Katie Crutchfield releases a beautiful album with some of her most potent lyrics on the complicated relationship between love and loss. Each Waxahatchee record explores a slightly different melodic space. Where earlier records focused on lo-fi or alternative rock, Saint Cloud comfortably sits within the genre of Americana. Katie draws from artists like Neil Young (and a bit of Julia Jacklin's Crushing) more than ever while never losing her sharp perspective. For some reason, I find Saint Cloud ... read more

Nandi Rose's music shines brightest when she can balance her incredible storytelling capabilities with her electric melodies and creative synth work. Lavender, Half Waif's 2018 record, is probably one of the strongest synthpop concept albums of the decade. It functions as a deep excavation into feelings of loss that is entirely orchestrated through bombastic synths and crushing lyrics. Her new album, The Caretaker, follows suit, moving even further into experimental song structures. While still ... read more

Dua Lipa has a goal to figure out where she fits into the history of pop music. She goes from funk to disco to contemporary styles with ease. Future Nostalgia successfully shows off Lipa's nonchalant personality and supplies ample bops to groove to in isolation. While I was hoping for something a little more forward-thinking, Lipa doesn't disappoint in providing a nice breath of fresh air to top 40s pop. These songs are easy, light, and very fun. The fact that there is no ballad is probably ... read more

The Dream is a pretty fantastic record and sounds like a descendent of Kacey Musgraves' brand of expansive country-pop. She is clearly a songwriter at heart; her lyrics are filled with witty puns and playful double entendres. What sets her apart from the average country songwriter is how she manages to pair smart phrases with warm melodies that wink at the Dixie Chicks and Miranda Lambert. This album is well written, accessible and continues to expand the spaces for women in country music. I ... read more