Charli XCX’s New Album Is a Celebration of the Working Class
Charli XCX, now on her seventh record, pursues the continuum of human feelings and flairs. This may be the most humane entry yet in the grand canon.
pop
Shania Twain Journeys to the Past on ‘Little Miss Twain’
More than anything, Little Miss Twain is a love letter to Shania Twain’s late mother, who acted as something of a manager when she first began performing.
Cautious Clay Conceptually Completes His Non-Linear ‘Hours’ Trilogy
R&B artist Cautious Clay’s The Hours: High Noon delivers a deeply resonant reflection on daily life and time passing.
Brazil’s Maria Luiza Jobim Opens New Doors with ‘Rosa No Céu’
Like a mojito laced with absinthe, the sweet mixture packs a kick, reflecting the understated sophistication of Maria Luiza Jobim’s latest album.
Charli XCX’s ‘Music, Fashion, Film’ Is Too Cool For Its Own Good
Music, Fashion, Film is Charli XCX desperately trying to find something that feels cool, risky, and exciting to her after having her original vision of cool co-opted.
The Miracle of It: Allison Russell on the Power of Self-Reflection
With a soulful new album and a book about her life coming out, Allison Russell has a lot to say about the state of the world and her own journeys.
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.
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.