Evan Gonzalez

April 19, 2022

On This Day: Nas’ “Illmatic,” The Gold Standard of Rap

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

The songs and stories of “Illmatic” represent the perfection of every trait associated with purist hip-hop, from tales of struggle to intricate writing to unique instrumentals.

January 13, 2022

Record Recap: 53 Years Since Led Zeppelin’s Explosive Debut

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

However, on Jan. 12, 1969, a new band would define the sound and look of rock and roll in the 1970s and beyond with their debut album: Led Zeppelin.

October 28, 2021

Artsweek On Spotify: Spooky Halloween Bangers Throughout the Years

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

From orchestral compositions to heavy metal classics to hip-hop collaborations, the exploration of horror through music is ubiquitous in every genre of music.

August 23, 2021

On This Day: “Grace” by Jeff Buckley

By Evan Gonzalez

Buckley should have been a superstar, but listeners can still appreciate his little body of work for the creative genius it is.

August 20, 2021

On This Day: Shades of Sentimentality in Frank Ocean’s “Blonde”

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

With his genre-blending on “Blonde,” Ocean once again pioneered a new style of R&B.

July 10, 2021

On This Day: Frank Ocean’s First Masterpiece, “channel ORANGE”

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

His 2012 debut album “channel ORANGE” showcases Ocean making a splash with a lush and intimate collection of songs about the awkwardness of navigating maturation and relationships.

June 17, 2021

On this Day: Bon Iver’s Breakthrough

By Evan Gonzalez

Perhaps no artist has had a bigger impact on modern indie folk music than Bon Iver.

May 26, 2021

On This Day: The Beatles’ Escapism Through “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

Prior to their 1970 disbandment, The Beatles refreshed their creative drive via the escapism central to their historical concept album, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”

March 31, 2021

On This Day: “Carrie & Lowell” By Sufjan Stevens

By Evan Gonzalez

Despite having only a 43-minute runtime, the album covers a lifetime of the complicated relationship between Stevens and his mother, along with the sadness that follows the death of a loved one.

March 21, 2021

On This Day: The Weeknd’s Drearily Hedonistic Debut Project, “House of Balloons”

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

The project has become a landmark in 2010s R&B — a dynamic showcase of The Weeknd’s insecurities about love and coping dive into the maximums of hedonism.

February 23, 2021

Record Recap: In Memoriam of Chick Corea, Trailblazer of Jazz Fusion

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

Corea was a highly lauded pioneer of jazz fusion — a genre that reinterprets jazz music by using alternative inspirations like rock, metal or Latin music.

January 27, 2021

On This Day: The Best And The Worst Of The National Anthem

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

The national anthem has had its share of musical and sociopolitical controversies throughout the years.

January 9, 2021

On This Day: “1984” and Van Halen’s Jump into Superstardom

By Evan Gonzalez

“1984” is an important body of work for modern listeners as a timestamp in the evolution of rock music — the birth of hedonistic rock with pop appeal.

January 6, 2021

Record Recap: What To Expect With Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy”

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

Given Drake’s success with his stylistic charisma, the naming of his next album hints at the project being symbolic of a victory lap filled with allusions to his previous work.

October 21, 2020

Record Recap: In Memoriam of Eddie Van Halen

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

Eddie Van Halen was not only one of the most innovative and unique guitarists of all time, but a musical inventor and a pioneer in guitar construction and technology.

October 7, 2020

In Review: Joji Nuances His Sad Boi Style on “Nectar”

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

On his latest album “Nectar,” Joji expands his sonic range, simultaneously embracing his lo-fi sound as well as including a more diverse musical palette.