beyoncé

‘Black Lives Matter and Music’: From a Movement That’s Only Beginning to Find Its Voice

‘Black Lives Matter and Music’: From a Movement That’s Only Beginning to Find Its Voice

Scholars share their initial thoughts on the musical reactions to the burgeoning social movement, Black Lives Matter, in this anthology from Indiana University Press.

The Best Pop Singles of 2016

The Best Pop Singles of 2016

Celebrating the songs this year that operated within the constraints of "radio music", truly a genre all its own, and produced excellent results.
2016: The Final Year of the Surprise Album (Hopefully)

2016: The Final Year of the Surprise Album (Hopefully)

Dropping unexpected albums is a growing trend and one that should be done away with.
Form Follows Function: ‘The Life of Pablo’ and ‘Blonde’ Challenge the Notion of an Album

Form Follows Function: ‘The Life of Pablo’ and ‘Blonde’ Challenge the Notion of an Album

Kanye West and Frank Ocean have created imperfect perfect albums which invert our notions of flaws and challenge our perception of the album as an art form.
Nicolas Jaar: Sirens

Nicolas Jaar: Sirens

Sirens is a masterpiece. Melding pop and experimental music, it reflects the uneasiness of our difficult times.
Beyoncé – “Hold Up” (Singles Going Steady)

Beyoncé – “Hold Up” (Singles Going Steady)

"Hold Up" is a slice of art that engages the senses of sight and sound, and it's beautiful.
Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade

Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade

Lemonade is that rare work where you will remember exactly where you were and exactly who you were with the first time you hear it.

Hope and Despair in Video Games

Beyoncé – “Formation” (Singles Going Steady)

Beyoncé – “Formation” (Singles Going Steady)

Beyoncé's "Formation" is Black Pride incarnate, and it’s exactly what we needed to hear right now.
Beyoncé and When Music Writing Becomes Activism

Beyoncé and When Music Writing Becomes Activism

The overall response to Beyoncé's "Formation" has been startlingly positive, but mostly for reasons attached to political agendas. It's time to investigate this trend.
Was Super Bowl 50 a Golden Bowl?

Was Super Bowl 50 a Golden Bowl?

A pop culture play-by-play of the biggest TV event of the year.
PopTalk: The Poptimism and Rockism Debate

PopTalk: The Poptimism and Rockism Debate

In 2015, the "poptimism vs. rockism" debate has inspired a rash of thinkpieces and Twitter arguments. Is this debate actually saying anything, though?