Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

There’s still so much to say about these beloved books and the impact they have had on an entire generation of readers.

Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

These musical numbers, which have little relevance to the plot, can be fun, but ultimately perpetuate debilitating social roles for women.

Asha MacKay, Wellesley College

Her turn toward social commentary  has received praise, but every artist should be taking on these issues — and many already do.

Brian Anderson Gil, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

His work ‘The Taste of Cigarettes’ demonstrates that writing is borne of personal toil — whatever form that may take.

Emerson Holmes, Lindenwood University

Poetry isn’t just written down. Some poets are evolving the genre by using their voices as their medium.

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

While the world has lauded the country for K-beauty, this webtoon shows the dark side of South Korean beauty standards.

Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

On their latest album, the K-pop superstars blend genres as they explore growing pains and the dark side of high ambitions.

Desiree Jaime, Hofstra University

Calling all music and art lovers — you won’t want to miss out on these six gatherings for the upcoming season.

Ian Nordin, University of Texas at San Antonio

Whether you think the genre is long gone or still thriving, it continues to influence artists like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and Tyler, the Creator.

Daniel Reed

Just because the King of Pop is gone doesn’t mean he isn’t still making serious money.

Victoria Acosta, Southern Adventist University

The singer-songwriter dives deep into life, post-breakup, and gives her listeners the authentic healing she discovered.

Alyssa Alexander, SUNY Buffalo State

Despite its endorsement from Oprah, Jeanine Cummins’ book about the life of a Mexican woman is having a damaging impact on minorities.

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

The Chinese web novel finds its strong female lead getting an opportunity to start life over as a teenager, and avenging the betrayal that ended her life.

Kayla Placide, University at Buffalo

Both shows are based on beloved fantasy books, but are they comparable?

Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

In spite of an overly-loose concept, the album immerses listeners into a world of aggressive electronic beats and ethereal vocals.

Victoria Acosta, Southern Adventist University

Back in 2018, the singer-rapper asked you, ‘Got milk, b–ch? Got beef?’ Now, the ‘70s disco queen wants to know, ‘Why don’t you say so?’

Desiree Jaime, Hofstra University

Many of us remember the viral sensation. What most don’t know are the consequences of this teenager’s overnight infamy.

Brian Anderson Gil, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

The storied and often dangerous life of the Latin American author helped create stories that spoke to isolation and dislocation.

Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

They say it’s not good to keep it bottled up, but is letting it out doing more harm than good?

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

We stan the biromantic, asexual woman of color protagonist in Claire Kann’s new novel.

Nina Dutta, Occidental College

Autumn De Wilde’s film may not be entirely true to the book, but it still captures the essence of the author’s work.

Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

While its simple style has received praise for its accessibility, there are a few that can satisfy readers who want more.

Lauren Buchko, Michigan State University

After a year off, the indie rock band will once again headline their own fest in their hometown of Cincinnati.

Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

The 22-year old EDM artist is making waves by bringing the traditional and the modern together on intoxicating tracks.

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

It’s not only a whole new world of literature, but what’s better than something that’s free and accessible at any time during the day?

Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

We’re clearly not okay (in a good way).

Kayla Placide, University at Buffalo

Why is the murdering main character of the Netflix show garnering so much sympathy?

Lauren Buchko, Michigan State University

She entered the spotlight in 2013 but has since taken a break from the public eye. Is the New Zealand singer about to make a comeback?

Sarah Stager, University of Pittsburgh

Even though the service has been pushed out of the limelight by Spotify for the time being, the platform’s versatility allows users to find plenty of hidden gems.

Desiree Jaime, Hofstra University

The scandal involving the 16-year-old rapper and a shady watch company doesn’t seem to be getting any attention.

Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

Writing is — and should be — really hard and really frustrating. Otherwise, you’re not doing it right.

Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The self-awareness of a new generation is propelling this internet-age style of music into the mainstream.

Kaelani Ramirez, Arizona State University

These two powerhouses have challenged what it means to be a girl group in South Korea.

Emerson Holmes, Lindenwood University

Diversity can be hard to find in the accepted literary canon, but literature is full of LGBTQ+ representation if you know where to look.

Katherine McLaughlin, The New School

Not every love story has a satisfying end.

Kali Johnson, Gustavus Adolphus College

It’s easy to romanticize Taylor Swift’s extremely successful life. What many of us fail to remember is that it can be hard to be famous.

Janella Tibbetts, Framingham State University

K-pop and K-dramas might be expanding America’s cultural horizons, but does it come at a price?

Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

Many of these books are criticized for their unrealistic portrayal of the world; however, that may be their greatest strength.

Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

Music is often categorized into rigid genres but here are some artists who are crafting distinctive styles.

Sarah Stager, University of Pittsburgh

The author who can do it all is telling the stories of humanity — and rating each of them on a five-star scale.

Kaelani Ramirez, Arizona State University

While reigniting interest in poetry, ‘Instagram poets’ like Rupi Kaur and Amanda Lovelace still face their share of criticism.

Bradford Smith, Louisiana State University

The outspoken critic of the country music industry has returned with an experimental tour de force of an album.

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

With digital media on the rise, it is no surprise that there are more options than ever out there for manga fans to get their fix anytime.

Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

With so many unique music options out there, it can be a life changing experience to add some international love to your playlist.

Nina Dutta, Occidental College

The musician’s accessible tunes belie an artist bent on showcasing a real rock ‘n’ roll energy and confronting gender roles and heteronormativity.

Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

The rich diversity of Korean music isn’t limited to the country’s most popular musical export.

S. T. Perez, Texas A&M University, San Antonio

Although plenty of time has passed since they were first released, literary classics have much to offer.

Sarah Stager, University of Pittsburgh

Even with a new sound, the Irish musician continues to use poetic lyrics and a masterful blending of rock, pop and electronic music to connect with audiences.

Vaishnavi Kalyana, College of DuPage

The past four years have not been easy for the pop star, but she’s back in the music world and she’s making her mark.

Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The social media platform, which seems engineered for virality, is displacing streaming services like Spotify when it comes to finding new songs and artists.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Her new single finds the country singer caught between her Tennessee home and the fast-paced life of Los Angeles.

Meredith Day, Davidson College

Forget Taylor Swift. The real artist of the decade was Hannah Montana.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

These two have been working hard for their whole careers. It’s time to see them work together.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

A seemingly ambitious project, the series falls prey to poor execution and hollow characterization.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

The event was overshadowed by the death of Kobe Bryant and looming allegations about the Recording Academy.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

The indie pop band’s newest single will make a fine addition to their upcoming album out this February.

Kayla Carson, Simon Fraser University

Skip Coachella. Here’s why these festivals with under 10,000 attendees are the best.

Angel Zhu, University of California, Berkeley

The K-pop star is facing some extreme backlash from a very rabid fanbase.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

The musician’s latest album is brilliantly and beautifully manic.

Cynthia Vasquez, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

After falling a little behind the times, its smooth sounds are back to capture the ears and hearts of listeners.

Megan Thompson, Montclair State University

The original novel behind the Netflix series leaves fans intrigued and captivated by the modern-day Ted Bundy.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

This small publishing duo is making waves with their thoughtful reissues of out of print novels.

Cynthia Vasquez, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

She’s the definition of a bad–s woman born before her time who championed intersectionality and womanism in her poetry, essays and other writings.

Chris Meng, Pomona College

It’s the beginning of 2020, so now is the time to freshen up those playlists. Here are some ideas on how to organize them.

Nathan Coles, Oakland University

Although a lot of electronic music has a reputation for sonic dissonance, it’s still capable of evoking a wide range of deep emotions.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

The announcement has many excited, but still courts some controversy.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

Dark humor, messy gore and surreal turns characterize her impressive run in the early ‘90s.

Kayla Carson, Simon Fraser University

This folk trio has been releasing quality music for nearly two decades, but still sits just below the radar.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

Moving away from lo-fi demos and unfussy EPs, the best punk and hardcore exhibited a tendency toward spirited ambition.

Giana Gayles, Stanford University

Awê! We underestimate our neighbors to the east, who have created their own innovative spin on the genre.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

Released just moments after her Sweetener World Tour ended, this recording perfectly captures the intensity and skill of the musician’s live performances.

Carli Moses, Union University

This fresh adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s book exalts each March sister in her own right, exploring the girls’ unique struggles and experiences.

Megan Thompson, Montclair State University

The young singer brought fans down a road toward the weird and wonderful world of the average teenage girl.

Gabriel Egbert, University of Louisville

Get ready to dive into star-trotting space operas and meet super-powered web slingers.

Giana Gayles, Stanford University

Dig in to this wide, diverse genre.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

From the casual lyric drops to dragging misogynists, the musician took important stands and summed up an influential, storied career (so far).

Carli Moses, Union University

These creatives used their unique voices to capture the complexities and concerns of the past ten years.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

The song caps off a passionate four-song EP that might be the musician’s best work yet.

Megan Thompson, Montclair State University

With 2020 right around the corner, it’s time to take chances. Finding a partner never comes easy, so forget everything you know.

Abby Webb, Rice University

A dull, misogynistic waste of time, ‘LP1’ proves the former One Direction singer belongs in the trash.

Bryan Lance, Liberty University

The hip-hop artist sadly joins the ranks of influential artists taken far too soon.

Gabriel Egbert, University of Louisville

The multi-talented musician and ‘Hamilton’ cast member is one of the most innovative artists working today.

Chris Meng, Pomona College

‘Frozen the Musical,’ is holding nothing back on its Hollywood journey.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

A ‘Fine Line’ opinion that’s as unbiased as I can be.

Cynthia Vasquez, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

Young, gifted and black, the 11-year-old dancer is already breaking down barriers.

Andrew Reece

You don’t have to go broke getting something for your favorite audio fanatic.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Who knew she was such a softy?

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

The One Direction singer has a very interesting encounter with a fish that’s packed with personal meaning.

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.