Kehlani’s ‘Crash’ Plays to Their Strengths
Crash finds Kehlani playing to their strengths, establishing themselves as the reigning monarch of sultry, seductive, hot R&B.
atlantic records
Charli XCX Is Everything on ‘Brat’
Brat is next-level Charli XCX, a miracle and an instant classic. It’s the kind of album that makes you feel lucky to be alive at the same time as it.
Kelly Clarkson’s Divorce Album Has ‘Chemistry’
Chemistry is a refined reintroduction to Kelly Clarkson as an entertainer rather than just the world’s first winner of American Idol.
Iggy Pop Is in a Frenzy on ‘Every Loser’
After more than 35 minutes of masterful music on Every Loser, does Iggy Pop seem to be a winner, a loser, or somewhere between the two? He is true to himself.
Ava Max’s ‘Diamonds & Dancefloors’ Is Kitschy But Euphoric
For those who appreciate a certain branch of dance-pop, Ava Max’s Diamonds & Dancefloors is a euphoric escape from the harsh realities of adult life.
The Unbearable Lightness of Death Cab For Cutie’s ‘Asphalt Meadows’
Death Cab for Cutie show their place in the indie rock pantheon on Asphalt Meadows while also producing music deserving of consideration with some of their best early work.
Lizzo Emanates Confidence and Charisma on ‘Special’
Lizzo’s Special is as much a celebration of the Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook cosmos as it is an in-person, post-Covid bacchanal.
Winona Oak’s ‘Island of the Sun’ Is Heartbreak Enveloped in Intoxicating Synths
Winona Oak’s Island of the Sun scores stories of sorrow and anguish with a thrilling cornucopia of sounds that practically spill in luscious waves.
Wallows’ Journey Is Just Beginning on ‘Tell Me That It’s Over’
Indie poppers Wallows stake out a new middle ground between alternative and pop and prepare for the streaming era on Tell Me That It’s Over.
50 Years Ago Aretha Franklin Celebrated Being ‘Young, Gifted and Black’
Aretha Franklin’s Young, Gifted and Black became a brilliant capper to a dizzying five years that produced perhaps the greatest run of studio LPs in any artist’s discography.
Ben Platt’s ‘Reverie’ Is Surprisingly Uninspired
Even for a musical figure like Ben Platt whose stage presence and media personality are incredibly loveable, it would’ve been better to make an LP more like his debut.
‘Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land’ Is a Joyous, Queer Return to the Marina Days of Yore
Marina re-embraces her inner strength and quite possibly creates her magnum opus with Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land.