Music

September 23, 2021

In Review: Kacey Musgraves’ “star-crossed” Tragedy Ends in Hope

By Sam Franzini

Through her processing of a universal hardship, “star-crossed” cements Musgraves as one of the smartest and emotive writers of our time.

September 9, 2021

In Review: Lorde Trades the Spotlight for Sunlight on “Solar Power”

By Adam Majcher

"Solar Power” is a largely enjoyable project due to Lorde’s fantastic songwriting abilities and Antonoff’s perfectly matched production.

September 7, 2021

In Review: Angus & Julia Stone Move Forward While Looking Back on “Life Is Strange”

By Adam Majcher

“Life Is Strange” is an instant standout in the duo's discography as they incorporate some of the best ideas of their entire careers seamlessly together.

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.

August 12, 2021

In Review: Tinashe Sees the Past, Present and Future of Music on “333”

By Sam Franzini

“333” ultimately sees Tinashe expanding her reach, experimenting even more with her sound.

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.

July 7, 2021

In Review: Tyler, The Creator Has No Problem Finding Himself on “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST”

By Marisol Cruz

On his sixth studio album, Tyler manages to strike a balance and does so with self-assurance.

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.

June 17, 2021

In Review: MARINA’s “Ancient Dreams” Come True

By Sam Franzini

After a bland tumble like “Love + Fear” this album presents complexity, strong hooks and some of MARINA’s best songs.

May 30, 2021

In Review: Olivia Rodrigo’s “SOUR” Rejects the Sweetness of Teenagehood

By Aileen Pulchny

The album’s youthful sporadicness, raw honesty and emotional vulnerability certify Rodrigo’s status as one of Gen Z’s musical forerunners.

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.”

May 24, 2021

Record Recap: The Best and Worst of Music in the Pandemic (So Far)

By Artsweek Staff

While this year may be one everyone wants to forget, these are some of the moments that will be remembered.

May 23, 2021

A Conversation with Santa Barbara Musician Conner Cherland

By Shereen Mohammadzadeh

With his new LP, “Love Songs by Conner Cherland,” set to release in June, Cherland shared some backstory about the project and about his career as a singer-songwriter.