pop music - Page 2

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

An illustration of Remi Wolf in an article about her album Juno

Remi Wolf’s Music in ‘Juno’ Is Comforting Chaos

Tori Walz, Eastern Michigan University

The artist’s new album is filled with upbeat tracks that deal with personal, heavy topics audiences can find their own connections with.…

November 3, 2021

In article about sad pop songs, an image of Olivia Rodrigo

Is It Just Me, or Are Pop Songs Sadder Than They Used To Be?

Daniela Saffran, Rollins College

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

October 6, 2021

Jake Bugg for album Saturday Night, Sunday Morning

‘Saturday Night, Sunday Morning’ Is Far From Jake Bugg’s Best Work

Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

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

September 19, 2021

In an article about the album Sling, an illustration of Clairo

Clairo’s New Album ‘Sling’ Begs the Question: Clairo, Are You Okay?

Natalie Gabor, Indiana University-Bloomington

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

September 12, 2021

Phoebe Bridgers in an article about niche indie music

Why We Gatekeep Niche Music

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

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

September 9, 2021

In an article about Solar Power by Lorde, Lorde floats in an open ocean in a pale yellow dress.

‘Solar Power’ and the Aftermath of Lorde’s Teen Angst

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.…

September 6, 2021

An image of the members of Big Time Rush

Big Time Rush Is Reuniting, but Will They Update Their Sound or Opt for Nostalgia?

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?…

September 3, 2021

An illustration of pop music producer Jack Antonoff, the subject of the article.

Jack Antonoff Is the Gift That Won’t Stop Giving to the Pop Music Industry

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…

August 25, 2021

On ‘Stoned at the Nail Salon,’ Lorde Proves ‘Solar Power’ Critics Wrong

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.…

August 7, 2021

Mirroring the Could Cry Just Thinkin About You music video, a stylize illustration of singer Troye Sivan shows him leaning on the edge of a pool wearing a white sailor hat and holding a microphone.

Troye Sivan Dropped the Full Version of ‘Could Cry Just Thinkin About You’ — and It’s Beautiful

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.…

August 6, 2021

Doja Cat is illustrated in space-themed attire and colors to demonstrate the aesthetic of her recent music videos.

Doja Cat’s Artistry Demonstrates the Value of Aesthetic

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.…

August 4, 2021

Rina Sawayama Explores Pop-Driven Queerness in Her Debut Album

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.…

July 21, 2021

In an article about Sarah Kinsley, a girl plays guitar in the spotlight with a red crown over her head.

Sarah Kinsley Begins Her Reign as ‘The King’ of the Music Industry

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.…

July 21, 2021

How ‘Glee’ Revolutionized the Landscape of Modern Musical Theater

Zach Terrillion, Oberlin College

The beloved show helped introduce younger audiences to the magic of show tunes through storytelling and genre-blending.…

July 15, 2021

Olivia O'Brien and a group of friends sitting together in a living room setting for a music video from her album Episodes: Season 1. (Image via Google Images)

‘Episodes: Season 1’ Is Olivia O’Brien’s Chance To Be Her Own Main Character

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.…

June 27, 2021

Twenty One Pilots with album Scaled and Icy

‘Scaled and Icy’ Continues the Lore of Twenty One Pilots With Questionable Success

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.…

June 19, 2021

Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Good 4 U’ Is Bad 4 People With Antisocial Personality Disorder

Jayar Brenner, Michigan State University

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

June 17, 2021

Not In Chronological Order two black and red silhouetted figures

Julia Michaels Finally Steps Into the Spotlight With ‘Not In Chronological Order’

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.…

June 8, 2021

In an article for Not in Chronological Order, two people in front of another person listen to music.

‘Not in Chronological Order’ by Julia Michaels Is an Ode to Relationships and Ourselves

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. …

May 30, 2021

An illustration of the three members of TFBoys for an article about their rising popularity and emotional impact. (Illustration by Julie Chow, University of California, Berkeley)

The Music of TFBoys Resonates With the Youth of China

Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

This popular band skyrocketed to the top of the charts by providing its audience with genuine connections and passionate music.…

May 4, 2021

An illustration of the music video of deja vu

Rodrigo’s ‘Deja Vu’ Proves Why She’s Pop’s Biggest Up and Coming Star

Kieran Benson, Luther College

The new song is another hit from the young artist, who continues to find inspiration from music legends like Lorde and Taylor Swift.…

April 19, 2021

A photo of one of The Weeknd's songs for an article about him being compared to Michael Jackson. (Photo by Giorgio Trovato from Unsplash)

The Weeknd Evokes the Spirit of Michael Jackson, but He’s Still an Original

Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

Since his rise to fame, many fans have drawn parallels between this year’s star Super Bowl performer and the King of Pop, but the artist prefers to highlight his own originality instead.…

April 12, 2021

An illustration of Ruel, singer-songwriter who recently released too many feelings

Ruel’s ‘Too Many Feelings’ Is a Vintage Pop Masterpiece

Kieran Benson, Luther College

The Australian singer-songwriter exemplifies the evolution of the pop genre while taking note from pop stars of the past.…

March 16, 2021

Image of Jolin Tsai in her music video for Ugly Beauty

‘Ugly Beauty’ Portrays a Dramatic Journey of Self-Exploration and Self-Awakening

Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

Jolin Tsai’s hit 2018 song and music video explore her personal struggles as an artist by diving into a study of one’s identity.…

February 17, 2021

Illustration of electro-pop musician, SOPHIE

SOPHIE Revolutionized Pop Music — and the World Along With It

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The electro-pop trailblazer, who died at the age of 34 on Jan. 30, redefined her industry by challenging traditional concepts of gender, identity and sound.…

February 12, 2021