How Underground FM Radio Saved Rock
This is what happened when college-age music enthusiasts raided empty FM radio studios and played whatever turned them on.
r&b
Lollise Makes a Splash With Brilliant Debut ‘I Hit the Water’
Lollise’s I Hit the Water is brilliant, swirling, and compelling with its blend of Afrobeat, soul, and electronics. It’s a debut deserving all your attention.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Glittery Matrix on ‘Short n’ Sweet’
Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet displays her ability to imbue pristine pop production with personal flair, sparking a long overdue breakout.
Vanessa Williams Returns with the Excellent ‘Survivor’ After a Lengthy Break
After listening to Survivor, one thing that remains clear is that Vanessa Williams thrives on being an old-school Entertainer with a capital E.
How Dion DiMucci Influenced Bruce Springsteen
Fifteen years before a 20-something Bruce Springsteen sweated out his original sin in clubs along the Jersey Shore, there was the rock and roller Dion.
Manfred Mann, the Synthesiser Man, Hates AI in Music
Manfred Mann doesn’t think he’s the best synthesiser player in the world, but he brings a distinctive voice to the old technology. Just keep AI out of music, dammit.
Minnie Riperton’s ‘Perfect Angel’ at 50: Imperfectly Angelic
Soul singer Minnie Riperton made full use of her multi-octave voice and songwriting talent on 1974’s Perfect Angel, with her still-beloved hit, “Lovin’ You”.
Unlike Her Music ‘I Am: Céline Dion’ Is Not a Mournful Drama
Unlike how her subject’s music can be, Irene Taylor’s biography I Am: Céline Dion is not a mournful drama. That doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Kehlani’s ‘Crash’ Plays to Their Strengths
Crash finds Kehlani playing to their strengths, establishing themselves as the reigning monarch of sultry, seductive, hot R&B.
Jordan Rakei Reflects on His Life So Far on ‘The Loop’
The Loop emerges as a worthwhile musical journey in which soul-pop’s Jordan Rakei reveals some universal truths he’s unearthed in his ongoing life story.
Swamp Dogg Goes Bluegrass and Americana on ‘Blackgrass’
On Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St, Swamp Dogg interprets soul, funk, and jazz themes through the lens of bluegrass and Americana forms.
Ugandan Jon Muq’s Music Is Warm and Familiar on ‘Flying Away’
Jon Muq’s voice and presence come off as natural and unaffected. One has to listen carefully to appreciate the breadth and the subtlety of his talents.