music - Page 4

Brain listening to music on headphones in studying environment.

Background Bops: Why We Need Music to Focus

Mark StenbergandNatalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Have you ever noticed that you tend to clean faster or more efficiently when you have music on? Some people love 80s rock, others love lo-fi. What is it about music that constantly draws people…

April 20, 2024

Against a pink background, a graphic of Miley Cyrus swings on a wrecking ball from her iconic music video while Beyonce sings into a microphone in a black leotard.

Then vs. Now: Have 2014 Artists Withstood the Test of Time?

Emma Troise, Manhattan College

Exploring the longevity of artists and their albums from 2014 to 2024.…

December 27, 2023

Similar to the album cover of "Born to Die", a drawing of Lana Del Rey stands in front of a blue sky with the words "Born to Die" around her.

Born to Thrive: The Lana Del Rey Album Ahead Of Its Time

Emma Troise, Manhattan College

Revisiting the impact of Lana Del Rey’s “Born to Die” on the music industry (I never stopped listening).…

December 12, 2023

‘Legends Never Die’ Proves Juice WRLD’s Legacy Lives On Even in Death

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.…

August 11, 2020

Daveed Diggs Continues To Be Annoyingly Talented

Caleb Mullenneaux, St. Olaf College

The star, best known for his role as Thomas Jefferson in 'Hamilton,' stands out for his wide breadth of projects.…

August 9, 2020

Here’s a Recap of Lollapalooza’s Disappointing Livestream

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

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

August 8, 2020

Illustration by Sezi Kaya in article about Tiny Desk Concerts

6 Tiny Desk Concerts That You Need To Check Out

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.…

August 5, 2020

Sister Rosetta Tharpe Is the Unsung Legend of Rock ‘n’ Roll

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.…

August 4, 2020

‘Gaslighter’ by The Chicks Is a Companion for the Brokenhearted

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.…

August 4, 2020

How Dua Lipa’s Quarantine Album “Future Nostalgia” Was a Trendsetter

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.…

August 3, 2020

‘1000 Gecs and the Tree of Clues’ Embodies the Hyperpop Aesthetic

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.…

July 29, 2020

Image of POC songwriter Rose Marie McCoy smiling behind a microphone

These POC Songwriters Never Got the Recognition They Deserved

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.…

July 25, 2020

Africans depicted as royal in ‘Black Is King.’

Beyoncé’s ‘Black Is King’ Will Celebrate All Things Africa

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.…

July 20, 2020

Instagram picture of Lil Baby's single "The Bigger Picture," a protest song

Here Are Some of the 5 Most Impactful Protest Songs of 2020

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.…

July 16, 2020

Illustration of heart outlines over a green and gold background, representing the Eurovision Song Contest

Will Ferrell Offers More Than a Good Laugh in ‘Eurovision Song Contest’

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

Even with mixed reviews, the new Netflix film stands out as a tribute to the real Eurovision contest and its message of self-acceptance.…

July 15, 2020

In an article about artists getting more exposure in the wake of Instagram Live shows, an image from ATLiens concert

3 New EDM Artists That Gained Traction During COVID-19

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.…

July 13, 2020

On ‘Punisher,’ Phoebe Bridgers Taps Into the Anxiety of a Generation

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.…

July 10, 2020

OneRepublic Is an Underrated Band That Deserves More Recognition

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.…

July 8, 2020

Illustration of music production for beginners

Which Free Music Production Software Should You Start With?

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.…

July 4, 2020

Student listening to chill beats while writing in a notebook.

4 Chill Beats To Uplift and Empower You When You’re Feeling Down

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.…

July 1, 2020

The Return of 2000s Aesthetics Is Unsurprising in an Age of Uncertainty

McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

The era of Britney Spears and Juicy Couture is back, and it's a perfect complement to the social turmoil being experienced by Generation Z.…

June 30, 2020

illustration for article about black artists by Amy Young

5 Black Artists Whose Legacies Have Transcended Time

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.…

June 24, 2020

‘Set My Heart on Fire Immediately’ Shows the Power of Feeling Everything

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.…

June 16, 2020

In an article about COVID-19 and the music industry, an illustration by Yao Jian of someone with a keyboard and microphone

Adapting to COVID-19, the Music Industry Finds Success in Livestreams

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.…

June 14, 2020

‘Everything’ from KOTA The Friend Delivers Thematically and Lyrically

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.…

June 12, 2020

In an article about his latest album 3.15.20, a screenshot of Donald Glover

Donald Glover’s ‘3.15.20’ Is the Perfect Send-Off for Childish Gambino

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.…

June 11, 2020

An illustration of Dylan Brady and Laura Les from the group, 100 gecs

100 Gecs Tests the Limits of Electronic Music and Pop Culture

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.…

June 11, 2020

Singer Sam Rui in an article about internation R&B

8 International Artists Raising the R&B Genre to New Heights

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?…

June 5, 2020