Pop Music
Dua Lipa Devotes Herself to Pleasure with “Radical Optimism”
In an era of postmodern, self-referential music, there’s something refreshing about the artist’s new album—short songs, big hooks, and a celebration of delight.
The Tortured Poetry of Taylor Swift’s New Album
“The Tortured Poets Department” has moments of tenderness. But it suffers from being too long and too familiar.
Olivia Rodrigo’s Relatable Superstardom on the Guts Tour
The pop star appears to revel in pleasure—even when she knows that whatever it is she’s thirsting after will probably get her into trouble.
Vampire Weekend Doesn’t Want Your Defeatist Grousing
The band’s new album, “Only God Was Above Us,” is a treatise on inheritance, decay, generational dissonance, and the delicate idea of choosing optimism.
Ian Munsick Puts the Western Back in Country
He brought his cowboy hat and ranch experience to Nashville, where he sings about the Wyoming life he left behind.
How Noah Kahan Went from Vermont to TikTok to the Grammys
The musician behind the Billboard mainstay “Stick Season” discusses small-town life, using social media too much, and the loneliness of fame.
On “Higher,” Chris Stapleton Makes His Case for Love
The country star’s new album is concerned almost exclusively with affairs of the heart—but his gritty, determined voice never sounds sentimental.
Troye Sivan’s Songs of Desire
On “Something to Give Each Other,” the artist reminds us that pleasure is a serious pursuit and joy is still abundant.
The Musical Legacy of a Mississippi Prison Farm
The new album “Some Mississippi Sunday Morning” collects gospel songs recorded inside a notorious penitentiary.
Romy’s Exuberant Eurodance Revival
On “Mid Air,” the xx singer and guitarist embraces Y2K dance music, transforming big-room E.D.M. drops into elegant crescendos.