Articles by Margaret Farrell
Gum Country, “Somewhere”
The Courtneys offshoot roams across tennis courts and parties they don’t want to attend on “Somewhere.”
Charli XCX, “how i’m feeling now”
“how i’m feeling now” finds Charli stuck at home with her own anxieties and a tumultuous relationship.
Dua Lipa, “Future Nostalgia”
Lipa’s vocal dexterity and blissful pop production carry the weight of her second record.
In Conversation: Soccer Mommy Confronts the Dark Side of Existence
Sophie Allison on how she’s handling being stuck inside and her post-release reflections on “Color Theory.”
In Conversation: Banoffee Leans Into Her Family History on “Look At Us Now Dad”
Australian singer Martha Brown explains how familial research and a move to LA inspired her glittering debut.
The 2020 Grammys Had a Confusing Energy
The celebration of indulgence contended with Deborah Dugan’s firing and Kobe Bryant’s tragic death.
Blame It on Their Juice: The Year in Songs About Fruit
From peachy to rotten, we highlight seven tracks from 2019’s produce section.
Kim Gordon, “No Home Record”
Kim’s dissatisfaction with and aggression toward toxic American capitalism are burned into this album.
Ten Years Later, The xx’s Self-Titled Debut Remains Indefinable
“xx” is as melancholic as ever a decade after the London trio introduced themselves to the world.
Tyler, the Creator, “IGOR”
The heart of “IGOR” deals with lust and obsession—a spectrum of desire requiring listeners to think long and hard about the reality of a relationship.
Nilüfer Yanya Isn’t Afraid to Confront Herself on “Miss Universe”
The British singer-songwriter’s debut deals with mental health and coming to terms with the limits and manipulations of our wellness industry.
The Grammys Actually Showed Some Progress This Year
Although the pressure to be politically correct and proportionally progressive was strong, the live performances championed female talent and admiration.
Jessica Pratt Wants You To Avoid Self-Doubt
The singer-songwriter and LA native talks about her new album “Quiet Signs” and surviving on an emotional battlefield.
A Trend We Can Get Down With: Female Musicians Writing About Receiving Oral Sex
Women are using music to detail exactly how they want it (NSFW). We’ve compiled twelve of the best examples.
Gucci Mane, “Evil Genius”
On “Evil Genius,” Gucci’s raps about his past are piled with repetitive tropes and uncreative imagery.
The 1975, “A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships”
Finding a balance between joy and self-seriousness, this is the quartet’s finest and most decadent album to date.
The Language Theory of Julia Holter
“Aviary” walks like a duck and talks like a duck, in album terms, anyway, but the more you pay attention, the less it fits in.
Greta Van Fleet, “Anthem of the Peaceful Army”
The music industry, like history, repeats itself, which is why Greta Van Fleet feels deceptively refreshing—at least to talk about.
