By Jake Sanders, Rhodes College

The artist put up with years of slander due to his preference for autotune, but his charming personality and passion for music has kept his fans wanting for more.

By Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

In a film that chooses to make a manipulative and, at times even creepy, character its hero, Ben Platt’s age is the last thing you need to worry about.

By Daniela Saffran, Rollins College

Rather than focus on happier themes, popular music today seems to want to embrace the melancholy.

By Jenna Nelson, Scripps College

Korean pop groups are everywhere, but they wouldn’t dominate as much as they do without the hard work of the people who design their dance moves.

By Lauren Koop, London School of Economics - Peking University

Listen to the talk-show host weekly with an open mind and self-reflective attitude for the best results.

By Elizabeth Dewit, University of Pittsburgh

After weeks of guilt trips and manipulation, fans have decided the artist’s new single isn’t worth all the trouble it caused online.

By Elliot Jackson-Ontkush, Skidmore College

The underground band creates meaningful connections with their fans while still producing quality music.

By Jenna Amore, Oakland University

The controversial musical artist has been showing off his baby bump to his TikTok viewers, which finally culminated in the ‘birth’ of his latest album in mid-September.

By Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

After a nearly two-year-long delay, the former One Direction singer is on the road thanks to multiple pandemic precautions — and it’s a show you won’t want to miss.

By Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

Two of the largest rappers have entered a new chapter in their long war of words, and while many fans are grabbing popcorn, the battle is already stagnating.

By Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

Her new hit solo single, which evokes the R&B sounds of the ’90s, shows off the singer’s prowess both as an artist and as an entertainer.

By Elizabeth Dewit, University of Pittsburgh

It started as a freestyle on his livestream — now, TikTokers are rapping the song about the Adult Swim cartoon in front of historical sites.

By Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

On his first album, the singer-songwriter recklessly commits to music, helped by brutally honest lyrics, sonic sheen and a groundbreaking marketing strategy.

By Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

The English musician’s new pop-sound may have been nothing more than a failed experiment.

By L.R. Staples, Sarah Lawrence College

A cover by @mars_is_great is inspiring other users to include the song in videos of their own as they appreciate remarkable works.

By Jenna Nelson, Scripps College

The award-winning American singer has brought attention to his innate musical talent, making him a topic of conversation among musicians on YouTube.

By Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

Korean bands like H.O.T. and BTS have done a lot to normalize ‘soft masculinity,’ but South Korean culture as a whole remains patriarchal and heteronormative.

By Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

In this artist’s fourth concept album, they take back ownership of their body as both sexual and ‘a gift to [their] child.’

By Natalie Gabor, Indiana University-Bloomington

The popular indie artist known for her dreamy music explores deeper and more intense topics in her sophomore release.

By Jenna Amore, Oakland University

YouTuber and ‘All Things Internet’ podcaster Rachel Ballinger no longer censors her language — or subject matter — in this deeply personal (and humourous!) offering.

By Mason Cannon, Columbia University

Someone new discovering old favorites doesn’t always water them down.

By Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

The artist, who rose to fame with albums that encapsulate the spirit of teen-hood, explores less dramatic — and arguably more important — themes in her latest album.

By Karen Lu, Yale University

The Korean indie music genre truly has something for all music enthusiasts, from R&B and hip-hop to rock and alternative.

By Mason Cannon, Columbia University

‘Although they may express it beautifully, sometimes what they have to express from within themselves doesn’t come from somewhere beautiful at all.’

By Olivia Wisse, Hofstra University

The boyband announced they will be releasing new music. But will their previous personas as child actors prevent them from becoming mainstream artists?

By Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

Society tells us that the most beautiful art is born out of suffering — a potentially life-threatening lie.

By Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

His solo project, Bleachers, just released ‘Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night,’ and although he is a secret weapon of success for pop icons like Lorde, Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey, his own solo work often fails to get the same attention.

By Jenna Nelson, Scripps College

As the podcast approaches its 300th episode, it remains relevant due to its hosts’ emotional openness, trademark humor and fan connections.

By Elizabeth Dewit, University of Pittsburgh

Although we mourn the infamous singer’s death, we don’t have to mourn the end of his singing and songwriting career.

By Jayni Nielsen, Pace University

By Zach Spangler, University of Michigan

Despite allowing unfinished projects to reach the fans who appreciated late musicians most in life, they remain a pressing gray area.

By Nathan Kolodney, Wesleyan University

From his generosity toward young hip-hop artists to his passionate performances, this rapper has proven that he deserves the title of hip-hop G.O.A.T.

By Olivia Wisse, Hofstra University

Billie Eilish’s sophomore album ends critical whispers of her ‘flop era’ but is it possible to forgive her often problematic persona?

By L.R. Staples, Sarah Lawrence College

A true descendant of older forms of entertainment, this thought-provoking show is making viewers drastically rethink their relationship with technology.

By Natalie Gabor, Indiana University-Bloomington

Although the music festival updated its COVID-19 rules and regulations to ensure a safe event, not everything ran as smoothly as it could’ve.

By Fatima Sani, Rollins College

Conan Gray’s newest single about yearning for companionship without being interested in a relationship is something that can resonate with single people everywhere.

By Savannah McCracken, University of Arizona

The rapper’s newest single is proof that he’s got what we’ve been waiting for — unapologetic and overt expressions of queerness in music.

By Jayar Brenner, Michigan State University

The music is great, but a lot of rules imposed upon audiences and performers can hinder the enjoyment of live orchestra performances.

By Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

The 22-time Grammy winner is about to drop his 10th studio album, and the details surrounding it continue his long history of bizarre releases.

By Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

From atmospheric soundscapes to carefully crafted storylines, playlists are becoming a new art form.

By Olivia Wisse, Hofstra University

The artist’s return to music has been met with criticism, but her recent single may be a winner with fans of her previous work.

By Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

The singer’s latest song returns to the lyrics and sounds that made his debut album, ‘Blue Neighborhood,’ such a long-lasting hit.

By Sydney Smith, University of Pittsburgh

With the singer’s recent release ‘Planet Her’ comes a renewed focus on captivating styles, something that has been lacking from mainstream pop as of late.

By Jenna Nelson, Scripps College

The Brooklyn-based performer first showed his narrative power in ‘The Good and the Bad,’ and his most recent album is no different.

By Mason Cannon, Columbia University

Research behind this auditory phenomenon has revealed that it is more common than you may think — though we still don’t fully understand why it occurs.

By Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

On her latest album, the young musician will hopefully put a stop to critics’ insistence that she’s entered a period of artistic stagnation.

By Zach Spangler, University of Michigan

The 24-year-old Mexican American pop sensation has released another hit single, cementing him as one of music’s most interesting up-and-coming artists.

By Nathan Kolodney, Wesleyan University

The British model-turned-rapper is an artist that constantly seeks perfection, and he’s hip-hop’s best-kept secret.

By Darby Williams, University of Michigan

Indie-pop sensation AJR’s newest EP explores self-reflection and what it means to be a grown-up — whatever that means.

By Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

The long-awaited music event offers a star-studded musical roster and heralds a return to live festivals for New York City.

By Jayar Brenner, Michigan State University

College has been difficult for everyone over the last year, but restrictions made it nearly impossible to continue getting a quality musical education.

By Olivia Wisse, Hofstra University

On her recent record, indie-pop star Marina advocates for feminine power, non-conformity and a progressive future.

By Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

The ‘Boss Whom Is Girl’ comedian has created three brilliant podcasts in the last year and a half, each of which features distinct, personal subject matters.

By Natalie Gabor, Indiana University-Bloomington

After being canceled last year due to COVID-19, the major music festival has returned for in-person performances this year. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

By Nathan Kolodney, Wesleyan University

Siblings often make the most iconic musical duos, and the progeny of rapper Benzino are looking like they will continue this tradition.

By Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

After being neglected for more than 50 years, unearthed footage from the Harlem Cultural Festival demonstrates the importance of honoring the music of Black artists.

By Ariana Quijano, Georgia State University

Elle Mills and Michelle Platti detail wild fangirl stories, debate pop culture minutiae, analyze celebrity news and so much more.

By Zach Terrillion, Oberlin College

While stars like Lady Gaga have supported the LGBT community through their music, ‘Sawayama’ focuses on what it means to actually be LGBT.

By Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

This promising indie music star’s latest EP tells a story about growth and demonstrates a positive turning point in the artist’s rising career.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

What started as a low-budget audio series is now developing into an entire world of young adult novels and spin-off shows.

By Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

This indie rock album, released by a long-standing icon of the genre, explores the new world of semi-responsible adulthood through the lens of a lifelong feeling of insecurity.

By Mason Cannon, Columbia University

There has been a recent wave of fantastic releases from rising and risen woman musicians, and fans of the genre have the pleasure of witnessing this changing of the guard.

By Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

The American sports journalist is creating a groundbreaking Spotify network, named the Unbothered Network, that is sure to increase the visibility of Black creators on the platform.

By Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

As Swift prepares for the release of her re-recorded fourth studio album, Big Machine Records feigns confusion over the feud surrounding her masters.

By Jayni Nielsen, Pace University

By Elizabeth Dewit, University of Pittsburgh

Although some people are claiming that the genre has reached its end, several others counter that it’s simply changing.

By Mason Cannon, Columbia University

In her debut album, this up-and-coming artist explores themes of heartbreak, love, religion and family through beautiful lyricism and stunning soundscapes.

By Alice Han, Pepperdine University

While it may not be surprising that Todd Phillip’s impactful 2019 film influenced the English singer-songwriter’s latest music video, the similarities between the two are truly uncanny.

By Daniel Reed

If you’re interested in listening to powerful books written by female authors, check out this list.

By Lauren Koop, London School of Economics - Peking University

The 2021 Eurovision winner has won the hearts of young people across the globe, gaining widespread acclaim and popularity.

By Mason Cannon, Columbia University

In his newest album, Tyler, the Creator describes recurring themes of heartbreak within a wider exploration of social injustice, sexuality and a sense of stagnation.

By Nathan Kolodney, Wesleyan University

As expected, the production on the album is incredible, but the rapping itself leaves something to be desired.

By Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

In her newly released ballad, the rising artist discusses these difficult themes through narrative lyricism and intentional vocal techniques.

By Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

In the first half of her sophomore record, the singer-songwriter has taken control of her own narrative, exploring a wide variety of musical genres.

By Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

The moody soundscape and raw, vulnerable lyrics of the artist’s new LP are impressive, but his blind instinct for self-preservation is less so.

By Daniel Reed

No need to shoot all the film yourself.

By Kelsie Westmoreland, Washington and Lee University

Gillian Pensavalle and Patrick Hinds’ hit podcast dives into documentaries about the most notorious cases with a comedic spin.

By Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

A new class of artists has been recognized as honorees at a prestigious ceremony that has reworked the traditions of the typical award banquet.

By Karen Lu, Yale University

Although the J-pop group is the biggest idol group in the world, does it have what it takes to be the next big thing?

By Darby Williams, University of Michigan

After taking a multi-year break, the singer’s singular foray back into the public eye has left fans both intrigued and confused.

By Jayar Brenner, Michigan State University

With breathtaking lyrics and dark themes, this ‘comedy’ special might make you cry instead of laugh.

By Sydney Smith, University of Pittsburgh

The patronizing criticisms of many female pop stars demonstrate a consistent theme: We really love to loath young women, don’t we?

By Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

Through her music and her new Rare Beauty makeup line, this beloved singer and actress has repeatedly made a positive impact on her community.

By Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

The story of how ‘Castaways,’ a bossa nova-inspired song from a children’s show, became a chart-topping hit.

By Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

The band’s latest album might attempt to follow up on the stories started with past projects, but to many fans’ dismay, it certainly doesn’t sound like them.

By Jayar Brenner, Michigan State University

Although this ‘Sour’ song is a smash hit, it includes some ableist language that needs to be addressed.

By Jenna Amore, Oakland University

The band’s latest song pushes politics and critical thinking to the forefront in the midst of political turmoil.

By Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

This rising star’s debut album leaves behind a genealogy of all the other artists who influenced it, ranging from Paramore to Taylor Swift.

By Salma Heram, George Washington University

The worldwide pop sensation is once again taking the world by storm with their new summertime anthem, as the band flaunts creative pop references and dance motifs.

By Jayni Nielsen, Pace University

The 2015 hit song brought the artist an unforeseen amount of attention after it went viral as part of a TikTok trend focused on the romanticization of life.

By Alice Han, Pepperdine University

While this collab was by no means expected, ARMY fans everywhere were pleasantly surprised and couldn’t be more proud of their idols.

By Olivia Wisse, Hofstra University

The singer’s recent three releases are stunning and powerful follow-ups to her latest album, yet she cannot evade criticism for her recent actions on social media.

By Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Though the biographical drama has mixed reviews from fans of the late singer, it is still an important portrayal of the legend’s legacy.

By Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

The singer roasts a former lover and celebrates the acceptance stage of grief with a group of girlfriends in her most recent track and music video, both worthy precursors to her upcoming album.

By Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

This Disney star and up-and-coming musician has become an inspiration with the release of her debut album, which explores anger, jealousy and heartbreak in a variety of genres.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

After a decade behind the scenes of many chart-topping pop hits, the singer-songwriter has debuted her own solo studio album.

By Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

While popular in their home country of Canada, they have long been a niche band in other parts of the world. Thanks to the popular social media platform, they are finding success in the U.S.

By Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

This album examines the stages of a relationship … out of order. It explores the journey of romance and what it means in the end.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

The young artist has put out his second single since the release of his hit album ‘Kid Krow,’ and it has gained the admiration of international pop star Taylor Swift.

By Kieran Benson, Luther College

The band’s fans were pleasantly delighted when they released two albums, ‘Green Blue + Indigo Violet’ and ‘Rainbow Mixtape,’ which followed shortly after postponing their anticipated tour.