Christopher Duggan, Boise State University

With ‘Phantom Palace,’ Kevin Johnson introduces his own brand of ‘time travel pop.’

Logan Floyd, Mercyhurst University

The hilariously foul-mouthed Australian puppet comedian has a big introspective side.

Eric Alexander, University of Colorado Denver

One of the U.K.’s fastest-rising producers is expanding his signature style.

Tom Pinto, Ringling College of Art and Design

Dr. Luke: doctor of music but ruiner of morals and reputations

Rocco Romano, University of Iowa

Listen outside of your comfort zone.

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

Taylor’s signature cryptic messages are back.

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

After much anticipation, is ‘The Big Day’ everything it’s been made out to be?

Lauren Prestia, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Even though he’s gone, the New Orleans funkmaster lives on through memories and samples alike.

Clarence Dodge, Sarah Lawrence College

The chilling climate change warning is a stunning blend of activism and art.

Haley Cohen, Quinnipiac University

This Dream Theater album’s lyrical insight into mental illness is still relevant today.

Kathryn Milschewski, Carthage College

Only Postmodern Jukebox could see Eminem in gypsy jazz.

Sophie Westergren, Ithaca College

If you find yourself in a music rut, don’t despair.

Zailin Peña, Southern Adventist University

Dive deep into the true crime genre this summer.

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

The musician’s latest release reframes our issues as an opportunity for self-improvement, rather than an excuse for self-pity.

Sarah Mease, Columbia College Chicago

The powerhouse musician ups the ante by doing two simultaneous tours, Enigma and Jazz & Piano.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

Nigerian musician Burna Boy could be the next breakout artist.

Christopher Duggan, Boise State University

The Chicago MC’s debut album is a 22 track love letter to God, marriage and his wife that’s heavy on enthusiasm and light on most everything else.

Sydney Hawkins, Alabama A&M University

Rap and hip-hop is once again turning to Africa for inspiration.

Rocco Romano, University of Iowa

Classical music isn’t dead, it’s just evolved into something greater.

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

Giddy up boys, Spacey Kacey is the new sheriff in town.

Amber Amortegui, Palm Beach Atlantic University

This crooner’s heavily soulful sound is filled with hard work and heartbreak.

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

It’s not all about trucks, beers and hometown girls.

Sydney Hawkins, Alabama A&M University

Smith’s second album is a considerably rare yet beautiful approach to rap music.

Ashley Peterson, Geneva College

The latest album by the Christian rapper dives deep into themes of pain, depression and introspection.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

The Flaming Lips still have it decades later.

Kathryn Milschewski, Carthage College

Each song has something to offer listeners — whether it be positive or negative.

Eric Alexander, University of Colorado Denver

Take a listen to the Austrian musician’s newest track, ‘Snake Charmer,’ and three other songs that put a new twist on swing.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

As the eligibility period comes to a close, Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish look to dominate.

Tom Pinto, Ringling College of Art and Design

The Japanese genre evokes the sounds of neon city life, and it’s starting to make a splash in the West.

Hannah Jumer, Converse College

Smart home speakers are becoming incredibly popular but have been inaccessible to the deaf and hard of hearing community — until now.

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

This mixtape is inherently political and emotionally charged.

Sarah Mease, Columbia College Chicago

Five years on, it’s time to take a look at one of jazz music’s unlikelier duos.

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

Dreamville finds strength and inspiration in numbers.

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

They’re leaving their Disney personas far behind.

Katelyn Melder, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

These artists are shedding light on a subject that is often left in the dark.

Abby Webb, Rice University

Ingrid Michaelson’s new album sets the ever-popular ‘Stranger Things’ to music.

Carli Moses, Union University

Does she just need to calm down?

Clarence Dodge, Sarah Lawrence College

Thom Yorke and Paul Thomas Anderson collaborate to create a surreal music video.

Lauren Prestia, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Here are the details about the rapper’s detainment in Sweden.

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

Hot girl summer isn’t over yet. Keep the energy going with these jams.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

EDM producer Marshmello is making more of the same.

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

With their raw talent and catchy ballads, how could they be ignored?

Sydney Hawkins, Alabama A&M University

It’s time to look behind the scenes of this multibillion-dollar industry.

Aliza Pelto, Pratt Institute

The DNA test wasn’t kidding when it said she was 100% ‘that b—h.’

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

The annual awards ceremony aims to showcase the best of black performers, and the 2019 Awards did just that, with established legends and fresh faces alike.

Eric Alexander, University of Colorado Denver

Funk’s not dead.

Aliza Pelto, Pratt Institute

The Jonas Brothers aren’t the only brothers taking the music scene by storm.

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

Long pushed out of the spotlight in favor of performers, songwriters are finally getting to be the center of attention.

Charlotte Susser, University of Chicago

Step aside, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Madalyn Watson, Baylor University

Lay back, relax and let these podcasters do all the research while you tan poolside this summer.

Kristin Auld, St John’s University

How the body-embracing tunes we love today came to be.

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

The folk-rock band explores the generational impact of addiction.

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

The electronic music scene is in desperate need of a feminist revolution.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib deliver some old school hip-hop nostalgia.

Simona Barca, American University

Help yourself to these awesome podcasts.

Luke Hebert, Baruch College

Yeezy there Kanye … You’re getting a tad too culty.

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

This album honors black pride and celebrates diversity.

Sam Shepherd, McGill University

Broadway is getting better, but The Great White Way still has ways to go before becoming truly accessible.

Kathryn Milschewski, Carthage College

What’s next for these two artists?

Haley Cohen, Quinnipiac University

Crybaby’s headin’ off to high school.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

Mark Ronson’s latest work is a fun sort of sad.

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

Meet Blood Cultures, the elusive electro-pop band that aims to play with your nostalgia.

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

You can only listen to the waves for so long.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

This isn’t a shout out to my ex, but it is a shout out to all the people who haven’t heard Little Mix’s bops.

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

Mac Miller’s self-awareness and inner trauma remain, but his spirit transcends.

Hannah Jumer, Converse College

A recently released album, a coinciding tour and the promise for brand-new music in 2020 – emo kids’ favorite goth rock band is coming back.

Aliza Pelto, Pratt Institute

I’ve been coming out of my cage for the past decade and a half, and I’m not doing just fine!

Eric Alexander, University of Colorado Denver

The funk group Lettuce continues to innovate and expand their sound on this amazing new album.

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

The duo’s music combines their Appalachian influences with poignant lyrics about nostalgia and loss.

Marie Christensen, George Fox University

Being open on both YouTube and in her music has paved the way for the musician’s success.

Sam Shepherd, McGill University

This uniquely Canadian podcast and radio show uses the debate format for laughs, and oftentimes, adds some insight into political discourse.

Sophie Westergren, Ithaca College

It’s not exactly the classic teen angst sound, but it spoke to us.

Sam Shepherd, McGill University

When straight singers write LGBTQ+ anthems, can the final product ever do more than pander?

Ashley Peterson, Geneva College

K-pop’s biggest stars sit down with each other to remind everyone that they’re still normal people.

Kathryn Milschewski, Carthage College

Consider these a soundtrack for your summer days.

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

You’ll never look at video games the same.

Mela Lozano, University of Texas at San Antonio

The centuries-old music style is getting an infusion of young musical prodigies.

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Springsteen steps aside and lets the music take control in his new album.

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

These rising stars are bringing electronic music to the surface of Texas’ country-centric musical landscape.

Mela Lozano, University of Texas at San Antonio

Pretending to scratch your dad’s old records on the turntable is still fun though.

Veronica Kuffel, University of Wisconsin-Madison

The pop sensation-turned-activist embraces the queer community with her new single in support of Pride Month.

Daniel Reed

These seven tips will ensure that you’re enjoying the experience instead of passed out in the medical tent.

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.

Ashley 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?