‘C, XOXO’ is an Unorganized, yet Sincere Love Letter to Miami
(07/23/24 4:00am)
Contrary to popular opinion, C, XOXO warrants a second listen.
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Clairo Strikes Gold with ‘Charm’
(07/19/24 4:00am)
At Pasadena’s Re:SET Concert Series in the summer of 2023, an effortlessly cool Clairo said in between hits of her vape: “this is the last time we’re going to be performing for a while” to a sea of gasps. Her sophomore record Sling, released in July 2021, embraced a stripped–down, lyric–driven version of her art, which laid a gracious backdrop to grapple with heavy topics like objectification, depression, and motherhood. She cloistered herself, and, with Jack Antonoff, made a faint yet enduring dent in the COVID–19 pandemic–indie canon.
'Challengers'’ Fourth Lead: Exploring Music in Luca Guadagnino Films
(07/12/24 4:00am)
In the shimmering world of Luca Guadagnino’s latest release, Challengers, there’s plenty to revel in: love triangles, beautiful people, and the visceral energy of competitive sport. It’s the kind of cinematic cocktail that leaves audiences spellbound, resonating long after the credits roll.
The Conglomerate Empire of Taylor Swift
(07/05/24 4:00am)
There is no denying that Taylor Swift is the most ubiquitous name in the world right now. The Tortured Poets Department holds the record for the biggest Spotify debut of all time, while besting Swift’s first–week sales record by more than 600,000 sales. Her highly successful Eras Tour is still on its victory lap, finishing strong in its remaining European dates. The accompanying movie film is the highest–grossing concert film of all time, while her romance with Travis Kelce has dominated the gossip magazines this past year. Swiftmania has reached new heights, and she is unstoppable.
Nayeon Teaches the 'ABCD's to Dazzling Results
(06/24/24 7:07pm)
Im Nayeon, or simply just Nayeon, has always been one of the more popular members of TWICE, one of the biggest K–Pop girl groups ever. Known as the “face of the group,” Nayeon cemented herself as a standout vocalist and dancer from the third generation through her regular contributions to writing a part of TWICE’s discography and her cool, bunny–like swagger.
Jenny on the Chopping Block
(06/17/24 4:00am)
Jennifer Lopez has a storied career. She made her debut on TV in the '90s, and then made an obvious transition from actress to singer, following her success as the lead in the biopic Selena. Since then, both her music and acting careers amassed hits like “Let’s Get Loud” or “On the Floor,” as well as success in films like Out of Sight and Hustlers. She headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show with Shakira in 2020, which is widely regarded as a slot for only music’s biggest stars.
Charli xcx’s Lively Call for a Return to 2000s Club Culture in 'BRAT' Has a Not–So–Remarkable Soft Side
(06/12/24 6:41pm)
For an artist whose discography had already embodied the rebellious, pleasure–loving energy of mid–2010s youth, the best is yet to come, apparently. Charli xcx’s sixth studio album, BRAT, has been promoted as her “most aggressive and confrontational” to date, according to the singer herself. With the artist’s own foreshadowing, coupled with her history as a pop icon, it’s easy to expect the messy, thrilling hyper-pop record of our dreams. This assumption makes further sense when you consider the inspiration for the record: a callback to the illegal London rave scene where a young Charli first started performing. Talk about authenticity.
Wallows’ New Album 'Model' is All About Nostalgia
(05/31/24 4:00am)
The May 24 release of Wallows’ latest record, Model, might have left fans with mixed emotions. After knocking down industry doors with their 2017 breakout single “Pleaser,” the band released their debut album Nothing Happens in 2019, which featured the hit track “Are You Bored Yet?” The song launched them into two–hit wonder and pop stardom status, and the band quickly became recognized for their distinct nostalgia–infused summer tunes. Their highly anticipated 2022 sophomore album, Tell Me That It’s Over, was a clear deviation from the alt–rock genre that they were so attuned to—replete with unexpected sonic textures and a grungy garage–rock feel—but was still well–received by fans.
‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ Hits Short but Sweet
(05/29/24 4:00am)
God bless whoever told Billie Eilish to take the title track from Happier Than Ever and turn it into a full album.
Kendrick v. Drake
(05/24/24 3:33am)
Rap beef and long–lasting resentment fuel hip–hop’s eternally–burning creative fire. While other genres squirm uncomfortably under the pressure of competition, rap never shies away, refusing to stale under tedious PR statements and mutual respect. And what competition can be more interesting than that between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, hip–hop’s two dominant forces? We find commercial supremacy squaring up against the critically beloved: the stuff of great American lore. But, this beef is more than just celebrity entertainment. Rap battles breed something infinitely more valuable—good music.
Eternal Sunshine is a Gem of Ariana Grande’s Discography
(04/24/24 6:53am)
Ever since I was a child, I just haven't been able to look away from Ariana Grande. Beauty and acting career aside, she has a musical magnetism that's always struck a chord with me. When I first found her, “Focus” had just come out—this song would later be called a flop by chart watchers, and Grande would ditch the entire concept in favor of what became the album Dangerous Woman. “Focus” would only be added to the end of the album’s Japanese Edition. In the years following Dangerous Woman's release, she would begin to lean deeper into honing every part of her craft, writing and co-writing hits for herself and other singers, while also shining as a producer and vocalist.
Don’t Be Mad at Musical Nepo Babies
(04/26/24 4:00am)
“Nepo baby: How could two little words cause so much conflict? A baby is a bundle of joy; a nepo baby is physical proof that meritocracy is a lie. We love them, we hate them, we disrespect them, we’re obsessed with them.” —New York Magazine
End The Musical Witch Hunt
(05/01/24 4:00am)
In a world where people seem to have an unquenchable thirst for finding things to despise, one form of entertainment consistently finds itself the subject of misunderstanding—the humble musical.
Harmony of Opportunity
(04/17/24 2:25am)
Music Business at Penn arrived on campus this semester, but its already began establishing itself as an inexorable facet of Penn culture and a welcomed deviation for the many Penn students wrapped desperately in the finance straitjacket of Wharton.
Adrianne Lenker’s Bright Future is Daringly Imperfect
(04/12/24 4:00am)
Adrianne Lenker’s place within today’s indie rock scene is a bit of an outlier. It’s not that modern rock has no standouts, but differentiating between the styles of Julia Jacklin, Indigo de Souza, and Snail Mail, all of whom have put out exceptional albums in the past six or so years, can often feel like splitting hairs.
Microgenres, Macro Problems
(05/01/24 4:00am)
In the whirlwind that is contemporary cultural expression, amid the dynamic shifts of our modern society, I must ask myself … what is grandmacore? I scroll relentlessly through my Instagram feed. Cottagecore girl for second–hand furniture and bucolic living. Christian girl autumn icon rediscovers Vermont. That top is sooo old money coastal grandma. It’s not minimalism, it’s quiet luxury. It’s not sporty, it’s blokette. New Balances. Dadcore. This is the fluidity of internet appearance.
The Dark Side of the Whack World
(04/19/24 4:00am)
“He likes my diamonds and my pearls / I said, ‘Thank you, I designed it.’”
Spotify Killed the Radio Star
(04/08/24 4:00am)
When was the last time you listened to music on the radio? If you’re struggling to recall, you’re not alone. With music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music taking over the industry, the ways people experience and engage with music have completely changed. Up until 2017, the radio was the most popular way of listening to music, but ever since it has been steadily overtaken by streaming services.
Julia Pratt on Finding Belonging Between Her Melodies
(04/15/24 4:00am)
Julia Pratt has never stayed in one place for too long. She spent her childhood years moving around the country and overseas for her mother’s job. At 23 years old, Pratt is still on the road, performing sold–out shows and opening for her favorite artists and bands. Amid the chaos of change and the plight to find home, for Pratt, music has always been a constant.
The Resurrection of Panchiko
(04/03/24 4:00am)
Anticipation is a collective experience everyone in the room shares as I peer over the balcony, looking at both the crowd in the pit, and also the band on stage. Noise pop encroaching on shoegaze, the songs that play are less about the lyrics and instead hinge on components that build the atmosphere. People sway, but are otherwise static, and I can’t hear anything but the band; an experience I had not been privy to when I’d previously frequented concerts at The Fonda Theatre. I can’t make out much of the lyrics, and most people around me aren’t singing. Looking at the legions of teenagers underneath me, the audience is hypnotized by the dreamy visuals that complement the ambient sound.
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