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John Rogers What Jazz in 2019 Will Sound Like
In its 15th go-around, the New York City Winter Jazzfest featured newly mature musical hybrids and a refreshing number of women artists getting their due.
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Amanda Charchian James Blake’s Ether Becomes Mush
The influential electronic musician’s fourth album, Assume Form, embraces pop sentimentality with mixed results.
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Ryan Pfluger Sharon Van Etten’s Synth-Pop Celebration of Vulnerability
Remind Me Tomorrow, the Brooklyn singer’s fifth album, bustles with the feeling of disconnection conquered.
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Lucy Nicholson / Reuters Lady Gaga’s R. Kelly Apology Is a Reminder That Abuse Isn’t Provocative
The artists’ 2013 duet, “Do What U Want,” was made because of, not in spite of, its creepy subtext—as are more and more works in the wake of #MeToo.
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M. Spencer Green / AP / Katie Martin ... R. Kelly and the Cost of Black Protectionism
A Lifetime series that examines long-standing abuse allegations against the singer—and the continued support he has received despite them—contains an uncomfortable truth.
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Fox / Warner Bros. Bohemian Rhapsody, A Star Is Born, and the Myth of Authenticity
The upset Golden Globes victory of one music drama over another hints at which is the more comforting retelling of the same rock-and-roll narrative.
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Marc J. Terrill / AP Surviving R. Kelly Is an Uncomfortable, Visual Testimony
A new Lifetime docuseries about the artist’s alleged abuses pointedly homes in on a network of enablers in his immediate circles and his fan base.
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Paul Spella / The Atlantic* A Year of Miseducation
From Lauryn Hill to Cameron Post to Tara Westover, 2018 repeatedly asked the question, What does it mean to teach a person to surrender?
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New York Public Library The 1950s Holiday Classic You Won't Hear at the Mall This Year
Sixty years ago, Stan Freberg’s satirical song “Green Christmas” angered advertisers for partaking in an age-old American tradition: criticizing the commercialism of the season.
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Katie Martin / The Atlantic The 27 Best Music Moments of 2018
The cultural effects of Nicki Minaj’s “Chun-Li,” Ariana Grande’s “No Tears Left to Cry,” Mitski’s “Nobody,” and more
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Annapurna Pictures How If Beale Street Could Talk Translates Joy and Terror Into Sound
The composer Nicholas Britell discusses the organic process of collaborating with the director Barry Jenkins on the film’s lush and evocative score.
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Vantage News / AP Offset Has Trapped Cardi B
In a plea for his estranged wife’s forgiveness at her own concert, the Migos rapper is taking advantage of the cultural weight that’s on his side.
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Kevin Mazur / Netflix Bruce Springsteen Explains It All
As his wildly successful one-man Broadway show comes to Netflix, one thing is clear: Under his tutelage, everything makes sense.
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Allison Joyce / Reuters The Rap War in Calabasas
Kanye West’s ugly feud with Drake touches on important topics—but it mostly started as neighborhood drama.
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Jeenah Moon / Reuters Janet Jackson’s Overdue Inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The pop idol is part of a refreshingly forward-thinking class that includes Radiohead, Roxy Music, Stevie Nicks, The Cure, and Def Leppard.
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Katie Martin / The Atlantic The 23 Best Albums of 2018
Selections from Megan Thee Stallion, Florence + the Machine, Metallica, and more
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Mike Blake / Reuters The Grammy Nominations: A New Generation Arrives
The hip-hop boom and the talent of women are finally being recognized with more nods. But will the trophies follow?
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Kevin Mazu / Getty The Deeper Meaning Behind Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé’s Clothing Clash
Sure, they’re pop stars playing parts. Yes, sexism allows him to dress down. But isn’t his schlumpy outfit also saying something about her spectacular one?
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Steven Taylor Listening in Between Earl Sweatshirt’s Words
Revealing its meaning in fragments, the album Some Rap Songs asks when to speak and when to be silent.
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Mary Evans / UNITED ARTISTS / Ronald Grant ... The Untold Labor That Helped Make Charlie Chaplin’s Film Scores
A new book shows that many of the director’s musical achievements were the result of unrecognized collaboration.
