Chris Stapleton Displays His Brand of Genius on ‘Higher’
Chris Stapleton’s Higher is required listening for fans of high-quality, contemporary country. He’s gifted with the most gorgeous male voice in country today.
Peter Piatkowski
Peter is a London-based writer, though he was raised in Chicago. He writes pop culture criticism and film criticism. His work has been published in various publications, including anthologies and journals.
Nancy Sinatra’s Legacy Is Far More Than Just Boots
Keep Walkin’ looks to expand on the legend of Nancy Sinatra because so much of her musical legacy is tied up in her mythology as a celebrity or an image.
Cyndi Lauper Found Her Tribe of Oddballs, Mistifts, and Weirdos with ‘She’s So Unusual’
Cyndi Lauper’s debut, She’s So Unusual, stands the test of time: it’s an eccentric, weird record that revels in a subversive and quietly revolutionary oddness.
‘Frasier’ Is Back, But Are We Still Listening?
America is a more polarized political and social landscape since the original Frasier aired. Since it was never a socially conscious comedy like many of today’s sitcoms, who is this reboot for?
Howard Jones’ Artistry Is Given Its Due in Comprehensive New Set
Howard Jones isn’t just a trendy pop warbler but a gifted singer-songwriter who understands the craft behind the perfect pop song better than most.
Jorja Smith Charms with ‘Falling or Flying’
Jorja Smith’s Falling or Flying is quite an accomplishment and an excellent vehicle for her estimable talents. It’s a low-key yet unequivocal triumph.
The Stars in ‘And the Band Played On’ Almost Outshine Its Message
The starry cast in Aaron Spelling’s adaptation of Randy Shilts’ And the Band Played On makes this message film a Hollywood spectacle as much as a work of activist pop art.
Lydia Loveless Is Brutally Honest on ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stand in My Way Again’
Lydia Loveless’ songs on her new LP tell a story of vulnerability, heartache, sadness, and yearning. She faces these issues with brilliant songwriting.
Kylie Minogue Scores Another Dance Pop Classic with ‘Tension’
Kylie Minogue understands that the best kind of dance-pop is pure, undiluted joy. With Tension, she’s shown that nobody does it better than her.
Róisín Murphy Makes a Valiant Attempt at Being a Soul Diva
On Hit Parade, Róisín Murphy takes her sound – a swirling cacophony of electropop, synthpop, and nu-disco – and looks to soul to elevate her music.
Jaboukie Young-White Shows Off Music Chops on Debut
Jaboukie Young-White’s clever wordplay, creative use of metaphor, and engaging storytelling prove he’s adept at applying his perceptive talents to music.
Shamir’s ‘Homo Anxietatem’ Is a Candid Work of Confessional Pop
Shamir’s gorgeous voice is a genderless, androgynous instrument, soulful, tight, airy, and jazzy, capable of lilting beautifully over shiny pop beats.