Gracie Abrams and the Secret of Confessional Writing
The strong hooks on The Secret of Us provide the missing third dimension to Gracie Abrams’ songs and create a winning formula that could sustain more albums.
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Jaboukie Young-White Shows Off Music Chops on Debut
Jaboukie Young-White’s clever wordplay, creative use of metaphor, and engaging storytelling prove he’s adept at applying his perceptive talents to music.
U2 Have Never Sounded More Defeated Than on ‘Songs of Surrender’
U2’s sense of surprise was exchanged for maddeningly consistent predictability in their later career, and ‘Songs of Surrender’ sounds how you think it would.
Carly Rae Jepsen Brings Poignancy to Her Synthpop with ‘The Loneliest Time’
For The Loneliest Time, Carly Rae Jepsen teams with talented musicians who continue to build on her affection for the shiny, glossy synth-heavy dance pop.
Carly Rae Jepsen Gets in Touch on ‘The Loneliest Time’
Carly Rae Jepsen’s The Loneliest Time is not without the glittery, carefree pop she’s famous for, but the singer gets personal in ways she hasn’t before.
Playboi Carti Creates a Whole Lotta Music on ’Whole Lotta Red’
Whole Lotta Red demonstrates Playboi Carti's commitment to dynamic growth and experimentation. However, it's painfully apparent that Carti needs more features.
Can’t Keep a Good Hollaback Girl Down: The 15th Anniversary of ‘Love Angel Music Baby’
Gwen Stefani's solo debut transcends a cynical reading even in 2020, remaining a crown jewel in the formative pop sounds of the 2000s and beyond -- with a few concessions.
J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only
A deeply personal album 4 Your Eyez Only represents J. Cole's most mature and cohesive record to date.
Band of Horses: Why Are You OK
Even though Why Are You Okay features some of Band of Horses' best work in a long time, it's still only slightly above average at best.