The Heights

‘The Life of a Showgirl’ Marks the Death of Swift’s Lyricism

Maria Beatriz Saldanha • October 5, 2025

For someone who made Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time list, Taylor Swift delivers an album surprisingly thin on the lyrical depth that once defined her.

Why Are We Still Listening to Oasis?

Milo Priddle • October 3, 2025

Perhaps the biggest headline in music this year has been the reunion of Liam and Noel Gallagher. Better known as Oasis, the chaotic sibling duo hail from Manchester, England, and reached the peak of their popularity during the late ’90s. To fans’ dismay, they split up in 2009 and ceased to release music.

Olivia Dean Captures Love and Loss in ‘The Art of Loving’

Nicole Murphy • October 2, 2025

British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean captured the world’s attention earlier this year at London Stadium with a surprise duet on Sam Fender’s “Rein Me In.” Ever since that viral moment in June, fans across the globe have waited patiently to hear more from the 26-year-old.

Cardi B’s ‘Am I the Drama?’ Feels Five Years Too Late

Brigham Ellis • September 21, 2025

Cardi B’s long-awaited return to music begs one question: Will she be able to meet the high expectations?

Grime Enters the Club as Fred Again.. and Skepta Go ‘Back 2 Back’

Carolina Heeschen • September 21, 2025

Just a few months after “Victory Lap” was released, the pair's first official collaboration, this project continues to merge Skepta’s cutting lyricism with Fred’s expansive electronic production.

Twenty One Pilots Closes a Chapter in ‘Breach’

Leah Stitzel and Abby Rapuano • September 14, 2025

The story of genre-defying band Twenty One Pilots’ new album, Breach, really begins 10 years ago, with the 2015 release of their first chart-topping album, Blurryface. Since then, the band has been building not just a discography, but a world, spanning a decade of albums, music videos, and lore.

‘Play’ Is Sheeran at His Worst

Kendall Poglitsch • September 14, 2025

Ed Sheeran’s new album, Play, proves he’s past his prime.

Songs for Sweater Season: The Arts Section Makes a Fall Playlist

Maddie Mulligan, Maria Beatriz Saldanha, and Milo Priddle • September 11, 2025

To welcome the change in season, our Arts editors have put together a playlist curated for the fall.

‘Swag II’ Is an Exceptionally Personal Addition to Justin Bieber’s Catalog

Nicole Charbit Azpurua • September 9, 2025

The Justin Bieber we’ve been seeing this summer is different—he feels a little looser and a lot more personal.

‘Man’s Best Friend’ Is Too Much of a Good Thing

Leah Stitzel • September 4, 2025

Carpenter’s new album Man’s Best Friend certainly meets the high standards she set nearly a year ago, but doesn’t necessarily stretch beyond them.

‘Wishbone’ Is a Triumphant Return for Conan Gray

Jack Weynand • September 4, 2025

Conan Gray has established himself as one of pop music’s most heartbreaking voices, and on his fourth album, Wishbone, he continues to tell his story—not only displaying his growth as a lyricist and vocalist, but also as a person.

‘Chicken Liver Testimony’ Serves Grit With a Side of Groove

Nicole Charbit Azpurua • April 13, 2025

With its blend of raw instrumentation, lyrical introspection, and collaborative depth, the album captures the essence of youthful exploration.