pop music

Album Review: Victoria Bigelow bares her soul on ‘Songs For No One, Vol. 2’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

The singer-songwriter’s latest EP captures the sweeping sounds of the West while grappling with hard truths…

May 8, 2024

A woman with brown hair and a blue sweater is sitting in front of a background of paper covered in writing, intimately strumming a guitar. Her eyes are closed and her lips set in a stoic position, implying she is in deep contemplative as she parcels out each individual note. Her name -- Lana Del Rey -- is written on a torn piece of paper, taped to the background in the upper-right corner.

Lana Del Rey: The Evocative Melodies Behind Performative Stardom

When examining Lana Del Rey's music and history, one finds a fascinating conversation between the artist and the veil of celebrity.…

March 21, 2024

Who Are P1Harmony?

Emma Troise, Manhattan College

K-Pop Group P1Harmony Enters the Music Scene With Their Single "Fall In Love Again…

January 29, 2024

“We Were Good, We Were Gold”: 66th Annual Grammy Awards Predictions

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Predictions for music’s biggest night across 10 categories. …

January 28, 2024

REVIEW: Ariana Grande’s ‘yes, and?’ Flips the Bird and the Narrative

Roberto Soto

The lead single for Ariana Grande’s seventh album honors, thumps, and sashays while making us wondering “what’s next?”…

January 12, 2024

What’s Behind Beyoncé and Taylor Swift’s Massive 2023?

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Both veteran entertainers broke into new levels of popularity and success with their mammoth tours and film releases. …

January 5, 2024

Dark Cafes and Big Yellow Taxis—The Everlasting World of Joni Mitchell

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Now in her 80th year on earth, Mitchell’s work continues to influence young generations of fans. …

December 20, 2023

Welcome to the Renaissance: 5 Things We Hope to See in the Renaissance World Tour Movie

Paiton Young, University of Georgia

It’s awe-inspiring how Beyoncé motivates her fans to come in costume and participate in her events, setting trends even when fans are unsure of the reason for the specific color or theme requests.…

November 21, 2023

For an article about "Piece of Me" by Britney Spears and "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift, three photos of blonde hair Britney with her left hand up are in the bottom row. three photos of blonde Taylor on the top (upper left corner with mascara running, middle in action smashing a car hood, on right yelling with a kitchen knife in hand). In the top right corner, text in bright yellow letters, "Pop Idols Off the Deep End!" On the bottom a pink better with yellow text, "Bank Space Breaks Records. Piece of Me Breaks Britney."

How Britney Spears’ ‘Piece of Me’ Laid the Groundwork for Taylor Swift’s ‘Blank Space’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Taylor Swift found herself in a somewhat similar position to Spears’ mid-2000s public scrutiny.…

November 15, 2023

In an Article about AI in Music, a teal robot carrie a trumpet, guitar, drumset, and horn.

AI in the Future of Music

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

As more artificially generated music circulates online, the concern for artistic property and originality come into question. …

October 3, 2023

In an album review of "Starfucker" by Slayyyter, a woman stands with black sunglasses and a cigarette in her mouth.

Album Review: Slayyyter is Hollywood’s Latest (and Hottest) ‘STARFUCKER’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

The internet sensation swaps her signature DIY sound for opulent glamor on her second studio album. …

September 30, 2023

An illustration of Mckena Grace and her sixteenth birthday cake with red balloons in the background.

Album Review: Mckenna Grace Has a Music Career?

Sarah Deavers, University of Virginia

Straying from her childhood acting roots, Mckenna Grace jumps into the music world with her debut album “Bittersweet 16.”…

September 29, 2023

In an article about Tinashe's new album 'BB/Angel,' a woman with blonde hair looks up. She wears a white tee shirt with a slip dress over it. A hand-drawn angel halo is above her head.

Album Review: Tinashe Keeps it Solid on ‘BB/ANG3L’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

The R&B empress delivers a divine collection of seven forward-thinking earworms. …

September 19, 2023

In an article about Olivia Rodrigo's album "Guts," a hand-drawn recreation of the album cover. Rodrigo lays against a purple background with a series of rings on her finger, spelling the word "GUTS" in red letters.

Album Review: Olivia Rodrigo Spills Her ‘Guts’ in These 3 Songs

Sarah Deavers, University of Virginia

The artist’s sophomore album encapsulates tales of resentment, revenge and reflection in contagious choruses and vulnerable vocals.…

September 18, 2023

In an article about Drake, a white dog scribbled in chalk sits in a picture-like square.

Drake Will Be Done with It the Moment He Stops Having Fun with It

Olivia Hinck, Siena College

Love him or hate him, the 6 god has undeniably provided us with a lifetime supply of hits for any mood.…

September 14, 2023

In an article about Vegas residencies, the infamous "Welcome to Las Vegas," sign stands in front of palm trees and several large hotels.

How Las Vegas Residencies Have Changed Live Music

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

After realizing the advantages of performing in Vegas, more performers are turning Sin City into the entertainment capital of the world.…

September 5, 2023

The Beatles vs. Marvin Gaye: Two Great Albums Side By Side

Matthew Doss, University of Chicago

Rolling Stone's new No. 1 album on its updated Top 500 list signals a shift in the musical tastes of modern audiences.…

September 2, 2023

The Future of the Music Video

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

After over 100 years, the music video is devolving.…

August 28, 2023

In an article about Madonnas birthday an illustration of Madonna

The ‘Queen of Pop’ Turns 65

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Revisiting 10 pivotal moments in Madonna’s 40 year career. …

August 16, 2023

In an article about Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour show in Chicago, a woman with curly hair stands against a black background, stencil drawn in a ruffled garment. She holds a microphone with her right hand and holds her left hand out. Two horses stand behind her, facing outward.

Beyoncé Brings the “RENAISSANCE” to Chicago

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

In the midst of her "RENAISSANCE" tour, Queen Bey “releases the wiggle” at Chicago’s Soldier Field.…

August 1, 2023

In an article about Kim Petras' new album, a black-and-white sketch f Petras alongside a brief list of the album's most popular titles.

Kim Petras Instructs Us To ‘Feed the Beast’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Petras' first major-label album ranges from darkly exciting Europop to upbeat dance numbers.…

July 8, 2023

in article about spotify wrapped, image of a phone displaying the spotify homescreen

What Your Spotify Wrapped Says About You

Valentina Palomino, SUNY Old Westbury

Your taste in music is oftentimes reflective of who you are as a person.…

December 22, 2022

Surfaces Is the Positive Band You Should Be Listening to This Summer

Megan Garcia, Arizona State University

The duo promotes positivity in their songs that are sure to put a smile on your face and a melody in your heart.…

August 7, 2022

Aaliyah from music video Are You That Somebody

The Undeniable Impact and Relevance of Aaliyah

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Thanks in part to the introduction of her work to streaming services, a forgotten artist is reborn.…

July 28, 2022

An illustration of a judge's gavel hitting '1989,' the title of a popular music album by Taylor Swift.

How Legal Issues Are Affecting Future Re-Releases From Taylor Swift

Jordan Oulela, University of Texas at San Antonio

Although the re-recordings of ‘Fearless’ and ‘Red’ were met with overwhelmingly positive reactions, copyright and trademark cases may prevent other highly anticipated albums from releasing any time soon.…

April 21, 2022

An illustration of a woman in a phone handing out an album leak

Musicians Are Starting To Leak Their Own Music — On Their Own Terms

Jordan Oulela, University of Texas at San Antonio

Oftentimes, the hype around a highly anticipated album is ruined when it’s leaked to the public without the artist’s consent. But recently, stars like Ariana Grande and Maisie Peters are using the practice to give…

April 16, 2022

An illustration of the Harry's House album cover.

After Three Long Years, Harry Styles Fans Can Find Solace in ‘Harry’s House’

Aly Walters, Michigan State University

Seen from the recent release of his new single, ‘As It Was,’ the upcoming album may prove well worth the wait.…

April 12, 2022

Why Maisie Peters Deserves a Spot on Your Playlist

Jordan Oulela, University of Texas at San Antonio

In just a few years, the young artist has gone from uploading YouTube videos to touring internationally with raw, down-to-earth music.…

April 8, 2022

An illustration of KAI from K-pop group, EXO

KAI’s Journey From EXO to a Full-Fledged Solo Artist

Peyton Conner, Indiana University

Kim Jong-in wasn’t always the smooth and suave soloist fans know him as today. He’s gone from being EXO’s beloved main dancer to a successful soloist following his two recent album releases.…

March 23, 2022