Lily Lane Embraces Her Sense of Place in “So Long, California”
Like a gem dropped into a flute of champagne, Lily Lane never truly dissolved into her effervescent surroundings in Los Angeles, moving to New York.
pop
Julieta Venegas Discusses Revisiting Her Norteña Roots
Having lived in multiple countries, Julieta Venegas discusses taking her audience on a journey into the Norteño music of Tijuana.
Ryan Beatty Refines a Musical Language on ‘Sweet Fortune’
Country music may go in and out of style, but on Sweet Fortune, Ryan Beatty employs songwriting foundations that transcend genre.
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.
Olivia Rodrigo Survives a Cruel Endeavor
Pivoting from the 2000s-inspired sound of her first two albums, Olivia Rodrigo’s third record uses 1980s synths to reckon with heartbreak.
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.
Paul McCartney Explores Childhood Memories in Sound
Paul McCartney’s newest EP, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, uses sound to vividly paint ordinary moments, both real and imagined, into memorable stories
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.
Olé! Allez! Go! World Cup Songs That Make the Earth Move
Made for the masses, and specifically for football fans, Most World Cup songs sound like AI slop, but there are some rare gems to be found, and we’ve got them.
Niall Horan Serves a Familiar Dish on ‘Dinner Party’
While it includes some fresh autobiographical details, Niall Horan’s Dinner Party is a rehash of boy band tropes.
Malcolm Todd Has a Vision for the Future of Pop
On Do That Again, Malcolm Todd turns personal misadventures into psychedelic jams, proving his singular vision for the future of pop.
Olivia Rodrigo Is Mature and Disciplined on Third LP
Olivia Rodrigo has always crafted her songs to leave her figuratively smiling and winking at her audience. She takes this skill to new heights on her latest LP.