Pop Academics Saint Etienne Say Goodbye with Final LP
With International, these pop academics have left us with one final lesson: if you must fade away, do so gracefully. Saint Etienne most certainly have.
dance pop
Kesha Reclaims Her Pop Throne on the Assured ‘Period’
Following years of tumult, the newly-independent Kesha is ready for Top 40 glory. Her new album excels when she’s doing it on her own terms.
Addison Rae’s ‘Addison’ Is a Pop Star Origin Story
I’m left with a new idea of who Addison Rae is, and this idea is way more interesting than how I feel about most of the pop music in those algorithmic playlists.
Sami Galbi’s ‘Ylh Bye Bye’ Is an Incredible Debut
Swiss-Moroccan producer Sami Galbi crafts a warm, inviting blend of chaabi, North African folk music, trap, and global club sounds, creating a DIY street party
The Clean and Happy Hustle of Katy Perry’s Lifetimes Tour
When it comes down to Katy Perry’s concerts, the embattled pop star embraces maturity and manifests “I love you” with a family-friendly extravaganza.
Self Esteem Revels in Freedom, Empathy, and Pop Know-How
Self Esteem steps into a more grounded and rangy perspective. She’s overcome numerous challenges. She’s learned to live in the world and her own skin. She’s free.
Tate McRae Is ‘So Close’ to a Being Bona Fide Superstar
Tate McRae’s well-crafted third album, So Close to What, cements her as a pop mainstay, but leaves the future unclear.
Selena Gomez Stops Time on ‘I Said I Love You First’
Selena Gomez’s fourth album zooms out on her celebrity presence, zooms in on her personal life, and hints at happiness and conflict.
Baths’ New Record Is Filled with Beauty and Menace
Baths’ Gut is a potent record, all the better for the tension it leaves unresolved. Musically, these are some of Will Wiesenfeld’s warmest, most inviting songs.
Lady Gaga’s Creativity Is Trapped in Retro Sounds Now
Lady Gaga’s Mayhem shines a glaring spotlight on a wildly creative artist who finds herself behind the times, following trends instead of setting them and seeming out of step.
Florence Adooni’s Astonishing ‘A.O.E.I.U.’ Is Electrifying
Florence Adooni has effortless, down-to-earth charisma from start to finish, from her most lighthearted moments to her most earnest.
Katy Perry’s Mortality-Tinged ‘143’ Marks Her Smartest Era Yet
Katy Perry’s morality-tinged 143 is self-aware and cunningly invites fans to tune in to her “love frequency”.