Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

What proponents have hailed as the genre’s savior is likely doing more harm than good.

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

And nobody can tell him anything.

Maya Butler, Baylor University

It might be her story, but it resonates with millions.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The actress, singer and vlogger will make you laugh, cry and sing along.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

In it, he grapples with the all-too-familiar trials of adolescence.

Mark Stenberg

The student-radio-run music festival in Austin is the first of its kind, and an absolute can’t-miss.

Dorielys Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio

The new collection might be her strongest, but most jaded work yet.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

You’ve probably forgotten about them, but you shouldn’t have.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

On the bright side, at least now you have the creative anguish you need to make some new music!

Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

Welcome to your go-to summer jams.

Michaela Shea-Gander, Denison University

Her essay, ‘I Am Not Always Very Attached to Being Alive,’ has opened up a much-needed dialogue.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

It’s been over four years since their last release, and all I can say is ‘Finally!’

Maya Butler, Baylor University

Because love is more than just romance.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

It’s hard to be Puff, but it’s even harder being Puff’s son.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

From rap to jazz to soul, this up-and-coming artist does it all.

Dorielys Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio

The poet poses a central question: What happens when everyone averts their eyes?

Sarah Diggins, Ithaca College

Influencers for novels? Why not?

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

In three videos on Instagram, the 31-year-old rapper explained why he had been on a yearlong hiatus.

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

Dylan Minnette, of ’13 Reason Why’ fame, flexes his musical chops on the band’s wobbly first project.

Scott Williamson, Florida Atlantic University

They screwed up Stannis, Lady Stoneheart and Tyrion, to start with.

Matilda Schulman, University of California, Berkeley

The ‘Broken Earth’ trilogy is pushing the boundaries of what science fiction can do.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Will the ‘You Say’ singer lead a worship session for the Lolla crowd?

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

Exams make school scary, but murder makes it frightening.

Dorielys Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio

Unlike its title suggests, this poetry collection lacks a voice.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

You’re definitely gonna miss it all.

Mark Stenberg

The Nashville dark-pop savant is combining his confessional songwriting with a sultry, haunting sound.

Maya Butler, Baylor University

Take a chance on it!

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The Malawian author’s warm, invigorating work will nudge you into self-acceptance.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

The ‘Pinata’ sequel, ‘Bandana,’ is slated to release next month.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Whether you’re on a road trip or a bender, they’re your soundtrack.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

The Norwegian pop sensation’s debut is torn between her musicianship and her contractual obligations.

E.L. Meszaros, Brown University

The combination is rare, but it makes a lot of sense.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

For me and so many others, a twenty one pilots concert is a second home.

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

Deepak Chopra’s seminal work is, and always will be, a masterpiece of humanist philosophy.

Dorielys Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio

Who wouldn’t read poetry about a legendary female warrior?

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The shocking video for “Come Over Here” premiered live on YouTube, and fans are still beside themselves.

Ben Garcia, Hope International University

Sometimes, quantity over quality isn’t such a bad thing.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

The bloated album did well on the charts, but its standards are clearly lower.

Sarah Diggins, Ithaca College

Plus which ones are likely to win, lose, shock and awe.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

His unique voice and clever lyrics seem guaranteed to lead to a successful future.

Dorielys Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio

Move over, Rupi Kaur, there’s a new queen of Instagram poetry.

Grace John, Rutgers University

A fierce, multilingual, female rapper? Yes, please.

Mark Stenberg

This year more than ever, local acts shone.

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

This August’s 50-year Woodstock reunion will feature some of the biggest names in the industry, but who?

Hannah Cullen, St. Cloud State University

The two projects, which are completely interrelated, break down the barriers between text, image, emotion and sound.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

Scott T. Hutchinson’s collection examines the intersection of boyhood, love, life and nature.

Grace Larson, Ripon College

The title is a clear instance of queer-baiting, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

The song’s narcotic catchiness is no accident.

Jocelyn Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

His two visual albums, ‘Straight Outta Oz’ and ‘Forbidden,’ illustrate his personal struggle growing up gay.

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

She might be an award-winning musician, but country fans are hesitant to embrace the left-leaning songwriter.

Maya Butler, Baylor University

Anne Lamott’s life experiences are your lessons on writing.

Ben Garcia, Hope International University

Hear me out on this one.

Mark Stenberg

The diy musician and performance artist wants to radically transform the music industry, and so far she’s succeeded.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

He’s 16 and ‘Ready’ to Ruel the world.

Dorielys Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio

YouTubers can write books, too.

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

Solange is home, and she’s working.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

The Grammy-nominated artist known for ‘Take Me To Church’ has suddenly released a work of pure art.

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

It’s finally time for badass women to take the mic.

Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

Jess Dugan’s photo series is helping keep the past accountable.

Cristina Hernandez, UC San Diego

Brevity is the heart of social media poetry.

Jillian Morris, Chapman University

The project addresses romantic partners, children and friends, all relationships characterized by different kinds of love.

Michaela Shea-Gander, Denison University

To a trained eye, the pop star’s Instagram is littered with hidden clues.

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

The fan-girl in me is screaming.

Paige Brauser, Connecticut College

Sit back, relax and enjoy the drama.

E.L. Meszaros, Brown University

Prepare yourself for love triangles.

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

Her new short-story collection, ‘You’ll Never Believe How These Kids Get Murdered and Other Clickbait Tales,’ is obviously macabre, but subtly stunning.

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

Self-help yourself to some personal improvement this semester.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

The self-taught musician and recovering addict turned her studio into a therapist’s chaise and her music into a sensation.

Dorielys Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio

Bakery, young love and a tenuous music career? Sounds like a recipe for intrigue.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

They’re like a newer, better One Direction, at least according to Logan Paul.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

Older rock stars are making good music for more people, and it’s an unequivocal good.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Whether you like Christian music or not, Franklin’s is worth a listen.

Matilda Schulman, University of California, Berkeley

The production is a new spin on the age-old Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, crossed with the tale of Hades and Persephone.

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

Pick up one of these books for a good blast from the past.

E.L. Meszaros, Brown University

The latest installment in Peter Clines’ ‘Threshold’ series takes the story in a new, somewhat undesirable direction.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Throw on some SHAED.

Britni Hones, Lindenwood University, Belleville

A line-by-line breakdown of Grande’s ode to splits.

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

The newest project from Peter Sagar is his strongest, but also his softest.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

The young novelist begins with unsettling premises and then pushes them till they strain.

Dorielys Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio

The re-designed collection is a masterclass in depicting the nuance of a culture.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

The world is pretty scary, and that’s why we drink.

Grace John, Rutgers University

Each member of the girl group, without exception, has already begun to find solo success

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

Prepare to learn some serious time-management skills.

Scott Williamson, Florida Atlantic University

They took Slenderman to the next level.

Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

Metaphorically, of course.

Matilda Schulman, University of California, Berkeley

His pioneering novel, ‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?,’ laid the foundation for modern sci-fi.

Maya Butler, Baylor University

Don’t give up your childhood dreams yet!

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

‘break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored’ is deeper than you think.

Anna Sutherland, American University

Each song in the 12-track project offers a new perspective on feminism.

Jocelyn Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

Shakespeare is good and all, but writers like Acevedo are making reading appealing to millions of underrepresented people.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

Moss has turned the high school ‘I want to start a band’ phase into a career.

Dorielys Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio

Who says graphic novels are teen-exclusive?

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

Some of these poems feel like a warm hug from a friend.

Emma Uk, Brookdale Community College

He’s one of the few artists creating new, old, soul music.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The son of Rev Run has laid the groundwork for a successful career of his own.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

Pro tip: Cleanliness is often an afterthought.

Hannah Cullen, St. Cloud State University

The new project from Mark Hoppus and Alex Gaskarth might tank, so here are some classics to fall back on if it does.

Grace John, Rutgers University

The k-pop times they are a changin’.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

Prepare for chaos, friendly strangers and loud music.

Matilda Schulman, University of California, Berkeley

Everyone has a story, even Brothers Grimm villains.