Madonna’s ‘Confessions II’ Lacks Innovation
In creating a sequel to a revival album, Madonna’s Confessions II reinforces the notion that the best we can hope for from our pop matriarchs is nostalgia.
dance pop
CFCF on His Turn from Ambient Artist to Sleaze-Pop Superstar
Call it the Reverse Eno: beloved ambient-chill guy CFCF finds glam-pop success, but refuses to sell out his emotions along the way.
Bebe Rexha Plays It Too Safe on ‘Dirty Blonde’
Bebe Rexha has returned to the dance-oriented lane that has historically granted her the most commercial success, and the result lacks cohesion.
Pop’s Donna Lewis and David Lowe Map a Long Friendship
Donna Lewis’ album is for those returning home, or perhaps more accurately, for those who are finally ready to step into their next chapter with an open heart.
Melanie C Offers a Brilliant Club-Ready Mixtape
Melanie C’s Sweat is brilliant pop music, optimized for both dancefloor and gym. Here, she recognizes she was only ever waging war upon herself.
Charley Discusses Being an Idealist at the End of Everything
Charley discusses her therapeutic poptimism that extends beyond rote structures and clichés to strike a deeper chord with listeners.
Jessie Ware’s ‘Superbloom’ Is Her Gayest Album Yet
Jessie Ware is hornier on Superbloom than its predecessors, and that alone makes it more assertive. It’s quite possibly her gayest record yet.
Slayyyter Is Done Playing Dress-Up on ‘Wor$t Girl in America’
Slayyyter’s third full-length, Wor$t Girl in America, is a diamond-hard jawbreaker of a pop record, a totally self-immolating blaze of glory, a final roar before extinction.
Arlo Parks Dances the Pain Away with ‘Ambiguous Desire’
Ambiguous Desire is a dance pop album, but since this is Arlo Parks, it’s a low-key, introspective one. The indie dance pop feel is a successful sonic shift.
Robyn Is Doing Herself on ‘Sexistential’
Sexistential embodies the contradiction in Robyn herself at this juncture in her career: she’s the blueprint, so she refers to herself as such.
Harry Styles Negotiates With Stardom on Fourth Album
Harry Styles negotiates with style and substance on his fourth album, reminding listeners why he long ago transcended heartthrob status.
Hilary Duff Grows Up on ‘Luck… or Something’
Hilary Duff toes the line between acoustic and dance-pop, but she ties it all together with songwriting about, for lack of a better term, millennial ennui.