Indie Folk Duo RYVOLI Release a Debut to Be Proud of with ‘Theories’
For RYVOLI, Theories is a debut to be proud of, delivering a quiet strength in the midst of uncertainty with feathery harmonies and rich orchestrations.
Christopher Thiessen
Music, coffee, and film enthusiast from Nashville, TN whose work has been published at PopMatters as well as his personal journal and sometimes coffee house napkins.
Teyana Taylor Improves on ‘K.T.S.E.’, But Are These Songs Right for the #MeToo Era?
The musical and vocal performances on K.T.S.E. are Teyana Taylor's strongest. But in terms of messaging, she still needs to get in formation.
Sam Nichol Tackles Tired Religious Tradition on “All Is Well” (premiere)
Sam Nichol's raw vocal expression elevates "All Is Well's" emotion, building from light acoustic folk stylings to full-blown arena post-rock.
Drake Goes Long on ‘Scorpion’ and We’re All the Better for It
With Scorpion, Drake makes a cohesive argument for broadening our attention spans and enjoying life's music, regardless of runtime.
Nas Is Ineffective and Ungrounded on ‘NASIR’
On NASIR, Nas is completely overshadowed by the musical performances of Kanye West and his collaborators.
Lily Allen Takes a Reflective Turn on ‘No Shame’
On No Shame, the 33-year-old Lily Allen accomplishes that personal revelation and introspection many artists don't accomplish until their mid-to-late 40s.
Kids See Ghosts Will Be Remembered As the Climax and Most Enduring Record of Ye Season
Ye Season continues with what will be remembered as the most uplifting, cohesive, spiritual, and sonically excellent episode of Kanye West's serialized works.
Bonnaroo 2018: A First-Timer’s Perspective
Bonnaroo 2018 radiated the positivity it promoted and provided the musical bliss sought by the multitude of festivalgoers.
Royce da 5’9″‘s ‘Book of Ryan’ Crackles with Boom Bap Energy
Royce da 5'9"'s Book of Ryan offers vulnerability on family and addiction, but never sacrifices its energy to deliver the message.
‘DAYTONA’ Is Pusha T in Top Gang Boss Form
It may not be the most woke album of the year. But nothing is going to touch the "YUGH" factor of Pusha T's DAYTONA this year.
Kanye West Attempts Some Life-Affirming Love on ‘ye’
Although not a masterpiece like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, ye shares an abbreviated, yet complete look at Kanye, both the highs and the lows.
Ranking the Marvel Cinematic Universe From ‘Iron Man’ to ‘Infinity War’
With the release of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's defining moment that was Avengers: Infinity War, our staff assembles a ranking of the story so far.