Review: Birdy’s raw talent soars

By Ashley Wolf, STAFF WRITER • March 28, 2016

"Beautiful Lies” is a 14-track album that tests Birdy’s vocal ability more than anything else in her music career thus far.

Review: Emotional lyrics give life to Stefani’s latest

By Jacqueline Borwick, STAFF WRITER • March 22, 2016

After an almost 10-year break, American singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani released her third solo album, “This Is What the Truth Feels Like,” on March 18.

Review: 2000s band’s nostalgic tracks please

By Angela Weldon, ASSISTANT LIFE & CULTURE EDITOR • March 22, 2016

3 Door's Down's signature 2000s rock-band style is unmistakable on its previous albums, and “Us and the Night” is no exception.

Review: Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album stuns

By Cecilia Morales, Staff Awiter • March 8, 2016

Lamar is one of the few artists in the music industry who truly captures the raw emotions and difficulties of living in a system of oppression.

Review: Garratt’s style shifts create exciting album

By Tyler Obropta, Staff Writer • March 7, 2016

Much of the album sizzles with a popping energy courtesy of Garratt’s piercing falsetto and an inclination toward a style that’s constantly changing.

Review: Country icon’s cover album is a breath of fresh air

By Silas White, Staff Writer • March 3, 2016

Nelson’s voice doesn’t quite have the same energy as it did when he was younger, but it’s sure to please any fan of his, whether they are fans of country or just fans of the American songbook.

Review: Synth sounds and raw lyrics strike success for The 1975

By Hayley Tarleton, Assistant Desgin Editor • March 1, 2016

From start to finish, “I Like It When You Sleep” is strikingly different from the debut album, but The 1975 lets longtime fans know it’s still the same group from before through pretentious lyrics and beautiful compositions.

Review: Yung Lean’s latest falls short

By Cecilia Morales, Staff Writer • February 29, 2016

Lean’s third studio album, “Warlord,” is no exception. Released Feb. 25, “Warlord” is both an expected and refreshing mix of Lean’s signature, heavily synthesized sound. Throughout the album, Lean’s, monotone voice dominates each track, making the entire thing hard to listen to all at once.

Review: Animal Collective latest can’t compare to previous

By Liam Whalen, Staff Writer • February 26, 2016

This album is interesting on its own but is disappointing when compared to the band’s previous catalog. Many might find this album enjoyable, and it is at times, but longtime fans could find themselves regretfully wanting to listen to Animal Collective’s other albums instead.

Review: Mýa’s emotional tracks soar

By Jacqueline Borwick, Staff Writer • February 23, 2016

Smoove Jones” is an expression of the singer’s passion for music through her lyrics. It is evident that this project was a labor of love for Mýa as it was independently made and self-funded, which demonstrates her profound effort and commitment to this craft.

Review: Guest artists augment West’s latest success

By Matthew Radulski, Staff Writer • February 22, 2016

Tracks like “Ultralight Beam” and “Real Friends” are superb, and the album’s themes of depression, marriage and fame are examined from various angles.

Review: Generic album bores listeners

By Matthew Radulski, Staff Writer • February 15, 2016

“American Idol” has produced only a handful of legitimate mainstream pop acts, and Lee DeWyze is not one of them. With “Oil & Water,” the season-nine winner plays it soft and safe. The album...