Music

What makes a summer jam? Is it the sunniest chorus, the hottest beat, the most weeks on the charts? Do the lyrics have to be about beaches and barbecues, or is it a question of vibe? What if it’s asong on your summerplaylist and no one else’s? We believe the …

Charli XCX wants to be your new queen of summer. Her case? A hot streak of experimental pop bangers that have bent and contorted our pop expectations over the last few months — all of which have led to her latest double release of “Focus” and “No Angel.” Charli has …

When Lee Ann Womack stormed the country and pop charts in 2000 with the inspirational ballad, “I Hope You Dance,” Cassadee Pope was still a young student growing up in Florida, a decade away from becoming the first female champion on the third season of the U.S. version on The …

Kelleigh Bannen has never felt particularly precious about traditional release methods, and since her last EP, Cheap Sunglasses, she’s essentially made music as the muse has moved her. Today, Bannen’s back with three new songs: “John Who,” “Happy Birthday” and “The Joneses,” all of which showcase the Nashvillian’s soulful vocal …

In continuing recognition of its wide range of influences, from country, folk and bluegrass to gospel, soul and blues, the Americana Music Association takes its latest recipient of a special honor from all three of the latter categories. New Orleans singer-songwriter Irma Thomas will be awarded a 2018 Lifetime Achievement …

Taylor Swift welcomed Robbie Williams to the stage during her Saturday night concert at London’s Wembley Stadium to perform the British singer’s 1997 hit “Angels.” Swift opened the ballad alone at the piano before Williams – wearing a Reputation Tour shirt – emerged onstage unannounced, sparking a thunderous response from …

Florence and the Machine grapple with the anguish of getting ghosted on their brooding new ballad, “Big God.” The track will appear on the band’s upcoming album, High as Hope, out June 29th. “Big God” mixes a low, plaintive piano melody with sparse and steady percussion, and finds Florence Welch …

Ryan Adams breezed through Denver, Colorado’s ABC affiliate, Denver7 to fulfill a lifelong dream and deliver the nightly weather report Wednesday. Adams credited his interest in meteorology to the 1996 movie Twister, and as he took his place in front of the green screen, he joked,“Ok, I don’t know what …

EDITORS’ PICK: Snail Mail, LushThe debut full-length from Maryland singer-guitarist Lindsey Jordan is a sign that “indie rock has officially entered its ‘Black Crowes era,’ where young artists refigure music from the decade they were born,” writes Kory Grow. “But that’s not a bad thing here… [Jordan has] packed Lush, …

As far as country music award galas go, Chris Stapleton kept a low profile at Wednesday night’s CMT Awards in Nashville. The serial award winner was up for only two categories, but left his mark with a heartfelt performance of “Millionaire,” off his From A Room: Volume 2 album, outside …