Keith Urban Continues to Mold Country Into Pop on ‘The Speed of Now Part 1’
Keith Urban has managed to stay at the top for two decades. His last album, 2018’s “Graffiti U,” boldly defied genres, and his latest offering, “…
Alicia Keys Demonstrates Optimism, Empathy and Elegance on ‘Alicia’
Milan Zirnic
When Alicia Keys broke through with “Fallin’,” she instantly set herself apart from other artists filling the airwaves. The song was undeniably infectious, partly…
Big Sean Pays Tribute to Motor City With Star-Studded ‘Detroit 2’
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
Since he signed to Kanye West’s “GOOD Music” imprint in 2007, Big Sean has steadily honed his craft and further distinguished himself from a…
Toni Braxton Remains on Top of Her Game With ‘Spell My Name’
It has been almost three decades since Toni Braxton released her self-titled debut album and instantly catapulted to number one. Over the course of…
Disclosure Pack a Raging Party With Illustrious Guests Into Their Latest Album ‘Energy’
Hollie Fernando
Brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence have managed to tap into a collective ethos, releasing dancefloor bangers one after the other under their moniker Disclosure. They…
On ‘Smile,’ Katy Perry Turns Her Troubles Into Bubbly, Colorful Pop
Rony Alwin
In 2008, Katy Perry sang, “I kissed a girl, and I liked it,” deviating from a background in Christian pop, and creating an anthem…
‘King’s Disease’: Nas Adapts His Classic Style to the Present Moment
In 1994, Nas released the groundbreaking “Illmatic,” and instantly made hip-hop history. His unique blend of narrative detail and street wisdom introduced an unprecedented…
‘Here on Earth’ Finds Tim McGraw at His Most Expansive and Elemental
Country giant Tim McGraw is still at it, over a quarter century after his 1993 self-titled debut. Boasting a staggering 10 number one albums…