Eminem Achieves Peak Intensity on ‘Music to Be Murdered By’
Eminem made a major comeback on 2018’s “Kamikaze.” His first words were, “I feel like I wanna punch the world in the fuckin’ face right now,”…
Halsey Masters Pop as Catharsis With ‘Manic’
Aidan Cullen
Halsey skyrocketed to stardom on social media, and managed to go platinum with her 2015 debut “Badlands” despite critical consensus that it lacked a radio hit.
Posthumous Album ‘Circles’ Shows Another Dimension of Mac Miller
Christian Weber
The late Mac Miller constantly evolved his sound, venturing fearlessly into new sonic territory. In the rap game, producers line up to pitch their beats…
Selena Gomez Emerges Confident yet Vulnerable on ‘Rare’
Selena Gomez has been a siren for such wayward pop idols as Justin Beiber, the Weeknd, and Nick Jonas, inspiring volumes of whining from a motley crew…
Kanye West Presents Gospel With Hip-Hop Bombast on Sunday Service’s ‘Jesus Is Born’
Courtesy of Liam Macrae
In retrospect, Kanye West’s latest indulgence has been a long time in the making. The cover art for 2016’s “Life of Pablo” bore an…
Harry Styles Is Sunkissed and Sentimental on ‘Fine Line’
Tim Walker
Harry Styles set himself apart from his former One Direction bandmates with a debut solo album that surprised fans and critics alike with its rich realization…
Stormzy Delivers a Relentless UK Grime Flurry on ‘Heavy Is the Head’
There are few figures who deserve more credit for bringing the relatively provincial style of UK Grime to a wider audience than perennially outspoken emcee Stormzy…
Blake Shelton’s ‘Fully Loaded: God’s Country’ Compiles Recent Hits and a Few New Songs
It has been two years since Blake Shelton released a proper album, and the advent of the holiday season makes it an opportune time…
The Who Make a Wry and Spirited Return With ‘Who’
Rick Guest
For the rock giants that they are, the Who have always had a certain anti-rockstar aspect to their posturing. Just consider their name, along…
Camila Cabello Keeps It Sweet and Simple on ‘Romance’
Camila Cabello arrived on the scene already groomed for stardom, having auditioned for the X Factor, and starred in the girl group FIfth Harmony. She released…