Ane Brun Steps Wholeheartedly Into the Pop Domain
Across 11 compelling tracks, Ane Brun is notably introspective and often philosophical, while reveling in elegant songcraft and a sublime production MO.
pop
15 Essential Tracks from the New Zealand Pop Underground
New Zealand pop song “Tally Ho” by the Clean was an unlikely candidate to be an international game-changer and a defining moment for a pop movement.
Taylor Swift Reprises Schmaltz on ‘The Encore’
On The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, Taylor Swift does little to change the original album’s reception, but offers harmless fun nonetheless.
Beabadoobee Reconnects with Rock on ‘Pylon’
With Pylon, beabadoobee returns to her rock roots, proving her ambivalence toward trends. It’s a return to form, but with a new edge.
Ziemba’s ‘The Braid’ Is a Sophisti-Pop Masterpiece
Ziemba’s bio says that the music “dances through genres while plumbing the crystalline caverns of the soul”. I’d kill to have written that line, which is so accurate.
Troye Sivan Craves Stability on ‘She’s the Best’
On his fourth album, She’s the Best, Troye Sivan’s elusive search for connection finds him languishing in the party’s afterglow.
Sylvie Vartan’s ‘La Reine de Saba’ Is a Gift to Fans Old and New
In 1974, French pop singer Sylvie Vartan released an album specifically for Japanese fans. This collection now stands as a love letter to vintage French pop culture.
Jenny JAM’s Debut Was Six Years in the Making
This record features a very good singer, Jenny JAM. There is also a title that describes the project more accurately than anyone involved seems to realize.
Gilbert O’Sullivan Is ‘On the Record’ and Being Irish
British soft rock extraordinaire Gilbert O’Sullivan chats about his new album, collaborations, and staying Irish wherever he lays his head.
Mr Eazi Just Wants a Good Time After the Art Project
Mr Eazi’s last album took two years, nine cities and 16 commissioned paintings. “Comfort” runs two minutes and 26 seconds and was made on a trip to London.
Carly Rae Jepsen Catches a Vibe on ‘Day and Night’
What makes Day and Night succeed and stand out in Carly Rae Jepsen’s discography is the confidence and strength that shine through the music.
Role Model Commits to Caricature on ‘Chuck Timely’
On Chuck Timely and the Hourglass, Role Model uses an affable alter ego to navigate relationships, commitment, and what it means to be a pop star.