Katelyn Melder, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Two years after Styles teased new music, the follow-up to his successful 2017 debut album has been shrouded in mystery.

Tom Pinto, Ringling College of Art and Design

Straight out of the forests of Norway, Aurora puts a violent twist on environmentalism and what it means to be a woman on her latest release.

Christopher Duggan, Boise State University

Time to meet Chuck Person, Blank Banshee, Saint Pepsi and George Clanton.

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Jam out or binge-watch? With these soundtracks, you can do both.

Veronica Kuffel, University of Wisconsin-Madison

‘Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass’ promises a chapbook composed of her signature lyricism. Is that a good thing?

Tom Pinto, Ringling College of Art and Design

Born from Stan Twitter and the ashes of early Britney rises Slayyyter, in all her glittery glory.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

‘Happiness Begins’ suffers from high expectations and an apathetic output.

Kathryn Milschewski, Carthage College

Reading has never been easier.

Nicole Peterson, Geneva College

The song is a perfect introduction to the band’s mobile game and its focus on following your dreams.

Veronica Kuffel, University of Wisconsin-Madison

The Jonas Brothers are back with a new outlook on life and a new album that is sure to define the summer of 2019.

Marie Christensen, George Fox University

The album that caters to, literally, every personality type.

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

‘Lucid’ is a safe space for inclusivity, representation and inner strength.

Kaitlin Romriell, Southern New Hampshire University

A Great Big World is not afraid to break barriers and challenge people to change.

Madalyn Watson, Baylor University

The musical ‘Rocketman’ is like no other biopic, mixing in a little magic to tell the story of Elton John’s rise to stardom.

Kathryn Milschewski, Carthage College

As the band’s members have grown, their sound has changed. Some fans aren’t happy about that.

Christopher Duggan, Boise State University

And why shouldn’t he?

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

This music student knows passion when he sees it.

Amber Amortegui, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Did your favorite make the cut?

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

His last album marked a stark break from its predecessors. So does ‘IGOR.’

Carlie Moses, Union University

In her lyrics and life, Rogers exudes a confident self-assurance.

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Each of these programs has a standalone format, which means no bingeing required.

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

Once ambiguously closeted, Lacy is now definitively out and making music that feels alive with bravado.

Mela Lozano, University of Texas at San Antonio

The band is so psychedelic that just listening to them will get you buzzed.

Sarah Mease, Columbia College Chicago

The ‘Nailed It!’ star and her ‘dick-list’ are the perfect podcast to contextualize your romantic woes.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Welcome to the world, Lavender May Avery.

Eric Alexander, University of Colorado Denver

The most talented musician you’ve probably never heard of is keeping the genre alive and well.

Simona Barca, American University

You should see her in a crown.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

The hit summer track is beginning to tread hallowed music-history ground.

Tom Pinto, Ringling College of Art and Design

The latest album from the pop darling is for herself, her lovers and the sounds of her past.

Mark Stenberg

The musician’s ‘It takes a village’ approach to his 11th album hasn’t sit well with … anyone.

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

The project is her strongest yet and rings with spiritual confidence.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

The artist’s latest release, ‘Our Place,’ has all the hallmarks of a viral hit.

Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

The search for the song of the summer has officially begun.

Britni Hones, Lindenwood University, Belleville

Bailey’s primary concern is, and always will be, her YouTube family.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

On his new project, Tyler leans into some experimental production.

Matilda Schulman, University of California, Berkeley

The mastermind behind a number of canonical musicals has found his work resonating with a new generation.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

‘The Chi’ star’s newest album explores love, lust and loss.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

Eilish’s music might not be for everyone, but it’s also not required listening.

E.L. Meszaros, Brown University

Her retro sound and clever lyrics will hook you before her new album drops.

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

Inspired by the birth of his son, Ezra Koenig et al. explore the rhythms of life.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

Check out these triple double no assists.

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

At just 21-years-old, Bird seems poised for a vertiginous career.

E.L. Meszaros, Brown University

You probably love his music, even if you don’t recognize his name.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

While Q has yet to release his magnum opus, he’s showing every sign of reaching all-time status.

Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

The young musician is hoping to bring the Windy City to the pop soundscape.

Hannah Cullen, St. Cloud State University

Funny jokes aside, the song’s message is no laughing matter.

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

Who knew even Emma Chamberlain tried her hand at podcasting?

Jocelyn Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

The 55-minute island getaway doesn’t disappoint.

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

Through thick and thin, the band has focused on what’s most important… creating content that sends a powerful message to the world.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

Crumb’s melding of psychadelic rock and groovy rhythms has produced an original, refreshing sound.

Mark Stenberg

Using transparency and self-deprecating humor, hosts Lawrence Schlossman and James Harris are democratizing style.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

Inspire by the creepiness of Eilish’s latest album, choreographers countrywide had a field day.

Grace John, Rutgers University

K-pop is great, but some variety certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

The four-person ensemble has already hit six-digit plays with their single, ‘Existential Crisis.’

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

And nobody can tell him anything.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The actress, singer and vlogger will make you laugh, cry and sing along.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

In it, he grapples with the all-too-familiar trials of adolescence.

Mark Stenberg

The student-radio-run music festival in Austin is the first of its kind, and an absolute can’t-miss.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

You’ve probably forgotten about them, but you shouldn’t have.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

On the bright side, at least now you have the creative anguish you need to make some new music!

Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

Welcome to your go-to summer jams.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

It’s been over four years since their last release, and all I can say is ‘Finally!’

Maya Butler, Baylor University

Because love is more than just romance.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

It’s hard to be Puff, but it’s even harder being Puff’s son.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

From rap to jazz to soul, this up-and-coming artist does it all.

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

In three videos on Instagram, the 31-year-old rapper explained why he had been on a yearlong hiatus.

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

Dylan Minnette, of ’13 Reason Why’ fame, flexes his musical chops on the band’s wobbly first project.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Will the ‘You Say’ singer lead a worship session for the Lolla crowd?

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

You’re definitely gonna miss it all.

Mark Stenberg

The Nashville dark-pop savant is combining his confessional songwriting with a sultry, haunting sound.

Maya Butler, Baylor University

Take a chance on it!

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

The ‘Pinata’ sequel, ‘Bandana,’ is slated to release next month.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Whether you’re on a road trip or a bender, they’re your soundtrack.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

The Norwegian pop sensation’s debut is torn between her musicianship and her contractual obligations.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

For me and so many others, a twenty one pilots concert is a second home.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The shocking video for “Come Over Here” premiered live on YouTube, and fans are still beside themselves.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

The bloated album did well on the charts, but its standards are clearly lower.

Sarah Diggins, Ithaca College

Plus which ones are likely to win, lose, shock and awe.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

His unique voice and clever lyrics seem guaranteed to lead to a successful future.

Grace John, Rutgers University

A fierce, multilingual, female rapper? Yes, please.

Mark Stenberg

This year more than ever, local acts shone.

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

This August’s 50-year Woodstock reunion will feature some of the biggest names in the industry, but who?

Hannah Cullen, St. Cloud State University

The two projects, which are completely interrelated, break down the barriers between text, image, emotion and sound.

Grace Larson, Ripon College

The title is a clear instance of queer-baiting, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

The song’s narcotic catchiness is no accident.

Jocelyn Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

His two visual albums, ‘Straight Outta Oz’ and ‘Forbidden,’ illustrate his personal struggle growing up gay.

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

She might be an award-winning musician, but country fans are hesitant to embrace the left-leaning songwriter.

Mark Stenberg

The diy musician and performance artist wants to radically transform the music industry, and so far she’s succeeded.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

He’s 16 and ‘Ready’ to Ruel the world.

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

Solange is home, and she’s working.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

The Grammy-nominated artist known for ‘Take Me To Church’ has suddenly released a work of pure art.

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

It’s finally time for badass women to take the mic.

Jillian Morris, Chapman University

The project addresses romantic partners, children and friends, all relationships characterized by different kinds of love.

Michaela Shea-Gander, Denison University

To a trained eye, the pop star’s Instagram is littered with hidden clues.

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

The fan-girl in me is screaming.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

The self-taught musician and recovering addict turned her studio into a therapist’s chaise and her music into a sensation.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

They’re like a newer, better One Direction, at least according to Logan Paul.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

Older rock stars are making good music for more people, and it’s an unequivocal good.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Whether you like Christian music or not, Franklin’s is worth a listen.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Throw on some SHAED.