album review

Bon Iver’s “SABLE, fABLE” unifies the band’s identity and inspired a basketball game

Bon Iver, a band led by multitalented artist Justin Vernon, released their fifth album “SABLE, fABLE” on Friday, April 11. In an interview with WYEP-FM, Vernon explained that although the record is segmented into the first three songs, “SABLE,” and the following nine tracks, “fABLE,” the two sections combine together to construct the complete record.

| Staff Writer

‘Brighter days ahead’: Ariana Grande’s deluxe album brings rich production and vulnerable lyrics

In her latest release, “eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead,” Ariana Grande reaffirms her place as one of pop music’s defining voices. This deluxe edition of Grande’s album “eternal sunshine,” which was released in March 2024, feels not only like the culmination of her previous albums, but also like a love letter to each era of her artistic and personal evolution.

| Contributing Writer

Lady Gaga’s triumphant return to pop: ‘MAYHEM’ album review

“MAYHEM,” although uneven in quality, sees the return of Gaga’s signature sound and contains some of her best work in over a decade. The glorious and should-have-been-lead-single “Abracadabra” is a genuine return to original form, with a melodic, thumping, and ecstatic headbanger aesthetic reminiscent of “Judas” or “Bad Romance.”

| Staff Writer

‘In the Blue Light’ Album Review

Performed and recorded at the famous Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City — which has featured greats such as Cannonball Adderley, Donald Byrd, and Geri Allen — “In the Blue Light” is an assortment of 12 reimagined tracks from her current discography. The album does a beautiful job of not only establishing Kelela’s versatility as an artist, but also her undeniable prowess as both a vocalist and lyricist.

| Senior Forum Editor

So close to… what, exactly?: Tate McRae’s identity crisis

On my first listen of Tate McRae’s new album, “So Close To What,” a seemingly very important question formed in my mind: Why is Tate McRae famous?

| Contributing Writer

Ethel Cain’s “Perverts” succeeds in its intention, but drones on needlessly

On her new EP, “Perverts,” artist Ethel Cain leaves behind the cannibalized character from her debut album and ventures into themes of eroticism and pleasure with a new, darker sound. 

| Contributing Writer

Vampire Weekend makes its triumphant return on ‘Only God Was Above Us’

There’s always been a nostalgic quality to Vampire Weekend’s music. The indie-pop act, formed nearly 20 years ago by four Columbia University students in New York City, has never ceased to find a way to craft songs that make you feel as if you’ve already heard them before.  Yet, with “Only God Was Above Us” […]

| Senior Sports Editor

Best Albums of 2022: A Response to Pitchfork

While I agree with some of Pitchfork’s picks, I feel like some big hitters were overlooked. Plus, I like making lists.

| Managing Chief of Copy

Harry Styles is timeless, if not a bit contrived, on “Harry’s House”

On May 20, Harry Styles released “Harry’s House,” the artist’s third studio album. “Harry’s House” follows the artist’s previous successes and is a vibrant, cohesive addition to his repertoire.

| Junior Business Director

“Tell Me That It’s Over” is an intricate and smart follow-up to Wallows’ debut

On March 25, Wallows released “Tell Me That It’s Over,” their much-anticipated sophomore record. In the album, the indie-alt band touches on ideas of uncertainty, trust, evocation and responsibility in […]

| Junior Business Director

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