Bob Dylan Says It All on ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’
Bob Dylan returns as prophet, historian, and joker on his latest album, Rough and Rowdy Ways, an unending puzzle with rich content.
columbia records
Is ‘Murder Most Foul’ Dylan’s State of the Union Address?
The implication of Bob Dylan's "Murder Most Foul", expressed with an understated passion, is that in 2020, it may not be just the music or even the president that has died.
No Fear No More: An Interview with Madeon
Madeon shot to fame as a teenager as a new dance music hero, then withdrew from the world as he battled with his emotions. Now, with his thoughtful sophomore album, Madeon is back with an evolved sound and a new outlook, ready to connect with people like never before.
‘Jimmy Lee’ Shows Why Raphael Saadiq Is One of the Most Compelling Voices in Modern Soul
On his first solo album in eight years, Raphael Saadiq proves the power of the personal narrative by placing personal tragedies in heartbreaking context.
Lil Nas X’s 7 (EP) Is the Work of a Canny Prankster
The genre-agnostic "Old Town Road" rapper's lyrics are less interesting than the scenery Lil Nas X drops them in.
Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Western Stars’ Grows More Satisfying with Repeated Exposure
Deeply moving, inventive and even a bit risky, Western Stars will take its place among Bruce Springsteen's solo gems.
‘When I Get Home’, ‘Astroworld’, and the Problem with Place-Based Authenticity
Lucky for you, philistine listener and reader, we critics are here to make your listening experience truly authentic by bringing you into the "back to their roots" covenant of artistic judgment.
Tom Odell Channels His Inner Elton John on ‘Jubilee Road’
His ability to rock a keyboard is what makes Tom Odell an arresting musician.
St. Lucia’s ‘Hyperion’ Finds the Sunlight Between the Clouds
We have to get to the point where we see each other as human again. On Hyperion, St. Lucia is trying to show us the way. We need to start listening.
Aretha Franklin: Observations from the Court of the Queen
Aretha Franklin rose to her regal status in spite of record labels' mishandling her art.
Aretha Franklin Before She Was the Queen of Soul
The Columbia recordings of Aretha Franklin between 1960 and 1965 are not her best, but they show us an artist learning her craft and gathering the tools that would change American music.
Lewis Del Mar: Lewis Del Mar
Rockaway Beach, NY folk experimenters Lewis Del Mar release a debut album which, in places, justifies much of the hype surrounding the group but ultimately fails to truly captivate throughout.