Carli Moses, Union University

Stephen Chbosky is back at it with this classically structured horror novel, where a child once again convenes with the supernatural realm.

Cynthia Vasquez, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

The catchy tunes and Latin influence of this music sensation have everyone listening, dancing and wondering about this genre’s burst into the mainstream.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

If you’ve never heard of the yellow-haired, jumpsuit-wearing musician, get ready to have her music change your entire life.

Megan Thompson, Montclair State University

Fans are shocked as the former One Direction singer strips his boy-band identity for a persona that suits his age.

Giana Gayles, Stanford University

It’s finally become less weird to get caught listening to strangers whispering soothing noises in your ear.

Cameron Rapata, Columbia College Chicago

These five young POC activists are fighting to end the worldwide climate change crisis.

Dylan Kazanova, University of Texas at San Antonio

The Big Easy is known for jazz, but is it what everyone’s listening to? It’s time to explore the multifaceted music scene that includes rock, rap and funk.

Eleanore Belanger, Arizona State University

Whether she’s writing as V.E. Schwab or Victoria Schwab, her wide range of books are always worth the read.

Charlotte Susser, University of Chicago

This show is both educational and entertaining, if you can believe it.

Eric Alexander, University of Colorado Denver

It’s the end of an era, but the music of these Dutch electronic legends will always live on.

Christine Bushart, Georgia State University

Just because you can consume it doesn’t mean it was made for you.

Chris Meng, Pomona College

In sharing his HIV-positive status in his new memoir, the ‘Queer Eye’ star opens up an important dialogue.

Noah Carey, University of Pennsylvania

Here’s a look at other sitcoms that could follow the lead of the ‘Office Ladies,’ which features Pam and Angela from ‘The Office.’ 

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

I don’t know who hurt him, but they better watch their back.

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

Rave culture is on the rise and providing new opportunities for aspiring artist. Here are some new artists to look out for in the next few years.

Claudia Ng, University of Texas at Austin

It’s as easy as listening to music.

Abby Webb, Rice University

Hailing from Minnesota, these three friends drink wine and put their own spin on the true crime podcast.

Logan Floyd, Mercyhurst University

A recent trend in popular culture may indicate a growing fear of those with too much power.

Katelyn Melder, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Remember, studying isn’t a rave. Chill out with this playlist.

Marie Christensen, George Fox University

This family band is writing beautiful harmonies that evoke their Oregon home.

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

EarthGang is the Southern dynamic duo you have been waiting for.

Brandon Suss, University of South Carolina

XXL posts an annual list of top new artists. Which year produced the ones with the most staying power?

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

This collaboration between Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey and Ariana Grande is a heavenly pairing.

Katelyn Melder, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Heartbroken? There’s a song for that.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

Charli XCX’s new album displays her trademark style, but is a bit derivative of her older work.

Abby Webb, Rice University

The new Travis Scott documentary has some fun moments, but avoids deeper insights into the rapper’s life.

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

The electropop duo revisits their past with their second full-length release of the year.

Stina Chang, University of Southern California

For four years, she was referred to as ‘Emily Doe.’ It’s time to learn who she really is.

Eleanore Belanger, Arizona State University

Will Artemis be the next ‘Harry Potter’ or the next ‘Percy Jackson’?

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

This album is the comeback of R&B no one knew we needed.

Aliza Pelto, Pratt Institute

I’ve done my waiting, 12 years of it!

Charlotte Susser, University of Chicago

This movie looks at ambition, mental health, creativity, complacency and how they all connect.

Brandon Suss, University of South Carolina

‘Babushka Boi’ is the culmination of A$AP Rocky’s past, present and future.

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

Just when you thought he couldn’t be more successful, he drops ‘Hollywood’s Bleeding.’

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

With its negative social and environmental implications, the death of fast fashion is long overdue.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

Could we be seeing some musical maturity in this new album? Possibly …

Logan Floyd, Mercyhurst University

One of America’s greatest authors led quite a remarkable life, for better or for worse.

Carli Moses, Union University

Where will our dystopian heroine find herself this time?

Kathryn Milschewski, Carthage College

This indelible voice is going to rediscovered by a new generation.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

Are you here for ‘Norman F—ing Rockwell!’?

Christopher Duggan, Boise State University

With his second album, this developing musician shows just why Kanye and Justin Vernon have taken an interest in him.

Eleanore Belanger, Arizona State University

It’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Aliza Pelto, Pratt Institute

Blessed be the fruit. From Atwood to Zumas, here four feminist fiction novels that will help you to start a revolution.  

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

Their new album is a revelation of the struggles the band members have been through, and their honesty is inspiring.

Eric Alexander, University of Colorado Denver

The most talented team in all of electronic music continues their trend of groundbreaking sounds.

Logan Floyd, Mercyhurst University

This generations-spanning anime and manga provides nearly endless hours of inspiring entertainment for those with the courage to take the dive.

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

cocainejesus captures a reveling, adventurous spirit in his most introspective album yet.

Sam Shepherd, McGill University

The hit Broadway musical sidesteps a frank portrayal of teenage suicide in favor of a half-baked portrait of teenage mental health.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

These are definitely some of the stranger products from the Cola conglomerate.

Kathryn Milschewski, Carthage College

The former One Direction star’s interview with Rolling Stone gives fans key insight into his upcoming album.

Christopher Duggan, Boise State University

As the only release before the artist’s untimely death, the album still amazes with its virtuosity, diversity and passion

Katelyn Melder, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

From Tyler, the Creator to Taylor Swift, the summer of 2019 was filled to the brim with wonderful albums.

Sydney Hawkins, Alabama A&M University

These artists are changing the game.

Lauren Do, Davidson College

The more important question … are we ready for it?

Eric Alexander, University of Colorado Denver

Addic.tech breaks the music-streaming mold by providing a passionate, high-quality experience.

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

Deeply personal and utterly dynamic, you won’t have to ‘tryhard’ to like the album.

Eleanore Belanger, Arizona State University

The term disabled isn’t a dirty word, so why act like it is by using alternative phrases?

Abby Webb, Rice University

It’s been 50 years since the festival, but its message lives on.

Sam Shepherd, McGill University

Broadway-bound composers and producers should look to the Classics for musical theater inspiration.

Logan Floyd, Mercyhurst University

Grant Morrison’s comic book miniseries tells the story of three cybernetic animals and their perilous journey in search of home.

Christopher Duggan, Boise State University

Completing a four album cycle, the new release from the indie folk band is another intriguing chapter in the band’s creative evolution.

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

Hip-hop culture needs to make female representation and diversity a priority.

Kathryn Milschewski, Carthage College

Taylor isn’t crying over boys anymore.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

Is it really all sunshine and rainbows?

Alicia Owens, Georgia State University

Latin music is gaining popularity, but these artists still need to make their way on to your playlists. 

Emma Dailey Mitchell, Columbia College Chicago

Probably not. It’ll take a lot to clean up Joss Whedon’s mess.

Alicia Owens, Georgia State University

Following K-pop can be overwhelming, so here’s a breakdown of where and how to get the best content.

Kala Horvat, University of Georgia

You should seriously be anticipating the upcoming debut solo album from the Fifth Harmony star.

Sydney Hawkins, Alabama A&M University

Here are 10 motivational tunes that will get you through the upcoming school year.

Alicia Owens, Georgia State University

Hip-hop artist Taylor Bennett talks about alienation on this EP. 

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

Move over men, Tommy Genesis is here to reclaim the female body.

Kaitlin Romriell, Southern New Hampshire University

These artists will make you laugh even on the worst days.

Aliza Pelto, Pratt Institute

This oft-forgotten category should be on more people’s minds.

Eleanore Belanger, Arizona State University

Because we all need to realize that having it is perfectly normal.

Christine Bushart, Georgia State University

Megan Thee Stallion’s moniker for summer 2019, “Hot Girl Summer,” illustrates the shifting demography of the rap game to include more women.

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

Let’s dive ‘head first’ into his newest release, ‘bright side of the moon.’

Sam Shepherd, McGill University

Aaron Sorkin’s adaption of the beloved Harper Lee novel tinkers with conventions of a classic American story.

Charlotte Susser, University of Chicago

The book reimagines ‘The Iliad’ from the perspective of the epic’s oft-ignored female characters.

Carli Moses, Union University

Where do you start with the author who offered so much insight into the black experience?

Kristin Auld, St John’s University

These two YouTubers are creating something new out of the familiar.

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

‘WILLOW’ finds serenity in the Cosmos.

Veronica Kuffel, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Will the potential legalization of marijuana put a dent in Wisconsin’s thriving alcohol industry?

Ashley Peterson, Geneva College

From their name to their message, the band’s faith comes first.

Lauren Do, Davidson College

Your stomach will thank you. Your wallet? Not so much.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

Ra Ra Riot has some good ideas and some mediocre songs.

Emma Dailey Mitchell, Columbia College Chicago

He went viral years ago and he’s still singing his heart out.

Sophie Westergren, Ithaca College

Looking for a summer podcast to wrap your brain around during a long car ride?

Sydney Hawkins, Alabama A&M University

The actor’s death is a wakeup call for overthinking and stressed out millennials to realize life’s true purpose.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

“NH2” is coming, folks.

Mela Lozano, University of Texas at San Antonio

He will have you reminiscing about your first love in every song.

Lauren Prestia, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Her spoken word is just as genius as her writing.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

The bop brings R&B vibes and creative sounds.

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

The raw debut album is a narrative toward self-discovery and meaning.

Kristin Auld, St John’s University

One up-and-coming artist and her Friends are fusing pop and jazz into musical masterpieces, one song at a time.

Christopher Duggan, Boise State University

With ‘Phantom Palace,’ Kevin Johnson introduces his own brand of ‘time travel pop.’

Noah Carey, University of Pennsylvania

‘The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists’ can teach plenty of lessons — some more valuable than others.

Lauren Do, Davidson College

You might not want to throw out those college degrees just yet.

Christopher Duggan, Boise State University

A crowd at the Neurolux in Boise, Idaho took a trip into the Melancholy Box of Infinite Sadness and will never be the same.

Veronica Kuffel, University of Wisconsin-Madison

How iconic bars like the Gay 90’s have been dragging a stubborn society to a more welcoming future.

Logan Floyd, Mercyhurst University

The hilariously foul-mouthed Australian puppet comedian has a big introspective side.