Popcast

A Renaissance in American Hardcore Music Aug 11, 2022

A look at the recent burst of bands and how the scene operates as music, ethic and feeling. Guests: Stereogum's Tom Breihan and The Ringer's Chris Ryan.

The Robust Return of Beyoncé Aug 02, 2022

A deep dive on “Renaissance,” her relationship to queer music communities and her framing of authorship. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Wesley Morris, Jon Pareles and Salamishah Tillet.

Lizzo’s Complicated, Joyful Pop Jul 27, 2022

The singer, rapper and songwriter’s peppy empowerment songs have made her an outlier in a field dominated by melancholic music. Guests: The Ringer's Justin Charity; Lindsay Zoladz; and William Robin.

‘Elvis’ vs. Elvis Jul 13, 2022

How much do fantasy and imagination play into how we remember pop culture heroes? Guests: A.O. Scott and Alanna Nash.

What’s Next for Jack Harlow? Jul 07, 2022

He’s one of hip-hop’s biggest emerging stars, and he’s cutting a very different path than the white rappers who came before him. Guests: Hunter Harris, Larisha Paul and Peter Rosenberg.

Where Is Jazz Most at Home? Jun 29, 2022

The genre has long been filled with tension between mainstream outlets and the spaces in which the music is most likely to grow. Guests: Giovanni Russonello and WBGO's Nate Chinen.

Drake Hits the Nightclub Jun 22, 2022

How did the rapper arrive on the dance floor? And what subcultures and expectations might he experiment with next? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and The Baltimore Banner's Lawrence Burney.

Digging Into Bob Dylan and Lou Reed’s Archives Jun 15, 2022

Attempting to uncover unknown things about very well known people. Guest: Ben Sisario.

Mailbag Madness: Adele, Jack Harlow, the State of Rock’s Return Jun 08, 2022

The team answers your questions about Chance the Rapper, how the critics consider extramusical concerns and more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Jon Pareles.

Can Harry Styles’s Music Catch Up to His Fame? Jun 01, 2022

How his time in One Direction and a powerful online fan base have shaped the pop star’s career. Guests: The Atlantic's Kaitlyn Tiffany, and Lindsay Zoladz.

Kendrick Lamar’s Anxiety Era May 24, 2022

During his five-year pause between albums, the rapper has been reckoning — with his own evolution, and the narrative that’s been constructed for him. Guests: Rolling Stone's Jeff Ihaza; New York magazine and Vulture's Craig Jenkins; and The Nation's Stephen Kearse.

How Gossip Is Remaking Online Hip-Hop Media May 18, 2022

Actual music can seem like an afterthought as digital coverage of the genre has tilted toward tabloidism. Are there other paths forward? Guests: HipHopDX's Jerry Barrow; Complex's Andre Gee; and Genius's Rob Markman.

Why We Collect May 11, 2022

A conversation about the urge to accumulate treasured items and the stories objects can hold. Guest: The New Yorker's Hua Hsu.

A Decade of Drill Rap May 08, 2022

Pop Smoke, Lil Durk, Fivio Foreign and more have taken the sound that emerged in Chicago in different directions. What might come next? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and David Drake.

Machine Gun Kelly’s Pop-Punk Pivot Apr 27, 2022

After decreasing returns in the hip-hop world, the musician and actor stepped into a revival that had roots in SoundCloud rap, and a champion in Travis Barker. Guests: Meaghan Garvey and Arielle Gordon.

Will Smith, Before the Slap Apr 21, 2022

Plenty has been said about Oscars night. But what about the rapper-turned-actor’s remarkable journey up to that point? Guest: Andscape's Soraya Nadia McDonald.

The 2022 Grammys: Let’s Discuss Apr 05, 2022

What are the awards at this point, and who benefits from them? Guests: Jon Pareles, Wesley Morris and Lindsay Zoladz.

Charli XCX’s Ever-Evolving Pop Mar 30, 2022

The singer and songwriter’s career has inspired dance parties as well as spirited conversations about her ambitions and aesthetic innovations. Guests: Hazel Cills and Shaad D’Souza.

The Many Worlds of Rosalía Mar 23, 2022

The Spanish phenom’s music takes in a host of global influences, making her one of the most sonically ambitious and critically dissected pop artists today. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.

The Sounds of Ukrainian Pop Mar 15, 2022

A conversation about some of the country’s stars, the musical traditions they work within and how they have grappled with the war. Guest: Vogue's Liana Satenstein.

Reggaeton’s Global Expansion and Wide-Open Future Mar 08, 2022

As the genre grows in worldwide popularity, it is engaging with the pop music mainstream and stratifying into subsets, introducing new opportunities and dilemmas. Guests: Isabelia Herrera and Katelina Eccleston.

The Enigma of Big Thief Mar 02, 2022

A conversation about the space the breakout Brooklyn band occupies in contemporary indie-rock circles, and its latest album. Guests: Rolling Stone's Jon Dolan and Pitchfork's Sam Sodomsky.

Remembering Betty Davis, a Futuristic Funk Force Feb 23, 2022

A conversation about her unique music, her short career and the path that led to her rediscovery. Guests: Jon Pareles, Maureen Mahon and Oliver Wang.

Mitski, In and Out of the Spotlight Feb 16, 2022

The indie-rock musician’s albums inspire deep feelings and attract ever-bigger audiences, but in many ways she remains a mystery. Guests: New York's E. Alex Jung and Pitchfork's Cat Zhang.

Spotify’s Ongoing Joe Rogan Problem Feb 09, 2022

The controversy over the star podcaster and misinformation raised thorny questions about the streaming service’s role as a platform, and exacerbated its conflicts with musicians. Guests: Ben Sisario and New York's Nick Quah.

Remembering Greg Tate, Critic and Catalyst Feb 01, 2022

Conversations with two of his contemporaries about the fertile scenes he covered, and the indelible impression he left. Guests: Michael A. Gonzales and Joan Morgan.

A Killing Jolts Sweden’s Rap Scene Jan 26, 2022

A conversation about hip-hop’s evolution in the country, and how a high-profile shooting thrust the music into the spotlight. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Petter Hallen and Alex Marshall.

What’s Left for the Weeknd to Conquer? Jan 18, 2022

“Dawn FM” suggests at least one future direction for the pop powerhouse, who’s spent a decade making careful moves. Guest: The Ringer's Rob Harvilla.

2021 in Jazz: Intimacy and Conversation Jan 12, 2022

Throughout the pandemic, the music’s flexibility has become an asset. Where will artists take it next? Guests: Giovanni Russonello and Marcus J. Moore.

Bonus Episode: Lana Del Rey’s American Fever Dreams Jan 01, 2022

As a New Year's treat, we've recovered an old episode sidelined by technical issues (thank you, Pedro!): a discussion of Lana Del Rey’s “Chemtrails Over the Country Club” and the long arc of her career. Guests: Mina Tavakoli and Lindsay Zoladz.

What We Forgot to Talk About in 2021 Dec 28, 2021

A catch-up round table on a host of topics: Maneskin, Jazmine Sullivan, Kelly Clarkson, a Real Housewife’s music career and much more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.

TikTok’s Music Critics Reflect on 2021 Dec 21, 2021

Four of the app’s voices on pop name their favorite releases of the year and discuss developing taste in the age of the algorithm. Guests: Margeaux Labat, Eric Morris, Cam Sullivan-Brown and Hunter White.

The Best Albums of 2021? Let’s Discuss. Dec 14, 2021

Our critics spar over their year-end lists (and agree on Olivia Rodrigo and Tyler, the Creator) in a wrap-up of the year in LPs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.

Remembering Stephen Sondheim, Musical Theater Visionary Dec 07, 2021

A conversation about his legacy, his engagements with pop music and whether he has any true inheritors. Guests: Jesse Green and Elisabeth Vincentelli.

Adele Returns, From Beyond Space and Time Nov 30, 2021

Will we ever see a star who unites audiences like this British musician again? Guests: Jon Pareles and Pitchfork's Jillian Mapes.

The Emotional and Financial Business of Taylor Swift’s ‘All Too Well’ Nov 17, 2021

What does the rerecorded song from “Red” say about how power and the past have shaped her career? Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz.

Remembering the Velvet Underground Through the Mirror of Film Nov 16, 2021

A conversation about how the band was experienced in its time, and how Todd Haynes’s new documentary explores the world that birthed it. Guests: Jon Pareles and A.O. Scott.

How the Mosh Pit and ‘Raging’ Came to Hip-Hop Nov 09, 2021

The tragedy at Travis Scott’s Astroworld turned attention to how rap festival performances are increasingly oriented toward the rowdy. Guest: Masked Gorilla and Masked Records' Roger Gengo.

Popcast Mailbag! Halsey, Nicki, TikTok and, of Course, Taylor Nov 03, 2021

Answering your questions about pop’s big names, the state of the music video and more. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.

glaive and Hyperpop’s Breakthrough Moment Oct 19, 2021

A conversation about one teen’s rapid ascent, and what the future might hold for a singer and sound evolving in real time. Guest: The Fader's Alex Robert Ross.

The Music Lost to Coronavirus, Part 3 Oct 12, 2021

Remembering Jacob Desvarieux, John Davis and Chucky Thompson. Guests: The New Yorker's Doreen St. Felix; Billboard's Gil Kaufman; Jeff Mao.

The Reporters Who Covered R. Kelly on His Trial and Conviction Oct 05, 2021

A conversation about the testimony, the meaning of the verdict and the long quest for proper recompense for the singer’s victims. Guests: Troy Closson and Jim DeRogatis.

Bringing Aaliyah Into the Streaming Era Sep 28, 2021

A conversation about the tug of war over her musical legacy, and how her songs — even without a digital presence — impacted the evolution of contemporary R&B. Guests: Naima Cochrane; Billboard's Gail Mitchell and Dan Rys.

Kacey Musgraves, Country Music Chameleon Sep 21, 2021

The singer and songwriter’s “Star-Crossed” documents the end of her marriage. But reports of her divorce from Nashville have been greatly exaggerated. Guests: Amanda Hess and The Guardian's Laura Snapes.

Is Drake Tired of Drake? Sep 14, 2021

“Certified Lover Boy” dominated the charts, but something seems to have shifted in the most influential pop star of the past decade. Guests: The Ringer's Charles Holmes and Rolling Stone's Jeff Ihaza.

Miss the Old Kanye? Try the New Kanye. Sep 07, 2021

West has always been dreaming big, speaking loudly, courting controversy and channeling all of that into music. But one thing has changed. Guests: Vibe's Datwon Thomas and The Ringer's Justin Charity.

Lorde Steals Her Sunshine Back Aug 30, 2021

How successful is a sunny new phase of her career, and what does it mean to choose to move away from the expectations of superstardom? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Lindsay Zoladz.

The Style of Kanye West’s ‘Donda’ Era Aug 24, 2021

How West has used fashion to signify musical evolution, how he’s been regarded by the fashion industry and how other musicians are following in his footsteps. Guests: GQ's Rachel Tashjian and Vogue's Steff Yotka.

The Lox, Triumphant at Verzuz Aug 16, 2021

A conversation about New York hip-hop in the 1990s and early 2000s, and a night that brought the spirit of battle back to the pandemic-era staple. Guests: Jayson Rodriguez and Jayson Buford.

Billie Eilish’s New Pop Perspective Aug 09, 2021

How has the teenage phenomenon’s songwriting, and her relationship to the larger music machine, evolved between albums? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Lindsay Zoladz.

Lil Nas X in the Pop Stratosphere Jul 23, 2021

A conversation about his unconventional path to success, his unconventional methods of maintaining it and his possible futures beyond it. Guest: Jazmine Hughes.

When Pop Music Trolls Grow Up Jul 19, 2021

New albums from Doja Cat and Tyler, the Creator place their makers — children of the internet with a taste for friction — in a new light. Guest: The Ringer's Justin Charity.

The (Not So?) Tentative Return of Live Music Jul 12, 2021

A look at the challenges touring musicians faced over the last year, and how the industry is adjusting to the new normal. Guest: Ben Sisario.

Britney Spears Takes On Her Conservatorship Jul 01, 2021

An exploration of how the arrangement has intersected with her work, the latest legal updates and what might come next. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Liz Day and Samantha Stark.

In the Weeds of ‘In the Heights’ Jun 18, 2021

A conversation about bringing musicals to the big screen, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s artistic choices and the critical blowback to the film’s casting. Guests: Sandra Garcia, Isabelia Herrera and Lena Wilson.

Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ Breakthrough Jun 04, 2021

Few artists making pop music have risen to the top in the past several years. What made this Disney star click with listeners? Guests: Olivia Horn and Lindsay Zoladz.

J. Cole, Triumphant (at His Own Pace) May 29, 2021

The rapper’s sixth No. 1 album is here. Listen to a conversation about his career, and the long exchange between hip-hop and basketball. Guests: The New York Times's Elena Bergeron and Rap Portraits' Yoh Phillips.

The Beatific Re-emergence of Beverly Glenn-Copeland May 14, 2021

A conversation about his winding path to a receptive, ready audience — and how music can be a bulwark against cynicism and trauma. Guests: Taja Cheek and Mina Tavakoli.

Where Is Country Music Making Room for Women? May 09, 2021

Nashville remains challenging for women artists. But some rising performers are breaking through on radio — and TikTok. Guests: Marissa Moss and Natalie Weiner of the Don’t Rock the Inbox newsletter.

The Sing-Rap Generation Branches Out Apr 26, 2021

How melody has continued to reshape hip-hop via the work of Polo G, Rod Wave, Lil Tjay and more rising artists. Guest: Pitchfork's Alphonse Pierre.

When a TikTok Influencer Dances, Who Gets Credit? Apr 16, 2021

Addison Rae’s appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s show sparked conversations about appropriation and how dance has been central to the platform. Guest: Taylor Lorenz.

The Telling of DMX’s Life Story Apr 11, 2021

A conversation about the intense potency of the rapper’s music and religious fervor, and what it was like to interview him. Guest: Smokey Fontaine, the co-author of the 2002 book “E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX.”

Taylor, Billie, Demi, Blackpink: The Pop Star Documentary Boom Apr 02, 2021

A conversation about the influx of films made about (and by) current stars and its implications for the format. Guests: The Observer's Simran Hans; and Caryn Ganz.

The Grammys, Improbably, Made It Work Mar 16, 2021

The show navigated a year of crisis, minted a new generation of stars and didn’t fixate on boomers. Guests: Jon Pareles, Joe Coscarelli, Ben Sisario, Lindsay Zoladz and Caryn Ganz.

TikTok and the Pop Music Rough Draft Mar 13, 2021

The wildly popular platform has reshaped pop during the coronavirus pandemic, and changed how record labels grapple with unpredictable virality. Guest: Caryn Ganz.

New Jazz That Agitates for Change Mar 02, 2021

A conversation about strong recent debuts, and how canon and community can be in tension. Guests: Giovanni Russonello and Marcus J. Moore.

Remembering Sophie, Architect of Future Pop Feb 15, 2021

Exploring the legacy of a producer and performer who imagined an approach to music without borders. Guests: Sasha Geffen and Pitchfork's Philip Sherburne.

The Music Lost to Coronavirus, Part 2 Feb 05, 2021

Remembering Fred the Godson, Adam Schlesinger and Cristina. Guests: Kurt B. Reighley; Complex's Shawn Setaro; and Ben Sisario.

Olivia Rodrigo and ‘Drivers License’ Aren’t Going Anywhere Jan 31, 2021

A conversation about the year’s first genuine pop phenomenon, and the long arc of the Disney machine. Guests: Joe Coscarelli; Vulture's Justin Curto; and Larisha Paul.

Inside the Bull Market for Songwriting Rights Jan 19, 2021

The emergence of Hipgnosis has helped turn the battle for catalogs into an arms race that shows no signs of slowing down. Guest: Ben Sisario.

How Zev Love X Became MF Doom Jan 07, 2021

Conversations about the legacy of the beloved rap figure’s early career, which set the table for the artist he would become. Guests: Stretch Armstrong, Bobbito Garcia and Dante Ross.

2020 Popcast Listener Mailbag: Taylor, Dua, MGK and More Dec 23, 2020

Answering your questions about the year’s biggest stars, and also some of its curious flops. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Evermore’: Let’s Discuss Dec 15, 2020

A second album written and recorded during pandemic lockdown carries the singer and songwriter further from conventional pop. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Jon Pareles.

The Best Albums of 2020? Let’s Discuss. Dec 09, 2020

An absence of live music refocused attention on records, and work by Fiona Apple, Taylor Swift and Run the Jewels spoke loudly.

Saweetie, City Girls and the Female Rapper Renaissance Nov 29, 2020

Streaming, social media and the tireless work of trailblazers have helped change the hip-hop landscape.

Who Will Control Britney Spears’s Future? Nov 18, 2020

While her father remains the head of her estate for now, the pop star has signaled she’s ready for change. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Vanessa Grigoriadis.

Ariana Grande, a Pop Star for the Post-Pop Star Age Nov 10, 2020

A conversation about her unique route to the top of the charts — and what’s next. Guests: Lindsay Zoladz and Shaad D’Souza.

The Many Mariah Careys Oct 22, 2020

A conversation about her memoir, her range of contributions to pop music and her secret alt-rock album. Guests: New York's Allison P. Davis; Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.

Luke Combs’s Country Stardom and the Remaking of the Bro Oct 04, 2020

The Nashville star learned from the genre’s past and carved his own path. Guest: Grady Smith.

Will Pop Music of the Future Rely on Actual Musicians, or Avatars? Sep 28, 2020

The pandemic has sped up how digital look-alikes are reshaping stardom. Guest: The Ringer's Alyssa Bereznak.

Is TikTok a Music Industry Friend or Troll? Sep 17, 2020

“Old Town Road” showed the app’s potential as a hit generator. But its relationship to the business is far more complex. Guest: Taylor Lorenz.

Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, Preserving Pop’s Old Guard Sep 09, 2020

Six albums into major-label careers with “Chromatica” and “Smile,” where do these two stars fit in? Guest host: Caryn Ganz. Guest: Lindsay Zoladz.

Remembering Riley Gale of Power Trip, a Thrash Titan Sep 01, 2020

The band’s 34-year-old frontman helped break down barriers between scenes, and was known for singularly wild live shows. Guests: Dan Franklin; James Khubiar; and Andy O’Connor.

How Merchandise Bundles Undid the Album Chart Aug 22, 2020

For today’s biggest artists, an album release isn’t just about the music. Guest: Ben Sisario.

The Music Lost to Coronavirus, Part 1 Aug 18, 2020

Remembering Joe Diffie, Mona Foot and DJ Black N Mild. Guests: Hits' Holly Gleason; Jacob Bernstein; and Elena Bergeron.

The Welcome Return of the Chicks Aug 10, 2020

How would Nashville be different if it hadn’t pushed the trio away? A conversation about “Gaslighter” and beyond. Guests: Jewly Hight and Slate's Carl Wilson.

Answering Your Questions About Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’ Aug 04, 2020

Readers asked about Bon Iver, country music, Jack Antonoff and more. Guests: Northwestern University's Lauren Michele Jackson and Lindsay Zoladz.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’: Let’s Discuss Jul 28, 2020

On an album made entirely in quarantine, the singer and songwriter embarks in a fresh direction. Guests: Jon Pareles, Caryn Ganz and Joe Coscarelli.

Remembering Ennio Morricone, the Film Score Maestro Jul 20, 2020

His music was dynamic, bold and idiosyncratic, setting a high bar for composers connecting sound and vision. Guests: Jon Pareles and Joshua Rothkopf.

The Timely Agitation of Run the Jewels Jul 09, 2020

Killer Mike and El-P’s anti-government and pro-justice hip-hop feels like it anticipated the current moment. Guest: Pitchfork's Sheldon Pearce.

Pop Superfans Are Getting Politically Active. What Happens Next? Jun 30, 2020

A subset of passionate listeners are asking for more of their heroes than simply music. Guest: Denisha Kuhlor.

Lil Baby Is Warming Up to the Spotlight Jun 21, 2020

His protest song “The Bigger Picture” marks a high point in his evolution from reluctant up-and-comer to one of hip-hop’s reliable superstars. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.

The Long, Complicated History of ‘Urban’ Music Jun 15, 2020

As the music industry reckons with racial inequality, one of the first old structures to fall has been a term that dates back to the 1970s. Guest: Nelson George.

How Did The Source Cover the 1992 Los Angeles Uprisings? Jun 07, 2020

Two former editors look back at the magazine’s on-the-ground reporting following the Rodney King verdict. Guests: James Bernard and Reginald Dennis.

After Missteps, Pop Stars Apologize … and Sometimes Push Back Jun 01, 2020

Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat and how some in the limelight bristle at social media condemnation. Guest: The Ringer's Justin Charity.

The Many Lives of Doja Cat May 18, 2020

The pop star took an extremely nonlinear path to No. 1, and continues to push the boundaries of online behavior. Guest: Lakin Starling.

Remembering Tony Allen and Florian Schneider, Two Pillars of Rhythm May 11, 2020

Thousands of miles apart, and with radically different tools, both musicians were innovating. Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles; and Joseph Patel.

The Triumphant Return of Fiona Apple, Pop Music Renegade Apr 30, 2020

A conversation about everything “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” and beyond. Guests: Jenn Pelly and Lindsay Zoladz.

Beyond ‘Trolls’ and ‘Frozen’: What Are Our Kids Listening To? Apr 19, 2020

Children’s films lean heavily on pop, but the elementary school set has access to a whole universe of music now. Guests: The New York Times's Gilbert Cruz, Jeremy Egner, Dave Itzkoff and Dave Renard.

Dua Lipa, Dance-Pop Crusader Apr 11, 2020

The English pop star has given fans an upbeat album at a very dark time. Guest: Caryn Ganz.

Sam Hunt and Kenny Rogers, Country Music Rule-Benders Apr 05, 2020

Both artists pulled Nashville in fresh directions, and gave the genre growing pains. Guests: Bill Friskics-Warren and Natalie Weiner.

What Is the Role of Criticism in a Crisis? Mar 27, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has upended the world, and the arts are reeling. Pop music critics are asking (and facing) hard questions. Guests: The Ringer's Rob Harvilla, New York's Craig Jenkins and Lindsay Zoladz.

What Music Should I Listen to in a Crisis? Mar 20, 2020

Pop critics from around the country recommend pick-me-ups: Pharrell, the Pointer Sisters, Helado Negro and more.

How Will Pop Music Respond to the Coronavirus? Mar 19, 2020

The ways the pandemic has already reshaped the year, and what might happen in pop next. Guests: The New York Times's Ben Sisario and Jon Pareles.

The Unrelenting Space Jams of Tame Impala Mar 08, 2020

How has Kevin Parker built and sustained his successful psych-rock project — and where will he head next? Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles and Pitchfork's Jillian Mapes.

The Death of Pop Smoke and the Future of Brooklyn Drill Feb 28, 2020

The 20-year-old rapper was poised to carry the scene’s sound to the world. Guest: Pitchfork's Alphonse Pierre.

Justin Bieber Is Back With Confessions, Personal and Musical Feb 21, 2020

One of pop’s biggest stars returns with an album that has unexpected kinship with new music from Harry Styles and Selena Gomez. Guest: Lindsay Zoladz.

Answering Your Questions About Britney, Billie, Aaliyah and More Feb 14, 2020

The Popcast opens its mailbag in the second of two episodes devoted to our listeners. Guests: The New York Times’s Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Jon Pareles.

Answering Your Questions About Taylor, Mitski, Emo and More Feb 07, 2020

The Popcast opens its mailbag in the first of two episodes devoted to our listeners. Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.

When Did the Super Bowl Halftime Show Become Political? Feb 01, 2020

A conversation about how its meaning has evolved over the last two decades. Guests: The New York Times's Elena Bergeron and The Undefeated's Soraya Nadia McDonald.

The Grammys, Dissected: Out With the Old, in With the Billie, Lizzo and Tyler Jan 28, 2020

Did the deserving artists win? Was Aerosmith terrible? The debates rage on our post-awards show. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz, Wesley Morris and Jon Pareles.

How TikTok Is Killing the Radio Songwriter Jan 17, 2020

Songs that work in 15-second bursts are different from tracks that succeed on the FM dial. Guests: The writer Aimee Cliff and GodMode's Nick Sylvester.

In 2019, Jazz Reckoned With Old Boundaries, and Marched Past Them Jan 11, 2020

A conversation about the best jazz albums of the year, and what they tell us about the genre’s future. Guests: Martin Johnson and Giovanni Russonello.

Were These the Best Albums of the 2010s? Dec 31, 2019

A revealing (and hilarious) look back at our year-end lists from the past decade. Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles and Joe Coscarelli.

Debating the Best Albums of 2019 Dec 20, 2019

How do you measure a year in pop? Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles, Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.

Juice WRLD and the Crisis of SoundCloud Rap-Era Fame Dec 13, 2019

Success is coming faster than ever for a new generation of musicians. But at what price? Guests: David Turner; the directors Ramez Silyan and Sebastian Jones.

Would Prince Have Wanted His Rough Drafts Made Public? Dec 08, 2019

A memoir and a deluxe edition of “1999” offer a new perspective on the meticulous artist. Guests: Jon Pareles, Naima Cochrane, Keith Murphy and Jay Smooth.

Dissecting the 2020 Grammy Nominations Nov 22, 2019

Lizzo, Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X lead the way. But has the Recording Academy’s relationship to pop changed? Guests: The full New York Times pop music team.

Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Lana Del Rey: Pop Stars (and Their Fans) Clap Back Nov 20, 2019

Are artists responsible when their fan armies can be weaponized? Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Lindsay Zoladz.

Can Reality Television Produce a Plausible Rap Star? Nov 11, 2019

Netflix’s “Rhythm + Flow” is the most recent example of the reality-TV business trying to get into the hip-hop business. Guests: Complex's Frazier Tharpe and Stereogum's Tom Breihan.

Kanye West’s ‘Jesus Is King,’ From the Gospel Perspective Oct 30, 2019

Gospel music insiders on the rapper’s turn to religious music and how his album relates to contemporary holy hip-hop. Guests: Root's Hasan James and The Journal of Gospel Music's Robert Marovich.

The Rise of DaBaby, From Memes to the Mosh Pit Oct 19, 2019

The year’s most consistent new hip-hop star combines intense rhymes with online savvy. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.

The Highwomen, Miranda Lambert and the Women Invigorating Country Music Oct 11, 2019

Nashville has long marginalized female performers, songwriters and producers. But a wave of artists is fighting back. Guests: Jada Watson and Natalie Weiner.

Is 100 gecs the End of Pop, or a New Beginning? Oct 05, 2019

One of the year’s most unlikely breakthroughs is a duo that makes disorienting, genre-jumbling music. Guests: Eli Enis and The Fader's Larry Fitzmaurice.

A New Flood of English-Spanish Pop Is Here. Is It Opportunism or Progress? Sep 29, 2019

Collaborations have flourished in the wake of “Despacito,” some sounding natural, some sounding forced. Guest: Remezcla's Eduardo Cepeda.

How Does Post Malone Sound Like Everything and Nothing? Sep 22, 2019

A conversation about his rapid rise and the questions — about genre and race — glossed over along the way. Guests: Pitchfork's Jayson Greene and The New York Times Magazine's Jonah Weiner.

Young Thug Gets His Due, But Is It Too Late? Sep 07, 2019

One of the decade’s most copied rappers finally reached No. 1 on the album chart, years after his aesthetic rubbed off on hip-hop. Guest: Andrew Nosnitsky.

What’s the Point of Album Covers in the Post-Album Era? Aug 29, 2019

What was once a large canvas for grand statements is now a tiny digital mark. Guest: Chips's Teddy Blanks.

Is Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ the Beginning or the End of an Era? Aug 27, 2019

Breaking down the sounds, the themes, the obscure (and not-so-hidden) messages and more on her seventh album. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Jon Pareles.

A Tribute to David Berman, Who Never Hid His Truth Aug 16, 2019

Conversations about his songwriting, his struggles and his striking sweetness outside of music. Guests: Jeff Johnson; The New Yorker's Amanda Petrusich; and Nick Weidenfeld.

Funkmaster Flex and Tyler, the Creator’s Unlikely Buddy Comedy Aug 02, 2019

The Hot 97 D.J. and the hip-hop disrupter shared the wildest interview of the year. Guests: Rolling Stone's Charles Holmes and Pitchfork's Alphonse Pierre.

How Many Streams Is a T-Shirt Worth? Breaking Down Chart Dilemmas. Jul 26, 2019

There’s more data about music consumption than ever before. That doesn’t mean we understand who’s the most popular. Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Ben Sisario.

The Loudness of João Gilberto, Bossa Nova’s King of Quiet Jul 19, 2019

A look back at the Brazilian musician’s innovations as one of the genre’s primary architects. Guest: Ben Ratliff

How Hootie & the Blowfish Inspired Both Love and Hate Jul 08, 2019

Critics who were writing about the band at the peak of its fame look back at how the group became so bitterly divisive. Guests: Jim DeRogatis and Danyel Smith.

Taylor vs. Scooter: The Pop Music Civil War of 2019 Jul 03, 2019

The superstar complained that the powerful manager acquired her master recordings, setting off a debate that divided the industry. Guest: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli

The Unexpectedly Deep Musical Roots of Hootie & the Blowfish Jul 01, 2019

“Cracked Rear View” catapulted the band to superstardom. But the group made great music long before — and after — anyone paid attention. Guest: former A&R representative Tim Sommer

Why Are the Movies So Obsessed With Pop Stars? Jun 21, 2019

From “Rocketman” to “Her Smell,” “Blaze” to “Vox Lux,” the film industry seems to think all musicians have the same ups and downs. Guests: The New York Times's A.O. Scott; Vanity Fair's K. Austin Collins; Kristen Yoonsoo Kim.

Can Record Labels Be Trusted to Preserve Music History? Jun 13, 2019

A 2008 fire destroyed master recordings for a who’s who of popular music. A new investigation explores the damage done. Guest: The New York Times Magazine's Jody Rosen

Bob Dylan’s Excellent Adventure Jun 11, 2019

The Rolling Thunder Revue was more than a tour: It was a chance for the songwriter to play with the truth. Guest: The New York Times's Jon Pareles

Megan Thee Stallion and Rap’s Rising Generation of Women May 25, 2019

Hip-hop has historically been inhospitable to female performers. A new class is finding fresh paths to break through. Guests: The Atlantic's Hannah Giorgis and Vulture's Hunter Harris.

Are AirPods Worth the Costs? May 20, 2019

Apple’s wireless earbuds have led to questions about personal tech as environmental scourge and punch line. Guests: The New York Times's Brian X. Chen and Motherboard's Caroline Haskins.

Vampire Weekend, Indie Rock Heretics Turned Anxious Jam Band May 13, 2019

Ezra Koenig’s literate group has returned, sparking questions about how it was received in the past, and where it stands in the current climate. Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles; The Ringer's Rob Harvilla

The Return of Bikini Kill and the Long Tail of Riot Grrrl May 05, 2019

A movement of punk-powered feminism that began in the early 1990s has a fresh urgency in 2019. Guests: Evelyn McDonnell, Elisabeth Vincentelli and Caryn Ganz

How Gospel and Pop Learn From Each Other Apr 30, 2019

From Kanye West to serpentwithfeet to the Stellar Awards returning to BET, the genres’ dialogue has been evolving. Guest: The New Yorker's Briana Younger

Is Billie Eilish the Future of Pop? Apr 19, 2019

The 17-year-old musician has been revising the rules of young stardom. But she may be more of a classicist than her aesthetic would suggest. Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli; Meaghan Garvey

Lil Nas X and the Long History of Country-Rap Apr 07, 2019

“Old Town Road” is the latest flash point in the two-decades-long dialogue between Nashville and hip-hop. Guest: Average Joes Entertainment's Shannon Houchins

Boy Bands, Now Featuring Grown Men Mar 29, 2019

Backstreet’s back, the New Kids put out a new single and groups in the K-pop ecosystem are thriving. Why are boy bands so central to pop music? Guests: Jezebel's Maria Sherman and Billboard's Andrew Unterberger

How a Viral Rap Star Rocketed From Meme to Hit Mar 21, 2019

Blueface’s “Thotiana” is a nearly perfectly engineered hit of the social media age. Guests: The Fader's Ben Dandridge-Lemco and Pitchfork's Alphonse Pierre.

Can Michael Jackson’s Legacy Ever Really Be Derailed? Mar 07, 2019

The documentary “Leaving Neverland” details devastating allegations of sexual abuse. How do fans process them, and Jackson’s body of work? Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli, Aisha Harris and Ben Sisario

The Hip-Hop Superstar as Local Newsmaker Mar 01, 2019

Musicians often make headlines; balancing coverage of their art with coverage of the accusations they face isn’t always easy. Guest: The South Florida Sun Sentinel's Brett Clarkson

Behind the Ryan Adams Investigation Feb 18, 2019

The musician has been accused of dangling career opportunities while pursuing female artists for sex, then turning domineering and vengeful. He denies the claims. Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Melena Ryzik.

The 2019 Grammys Make Up for Last Year, Somewhat Feb 12, 2019

After a terrible ceremony that minimized women and nonwhite artists, the Recording Academy tried something else: the opposite. Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz and Jon Pareles.

Maggie Rogers and Sharon Van Etten Break Free From Old Expectations Feb 01, 2019

Two singer-songwriters at different points in their careers are staking claim to new creative ground. Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli; The Ringer's Lindsay Zoladz

Fyre Festival’s Post-Mortems: We’ve Still Got Questions Jan 25, 2019

Two documentaries examining Billy McFarland’s debacle aim to shed new light on the scammers and victims. Guests: The New York Times's Aisha Harris, Wesley Morris and Melena Ryzik.

Listening to Pop Music’s Class of 2019 Jan 18, 2019

From British punk-rap to 1970s-influenced country to morbid electronic pop, a guide to new artists to watch. Guest: The New York Times's Jon Pareles.

Bad Bunny Is Just Getting Started Jan 12, 2019

His was the defining voice of 2018. What’s next for this Puerto Rican new-pop superstar? Guests: Remezcla's Eduardo Cepeda and Isabelia Herrera; and Rolling Stone's Suzy Exposito.

The New Battles Over the Direction of Jazz Jan 04, 2019

What did the music, innovations and arguments of 2018 tell us about where the genre is headed next? Guests: John Murph and Giovanni Russonello

Your Questions About Pop Music, Answered (or Ruled Unanswerable) Dec 27, 2018

The Popcast wraps 2018 discussing Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, streaming and crying. Guest: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli

A New Kind of Pop Star Has Arrived Dec 21, 2018

K-pop, Latin trap and melodic hip-hop — once regarded as subgenres — have become the center of the pop conversation. Guest: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli

Listening to the Best Songs of 2018 Dec 13, 2018

The 1975’s millennial anthem, “Shallow” and a lot of Bad Bunny: Why did these tracks define the year in pop? Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles, Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz

How the Grammy Nominations Really Made Us Feel Dec 08, 2018

Music's big awards show is trying to make big changes. So what do these nominations tell us? Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles. Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz

Debating the Best Albums of 2018: Janelle Monáe, Soccer Mommy and More Dec 07, 2018

Drake, Mitski, Ariana Grande — whose albums defined the year? (And will albums matter next year?) Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles, Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz

6ix9ine’s Troubled Past and Uncertain Future Dec 01, 2018

A conversation about the Brooklyn rapper’s arrest and musical prospects as he releases “Dummy Boy” while behind bars. Guest: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli.

The Gentle Return of Mariah Carey Nov 29, 2018

With her 15th album, “Caution,” the singer has entered a new phase of her long career. Guests: Michael Arceneaux; Jezebel's Julianne Escobedo Shepherd; The New Yorker's Briana Younger.

Kane Brown, Pistol Annies and Country Music’s Inclusion Problem Nov 17, 2018

The tug of war between how the genre advertises itself and how it’s actually evolving is growing more tense. Guests: Nick Murray; Natalie Weiner.

Remembering Roy Hargrove, Who Brought Jazz History Into Tomorrow Nov 09, 2018

The trumpeter, who died at 49, was a singular figure dedicated to keeping jazz’s past in dialogue with its future. Guests: The New York Times's Giovanni Russonello; Jozen Cummings.

Robyn, Pop’s Reluctant Pacesetter Nov 02, 2018

With “Honey,” the Swedish star returns to a landscape she’s quietly shaped for over 20 years. Guests: The New York Times's Caryn Ganz; the Guardian's Laura Snapes; Jezebel's Hazel Cills

BTS Conquered America. What’s Next for K-Pop? Oct 26, 2018

Now that K-pop is successful on its own terms, the questions it faces are changing. Guest: Billboard's Jeff Benjamin.

For Those About to Rock, An Uncertain Fate Oct 20, 2018

Is rock music in 2018 a sound, a mood or a retail category? Where do Twenty One Pilots, the 1975 and Greta Van Fleet fit in? Guests: The New York Times's Caryn Ganz; Rolling Stone's Kory Grow; the Ringer's Lindsay Zoladz

‘A Star Is Born’ Is Here. Let’s Discuss. Oct 11, 2018

What does Bradley Cooper’s remake starring Lady Gaga say about the pop music business — and the film industry — today? Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli, Manohla Dargis, Caryn Ganz, Wesley Morris and Jon Pareles

How Lil Wayne Became One of Hip-Hop’s Most Durable Stars Oct 05, 2018

Tracing the rapper’s evolution from a teen in New Orleans to his long-awaited album “Tha Carter V.” Guests: XXL's Vanessa Satten; The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli

Should They Stay or Should They Go? Pop Stars and Retirement Sep 28, 2018

Why do some artists stick around and others choose to retreat? Guest: The New York Times's Jon Pareles

What Makes for a Great Celebrity Profile? Sep 20, 2018

Writing in-depth features about stars can be an art form. But it’s been changing in recent years. Guests: The New York Times Magazine's Vanessa Grigoriadis; GQ's Zach Baron.

Remembering Mac Miller, Low-Key Hip-Hop Bellwether Sep 15, 2018

The 26-year-old rapper and producer stood at the crossroads of movements that have been shaping popular music over the past decade. Guests: ItsTheReal's Eric and Jeff Rosenthal; Pitchfork's Sheldon Pearce; and Eric Renner Brown.

Remembering The Village Voice, Music Criticism's Crucible: Part 2 Sep 10, 2018

Forty years of writers and editors share memories about helping invent a language to talk about music, and the artists they critiqued — some grateful, some not. Guests: Ann Powers, Evelyn McDonnell, Chuck Eddy, Rob Harvilla and Tom Breihan.

Remembering The Village Voice, Music Criticism's Crucible: Part 1 Sep 10, 2018

Forty years of writers and editors share memories about helping invent a language to talk about music, and the artists they critiqued — some grateful, some not. Guests: Robert Christgau, Jon Pareles, Nelson George, Kyle Gann and Joe Levy.

How We Arrived at Ariana Grande’s Big Moment Aug 28, 2018

“Sweetener” has taken the singer to new heights at a moment of transition for the top ranks of female vocalists. Guests: The Ringer's Lindsay Zoladz; VF.com's Josh Duboff; and Billboard's Nolan Feeney.

Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott, Rivals With Common Problems Aug 21, 2018

One is an old-style hip-hop star, one comes from a newer school. But both are facing challenges making effective albums and defining their artistic identities. Guests: David Turner and Briana Younger.

Aretha Franklin: The Artist We Knew, and the Woman We Didn’t Aug 17, 2018

The Queen of Soul leaves a towering legacy. How will we remember her? Guests: The New York Times's Jon Pareles and Wesley Morris; and David Ritz.

The Shrinking Space Between Band T-Shirt and High Fashion Aug 10, 2018

Merch has become a crucial part of a musician’s rise. Here’s how it’s evolved. Guests: Procell's Brian Procell; The Cut's Emilia Petrarca; and Grailed's Lawrence Schlossman.

Can Guns N’ Roses, or Any Artist, Erase an Unflattering Moment? Aug 04, 2018

What happens when a band wipes a stain from its historical record? Or when physical albums vanish, replaced by different digital versions? Guests: Mark Richardson; Rolling Stone's Christopher R. Weingarten; and The New York Times's Caryn Ganz.

Who’s in Charge of Telling Whitney Houston’s Story? Jul 27, 2018

Two documentaries have attempted to unpack the life of one of pop’s transformative figures, whose complex legacy is still riddled with questions. Guests: Naima Cochrane; Jezebel's Rich Juzwiak; Alan Light; and The Times's Joe Coscarelli.

When Superfans Attack Jul 21, 2018

A writer critiqued Nicki Minaj online; the rapper’s fans responded in force. How does celebrity fandom become a vicious tool online, and what’s behind stan culture? Guests: iOneDigital's Janeé Bolden; Who? Weekly's Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber; The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.

Drake: Platinum in a Day, but Still at a Crossroads Jul 05, 2018

With his new double album, “Scorpion,” the rapper and singer is grappling with brand maintenance. Is he innovating, and where can he go next? Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Reggie Ugwu; Sheldon Pearce; and Jasmine Sanders.

Kanye West: You Asked, We Answered Jun 27, 2018

Was "Ye" rushed, and does it matter? How do women fit into Kanye’s world? Are conversations about politics with him fruitless? Guests: The New York Times's Joe Coscarelli and Reggie Ugwu, and the Ringer's Justin Charity.

XXXTentacion, Mourning and Morality Jun 22, 2018

The 20-year-old broke out of the SoundCloud rap scene and reached No 1. But he faced accusations of violent crimes against a woman, and leaves behind a troubling legacy. Guests: Noisey's Lawrence Burney and Miami New Times's Tarpley Hitt.

Charlie Puth and Shawn Mendes, Would-Be Pop Kings Jun 16, 2018

Boy bands are on the rise and young male singers have some choices to make. A conversation about two performers with their sights set on pop ubiquity.

Kanye West’s ‘Ye’ Is Here: Let’s Discuss Jun 06, 2018

The rapper’s polarizing eighth album arrived surrounded by a celebrity circus and provided few answers.

Drake vs. Pusha-T, Unpacked May 31, 2018

An excavation of the skeletons animating the back-and-forth between the two rappers — and a conversation about who’s inching ahead.

Yes, We Stuck With ‘American Idol’ May 26, 2018

Maddie Poppe won the show, rebooted on ABC with a new cast of judges. What worked, what didn’t and who really stood out? Two longtime “Idol” enthusiasts discuss.

Pursuing R. Kelly: The Reporter Who Never Gave Up May 23, 2018

For two decades, accusations of sexual impropriety have been leveled at the R&B superstar. And Jim DeRogatis has been covering the story.

‘Girls’ Gone Wrong: Who Gets to Make a Gay Love Song? May 18, 2018

The Rita Ora track was positioned as a celebration of bisexuality, but struck a sour note with critics who found its lyrics problematic.

Avicii: Overexposed and Underappreciated? May 04, 2018

The 28-year-old producer and D.J., who died last month in Oman, was a pop savant and an EDM innovator who left behind a complicated legacy.

Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar Break Boundaries Apr 25, 2018

A Coachella set stunning in scope and execution. The first Pulitzer Prize winner who isn’t from classical or jazz. A conversation about the two artists’ triumphs.

Pop’s Category Killers, From Live Nation to Spotify, Under the Microscope Apr 20, 2018

In recent weeks, the businesses that present music to the public have undergone major shifts.

Cardi B Arrives at the Top Apr 12, 2018

The 25-year-old’s LP “Invasion of Privacy” is part of her broad-scale pop culture takeover. A conversation about her rise and debut album.

Logic, XXXTentacion and Hip-Hop Morality in 2018 Apr 06, 2018

A conversation about the earnest rapper and the SoundCloud renegade, both successes of modern internet-driven rap fandom.

Kacey Musgraves and Ashley McBryde, Country Traditionalists With a Twist Mar 30, 2018

Two new albums put a spotlight on Nashville’s ongoing, agonized relationship with female performers.

Ashlee Simpson: You Asked, We Answered Mar 16, 2018

Part two of our conversation about the mid-2000s pop star features debates about her MTV reality show and “S.N.L.” debacle, and a listener mailbag.

Was Ashlee Simpson Underappreciated? Discuss Mar 09, 2018

In the mid-2000s, the pop singer had platinum albums and an MTV reality show. Hear the first of two conversations about Ms. Simpson’s misunderstood career.

Lucy Dacus, Soccer Mommy, the Breeders and the Future of Indie Rock Mar 02, 2018

A conversation about carefully considered creative paths — and how pristine voices with powerful messages are amplified — as three strong new albums arrive

In Defense of Soundtracks. And Fergie. Feb 24, 2018

What’s responsible for the recent soundtrack renaissance that brought albums from “Black Panther” and “The Greatest Showman” to the top of the charts?

The Complex Intersection Where Rap and the Legal System Collide Feb 16, 2018

A conversation with a criminal lawyer about the racial politics of legal representation, the Meek Mill saga and the future prospects of incarcerated would-be stars.

Justin Timberlake Down, Meek Mill Up: How Twitter Swings Public Opinion Feb 09, 2018

The internet’s response to the two musicians after the Super Bowl shows how criticism works these days. Rapid-fire groupthink online can be strong enough to have real-world impact.

Can the Grammys Be Fixed? Jan 30, 2018

Big stars didn’t show up. Ratings were down. Hip-hop was once again shut out of the major categories. Can “music’s biggest night” represent what’s really happening in music?

Hear What Music Will Sound Like in 2018 Jan 26, 2018

Flamboyant hip-hop, promising punk rock, intricate bluegrass and more: a conversation about the artists we’re looking forward to following this year.

Remembering the Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan Jan 19, 2018

The lead singer of the Irish rock band, who died at 46, wrote songs in the 1990s that deeply touched young women and Irish listeners while appealing to a worldwide audience

In Streaming, One Goliath Creates Many Davids Jan 12, 2018

Streaming has established itself as the dominant mode of music distribution. What could go wrong? Quite a lot, it turns out.

Is Today’s Jazz Finally Outrunning the Past? Jan 05, 2018

Jazz could have spent 2017 looking backward, focusing on the centennials of foundational figures. But instead, several strains of contemporary jazz thrived.

Will Eminem Ever Change? Dec 22, 2017

After a brief break from the spotlight, the rapper returned with “Revival,” an album that revisited familiar tropes and sounds. Where can he go from here?

The Popcast Answers Your Burning Questions About Pop Music in 2017 Dec 18, 2017

Our readers picked the topics of conversation, which included Fergie, the state of streaming and evolutions in Latin pop

In 2017, Pop Music Made Triumph Out of Tough Times Dec 08, 2017

From Lorde to Kendrick Lamar, many of the albums and songs on our critics’ best-of lists showcased the work of musicians meeting difficult circumstances with artistic fortitude.

After 40 Years, U2 Is Still Huge. Why? Dec 02, 2017

A conversation about the band’s 14th album, “Songs of Experience,” and its ongoing quest for bigness.

Remembering Lil Peep Nov 22, 2017

The 21-year-old rapper, who died last week, found a unique way to unite the languages of hip-hop and emo.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ Has Arrived. Let’s Discuss. Nov 14, 2017

Ms. Swift plays a different game on her sixth album — making pop music that directly competes with the rest of the field’s dominant players.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ Is Almost Here. Let’s Discuss. Nov 09, 2017

She hasn’t done interviews, but the pop star has been leaving hints about what to expect on her sixth album. Our writers listen to the signs.

How Will Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone Be Remembered? Nov 03, 2017

A new biography of the magazine’s founder has been praised by our critic and slammed by its subject.

What Are the Billboard Charts Really Measuring? Oct 27, 2017

Changes to the formulas used to build albums and singles charts will weigh paid streams more than free ones. What will the impact be?

The Persistence of Pink and Kelly Clarkson, Outspoken Pop Survivors Oct 20, 2017

Two of the music world’s biggest voices and boldest personalities are back. Deep into successful careers, where have their paths diverged?

Shania Twain Was Country’s Crossover Queen. What Is She Now? Oct 13, 2017

In the 15 years since she last released an album, the music industry has undergone big changes, but Ms. Twain’s new LP still debuted at No. 1.

Tom Petty, a Secret Punk on Rock’s Mount Rushmore Oct 04, 2017

He was a student of the ’60s who learned from his elders, but put his own deliberate spin on rock ’n’ roll.

National Anthem Protests, From ‘Jazzing the Banner’ to Taking a Knee Sep 29, 2017

“The Star-Spangled Banner” has long been a site of dissent and disagreement. A conversation about the history of the anthem, and those who have protested it.

Bye, Bro. In Country Music, It’s the Year of the Gentleman. Sep 22, 2017

Nashville has been undergoing a gender crisis for most of the 2010s. Is the latest development — kinder men — a solution?

From Instagram to ‘Bodak Yellow,’ Cardi B Has Arrived Sep 15, 2017

The rapper behind one of the summer’s biggest hits has made swift moves in the music industry, and is making waves in the fashion world, too.

Women Dominating Rock: There’s More to the Conversation Sep 11, 2017

What happens when the media shines a light on feminist punk? A conversation about D.I.Y. scenes and representation.

The Popcast Answers Your Questions About Beyoncé, Music Videos and More Sep 02, 2017

On this week’s episode, our readers picked the topics of conversation, which include Lil Wayne, merchandise and Camila Cabello.

Is SoundCloud a Business or a Community? Aug 25, 2017

If the music-streaming service disappeared, a culture might vanish too. A conversation about where the tech and culture worlds collide.

Kesha and Taylor Swift Find New Voices Aug 18, 2017

On “Rainbow,” Kesha steps away from her old persona but keeps her former spark. In court, Taylor Swift speaks with no filter.

What Keeps Phish Fans Coming Back for More? Aug 11, 2017

The band just completed a 13-show run in New York where it didn’t repeat any songs, and its fans are already hungering for the next residency.

Is Arcade Fire Its Own Worst Enemy? Aug 04, 2017

As the band released its most divisive album yet, it embarked on a rollout that confused its narrative even further.

Celebrating Two of Rock’s Big Voices, Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell Jul 28, 2017

A conversation about two singers in different bands who left significant musical and emotional legacies

Streaming Is Taking Over Pop, but It’s Far From Flawless Jul 21, 2017

Spotify, SoundCloud, Tidal: Seemingly every major streaming service has suffered through some controversy lately

From Jay-Z to Prodigy, It’s Time to Talk About Hip-Hop’s Elders Jul 14, 2017

A new album from Jay-Z, documentaries about Sean Combs and Dr. Dre, and the death of Prodigy have stirred new thinking about older artists

Can K-pop Conquer America? Jun 30, 2017

Fanaticism about this Korean genre is on the rise in the United States, but it hasn’t cracked mainstream pop culture

Hip-Hop’s Punk Moment Has Arrived Jun 23, 2017

SoundCloud rap is a raw, rowdy, rebellious movement fueled by young rappers looking outside the genre for inspiration.

Katy Perry, Lorde and Halsey: How to Make a Pop Album in 2017 Jun 16, 2017

Three female pop stars, three different approaches: a conversation about their new albums, on Popcast.

Why We’re Still Listening to the Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’ Jun 09, 2017

Our pop music critics are not fans of record anniversaries, but 50 years after the creation of “Sgt. Pepper,” there are still lessons to be learned from the album.

Latin Pop Thrives, No Bieber Required Jun 02, 2017

“Despacito” is the first Spanish-language song to top the chart since “Macarena,” but there are many more interesting shifts in Latin pop today.

Festivals That Inspire Awe, and Festivals That Lead to Criminal Investigations May 26, 2017

Music fests are ubiquitous, but only some are curated well enough to be thrilling. And there’s the Fyre Festival.

Harry Styles and John Mayer, Teardrops on Their Guitars May 19, 2017

The One Direction member and the pop-blues poster boy have a few things in common.

Paramore Returns, Headed Straight For the 1980s May 12, 2017

One of the most impressive rock bands working in the mainstream has taken a left turn. Where is Paramore headed, and how did it inspire scores of artists?

Finding Feist’s Pleasure and Pain May 05, 2017

The singer-songwriter’s new album is a low-fi exploration of extreme emotions. How does it relate to her earlier hits, and how did she get here?

How Lil Uzi Vert Turned Rap Into Rock and Became a Pop Star Apr 28, 2017

He’s a rapper, a social media phenomenon, the guy yelling “ya” on Migos’s hit “Bad and Boujee.” What’s the secret of Uzi’s success?

A Deep Dig on Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole’s Hip-Hop’s Values Apr 21, 2017

The two rappers recall an earlier time in the genre’s history, in terms of aesthetics and politics. How do they fit in today?

How Do You Solve a Problem Like the Chainsmokers? Apr 14, 2017

In three years, the duo has had several hits while offending all sorts of people. What does its sound say about EDM?

Jazz in 2017: The Music Is Thriving, Though Support Is in Peril Apr 07, 2017

Kamasi Washington and some Los Angeles musicians are producing vital recordings, but N.E.A. funding is uncertain. A conversation about the state of jazz.

Drake Changed Hip-Hop’s Sound. Can He Change the Business? Mar 27, 2017

His release isn’t an album or a mixtape, but a playlist — a move that could position him to shift the music industry once again.

How Chuck Berry Became a Rock ’n’ Roll Mastermind Mar 22, 2017

He wrote the guitar licks, told the clever stories, duckwalked across the stage and forever changed popular music

The Billboard Charts Are Wackier Than Ever: What’s Going On? Mar 17, 2017

Streaming figures into chart positions now, a fact that has started yielding some very odd results.

The Greatest Trick Ed Sheeran Ever Pulled Was Convincing the World He’s an Underdog Mar 10, 2017

The British singer/songwriter is a record-smashing superstar, but he still plays the spurned lover. How does he do it?

What Future and Migos Tell Us About Atlanta’s Rap Dominance Mar 03, 2017

A panel discusses Migos, Lil Yachty and more of the city’s budding stars on Popcast.

What Happens When Nashville Outsiders Become Country’s Big Stars? Feb 24, 2017

The city synonymous with the country music business is in transition. How is it dealing with rapid change, and the Trump era? A panel discusses on Popcast.

Were There Any Real Winners at the Grammys? Feb 14, 2017

It was an awards show filled with flubs, tear, apologies and protests. The New York Times pop music writers discuss Adele, Beyoncé, Chance the Rapper and more on Popcast.

Will the Grammy Awards End With a Big Surprise? Feb 10, 2017

The New York Times pop team debates whether Sturgill Simpson will pull out a surprise victory in a night stacked with Adele vs. Beyoncé face-offs.

Punk Rock Is Alive and Well, No Politics Required Feb 03, 2017

The current political climate doesn’t come up even once during the latest Popcast, a conversation about Japandroids, the Menzingers and the state of rock.

The War Over ‘La La Land’: Gotta Hear Both Sides Jan 27, 2017

The toast of Hollywood has divided our culture writers. Two of the movie’s boosters go to battle with two of its critics in this week’s Popcast.

The Crooner in Chief: Barack Obama’s Musical Legacy Jan 20, 2017

He brought soul and hip-hop into the White House like no president before him. A discussion of Mr. Obama’s most powerful musical moments, on this week’s Popcast.

Hip-Hop’s Elders and Youth Go to Battle (Again) Jan 13, 2017

Should rap’s young stars have more reverence for the genre’s pioneers, and vice versa? A conversation about hip-hop’s latest generation-gap struggles.

Mariah Carey and New Year’s Eve: Is the Fantasy Over? Jan 06, 2017

A panel discusses Ms. Carey's recent New Year's Eve performance and career.

10 Songs That Tell the Story of 2016 Dec 30, 2016

A round table of pop experts discuss the year in tracks, from Maren Morris's "Rich" to Twenty One Pilots' "Ride" to Rihanna's "Sex With Me."

The Year in Jazz Music Dec 23, 2016

A roundtable of writers discuss trends and notable moments of the year.

Pop Music Trends in 2016 Dec 16, 2016

The pop music team discusses news themes and what may shape it for years to come.

The Best Albums of 2016 Dec 09, 2016

This week, The New York Times music team reflects on albums that defined 2016.

For Bruno Mars and the Weeknd, the Past as Muse Dec 02, 2016

This week, a discussion of new releases by both artists who have more in common than it may appear.

Revisiting Kanye West's 'The Life of Pablo' Nov 25, 2016

After a series of bizarre shows, Kanye West canceled the remainder of his "Saint Pablo" tour last week. This weekend, we're listening back to the conversation Jon Caramanica led at the time of the album's release.

Mourning the Greats: Leonard Cohen, Leon Russell and Mose Allison Nov 18, 2016

This year has seen the loss of Prince, David Bowie, Merle Haggard, and, now, three more towering figures have died. A look at their legacies.

Popcast: Division and Unity in Pop, and Beyond Nov 12, 2016

Can the cultural events of the last couple of weeks connect to macro political realities?

Popcast: A Tribe Called Quest Returns Nov 05, 2016

A discussion of the group’s legacy and how it fits into the current hip-hop landscape

Popcast: What’s Next for Kesha? Oct 29, 2016

The pop star has been locked in an ugly contract dispute with Dr. Luke; two writers who have examined her case break down the pop star’s situation.

Popcast: Nu-Dance Rises With Help From Streaming Oct 22, 2016

This week, Jon Caramanica and guests discuss club music.

Dylancast: Bob Dylan Wins the Nobel Prize! Oct 15, 2016

Our music and book critics discuss Dylan, the musician, and Dylan, the writer.

Popcast: Tyler Glenn at the Crossroads Oct 08, 2016

His fiery solo album questions almost everything he used to believe in.

Popcast: Finding the Joy (and Humor) in Bon Iver’s Pain Sep 30, 2016

The new Bon Iver album abandons many of the musical choices that informed much of his earlier music.

Popcast: The Next Teen Star Machine Sep 23, 2016

Shawn Mendes broke out on Vine. The next breeding ground for pop stars might be Musical.ly, a social music app for teens.

Popcast: Fall Preview Sep 16, 2016

The pop music team discusses some of their favorite upcoming fall releases.

Popcast: The Return of New York Rap Sep 10, 2016

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Young M.A. represent an unexpected moment.

Popcast: Stardom in the Age of Social Media Sep 02, 2016

With celebrities so accessible online they have to go above and beyond when meeting fans in the arena.

Popcast: Frank Ocean Returns Aug 25, 2016

A roundtable discussion on the release of the musician’s latest works.

Popcast: Race and Hip-Hop, a Conversation Aug 19, 2016

A discussion about the current wave of white rappers trying to elide conversations about race, with varying success.

Popcast: Janet Jackson and the Legacy of ‘Control’ Aug 12, 2016

A discussion on how pop failed Ms. Jackson for years, and what it has done for her lately.

Popcast: A Send-Off for Ben Ratliff Aug 05, 2016

Mr. Ratliff, a music critic at The Times since 1996, discusses his tenure.

Popcast: Gucci Mane and Atlanta Hip-Hop Jul 29, 2016

Jon Caramanica explains how Gucci Mane, Lil Yachty and 21 Savage are all part of the same long line.

Popcast: Dissecting the Legacy of Alan Vega and Suicide Jul 22, 2016

Days after Mr. Vega’s death, the journalist Geeta Dayal discusses Suicide’s early days.

Popcast: The Return of Pop-Punk and Emo Jul 15, 2016

Pop music writers discuss Blink-182’s influence on modern pop-punk bands.

Popcast: J Balvin’s Reggaeton Mission Jul 08, 2016

Ben Ratliff and Joe Coscarelli discuss how the Latin music superstar is rewriting the rules.

Popcast: Prince’s Fateful Flight and Judith Hill’s Story Jun 24, 2016

For those looking to understand Prince’s musical life in his final years, the larger story of Ms. Hill is illuminating.

Popcast: Techno’s Dual Identity Jun 10, 2016

A discussion of techno as youth music and heritage culture.

Popcast: Hip-Hop Concerts and the Police Jun 03, 2016

After a fatal shooting at a T.I. concert, Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli discuss rap, race and security with Minya Oh, a.k.a. Miss Info, and Joie Manda of Interscope Records.

Popcast: Arthur Russell May 27, 2016

New York Times music critics discuss Mr. Russell’s wide-angle, slow-release significance.

Popcast: Chance the Rapper and Drake May 20, 2016

New York Times music critics discuss the latest albums by both artists.

Popcast: Radiohead and James Blake May 12, 2016

New York Times critics compare the latest releases.

Popcast: Britney Spears May 08, 2016

A discussion of Ms. Spears’s conservatorship.

Popcast: Beyoncé Serves Up ‘Lemonade’ Apr 26, 2016

New York Times critics and writers discuss the singer’s new album.

Popcast: Caetano Veloso Apr 22, 2016

Mr. Veloso, the great Brazilian singer and songwriter, discusses current events in his country.

Popcast: Remembering Prince Apr 22, 2016

New York Times culture critics discuss Prince’s music and impact.

Popcast:Country Music Agitators Apr 16, 2016

New York Times music critics discuss Sturgill Simpson and Merle Haggard.

Popcast: Jazz Artists in Exile Apr 08, 2016

New York Times music critics discuss recent biopics about Miles Davis and Chet Baker.

Popcast: Jazz in Museums Mar 25, 2016

Nate Chinen and Ben Ratliff on the ways jazz is being presented at museum spaces.

Popcast: Gwen Stefani Returns Mar 18, 2016

Ben Ratliff, Times music critic and Caryn Ganz, Times pop music editor, discuss the singer’s new album.

Popcast: The Art and Future of Criticism Mar 11, 2016

New York Times critics gather to discuss their newly released books.

Popcast: Macklemore’s Aesthetic Mission Feb 26, 2016

Jon Caramanica chats with the rapper about the role of music in creating change.

Popcast: Kanye West”s Unfinished Album Feb 19, 2016

A roundtable discussion on “The Life of Pablo.”

Popcast: Beyonce and Rihanna Take a Different Approach Feb 12, 2016

Times critics discuss the recent music releases of each singer.

Popcast: R&B’s New Identity Jan 29, 2016

New York Times music critics discuss changes within the genre.

Popcast: Tropical House Movement Jan 22, 2016

Ben Ratliff and Michaelangelo Matos discuss the genre.

Popcast: Love, Death and David Bowie Jan 13, 2016

A conversation about the pop star’s life and work with the philosopher Simon Critchley, author of “Bowie.”

Popcast: Jazz Moments of 2015 Jan 08, 2016

New York Times music critics discuss the year in jazz.

Popcast: Making Sense of 2015 in Music Dec 30, 2015

Music critics for The New York Times talk about the themes, currents and big ideas that defined the year.

Popcast: Best Songs of 2015 Dec 23, 2015

Music critics for The New York Times discuss their favorite songs.

Popcast: Best Albums of 2015 Dec 18, 2015

Music critics for The New York Times discuss the year’s highlights.

Popcast: Joe Casey of Protomartyr Dec 11, 2015

Ben Ratliff chats with Mr. Casey about the lyrics on the band’s album and more.

Popcast: Sophie and Grimes Dec 04, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Jon Pareles discuss their approaches to music.

Popcast: The Return of Adele Nov 13, 2015

Jon Caramanica and Jon Pareles discuss her new album, “25.”

Popcast: Taylor Swift and Drake, Friendship vs. Partnership Nov 06, 2015

The stars have found both help and hindrance from those who surround them.

Popcast: Joanna Newsom Oct 30, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Melissa Marturano talk about the critique of Ms. Newsom and her music.

Popcast: Justin Bieber Is Back. Thank Poo Bear. Oct 16, 2015

The Times’s pop music squad on the unlikely songwriter behind “Where Are Ü Now” and “What Do You Mean?”

Popcast: The Influence of ‘808s and Heartbreak’ Oct 09, 2015

Times music critics discuss the influence of Kanye West’s album on current musical styles.

Popcast: Janet Jackson Returns With ‘Unbreakable’ Oct 02, 2015

Times music critics discuss Ms. Jackson’s new album and tour.

Lin-Manuel Miranda On How Hip-Hop Influenced Him and ‘Hamilton’ Sep 25, 2015

Jon Caramanica and Mr. Miranda discuss the songs and rappers that inspired him and his work.

Popcast: Jen Shyu Explores the Unknown Sep 18, 2015

Times critics discuss the jazz artist whose music incorporates poetry and dreams.

Popcast: Jon Batiste and ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ Sep 10, 2015

Times music critics discuss Mr. Batiste’s role as bandleader on the show.

Popcast: 2015 MTV Video Music Awards Sep 01, 2015

The night belonged to those who shocked without needing to perform.

Popcast: The Weeknd Aug 28, 2015

Times critics discuss The Weeknd’s music and new album, “Beauty Behind the Madness.”

Popcast: ‘Where Are Ü Now’ Aug 25, 2015

Times music critics discuss Justin Bieber’s collaboration with Skrillex and Diplo.

Carly Rae Jepsen Grows Up Aug 21, 2015

With “Emotion,” the singer known best for “Call Me Maybe” embraces a seductive side to her music.

Popcast: ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Aug 14, 2015

Jon Caramanica and Reginald C. Dennis, a founding editor of XXL magazine, discuss N.W.A and the film.

Drake’s Bully Pulpit Aug 07, 2015

Jon Caramanica, Minya Oh and Rawiya Kameir discuss Drake and OVO Fest.

Popcast: Titus Andronicus Jul 31, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Joe Coscarelli discuss the New Jersey punk band and their new album.

Popcast: Prince Royce, Pitbull and Multilingual Pop Music Jul 24, 2015

Ben Ratliff, Jon Caramanica and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd discuss international and multilingual pop.

Reggae’s Summer Flirtation Jul 17, 2015

A look at the desire for a reggae or reggae-like worldwide pop hit between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Hip-Hop’s Silent Majority Jul 10, 2015

Hip-hop’s mainstream can often be confused with prosperity gospel, so it’s striking that in 2015, at least a couple of the genre’s biggest selling stars want nothing to do with such narratives.

Apple Music and Beats 1 Jun 26, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Ben Sisario discuss Apple Music, the much-anticipated music-streaming service to be launched June 30.

Popcast: “Tomatoes” Giving Country Its Bite Jun 19, 2015

Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss the women of country music.

Popcast: Tenement’s Bright Double Album Jun 12, 2015

Ben Ratliff, Maria Sherman and Liz Pelly discuss the band’s new album and punk music.

Jason Derulo Glides Across Genres Jun 05, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss Jason Derulo’s new album.

ASAP Rocky Returns to a Haze May 29, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss ASAP Rocky’s new album.

Shamir’s Distinctive Voice May 22, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss the singer’s blend of different genres.

Joey Alexander, the Young Jazz Sensation May 15, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Nate Chinen discuss Joey Alexander’s debut album.

U2 Prepares to Go on Tour May 08, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Jon Pareles discuss U2 and “Songs of Innocence” as the group heads out on a world tour.

New Albums By Zac Brown Band and Tyler Farr May 01, 2015

Joe Coscarelli and Jon Caramanica discuss records from country dissenters and what, if anything, country’s borders mean anymore.

Kamasi Washington and the West Coast Get Down Apr 24, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss the tenor saxophonist and his roots in the thriving Los Angeles jazz scene.

How Much Festival Is Too Much Festival? Apr 17, 2015

Jon Caramanica, Jon Pareles and Ben Ratliff discuss the vicissitudes and artistic value of music festivals.

The Ongoing Evolution of Charles Lloyd Apr 10, 2015

Jon Pareles and Nate Chinen discuss the jazz saxophonist, flutist and band leader Charles Lloyd.

Kendrick Lamar, Dissenting From the Mainstream as He Influences It Mar 27, 2015

Discussing the rapper’s new album, “To Pimp A Butterfly.”

On ‘Empire’: The Show, the Music and the Calamitous Finale Mar 20, 2015

Jon Caramanica and Gilbert Cruz, of The Times, and Justin Charity, of Complex, discuss “Empire.”

Blurred Legal Lines Mar 13, 2015

Ben Sisario, Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss the “Blurred Lines” copyright trial.

Madonna is Still Madonna On ‘Rebel Heart’ Mar 06, 2015

Jon Pareles and Ben Ratliff discuss “Rebel Heart,” the new album by Madonna.

Who Is Boots? Feb 20, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Jon Pareles discuss the 28-year-old singer, songwriter and producer.

Grammys Post-Mortem Feb 10, 2015

Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss Kanye West, Beck, Iggy Azalea, Papa John’s and other stars of the show.

Björk Gets Personal Jan 30, 2015

Jon Pareles tells Ben Ratliff about club-hopping with Björk in Iceland and listening to her new album, “Vulnerica,” which was released last week.

Departed Tastemakers: ASAP Yams and Kim Fowley Jan 23, 2015

Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss two connectors with keen ears, who died last week.

Sleater-Kinney Returns Jan 16, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Jon Pareles are joined by Caryn Ganz, of RollingStone.com, to discuss “No Cities to Love,” the new album by Sleater-Kinney.

All About Meghan Trainor Jan 09, 2015

Ben Ratliff and Joe Coscarelli discuss Ms. Trainor as surprise, as a formula, as contrivance and as a product of Nantucket, hip-hop and Nashville.

The Year in Jazz 2014 Jan 02, 2015

Jon Pareles, Nate Chinen and Ben Ratliff discuss the movements of jazz in 2014.

The Year in Pop 2014 Dec 19, 2014

Ben Ratliff, Jon Pareles, Jon Caramanica and Nate Chinen discuss pop music’s dominant themes, lessons and preoccupations in 2014.

The Best Albums of 2014 Dec 12, 2014

The pop critics of The New York Times discuss their lists of the Top 10 albums of the year.

The Pop Savvy of ‘Beyond the Lights’ Dec 05, 2014

Jon Caramanica and A.O. Scott discuss what this modern update of “The Bodyguard” gets right about the music business.

London Calls Mary J. Blige Nov 21, 2014

Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss Mary J. Blige and her new album, “The London Sessions.”

How Bobby Shmurda Danced Into the Hot 100 Nov 14, 2014

The 20-year-old East Flatbush rapper Bobby Shmurda has just jumped from No. 8 to No. 6 on the Billboard chart.

Dave Grohl’s ‘Sonic Highways’ Nov 07, 2014

Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss “Sonic Highways,” the new album and HBO mini-series by Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters.

Listening to Taylor Swift’s ‘1989’ Oct 27, 2014

Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss Taylor Swift’s poppy new album.

The Myth of Scott Walker Oct 17, 2014

Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss Scott Walker and “Soused,” his new album with the drone-metal band Sunn O))).

Tinashe, FKA Twigs and the Semantics of R&B Oct 10, 2014

Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss the singers Tinashe and FKA twigs, and whether they point toward a new conception of R&B.

Parsing Steve Coleman’s Genius Sep 26, 2014

Ben Ratliff and Nate Chinen discuss the jazz saxophonist, a recent winner of a MacArthur “genius” grant.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Chris Brown Sep 19, 2014

Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss the challenges of appraising Chris Brown.

U2’s ‘Songs of Innocence’: Gift or Spam? Sep 12, 2014

Ben Ratliff and Jon Pareles discuss the new U2 album, released this week for free in iTunes.

Our Vacations with Ariana Grande and Kate Bush Sep 05, 2014

Ben Ratliff and Jon Caramanica discuss new projects by Ms. Grande and Ms. Bush.

The Alchemist Aug 08, 2014

Ben Ratliff talks to Jennifer Herrema of the band Black Bananas.

Songs of the Summer Aug 01, 2014

Jon Caramanica and Ben Ratliff discuss some of the most popular songs of the summer.

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