By Karen Lu, Yale University

Before his military enlistment, the South Korean star released a sultry, sophisticated EP that signals the start of a new chapter in his career.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

Teaming up for a track on ‘McCartney III Imagined,’ the two musical artists offer a poignant, evocative statement about living in the moment.

By Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

Chloe Noone’s feature on the remix of the song ‘parents’ showcases how crucial TikTok is for the careers of aspiring artists.

By Mai Khou Vang, Michigan State University

You can always count on the iconic boy group to produce hit after hit, and they don’t appear to be stopping anytime soon with the release of their newest album.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

From her debut album to her more recent work, the musical talent and originality of the singer-songwriter remain more than evident.

By Sophie N. Munoz, University of Texas at San Antonio

The multitalented streamer and creator appeals to a wide audience with diverse content that ranges from lo-fi tracks to art lessons, all of which influence each other.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

The new song is another hit from the young artist, who continues to find inspiration from music legends like Lorde and Taylor Swift.

By Mai Khou Vang, Michigan State University

In the second Japanese single from the renowned boy band, they tell the story of how hard it can be to let go of the past and look toward the future.

By Anastasiya Cernei, Missouri State University

Lil Nas X’s latest single and music video have created controversy across social media platforms for its occult and queer overtones.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

By Daniel Buccafusca, East Stroudsburg University

The American rapper should not be remembered as a troubled musician, but rather as a man that has taught the world how important it is to be vulnerable.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

Since his rise to fame, many fans have drawn parallels between this year’s star Super Bowl performer and the King of Pop, but the artist prefers to highlight his own originality instead.

By Isabelle Juan, Truman State University

The American singer-songwriter’s most recent album perfectly encapsulates the continually escalating peak of her musical prowess.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

The American singer-songwriter’s latest song is both nostalgic and fresh, reminding listeners of the musical ingenuity that she has always had.

By Kiera Baity, Kennesaw State University

In his newest hit single, Lil Nas X reignites both satanic panic and the fear of Black rock, while many are questioning why the video is just so controversial in the first place.

By Michael Boland, DePaul University

After a series of delays and controversial nominations, ‘music’s biggest night’ went on, with big wins for industry staples and newcomers alike.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The Blackpink singer has conquered the world alongside her fellow girl-group members. Now she is ready to shine on her own and pay homage to her past.

By Karen Lu, Yale University

More and more Asian musicians have been able to break into mainstream Western media, and a mass media company is one of the factors that has encouraged this success.

By Sophie N. Munoz, University of Texas at San Antonio

After years of dealing with insecurity and ridicule for her heritage, the singer is embracing her roots with her new Spanish-language EP.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

The American singer-songwriter’s honest and intimate music is exactly what indie-folk rock needs, even if the Grammys failed to recognize this.

By Daniel Reed

There are a lot of options when it comes to jamming out to your favorite songs.

By Mai Khou Vang, Michigan State University

Taking a step back from the high energy, girl crush music of Blackpink, the group’s main vocalist reflects on life and love with her debut single album, ‘R.’

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

Ella Jane’s latest single is a reflection of her talent and cements her as an artist to watch out for in 2021.

By Joseph Gorzka III, University of Virginia

Both earbuds and headphones can cause damage to your ears if you regularly listen to them for long periods of time.

By Sophie N. Munoz, University of Texas at San Antonio

Selena Gomez’s hit song and music video explore the healing process and personal growth that comes with recovery from a broken heart.

By Karen Lu, Yale University

The K-pop group presents an image that breaks away from traditional gender norms and propels us into a new era of self-love and acceptance.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

The Australian singer-songwriter exemplifies the evolution of the pop genre while taking note from pop stars of the past.

By Daniel Buccafusca, East Stroudsburg University

Will the hip-hop artist ever be able to recover from the backlash he has received for over a decade, or is he past his prime?

By Michael Boland, DePaul University

The Brooklyn rapper was just released from prison and will be in the public eye for the first time since his arrest in 2014.

By Mai Khou Vang, Michigan State University

Whether you’re going through a breakup or have a bad case of unrequited love, this artist’s music will always have your back.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

On her second solo album, the Paramore frontwoman switches genres as she paints a picture of a love lost and a hopeful look to the future.

By Karen Lu, Yale University

Known for his deep voice and witty gaming commentary, the faceless content creator has seen a recent growth in his views from his Among Us livestreams.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

With his third studio album, the former One Direction member sets out to express his innermost thoughts through soft R&B melodies and melancholic lyrics.

By Mai Khou Vang, Michigan State University

From Latin pop to house to rock ballads, the singer and her first full-length album refuse to be put in a box.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

In her re-recordings of several songs from earlier in her career, Taylor Swift reclaims her songs while professing her admiration for her fans.

By Isabelle Juan, Truman State University

The Australian singer-songwriter’s debut movie left many with a sour taste in their mouths due to the inhumane treatment of its neuroatypical main character.

By Karen Lu, Yale University

While hip-hop and rap have become a phenomenon in China, these artists have abandoned both the genre’s Black roots and its emphasis on authenticity.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The New York Times documentary boldly exposes the dark underbelly of Hollywood stardom, showing how tabloid culture exploited, harassed and vilified a young popstar — and how the people around her failed to protect her.

By Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

Jolin Tsai’s hit 2018 song and music video explore her personal struggles as an artist by diving into a study of one’s identity.

By Isabelle Juan, Truman State University

In the multifaceted artist’s new song, ‘Don’t Judge Me,’ she transforms her knowledge of oppression into something truly restorative for all audiences.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

GOT7’s Mark Tuan and Sanjoy team up for the song ‘One In a Million,’ a smooth R&B love song perfect for Valentine’s Day weekend.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

More than two months after being snubbed by the Grammys, the Canadian recording artist gave a high-energy halftime performance of his massive collection of hits.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The electro-pop trailblazer, who died at the age of 34 on Jan. 30, redefined her industry by challenging traditional concepts of gender, identity and sound.

By Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

By Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

It’s on social media and in fan fiction: Many fans of the boy band like to speculate that Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles are in a secret romantic relationship. Is it just fun, or is it fetishization?

By Katherine Bry, Washington University

Curating music allows people to preserve moments in time, capture specific moods and pass experiences onto other listeners through songs.

By Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

In the streaming era, vinyl still offers something unique for the music listening experience. But they require good care and upkeep.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

With plenty of highly anticipated releases and online concerts slated for this year, here are the female artists to keep an ear out for.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

Overlooked and neglected by their record label, the seven members of the K-pop boy group are now striking out on their own — as a team.

By Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

The renowned success of the track provides another example of the public’s obsession with the real-life romantic drama behind many popular songs.

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Make the best of your time in isolation by learning a new language.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

The podcast is a must-listen that will leave you educated, empowered and connected to those around you.

By Katherine Bry, Washington University

The Netflix special takes a look at the emotions behind the singer’s Sweetener world tour.

By Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

The pop singer has a past full of rushed and rocky relationships. Is her new one moving too fast, or is happiness more important?

By Laura Song, Biola University

These four artists have left their mark on the music industry, and will live on in the hearts of fans even after they’re long gone.

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Even without frightening visuals, this horror podcast immerses you into an unforgettable story.

By Katherine Bry, Washington University

By Callie Rosenzweig, University of Chicago

Multitracks are a great way to keep your musical spirits up during the pandemic. Here’s a basic guide to creating one.

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Listening to gentle tunes during quarantine may provide consolation to those in need of comfort. Here are some artists to get you started.

By Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

If we want the genre to continue to make an impact and have a stable future, we cannot depend on music that is made to go viral on the video-sharing app.

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

By Emma Watts, University of Arizona

By Haven Worley, University of Rochester

The effects of COVID-19 can be heard in the somber themes of Taylor Swift’s newest album.

By Katherine Bry, Washington University

To expand your horizons, try thinking of an area of the world you haven’t explored and dive into its sounds.

By Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

In their latest release, Spillage Village uses religious motifs to address racism, police brutality, the pandemic and other prominent issues from 2020.

By Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

This relatable podcast is the perfect listen for young adults searching for a bit of peer guidance and support.

By Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

Laying rumors of retirement to rest, the artist has conjured up an album filled with diverse musical styles and songs of heartbreak.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

Beyond just using the format to have their books read aloud, some writers are starting to use the medium to narrate their work in new, innovative ways.

By Haven Worley, University of Rochester

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

Wearing silver pants and a long elfish beard in ‘Holiday,’ the singer gives Christmas a futuristic take. What does it mean to see him in hip-hop as he redefines musical and cultural boundaries?

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The release of the 2021 Grammy Awards nominees sparked an outcry of fans and artists demanding transparency and equality from the selection committee.

By Summer Brotman, University of California, Los Angeles

The K-pop boy band illustrates life in the time of COVID-19 with their newest track.

By Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

The two artists break free from the prison of their exes in the campy, rock ‘n’ roll themed music video.

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

What makes this Korean pop supergroup such a success? It may be the multi-generational cast of experienced singers.

By Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Known for his funny YouTube videos and being one half of comedy music duo Tiny Meat Gang, the entertainer is stepping out with some more serious music.

By Laura Song, Biola University

These musicians sound a little different from their K-pop counterparts, but the music is just as good.

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Based on League of Legends characters, this collection of (computerized) singers has become a worldwide sensation.

By Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

Except for Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas,’ most contemporary Christmas songs aren’t very well known. Here are some excellent candidates for a new ‘Christmas classics’ list.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

More than 40 years after the song’s release, it has climbed up the top 100 once again. The reason? A heartwarming TikTok.

By Annika Salmi, Yale University

The virtual band, known for its collaborations with artists across musical genres, has released a new album that perfectly captures the band’s sound and sums up 2020.

By Emily Davies, Solent University

This show interviews prominent environmentalists about the importance of balancing anger about the state of the planet with hope for the future.

By Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

While some critics have dismissed the artist’s latest album, a look at the lyrics paints a portrait of a singer who has found some measure of peace after a period of chaos.

By Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

The singer’s cover of Blondie’s hit song has the public wondering where she has been hiding her edge all her life. She’s always been a rockstar though, as seen by her deep history with the genre.

By Nnekakwo Adibe, Lesley University

Some want us to separate the art from the artist, but that doesn’t remove the sexism, misogyny, toxicity and depraved messages about love, sex, drugs and women present in his work.

By Sammi Looi, Baruch College

One half of the brother-sister duo AKMU, the musician is spreading a message of positivity with her debut single.

By Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

Her sophomore album defined a generation. Now fans are anxiously waiting for more of her reassuring lyrics.

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

A brand new production company is putting out positive narratives of people during COVID-19. ‘It’s not supposed to be the Oscar winner of the year, it’s just meant to be something that speaks to people right now.’ — co-creator Adam Faze

By Annika Salmi, Yale University

Starting off as a SoundCloud artist, the musician blends languages and genres to create a unique sound that’s also deeply personal.

By Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The singer and her fashion choices have always faced criticism, but now the internet is objectifying her body.

By Olivia Moosey, DePaul University

The stage might be closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are many diverse movies you can watch to fill the time.

By Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

With the release of his latest album, a reminder of the singer-songwriter’s internet history may be one his greatest marketing tactics.

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

The backlash to Cardi B and Meg Thee Stallion’s hit song is incredibly hypocritical, and ignores the track’s empowering message.

By Elias Khoury, University of Michigan

Briahna Joy Gray, former national press secretary for Bernie Sanders, and Virgil Texas of the “Chapo Trap House” podcast mix humor and insight to deconstruct mainstream politics and the corporate-owned media.

By Jackie Sizing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Starting off with a small channel on YouTube, these sisters have tasted musical success while remaining true to both their family and audience.

By Annika Salmi, Yale University

The Japanese Australian musician dropped a beautiful album that solidifies his career as an artist. However, some of the tracks sound superficial compared to the album’s overall message.

By Caleb Mullenneaux, St. Olaf College

Despite several decades separating the heights of their popularity, both the rapper and the English singer-songwriter share an unwavering independent spirit.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

You might not know it, but famous DJs like Calvin Harris and Skrillex have been making new music under different names.

By Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

The 23-year-old musician’s new album explores the experience of healing, and the role music plays in that process.