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'Jimmy Lee' Shows Why Raphael Saadiq Is One of the Most Compelling Voices in Modern Soul

On his first solo album in eight years, Raphael Saadiq proves the power of the personal narrative by placing personal tragedies in heartbreaking context.

Music

Lil Nas X's 7 (EP) Is the Work of a Canny Prankster

The genre-agnostic "Old Town Road" rapper's lyrics are less interesting than the scenery Lil Nas X drops them in.

Music

Bruce Springsteen's 'Western Stars' Grows More Satisfying with Repeated Exposure

Deeply moving, inventive and even a bit risky, Western Stars will take its place among Bruce Springsteen's solo gems.

Music

'When I Get Home', 'Astroworld', and the Problem with Place-Based Authenticity

Lucky for you, philistine listener and reader, we critics are here to make your listening experience truly authentic by bringing you into the "back to their roots" covenant of artistic judgment.

Music

Tom Odell Channels His Inner Elton John on 'Jubilee Road'

His ability to rock a keyboard is what makes Tom Odell an arresting musician.

Music

St. Lucia's 'Hyperion' Finds the Sunlight Between the Clouds

We have to get to the point where we see each other as human again. On Hyperion, St. Lucia is trying to show us the way. We need to start listening.

Music

Aretha Franklin: Observations from the Court of the Queen

Aretha Franklin rose to her regal status in spite of record labels' mishandling her art.

Music

Aretha Franklin Before She Was the Queen of Soul

The Columbia recordings of Aretha Franklin between 1960 and 1965 are not her best, but they show us an artist learning her craft and gathering the tools that would change American music.

Music

Lewis Del Mar: Lewis Del Mar

Rockaway Beach, NY folk experimenters Lewis Del Mar release a debut album which, in places, justifies much of the hype surrounding the group but ultimately fails to truly captivate throughout.

Music

Manic Street Preachers - “(It's Not War) Just the End of Love” (Behind the Scenes Video)

The Welsh agitprop rockers release behind-the-scenes footage about their video for the first single promoting their softer tenth record.

Music

Pop Ten

The 25 Best Classic Progressive Rock Albums

The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '80s: Part 1: 100 - 81

The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '80s: Part 4: 40 - 21

The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '80s: Part 5: 20 - 1

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Mixed Media

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'Jimmy Lee' Shows Why Raphael Saadiq Is One of the Most Compelling Voices in Modern Soul

On his first solo album in eight years, Raphael Saadiq proves the power of the personal narrative by placing personal tragedies in heartbreaking context.

Lil Nas X's 7 (EP) Is the Work of a Canny Prankster

The genre-agnostic "Old Town Road" rapper's lyrics are less interesting than the scenery Lil Nas X drops them in.

Bruce Springsteen's 'Western Stars' Grows More Satisfying with Repeated Exposure

Deeply moving, inventive and even a bit risky, Western Stars will take its place among Bruce Springsteen's solo gems.

'When I Get Home', 'Astroworld', and the Problem with Place-Based Authenticity

Lucky for you, philistine listener and reader, we critics are here to make your listening experience truly authentic by bringing you into the "back to their roots" covenant of artistic judgment.

Tom Odell Channels His Inner Elton John on 'Jubilee Road'

His ability to rock a keyboard is what makes Tom Odell an arresting musician.

St. Lucia's 'Hyperion' Finds the Sunlight Between the Clouds

We have to get to the point where we see each other as human again. On Hyperion, St. Lucia is trying to show us the way. We need to start listening.

Aretha Franklin: Observations from the Court of the Queen

Aretha Franklin rose to her regal status in spite of record labels' mishandling her art.

Aretha Franklin Before She Was the Queen of Soul

The Columbia recordings of Aretha Franklin between 1960 and 1965 are not her best, but they show us an artist learning her craft and gathering the tools that would change American music.

Lewis Del Mar: Lewis Del Mar

Rockaway Beach, NY folk experimenters Lewis Del Mar release a debut album which, in places, justifies much of the hype surrounding the group but ultimately fails to truly captivate throughout.

Gossip's Video for "Perfect World" Gives Sample of What to Expect From Their Next Album

Manic Street Preachers - “(It's Not War) Just the End of Love” (Behind the Scenes Video)

The Welsh agitprop rockers release behind-the-scenes footage about their video for the first single promoting their softer tenth record.

Blues-Cruising Samantha Fish Takes Joy Ride of Her Life on 'Kill or Be Kind' (album premiere + interview)

Liam Gallagher Shows His Vulnerable Side on 'Why Me? Why Not.'

M83 Is Ambitious But Inert 'Digital Shades Vol. 2' Underwhelms

Slayyyter's Love For 'Blackout' Era Britney Spears Informs Her Debut Mixtape

'Ad Astra' Says Goodbye to the Great White God

British Electronic Duo Brook Release Debut 'Built You for Thought' (album stream) (premiere)

British Electronic Duo Brook Release Debut 'Built You for Thought' (album stream) (premiere)

Norwegian/Welsh Duo Firewoodisland Deliver Exquisite Chamber Pop Positivity on "Hollow Coves" (premiere)

Blues-Cruising Samantha Fish Takes Joy Ride of Her Life on 'Kill or Be Kind' (album premiere + interview)

Costa Rica's Las Robertas Celebrate the "Thunder Rider" (premiere)

HEAZZA Delivers a Soulful, Transformative Performance on "The Dark" (premiere + interview)

Timelost Give Marilyn Manson's "Cryptorchid" a New Lease on Life (premiere + interview)

Justin Wade Tam Goes Outside His Humming House to Reveal "Colors of My Mind" (premiere + interview)

Experimental Ensemble Thor & Friends Share Latest Video "As Above So Below" (premiere)

Ley Line Blends Brazilian, West African, and North American Folk Traditions on "Oxum" (premiere)