McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

In her 2019 book, the comedian beautifully articulates a fascination with the ordinary, which just might be the key to true happiness, especially during the pandemic.

Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

Katy Perry’s latest release is an optimistic album about overcoming adversity, a message that many people need to hear right now.

Caleb Mullenneaux, St. Olaf College

The singer-songwriter is painting a complex picture of the United States in his soon to be released album, ‘The Ascension.’

Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

Few authors captured the human experience, particularly the Black experience, with as much nuance as her.

Anna Swenson, Butler University

This digital comic blends manga influences with Disney-inspired artwork to create a compelling tale of romance by the sea.

Srishti Tyagi, Cornell University

Lifestyle creators used to be notoriously family-friendly. How did LaurDIY break out of her PG persona in her new podcast?

Emma Tavangari, UC Berkeley

The Barcelona singer spent her childhood learning music long associated with revolution. Now, Rosalía is revolutionizing the music industry herself.

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

The pandemic isn’t over, and music fans are getting antsy. Do these concerts scratch the itch, and are they COVID-safe?

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

Kacen Callender’s young adult novel features a queer trans person of color amid friendships, love and a heartwarming journey of self-acceptance.

Hannah Reynoso, University of Iowa

Because of her youthful spirit, Siwa is an inspiration to young kids, but people are quick to criticize the superstar for her over-the-top style.

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

The new podcast is helping people learn how to deal with their fear of watching horror movies.

Abigail Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

The genre can be fickle with its trends. However, this series seems to have the hang of these new fads with its fresh take on old tropes.

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

Beyoncé’s latest release is a celebration of Black beauty to empower Black women. The project unites African music and cultures in a visual masterpiece.

Emma Tavangari, UC Berkeley

Activists, influencers and celebrities are opening up to Jamil about body image, mental health and many other important issues.

Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

The stars of ‘The L Word’ have started a quarantine podcast that embodies what it means to survive a pandemic alongside the wit of your best friend.

James C. Loftis, University of North Texas

Learn the first stages of becoming a podcaster from an amateur who has already made mistakes, so you don’t have to!

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The author’s second novel, which follows a grandmother and granddaughter, puts family and community at the forefront but lacks balance in its storytelling.

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

HBO’s show offers a crystal clear picture of why communities need new ways to resolve conflicts and combat interpersonal violence.

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

Over the past few months, EDM artists have been collaborating left and right. Here are some of the most exciting projects released in the age of COVID.

Hannah Reynoso, University of Iowa

Some on the app are roleplaying as Holocaust victims. Regardless of intent, the fad is disrespectful, to say the least.

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

Music has become a multisensory experience. Check out a brief history of how music incorporated the two art forms to reimagine visuals and audio united.

Tess McGrinder, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

While arguments over music may seem trivial to some, learning to accept genres outside of your usual taste can lead to an open mind in other areas of your life.

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The British band embraces dialogue clips on their second album, which reflects on political, social and emotional struggles in their signature style.

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

Major players in the music industry have been suffering from the effects of the pandemic. Music That Never Sleeps is hoping to offset the damages.

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

The thrilling listening experience proves that the genre is our best chance at getting a taste of live theater during the pandemic.

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Here are three amazing universe-building concept albums that you need to add to your Spotify queue.

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

This plot device is one of the most overdone romantic clichés out there. Should it be left behind, or is there a way to make it new again?

Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

The new single captures the reality of pandemic social limitations while staying true to the heart of summer romance.

Renee Cantor, University of Pittsburgh

Sibling acts like the Jackson 5, the Jonas Brothers, HAIM and the Bee Gees need to make room because there’s a new and ferocious sister duo that’s here to stay.

Audrey Martin, Boston University

Since the release of Taylor Swift’s eighth studio album, some fans have been speculating about possible double meanings in songs like ‘betty.’

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

The touching but heartwrenching World War II novel explores a Jewish girl’s hope-filled journey to find community in a war-ravaged Germany.

Mitchell Tanaka, Chapman University

England’s trip-hop icons aren’t afraid to tackle climate change, economic disparity and other contemporary issues transpiring in the world in their new audio-visual EP.

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

Their latest record is far more than just a collection of songs: Here’s a closer look at how the band has changed the game when it comes to debuting new music.

Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

The Portland hip-hop musician is growing both lyrically and artistically.

Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

The up-and-coming surf rock pop band uses mundane, everyday scenarios to express deep longing in their most recent album, ‘You and Your Friends.’

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The book is full of social media, insane baked goods and a love story you can’t help but root for.

Cathleen Luo, Columbia University

The Lee Chang-dong film adaptation of the critically acclaimed author’s short story may have changed a few details, but it maintains the spirit of the work.

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Karen M. McManus’ young adult mystery novel both upholds and defies the tropes of the classic ’80s movie.

Jackie Sizing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The musician’s new song announces her return, and in the aftermath of her divorce from Liam Hemsworth, her independence.

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s collab isn’t as scandalous as the internet wants you to believe.

Abigail Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

The show supplied our generation with great and forgettable covers alike. Which ones stand the test of time?

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

Insomniac had to cancel their 2020 electronic music festival due to COVID-19, but fans are already hyped for next year’s show — tickets were gone within a day.

Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

Surfing the internet might take time away from your beloved books, but these blogs are the perfect companions to your favorite novels.

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

The novel explores the long process of a guarded teenager finding belonging in her last foster home after a lifetime of letdowns.

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The artist’s renowned songwriting has gone from red to monochrome to the full spectrum of colors to create vivid imagery in every line.

Madalyn Watson, Baylor University

Comedian Dan Cummins is a master of laughs. But with the help of his wife, Lynze Cummins, he’s reaching a new audience interested in comedy and the supernatural alike.

Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

As he rises from obscurity to stardom, the singer’s new album combines bright, reckless sound with dark lyrics about the pressures of fame.

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The young singer songwriter dropped her first single during the pandemic and its sound masterfully reflects its contemplative lyrical content.

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

The novel’s heartbreaking exploration of divorce and loss allows its exquisite friendships and familial connections to take center stage.

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

At just 20 years old, the singer-songwriter passionately weaves lyrics about teenage romance and heartbreak into her debut EP.

Emilia Chavez, Rice University

In her new book, Brit Bennett dissects extremely relevant issues with memorable characters and excellent storytelling.

Srishti Tyagi, Cornell University

The new Spotify exclusive podcast allows longtime viewers of the beloved program to explore the decisions and stories that made the show a work of genius.

Renee Cantor, University of Pittsburgh

Have you always wanted to start a journal, but didn’t know where to begin? Try one of these simple techniques to get started on your daily journaling journey.

Jackie Sizing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Scott O’Connor has a unique and fearless writing style that will immerse you in the novel and make you feel like you’re part of the story.

Audrey Martin, Boston University

Playlists are king on the streaming platform. These five users take their playlist curation to the next level.

James C. Loftis, University of North Texas

How has a game — once looked down upon and talked of in such negative light — garnered so much attention in recent years? Listening to people having fun playing the game certainly helped.

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

Even though I became obsessed with the theatrical masterpiece four years after everyone else, there are some upsides to experiencing the musical in 2020.

Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

The posthumously released album serves as both an incredible tribute to the talent of the late rapper and an inside look at the artist’s inner turmoil.

Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

Victor LaValle’s story blends fantastical elements with the very real issues of racism and violence, all against the backdrop of the urban landscape.

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

From poor advertising to musical sets that were too short, the virtual festival left many fans confused and disappointed.

Chloe Hamer, Pitzer College

In her new podcast, the former first lady is speaking with her friends and family on a wide range of interesting and empowering topics.

Chase Cutarelli, Columbia University

The new book written by Donald’s niece exhumes decades of corruption and greed in the Trump empire, even before her uncle entered the White House.

Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

The singer’s latest album, an unexpected surprise from isolation, is an ode to storytelling with empathetic lyrics and mystical sounds.

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

The popular singers’ recent behavior on social media has fans concerned that she is being manipulated by a controlling conservatorship.

Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

The EP channels anxieties toward a bleak reality, employing the upbeat nature of indie-pop alongside feelings of loss, emptiness and the desire to escape.

Renee Cantor, University of Pittsburgh

All of the concerts in the NPR Music series are great, but these six are guaranteed to get you moving and grooving.

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

People who share protagonists’ identities shouldn’t only author books. Their feedback can vastly improve how books represent marginalized groups.

Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

Before Elvis ever took the stage, this woman was combining gospel, blues and jazz to pioneer the genre we all know today.

Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

On their latest album, the band embraces the complexities of divorce and heartbreak with a radical vulnerability that enchants every listener.

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

The open letter against ‘cancel culture’ was mostly signed by people with enormous influence — those who least need to worry about ‘cancellation.’

Luke Gair, Sewanee: The University of the South

Rather than indulge in empty symbolism and stale motives, Swift’s eighth album reminds listeners why they fell in love with her work back in the early 2000s.

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

The album was leaked just days before its planned release, but this PR disaster paved the way for other big-name artists to turn out early releases.

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

The psychological realism of Laura van den Berg’s second book parallels the isolation many are feeling during the pandemic.

Alicia Furlan, University of Pittsburgh

‘Songs for Carmella: Lullabies and Sing-Alongs’ challenges societal expectations of the role of women in the workplace and at home.

Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

After receiving harsh criticism from her colleagues, the former columnist speaks of the grim consequences for people that go against the grain.

Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

In her new book, Samantha Mabry shows readers that vulnerability and independence are not mutually exclusive.

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

Instead of villainizing technology just because it’s trendy, Cal Newport makes a compelling case for satisfaction that runs deeper than pings and pixels.

Renee Cantor, University of Pittsburgh

In her memoir, Carmen Maria Machado documents her experiences in an abusive queer relationship, telling a story that often goes untold.

McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

100 gecs’ latest release is a remix album that features artists like Charlie XCX, Fall Out Boy and Kero Kero Bonito.

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

The podcast takes a conspiracy theory seriously to reveal how the CIA has influenced art in the past — and could very well still be doing so.

Hannah Reynoso, University of Iowa

Hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat not only recount compelling tales of heinous crimes, but offer important advice for staying alive.

Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

The musician pairs the melancholy with the joyful aspects of life, creating a balance of carefree nostalgia.

Yasmeen Ludy, University of Michigan

Will the real Lady A please stand up? Lady Antebellum renamed themselves to shed racist connotations, but didn’t realize their chosen moniker was taken.

James C. Loftis, University of North Texas

Whether they’re playing D&D or giving terrible (but funny!) advice, these five on-going series remind us how important sharing a laugh with our family members can be.

Chloe Hamer, Pitzer College

The concept provides an artistic and powerful way to engage in social change by coaxing our imagination to connect us to the voices of the past.

Abigail Adeleke, University of Miami

Now more than ever, people are calling on brands to step up. The culture magazine took another step in the right direction by having Dario Calmese shoot their cover.

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

You know who Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley are, so now it’s time to learn about the artists behind some of their greatest hits, Charles Singleton and Rose Marie McCoy.

Olivia Dimond, Bates College

Like any piece of historical fiction, the musical takes some artistic license, but fans are now wondering if the show has gone too far.

Megan Stager, University of Pittsburgh

This calmer style of electronic music is the genre’s answer to the heavy bass and loud synths of EDM.

Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

Even before the pandemic, connecting with others was never easy. Here are stories stressing the complexity and worthiness of human interaction in all kinds of situations and relationships.

Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

Creating your own show might sound daunting, but it can be a simple process if you follow these suggestions.

Srishti Tyagi, Cornell University

The artist’s simple rhythms, addictive melodies and evocative lyrics have converged into a masterful EP that demonstrates his songwriting and production genius.

Renee Cantor, University of Pittsburgh

With videos ranging from book reviews to bookshelf tours to group reads, this online community is more than just a virtual book club.

Megan Stager, University of Pittsburgh

The musician’s latest release is apathy in musical form, and not in a good way.

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

If you’re into electronic dance music, you know artists like Calvin Harris and Flume. But do you know the names of the vocalists featured in their songs?

Chloe Hamer, Pitzer College

The philosopher’s theories of the ‘studium’ and the ‘punctum’ explains why we prefer certain creative works over others.

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

There’s no shame in dropping a book that you have no desire to read.

Yasmeen Ludy, University of Michigan

Queen Bey is back with a new visual album that aims to uplift Black culture, but not everyone is excited about it.

Tamara Kamis, Cornell University

Want to get even more from your reading experience? Let your ears in on the fun.

Chase Cutarelli, Columbia University

Khalil Gibran Muhammad’s exploration of African Americans during the Progressive Era unveils the prejudice behind evidence of Black criminality.