Song
-
Arts
Hozier Was Never a One-Hit Wonder. But Now He Has a Second Smash.
He broke out in 2014 with “Take Me to Church.” Then listeners on TikTok found his passionate, dramatic songs and a new single made its way to No. 1.
-
Arts
What’s the Best Way to Honor Sophie in Song?
Recent tracks from Charli XCX, A.G. Cook, Caroline Polachek and St. Vincent capture the producer’s philosophy and humanity, but not necessarily her signature sound.
-
World
Brother Marquis, Member of Rap Group 2 Live Crew, Dies
Born Mark Ross, he was a well-known member of the group, which fueled a debate about artistic freedom.
-
Magazine
How a Novelist Became a Pop Star
“I hope you fall in love, I hope it breaks your heart” is the refrain (in English translation) of “Pasoori,” Ali Sethi’s 2022 global hit. Is this a curse or a blessing? The song, performed as a duet with the Pakistani singer Shae Gill, defies such ...
-
Arts
What Is a Song?
Is it simply the music flowing out of your earphones? According to the law, the answer is a bit more complicated.
-
World
Taylor Swift Needs to Become Other People
The biggest cultural news of the month is that a lot of people are kind of “meh” about Taylor Swift’s latest album (or albums, if you prefer to treat the 31-song release as a twofer). After spending the past few years illustrating how internet-era ...
-
Arts
A Brief Guide to Who’s Who on Taylor Swift’s ‘Tortured Poets’
Ex-boyfriends may be alluded to. Travis Kelce, too, fans believe. And some actual poets.
-
Arts
On ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ Taylor Swift Could Use an Editor
Over 16 songs (and a second LP), the pop superstar litigates her recent romances. But the themes, and familiar sonic backdrops, generate diminishing returns.
-
Arts
Wyatt Flores, a Rising Country Artist, Has a Superpower: Tapping Emotions
The 22-year-old singer and songwriter makes music that touches listeners deeply. But his own trauma — coupled with his rapid rise — has thrown some bumps in the road.
-
Arts
Beyoncé’s Country Is America: Every Bit of It
On the bold, sprawling “Cowboy Carter,” the superstar plays fast and loose — and twangy — with genre.