pop rock

Elton John Kicks Off Last North American Farewell Tour

Elton John Kicks Off Last North American Farewell Tour

Elton John played his 52nd and last show in Philadelphia last Friday night, and it was a joyous and life-affirming farewell.

Christina Perri Becomes Herself on ‘A Lighter Shade of Blue’

Christina Perri Becomes Herself on ‘A Lighter Shade of Blue’

A Lighter Shade of Blue encapsulates Christina Perri’s artistry in a way that reflects her journey in life and motherhood and is also a compelling reflection on grief.

The 12 Best Brian Wilson Songs

The 12 Best Brian Wilson Songs

From massive hits to experimental pop compositions, Brian Wilson’s music is always thoughtful, idiosyncratic, and as thrilling today as it was in the 1960s.

Mandy Moore Celebrates in Many Ways After Becoming Mom ‘In Real Life’

Mandy Moore Celebrates in Many Ways After Becoming Mom ‘In Real Life’

Singer-songwriter and This Is Us star Mandy Moore discusses making music, babies, and unforgettable TV magic as she and her husband Taylor Goldsmith hit the road.

The Beach Boys’ ‘That’s Why God Made the Radio’ Begs to Be Knocked

The Beach Boys’ ‘That’s Why God Made the Radio’ Begs to Be Knocked

The Beach Boys’ That’s Why God Made the Radio is unsettling and inoffensive in a way I cannot compare to any album except God Bless Tiny Tim.

Roxy Music Invented the 1980s with Their Swan Song ‘Avalon’

Roxy Music Invented the 1980s with Their Swan Song ‘Avalon’

Forty years ago, Roxy Music stepped away from the recording studio, but not before leaving behind an album that defined the 1980s. It’s the ultimate marriage of high concept, high art, and high-quality popular music.

Harry Styles Hits His Stride While Heading Home to ‘Harry’s House’

Harry Styles Hits His Stride While Heading Home to ‘Harry’s House’

Harry Styles’ Harry’s House is, to reference his debut solo single, a “Sign of the Times”, experimenting with 1980s synths and 1970s confessional writing.

Adam Levine’s Vanity Project: Reassessing Maroon 5’s ‘It Won’t Be Soon Before Long’ at 15

Adam Levine’s Vanity Project: Reassessing Maroon 5’s ‘It Won’t Be Soon Before Long’ at 15

Maroon 5’s sophomore album, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long, pivoted away from their pop-punk beginnings and set them up for a decade of pop culture omnipresence.

Steve Forbert Goes ‘Moving Through America’ Past and Present

Steve Forbert Goes ‘Moving Through America’ Past and Present

The 11 tracks on Steve Forbert’s Moving Across America show his skills as a songwriter and a performer are as sharp and strong as ever.

Ranking the B-52s Albums

Ranking the B-52s Albums

Seminal new wave band the B-52s have announced dates on their farewell tour. With that in mind, here’s a ranked list of the B-52s’ studio albums.

Wallows’ Journey Is Just Beginning on ‘Tell Me That It’s Over’

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.

The 10 Best Carly Simon Albums

The 10 Best Carly Simon Albums

Carly Simon is one of pop’s greatest chroniclers of the human heart with a song for almost every shade of feeling. These are the 10 best Carly Simon albums.