Articles by Margaret Farrell
Lomelda, “Hannah”
“Hannah” is a capsule of acceptance, frustration, and growth.
Disclosure, “Energy”
The Lawrence brothers fail to maintain any exciting spark that existed on their 2014 debut.
H.C. McEntire, “Eno Axis”
McEntire’s sophomore record is an album to escape into without being a delusional utopia.
Victoria Monét Discusses Her Assertive Debut Album “Jaguar”
The R&B songwriter’s album is for “the women who like to say what’s on their mind.”
Skullcrusher, “Skullcrusher” EP
“Skullcrusher” is an exciting, strange collection of songs from a new songwriter who showcases immense promise.
In Conversation: Tei Shi on Going Indie with “Die 4 Ur Love”
The EP marks the Colombian-Canadian songwriter’s first release since cutting ties with her major label.
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.
