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?

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.

Bradford Smith, Louisiana State University

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Megan Thompson, Montclair State University

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

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).

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

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

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.

Kristin Auld, St John’s University

The pop star’s presence was inescapable.

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.

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.

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.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

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

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.

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.

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.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

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

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

Directioners, this is truly not the end.

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.

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.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

The brand new project from Labrinth has finally been released.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.