Taylor Swift
“Shake It Off”
Pop

The first big frothy, poppy single from country-no-more Taylor Swift’s 1989 album tries to dismiss all the haters … while …

Nick Jonas
“Chains”
Pop, R&B

When last we heard from former JoBro Nick Jonas, he was “Jealous.” You won’t be when you find out about …

Jessie J
“Bang Bang”
Pop, R&B

So is the suggestively titled “Bang Bang” (featuring guests Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande) about anything other than the sexually …

Troye Sivan
“Happy Little Pill”
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop

YouTube sensation Troye Sivan is being billed as the next Justin Bieber. The first single from this 19-year-old singer from …

5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer
Pop, Punk, Rock

The much-ballyhooed debut effort from this rockin’ Australian boy band badly blurs the lines between love and lust.

Jason Mraz
Yes!
Pop

How unfaltering optimistic and earnest is singer-songwriter Jason Mraz these days? So optimistic and earnest that the affirming, one-word title …

Sia
1000 Forms of Fear
Alternative, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, R&B

Australian singer Sia Furler isn’t even remotely interested in being a celebrity. In fact, she’s more than a little afraid …

Magic!
Don’t Kill the Magic
Pop, Reggae

Among other things, this Police-inspired Canadian reggae fusion act asks, “How do you want to be remembered? As a sinner …

Owl City
Ultraviolet
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop

The paradox of Owl City is how Adam Young simultaneously dives deep into his melancholy soul … and finds something …

Ed Sheeran
x
Folk, Pop, R&B

Rising star Ed Sheeran’s x presents a vexingly convoluted self-portrait of a singer who longs for lifelong commitment one moment …

Sam Smith
In the Lonely Hour
Pop, R&B

Sam Smith’s debut album is titled In the Lonely Hour. But it could just have easily been called It’s a …

Lana Del Rey
Ultraviolence
Alternative, Pop, Rock

It’s safe to say that the latest effort from controversial chanteuse Lana Del Rey—which sounds like some sort of bleak …

Maroon 5
“Maps”
Pop, Rock

Adam Levine is happily engaged right now. But that doesn’t stop him from musically mourning the departure of the woman …

Meghan Trainor
“All About That Bass”
Pop

All the components of newcomer Meghan Trainor’s neo doo-wop hit add up to having a healthy body image. But a …

5 Seconds of Summer
“Good Girls”
Pop, Rock

There’s a boy band tsunami swirling out in the Pacific—and it’s about to hit American shores in the form of …