Matthew Dwyer

Matthew Dwyer, a graduate of American University's School of International Service in Washington, D.C currently works in education and writes about pop culture, music, TV, and film on a freelance basis. He is a traveler, writer, and creative thinker. You can find him on Twitter @md_writing
The Eagles Were ‘On the Border’ of Greatness 50 Years Ago

The Eagles Were ‘On the Border’ of Greatness 50 Years Ago

The Eagles’ On the Border (1974) signified the crossing of a musical boundary, as they progressed from country to rock, ensuring future mainstream success.

Ariana Grande Sees Heartbreak in a New Light on ‘Eternal Sunshine’

Ariana Grande Sees Heartbreak in a New Light on ‘Eternal Sunshine’

Throughout Eternal Sunshine, Ariana Grande investigates the concept of ignorant bliss, asking the question, is it better to remain unaware of great pain?

Joni Mitchell’s ‘Court and Spark’ Still Smolders at 50

Joni Mitchell’s ‘Court and Spark’ Still Smolders at 50

While the shift from folk to jazz-rock on Joni Mitchell’s Court and Spark may seem like commercial ambition, it was layered and signaled a profound change.

Jennifer Lopez’s Music Industry Fairytale ‘This Is Me…Now’

Jennifer Lopez’s Music Industry Fairytale ‘This Is Me…Now’

Jennifer Lopez tells the story of new-old love through languid R&B-style pop, her signature. However, she fails to achieve the electricity of early hits.

Doomsday Is a Fresh Start on Madilyn Bailey’s Debut

Doomsday Is a Fresh Start on Madilyn Bailey’s Debut

Madilyn Bailey’s debut Hollywood Dead makes the pitfalls of the entertainment industry into their own form of entertainment through solid pop ballads.

The Era of Taylor Swift Has Just Begun

The Era of Taylor Swift Has Just Begun

On the Eras Tour, Taylor Swift uses the past to highlight her central appeal: the ability to get listeners to appreciate parts of themselves that don’t age.

Joni Mitchell at Newport: Still Sees Life From Both Sides

Joni Mitchell at Newport: Still Sees Life From Both Sides

Cementing her legacy as pop’s greatest storyteller, Joni Mitchell doesn’t shy away from the grey areas of her work even as her career enters its twilight.

Keepin’ the Faith: Billy Joel’s ‘An Innocent Man’ at 40

Keepin’ the Faith: Billy Joel’s ‘An Innocent Man’ at 40

Billy Joel’s An Innocent Man laid the foundation for him to become a vessel for nostalgia that would far outlast the album’s 1950s references.

Carly Rae Jepsen’s Reclusive Stadium Pop on ‘The Loveliest Time’

Carly Rae Jepsen’s Reclusive Stadium Pop on ‘The Loveliest Time’

Carly Rae Jepsen’s The Loveliest Time expands her B-Sides offerings by creating a compilation that distinguishes itself from its predecessor.

Fact or Fiction: Joni Mitchell’s Debut ‘Song to a Seagull’ at 55

Fact or Fiction: Joni Mitchell’s Debut ‘Song to a Seagull’ at 55

Joni Mitchell’s debut Song to a Seagull is painted with broad brushstrokes she would draw from in different shades throughout her career.

One Direction’s ‘Take Me Home’ at 10: Patriarchy with a Pretty Face

One Direction’s ‘Take Me Home’ at 10: Patriarchy with a Pretty Face

One Direction’s Take Me Home proved that masculinity is not just based on toughness, stoicism, or any of the qualities traditionally associated with it.

Taylor Swift Is the Solution to Her Own Problems on ‘Midnights’

Taylor Swift Is the Solution to Her Own Problems on ‘Midnights’

Taylor Swift’s Midnights, her latest musical pivot, highlights her artistry by overshooting her commercial ambitions. It’s a capstone to Swift’s career.