of singer-songwriters who clogged the charts and won. Sadly, nobody cared.
Sharleen Spiteri Takes the ‘Hi’ Road in Guiding Texas Back to Future
While taking more chances with a new album and relishing a career of bright, shining moments, fiery frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri still wonders why her Scottish band named Texas didn’t get more love from America.
The Perennially Brilliant Paul Weller Drops Some ‘Fat Pop’
An airborne virus and the passing of time can slow down and even stop some people. Not Paul Weller. Fat Pop is full of highlights.
Singer-Songwriter Evie Sands Offers a Powerful Single “The Truth Is in Disguise” (premiere)
Evie Sands’ first full-length album in two decades is giving the storied artist a new lease on life. The soulful, gritty, and hard-hitting lead single makes the case.