By Mitchell Tanaka, Chapman University

The 20-year-long music project, which tackles heavy topics like memory loss, has attracted a unique and melancholic following online.

By Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The 2015 hip-hop concept album has a renewed importance because of its social and political commentary on racial inequality, institutional discrimination and African American culture.

By Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

Katy Perry’s latest release is an optimistic album about overcoming adversity, a message that many people need to hear right now.

By Caleb Mullenneaux, St. Olaf College

The singer-songwriter is painting a complex picture of the United States in his soon to be released album, ‘The Ascension.’

By Srishti Tyagi, Cornell University

Lifestyle creators used to be notoriously family-friendly. How did LaurDIY break out of her PG persona in her new podcast?

By Emma Tavangari, UC Berkeley

The Barcelona singer spent her childhood learning music long associated with revolution. Now, Rosalía is revolutionizing the music industry herself.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

The pandemic isn’t over, and music fans are getting antsy. Do these concerts scratch the itch, and are they COVID-safe?

By Hannah Reynoso, University of Iowa

Because of her youthful spirit, Siwa is an inspiration to young kids, but people are quick to criticize the superstar for her over-the-top style.

By Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

The new podcast is helping people learn how to deal with their fear of watching horror movies.

By Juliana Fujii, Biola University

Beyoncé’s latest release is a celebration of Black beauty to empower Black women. The project unites African music and cultures in a visual masterpiece.

By Emma Tavangari, UC Berkeley

Activists, influencers and celebrities are opening up to Jamil about body image, mental health and many other important issues.

By Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

The stars of ‘The L Word’ have started a quarantine podcast that embodies what it means to survive a pandemic alongside the wit of your best friend.

By James C. Loftis, University of North Texas

Learn the first stages of becoming a podcaster from an amateur who has already made mistakes, so you don’t have to!

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

Over the past few months, EDM artists have been collaborating left and right. Here are some of the most exciting projects released in the age of COVID.

By Hannah Reynoso, University of Iowa

Some on the app are roleplaying as Holocaust victims. Regardless of intent, the fad is disrespectful, to say the least.

By Juliana Fujii, Biola University

Music has become a multisensory experience. Check out a brief history of how music incorporated the two art forms to reimagine visuals and audio united.

By Tess McGrinder, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

While arguments over music may seem trivial to some, learning to accept genres outside of your usual taste can lead to an open mind in other areas of your life.

By Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The British band embraces dialogue clips on their second album, which reflects on political, social and emotional struggles in their signature style.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

Major players in the music industry have been suffering from the effects of the pandemic. Music That Never Sleeps is hoping to offset the damages.

By Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

The thrilling listening experience proves that the genre is our best chance at getting a taste of live theater during the pandemic.

By Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Here are three amazing universe-building concept albums that you need to add to your Spotify queue.

By Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

The new single captures the reality of pandemic social limitations while staying true to the heart of summer romance.

By Renee Cantor, University of Pittsburgh

Sibling acts like the Jackson 5, the Jonas Brothers, HAIM and the Bee Gees need to make room because there’s a new and ferocious sister duo that’s here to stay.

By Audrey Martin, Boston University

Since the release of Taylor Swift’s eighth studio album, some fans have been speculating about possible double meanings in songs like ‘betty.’

By Mitchell Tanaka, Chapman University

England’s trip-hop icons aren’t afraid to tackle climate change, economic disparity and other contemporary issues transpiring in the world in their new audio-visual EP.

By Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

Their latest record is far more than just a collection of songs: Here’s a closer look at how the band has changed the game when it comes to debuting new music.

By Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

The Portland hip-hop musician is growing both lyrically and artistically.

By Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

The up-and-coming surf rock pop band uses mundane, everyday scenarios to express deep longing in their most recent album, ‘You and Your Friends.’

By Jackie Sizing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The musician’s new song announces her return, and in the aftermath of her divorce from Liam Hemsworth, her independence.

By Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s collab isn’t as scandalous as the internet wants you to believe.

By Abigail Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

The show supplied our generation with great and forgettable covers alike. Which ones stand the test of time?

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

Insomniac had to cancel their 2020 electronic music festival due to COVID-19, but fans are already hyped for next year’s show — tickets were gone within a day.

By Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The artist’s renowned songwriting has gone from red to monochrome to the full spectrum of colors to create vivid imagery in every line.

By Madalyn Watson, Baylor University

Comedian Dan Cummins is a master of laughs. But with the help of his wife, Lynze Cummins, he’s reaching a new audience interested in comedy and the supernatural alike.

By Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

As he rises from obscurity to stardom, the singer’s new album combines bright, reckless sound with dark lyrics about the pressures of fame.

By Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The young singer songwriter dropped her first single during the pandemic and its sound masterfully reflects its contemplative lyrical content.

By Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

At just 20 years old, the singer-songwriter passionately weaves lyrics about teenage romance and heartbreak into her debut EP.

By Srishti Tyagi, Cornell University

The new Spotify exclusive podcast allows longtime viewers of the beloved program to explore the decisions and stories that made the show a work of genius.

By Audrey Martin, Boston University

Playlists are king on the streaming platform. These five users take their playlist curation to the next level.

By James C. Loftis, University of North Texas

How has a game — once looked down upon and talked of in such negative light — garnered so much attention in recent years? Listening to people having fun playing the game certainly helped.

By Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

Even though I became obsessed with the theatrical masterpiece four years after everyone else, there are some upsides to experiencing the musical in 2020.

By Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

The posthumously released album serves as both an incredible tribute to the talent of the late rapper and an inside look at the artist’s inner turmoil.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

From poor advertising to musical sets that were too short, the virtual festival left many fans confused and disappointed.

By Chloe Hamer, Pitzer College

In her new podcast, the former first lady is speaking with her friends and family on a wide range of interesting and empowering topics.

By Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

The singer’s latest album, an unexpected surprise from isolation, is an ode to storytelling with empathetic lyrics and mystical sounds.

By Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

The popular singers’ recent behavior on social media has fans concerned that she is being manipulated by a controlling conservatorship.

By Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

The EP channels anxieties toward a bleak reality, employing the upbeat nature of indie-pop alongside feelings of loss, emptiness and the desire to escape.

By Renee Cantor, University of Pittsburgh

All of the concerts in the NPR Music series are great, but these six are guaranteed to get you moving and grooving.

By Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

Before Elvis ever took the stage, this woman was combining gospel, blues and jazz to pioneer the genre we all know today.

By Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

On their latest album, the band embraces the complexities of divorce and heartbreak with a radical vulnerability that enchants every listener.

By Luke Gair, Sewanee: The University of the South

Rather than indulge in empty symbolism and stale motives, Swift’s eighth album reminds listeners why they fell in love with her work back in the early 2000s.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

The album was leaked just days before its planned release, but this PR disaster paved the way for other big-name artists to turn out early releases.

By Alicia Furlan, University of Pittsburgh

‘Songs for Carmella: Lullabies and Sing-Alongs’ challenges societal expectations of the role of women in the workplace and at home.

By McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

100 gecs’ latest release is a remix album that features artists like Charlie XCX, Fall Out Boy and Kero Kero Bonito.

By Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

The podcast takes a conspiracy theory seriously to reveal how the CIA has influenced art in the past — and could very well still be doing so.

By Hannah Reynoso, University of Iowa

Hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat not only recount compelling tales of heinous crimes, but offer important advice for staying alive.

By Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

The musician pairs the melancholy with the joyful aspects of life, creating a balance of carefree nostalgia.

By Yasmeen Ludy, University of Michigan

Will the real Lady A please stand up? Lady Antebellum renamed themselves to shed racist connotations, but didn’t realize their chosen moniker was taken.

By James C. Loftis, University of North Texas

Whether they’re playing D&D or giving terrible (but funny!) advice, these five on-going series remind us how important sharing a laugh with our family members can be.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

You know who Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley are, so now it’s time to learn about the artists behind some of their greatest hits, Charles Singleton and Rose Marie McCoy.

By Olivia Dimond, Bates College

Like any piece of historical fiction, the musical takes some artistic license, but fans are now wondering if the show has gone too far.

By Megan Stager, University of Pittsburgh

This calmer style of electronic music is the genre’s answer to the heavy bass and loud synths of EDM.

By Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

Even before the pandemic, connecting with others was never easy. Here are stories stressing the complexity and worthiness of human interaction in all kinds of situations and relationships.

By Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

Creating your own show might sound daunting, but it can be a simple process if you follow these suggestions.

By Srishti Tyagi, Cornell University

The artist’s simple rhythms, addictive melodies and evocative lyrics have converged into a masterful EP that demonstrates his songwriting and production genius.

By Megan Stager, University of Pittsburgh

The musician’s latest release is apathy in musical form, and not in a good way.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

If you’re into electronic dance music, you know artists like Calvin Harris and Flume. But do you know the names of the vocalists featured in their songs?

By Yasmeen Ludy, University of Michigan

Queen Bey is back with a new visual album that aims to uplift Black culture, but not everyone is excited about it.

By Tamara Kamis, Cornell University

Want to get even more from your reading experience? Let your ears in on the fun.

By Emilia Chavez, Rice University

Check out Politico’s podcast to hear diverse and empowering messages from women in business and politics.

By Madelyn Haasken, Bemidji State University

Using beautiful melodies, catchy beats and lyrics that stick with you, this music reflects the struggles of these tumultuous times.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

With virtual music festivals and concerts on the rise, these up-and-comers are starting to gain traction as fans tune in to their livestreams.

By Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The self-proclaimed ‘one man boy band’ has kept busy by making music and advocating for mental health amidst the global pandemic.

By Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

The famous country singer, who has been called the Great Unifier, has a diverse group of fans because of her all-encompassing love for humanity.

By Caleb Mullenneaux, St. Olaf College

On her commanding second album, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter writes about the fears that come with depression and a life of touring.

By Farah Javed, CUNY Baruch College

Ryan Tedder’s band has been releasing versatile hits for nearly two decades, but they still remain under the radar.

By Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

The Washington D.C. trio puts catchy piano melodies at the center of their sound, and wears their love of Queen on their sleeves.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

So, you want to make music? The first steps don’t have to be hard or pricey when you know where to start.

By Jackie Sizing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Minneapolis-born country-folk artist uses his music to create narratives worth sharing.

By Yasmeen Ludy, University of Michigan

Whether it’s with their happy music or their inspiring lyrics, these songs will help keep you afloat through all of life’s stresses.

By Hannah Docter-Loeb, Wesleyan University

The video-sharing app uses a variety of different types of sounds and phrases, but just where exactly did these catchy snippets come from?

By Tamara Kamis, Cornell University

Whether you’re strapped for time, want to learn more about the environment or have the need to comprehend how the mind works, there’s something for you.

By Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

American pop culture has been defined by black excellence for decades. From Gordon Parks to Aaliyah, black artists continue to influence the new generation.

By Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

By Mitchell Tanaka, Chapman University

Acting as an anthem for protests around the world, the rap duo’s latest album is far from the first time the group has encouraged social change.

By Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

While country music has grown overproduced and glamorous, this young, gritty musician embodies the traditions that built the genre.

By Caleb Mullenneaux, St. Olaf College

Throughout Perfume Genius’ latest album, Mike Hadreas embraces emotional excess and channels it into one of the best indie pop efforts of the year.

By Emma Tavangari, UC Berkeley

With her new album, many listeners had hoped the artist would create music that cemented her genius. Instead, fans were left underwhelmed.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

Virtual concerts are proving popular as major players in the musical world work hard to find new ways to engage their fans despite the need for social distancing.

By Megan Stager, University of Pittsburgh

One of the most visionary acts in electronic music is back with a new release that renews and alters elements of their previous work.

By Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

Boasting poetic lyrics and lighter melodies, the Brooklyn native’s latest album is a concept record exploring what it means to have everything.

By James C. Loftis, University of North Texas

The actor and musician’s fourth studio album shows just how much he has matured both musically and creatively throughout his career.

By Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

In a bold statement about the absurdity of the current music industry, this musical duo takes their sound to satirical extremes.

By Reem Farhat, Fordham University

Fans of Korean idols and idol groups are organizing around the world to crash alt-right Twitter hashtags and boost black activism on YouTube.

By Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Some say that the release runs a little long, but its experimentation, as well as lyrics that are both sentimental and politically charged, make it something memorable.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

Hailing from the U.K., the band mixes hip-hop, jazz, indie rock, pop and ambient house — and they haven’t let quarantine dampen their prospects.

By Asha MacKay, Wellesley College

The up-and-coming artist shares her distinctive voice and style with her livestreamed performances and new EP, ‘Otherside.’

By Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

Contemporary rhythm and blues has been one of the most prominent musical styles over the past few years — what are these global newcomers adding to the mix?

By Kali Johnson, Gustavus Adolphus College

The Canadian singer took the world by storm, and now with a newfound voice, she is determined to defeat the odds set upon her by the media.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The single may have come out two years ago, but the song remains even more relevant today.