Sam Smith
The Thrill of It All
Pop, R&B

Sam Smith’s haunting tenor plumbs the depths of despair as he sings confessionally about his failed same-sex relationships.

Maroon 5
Red Pill Blues
Pop, R&B, Rock

Maroon 5’s latest genre-blending effort draws thematic inspiration from a scene in The Matrix of all places.

Blake Shelton
Texoma Shore
Country

Blake Shelton understands exactly what it takes to make a hit country album. Which is both good … and not …

Kelly Clarkson
Meaning of Life
Pop, R&B

Kelly Clarkson’s latest effort finds her getting in touch—by her own admission—with her inner Aretha Franklin.

P!nk
Beautiful Trauma
Pop

Beautiful Trauma is an apt title for P!nk’s seventh effort, an album that bounces wildly between hope and despair.

NF
Perception
Christian/Gospel, Rap/Hip-Hop

The third effort from this Christian rapper is indisputably raw, unapologetic and confessional—and redemptive, too.

Demi Lovato
Tell Me You Love Me
Pop, R&B

Demi Lovato recently said her latest album is “more mature.” Is that a good thing?

Shania Twain
Now
Country

Since 2002, Shania Twain’s weathered divorce and health issues. Her comeback album showcases lessons she’s learned.

Miley Cyrus
Younger Now
Country, Pop, Rock

On Younger Now, Miley reflects on mistakes and embraces positive possibilities. But she also reflects on other embraces that aren’t …

Foo Fighters
Concrete and Gold
Rock

The Foo Fighters’ ninth effort tries to split the difference between hope and despair … with only partial success.

Thomas Rhett
Life Changes
Country, Pop

Thomas Rhett’s chart-topping third album brims with new sounds that deliver familiar country messages—for better, and for worse.

Old Dominion
Happy Endings
Country

Happy Endings might not be the best title for the latest album from this rising country act.

Fifth Harmony
Fifth Harmony
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, R&B

Fifth Harmony might be down a member. But the sultry, sensual song remains the same.

Billie Eilish
dont smile at me
Alternative, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop

California phenom Billie Eilish is blowing up. So we’re checking out her brooding, honest and disturbing debut EP.

Kesha
Rainbow
Country, Pop, Rock

Kesha’s latest, deeply personal effort veers wildly between hurt and hope, vulgarity and profundity, philosophy and hedonism.