Benson Boone’s ‘American Heart’ Is a Capitalist Fantasy
Benson Boone’s sophomore album American Heart treads the same ground as his debut: formulaic pop that is hard to ignore.
pop
Elton John’s Brilliant ‘Captain Fantastic’ Is 50
Rife with concept albums in the 1970s, Captain Fantastic is one of the most coherent, and it shows Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s creative relationship.
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Marie-Paule Belle’s ‘Almanach’: Charming Chansons from 1978
Marie-Paule Belle has been crafting smart, sweet, and tart pop-rock since 1973. It’s time for her profile to be higher outside her native France.
Lorde Takes the Right Path on ‘Virgin’
Maturity requires sacrifice, which, throughout her fourth album, Lorde discovers by separating herself from the person the world sees and often expects.
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.
A Supreme Disappointment: When the Supremes Met the Beatles
When Detroit’s top-of-the charts the Supremes met Liverpool’s top-of-the-world the Beatles in 1965, the awkward silence was deafening.
Haim Remain Perfectly in Tune with Their Best Assets
The title “I Quit” implies resignation, but throughout the record, Haim eschew a former glossiness and recommit to their signature moody rock sound.
Natalia Lafourcade Gains New Perspective with a Powerful Alter Ego
By adopting a new persona, Natalia Lafourcade delves deeper into her folkloric sonic landscape, uncovering new perspectives along the way.
The 12 Best Brian Wilson Songs
From massive hits to experimental pop compositions, Brian Wilson’s music is always thoughtful, idiosyncratic, and as thrilling today as it was in the 1960s.
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.
Springsteen and the Silver Medal Syndrome
On the Billboard Hot 100 list, Bruce Springsteen endures the second-place status of silver medal syndrome year after year.
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.