Nick Jonas
Close
Alternative, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, R&B

We must conclude that this is pretty much Nick Jonas’ full understanding of what it means to get “Close.”

Gwen Stefani
This Is What the Truth Feels Like
Pop

If it feels so right, it can’t be wrong, Gwen Stefani gushes.

Ariana Grande
Dangerous Woman
Pop, R&B

There’s not even the pretense of narrative here. It’s just Ariana putting herself on display.

Meghan Trainor
No
Pop, R&B

Meghan Trainor’s latest song delivers a blunt rebuff to men who would objectify her … even as its video invites …

The 1975
I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It
Alternative, Pop, Rock

The sophomore album from this rising British alt-pop band is as brutally honest as it is brutally hopeless.

Fifth Harmony
Work From Home
Pop, R&B

Fifth Harmony had to change the name of its latest hit to avoid confusion with a recent Rihanna track. And …

Sia
This Is Acting
Alternative, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, R&B

The latest effort from Australia’s most famous wig-wearer zigzags maddeningly between self-respect and self-objectification.

Tori Kelly
Unbreakable Smile
Pop, R&B

A small handful of suggestive lyrics curl down the edges of this Smile a bit. But Tori Kelly’s effervescent winsomeness …

Lukas Graham
7 Years
Alternative, Pop, R&B

“7 Years” of whiplash, you might say of this Lukas Graham song. Liberal, conservative. Immoral, moral. High and sober.

Zayn
Pillowtalk
Alternative, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, R&B

Zayn Malik has shed his association with One Direction. And his first solo hit sheds—and shreds—what few inhibitions his former …

Rihanna
Anti
Alternative, Pop, R&B, Rap/Hip-Hop, Rock

Rihanna may be living life completely on her own terms, but beneath all the carnal bravado, it’s pretty clear she’s …

Rihanna
Work
Pop, Rap/Hip-Hop, Reggae

When Rihanna sings about having too much “work,” she’s really talking about something else entirely.

Panic! at the Disco
Death of a Bachelor
Alternative, Jazz/Swing/Blues, Pop, Rock

Panic! at the Disco’s sole remaining band member says marriage has made him a changed man. It’s a claim this …

Rachel Platten
Wildfire
Pop

Rachel Platten’s 2015 hit “Fight Song” was one of Plugged In’s favorite tunes last year—which raises the stakes for the …

Prince
HITnRUN: Phase One/Phase Two
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, Punk, R&B, Rap/Hip-Hop, Rock

Prince’s final two albums find him as enchanted with sensuality as he was when his controversial career began nearly four …