Swamp Dogg Goes Bluegrass and Americana on ‘Blackgrass’
On Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St, Swamp Dogg interprets soul, funk, and jazz themes through the lens of bluegrass and Americana forms.
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Ugandan Jon Muq’s Music Is Warm and Familiar on ‘Flying Away’
Jon Muq’s voice and presence come off as natural and unaffected. One has to listen carefully to appreciate the breadth and the subtlety of his talents.
Lady Wray Ignites Berlin with Joy
With the pipes to scare a grizzly bear, soul music’s Lady Wray ignites Berlin with the full range of her joyful, thunderous mezzo-soprano.
War & Peace: The Cultural Meaning of Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake
The Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud is serious, but it is the claim to and manipulation of culture that may have the greatest consequences for all of us.
50 Years On: Roxy Music and Robert Palmer Transcended Fashion
In 1974, Roxy Music and Robert Palmer transcended changes in musical fashions not only in terms of their influence but without sacrificing their artistry.
Ariana Grande Sees Heartbreak in a New Light on ‘Eternal Sunshine’
Throughout Eternal Sunshine, Ariana Grande investigates the concept of ignorant bliss, asking the question, is it better to remain unaware of great pain?
Ariana Grande’s ‘Eternal Sunshine’ Is Her Most Cohesive Work
Ariana Grande has come into her own by embracing the parts of her creativity that resonate most with her ardent fanbase and being true to herself.
Dancing in the Street: Our 25 Favorite Motown Songs
Detroit’s Motown Records will forever be important as a hit factory and an African American-owned label that achieved massive mainstream success and influence.
The Enduring Mystery of the Jaynetts’ “Sally Go ‘Round the Roses”
The Jaynett’s ’60s pop single “Sally Go ‘Round the Roses” is equal parts all surface and inscrutable depth, which is why a range of artists cover it to this day.
60 Years On: The Animals, the Hollies, and British Beat
As these 1964 albums from the Animals and the Hollies show, the music of the beat boom was characterized by excitement, reverence, and sound.
Jennifer Lopez’s Music Industry Fairytale ‘This Is Me…Now’
Jennifer Lopez tells the story of new-old love through languid R&B-style pop, her signature. However, she fails to achieve the electricity of early hits.
Jennifer Lopez’s ‘This Is Me…Now’ Has a Little Too Much Heart
The biggest weak spot of Jennifer Lopez’s This Is Me…Now is that almost every song hammers home the same theme: Lopez is in love with Ben Affleck again.