“When the Pawn…” by Fiona Apple

I revisit Fiona Apple’s incredible, unshakeable late-90s sophomore record.

“Shaft (Music From the Soundtrack)” by Isaac Hayes

The record that proved to the world that Isaac Hayes was a bad mother (shut your mouth).

“Jagged Little Pill” by Alanis Morissette

I look back at one of the most important and influential albums of the 90s.

“Dangerous” by Michael Jackson

I attempt to sift through the music and deeply conflicting legacy of Michael Jackson.

9 New Releases You Should Listen To Now [June 2025]

Your latest batch of excellent recent releases is hot out the oven!

17 Yacht Rock Songs That Prove It’s the Best Vibe Ever

All aboard the coolest-sounding cruise in the history of fictional cruises.

“The Marshall Mathers LP” by Eminem

Making the case that Eminem's sophomore album is a transcendent cultural text.

John Williams' "The Empire Strikes Back" Soundtrack Is the Best Sequel in Music History

I look back at one of my favorite childhood movie experiences through music.

15 Rock Songs Tailor-Made for a Perfect Road Trip Soundtrack

Get your motor runnin' with these rock and roll staples.

“Mezmerize” by System of a Down

An underrated mid-200s metal gem turns 20 years old.

“The Epic” by Kamasi Washington

Celebrating one of modern jazz's most ambitious and impressive artistic feats.

11 New Releases You Need to Hear Today [May 2025]

Another month, another list of recent music you must listen to immediately.

19 One-Hit Wonders That Rank Among the Catchiest Songs Ever

It only takes one hit song to etch your name in history.

“Be Yourself Tonight” by Eurythmics

Flat-out one of the best pop-rock records from the 80s.

"Violator" at 35: Why Depeche Mode’s Masterpiece Still Sounds Like the Future

Taking stock of the synth-pop band's best and one of my personal favorites.

“The Infamous” by Mobb Deep

Celebrating one of the East Coast’s finest contributions to hardcore hip-hop

9 Grunge Albums by Bands That Helped Define 90s Rock Music

Time to break out your flannel and air guitars.

"People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" by A Tribe Called Quest

I dive into the significance of one of 1990's most important hip-hop records.

Best Album-Opening Tracks: 15 Must-Hear Anthems Picked By You, the Readers

You commented. I've curated.

“Fear of a Black Planet” by Public Enemy

A legitimately perfect hip-hop records turns 35 (!)

13 ABBA Songs That Prove They Wrote the Best Pop Music of All Time

All hail the Swedish GOATs.

9 New Releases You Need to Hear Today [April 2025]

Hot(ish) off the presses!

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John

Celebrating a pop-rock icon with a look at his 70s classic.

“Bitches Brew” by Miles Davis

Quantifying the greatness of Miles Davis’ jazz-fusion masterpiece.

“Duke” by Genesis

Celebrating the 45th anniversary of Genesis' first stab at pop music stardom.

17 Motown Classics That Defined Some of the Greatest Pop Music Ever

I share my thoughts on the best of the Motor City hit machine.

“That’s the Way of the World” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Celebrating a soul and funk classic for its 50th anniversary.

Every Mariah Carey Album, Ranked From Worst to Best (Part 1) [Updated]

All hail the Queen of Christmas.

“Me Against the World” by 2Pac

Revisiting a legacy-defining moment for Tupac Shakur for its 30th anniversary.

17 Live Albums That Rank Among the Best in Music History

Sometimes, getting out of the studio is the best option.