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.

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

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

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!

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.’

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

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

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.

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.

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.

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.