Dylan Kazanova, University of Texas at San Antonio

Richard Powers’ Pulitzer Prize-winning book captures the imagination with larger-than-life personification and gives a new take on contemporary issues.

Cameron Rapata, Columbia College Chicago

Set 100 years ago, the novel portrays a 1919 full of political and social tension that should not be unfamiliar in the present day.

Daniel Reed

If you’re still hankering for more British monarchy drama, check out these titles.

Kristin Auld, St John’s University

The pop star’s presence was inescapable.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Exciting storytelling has been replaced with long-winding exposition in the young adult author’s latest novel.

Blair Krassen, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia

The talented producer, rapper and writer is creating hilarious tunes for a new digital age.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

The former One Directioner opened up, but is still facing some antipathy.

Jake Mauriello, SUNY New Paltz

Nothings says ’tis the season like a go-to Christmas track.

Dylan Kazanova, University of Texas at San Antonio

Space city is much more than ‘Astroworld’; these rappers personify the city’s culture with their unique beats and styles.

Abby Webb, Rice University

They used to be reserved for dimming stars, but now it’s hosting the brightest and regaining its reputation.

Carli Moses, Union University

This Shakespeare adaptation strays from the source material, but in doing so creates quite the cautionary tale about the price of war.

Cynthia Vasquez, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

The singer changed the game for Latinx artists and now this upcoming biopic will give fans an even closer look at her infamous life.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Holly Black ties up the loose ends in her sweeping ‘Folk of the Air’ young adult fantasy series.

Giana Gayles, Stanford University

If you’re an OG fan of the melodramatic rapper, you probably hate him now.

Jake Mauriello, SUNY New Paltz

The newest ‘Saturday Night Live’ cast member Bowen Yang has a podcast with his friend Matt Rogers, and it’s time to get listening.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

The pop star’s contribution to the ‘Cats’ soundtrack parallels her own life in a few ways.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

Did your favorites make the cut?

Vaishnavi Kalyana, College of DuPage

Taylor Swift is fighting for the rights of musicians to retain control over their own work.

Megan Thompson, Montclair State University

We’ll see if it lives up to the hype.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

“I’d take a personal connection of 10,000 people over a commercial audience of a million.”

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

They have a charm that can’t be matched by the large corporate chains.

Kayla Carson, Simon Fraser University

The electronic musician’s public statement proves that victims are still being ignored.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Almost seven years after the beloved Nickelodeon show ended, it’s finally available on the popular streaming service. Ariana Grande and Victoria Justice have come a long way.

Dylan Kazanova, University of Texas at San Antonio

Ibram X. Kendi’s newest book mixes personal narrative and political analysis to examine how structural racism manifests itself today — oftentimes unconsciously.

Kayla Carson, Simon Fraser University

Beachwear, crop tops and chokers. Oh my!

Gabriel Egbert, University of Louisville

Imagine listening to your favorite hip-hop songs in moody, angelic slow motion.

Nathan Coles, Oakland University

The concept album features a futuristic storyline as well as a blend of different genres that defy easy categorization. 

Abby Webb, Rice University

The success of the rapper’s second annual festival proves Astroworld 2020 will not be one to miss.

Vaishnavi Kalyana, College of DuPage

The artist speaks out on some controversies in this new release.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

The album is full of legends, from Chaka Khan to Donna Summer.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

The ‘Folk of the Air’ trilogy — a world of intrigue and fairies — will receive a fitting send-off by the acclaimed young adult author.

Brendan Bell, Towson University

The new album might be his worst one yet.

Gabriel Egbert, University of Louisville

Roll into some wacky adventures with these D&D podcasters.

Nathan Coles, Oakland University

The trap musician mixes up his trademark pounding basslines with other styles on this distinct and complex production.

Dylan Kazanova, University of Texas at San Antonio

You can always count on this New York radio show to keep it real — whether it’s the music or the commentary, these hosts are guaranteed to make mornings better.

Meredith Day, Davidson College

Fans deserve more credit for their art, especially as fan works move into the mainstream.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

‘Maniac’ shows that the singer is a force to be reckoned with, in dating and in the music industry.

Cameron Rapata, Columbia College Chicago

The demand for change in the performing arts is leading to a new kind of sex talk.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

Directioners, this is truly not the end.

Brendan Bell, Towson University

A look at how a once great network lost its way.

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

From an extravagant card game, to an occult tool, to a mediation technique, tarot is far more interesting than a mere carnival exhibition.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Her new tracks ‘Lose You To Love Me’ and ‘Look At Her Now’ have skyrocketed up the charts, but they’ve also attracted some haters.

Dylan Kazanova, University of Texas at San Antonio

While Gucci Mane has dropped some great hits, his newest album shows that he’s getting a little too comfortable with his patented formula.

Meredith Day, Davidson College

The new album shows the 21-year-old indie artist expanding his sound, while still bringing catchy sad boy tunes.

Angel Zhu, University of California, Berkeley

Social media bullying and the grueling standards of the South Korean pop music industry could have played a part in the star’s untimely passing.

Abby Webb, Rice University

This indie pop artist’s debut album ‘Immunity’ goes far beyond the expectations established by her viral singles.

Chris Meng, Pomona College

The popular singer is refreshingly honest about his own struggles with mental health.

Cameron Rapata, Columbia College Chicago

The supergroup gives traditional outlaw country a powerful, all-female twist.

Cynthia Vasquez, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

The artist addresses the HIV/AIDS crisis with his club nights, but not without some controversy from activist circles.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

And stirs up controversy as he typically does.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

From dub to off-kilter anarcho-punk, these recordings find freedom in the macabre.

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Jack rules as Pumpkin King, Marnie Piper lives in Halloweentown and the Sanderson witches haunt Salem. But none of these Halloween classics live up to the true history behind All Hallows’ Eve.

Carli Moses, Union University

If you find yourself stressed, running from one thing to the next, you might need a new strategy. This reading habit can help bring intentionality to chaotic routines.

Angel Zhu, University of California, Berkeley

This young activist is working with a worldwide movement to help stave off the threat of climate change.

Vaishnavi Kalyana, College of DuPage

We stan artists coming into their own.

Jake Mauriello, SUNY New Paltz

We’re not ready for the new trend that is Halloween music.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

We love her, but she needs to do better.

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

How to manage when the workday is long, but the commute feels longer.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

Even amidst a future, supernatural dystopia, this manga still sees hope at the heart of humanity.

Gabriel Egbert, University of Louisville

Can HBO finally make an adaptation that will make Alan Moore proud?

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

The brand new project from Labrinth has finally been released.

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.