Lady Gaga
“Born This Way”
Pop

Channeling Madonna circa 1989, Lady Gaga’s latest chart-topping dance hit takes “I’m OK, you’re OK” to a whole new level.

Avril Lavigne
Goodbye Lullaby
Pop, Rock

The lead single from Avril Lavigne’s latest album (her first since her divorce) exudes a breezy, devil-may-care recklessness. But not …

Ke$ha
“Blow”
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop

Ke$ha’s latest hit offers everything we’ve come to expect from pop’s reigning trash-tastic princess. The video, though, is a horse, …

Dr. Dre
“I Need a Doctor”
Pop, Rap/Hip-Hop

Dr. Dre has spent the last decade or so practicing his hip-hop medicine on others. His own work’s been mostly …

The Script
Science & Faith
Pop, Rock

This Irish band’s first album since 2009’s breakthrough hit “Breakeven” is melodic and ear-catching. It’s also as melancholy as the …

Britney Spears
“Hold It Against Me”
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop

Britney takes a cue from—of all the odd musical inspirations—the Bellamy Brothers. Well, at least her lyrics do.

Avril Lavigne
“What the H—“
Pop, Rock

Avril thinks her music is more mature now that she’s all grown up. We think it’s just messier and meaner.

Keri Hilson
No Boys Allowed
Pop, R&B, Rap/Hip-Hop

Keri Hilson says her latest is both a gift from God and a call to female empowerment. So we wanted …

P!nk
“F**kin’ Perfect”
Pop, Rock

There are actually some good things to be said for P!nk’s latest hit. Too bad they’re paired with a harsh …

Crystal Bowersox
Farmer’s Daughter
Pop, Rock

Bowersox, the little singer with the big voice, had to settle for runner-up status on 2010’s American Idol. Her subsequent …

Natasha Bedingfield
Strip Me
Pop

Natasha Bedingfield is back with another pocketful of sunshiny tunes. So what’s the deal with that suggestive title?

Justin Bieber
“Pray”
Pop

The bonus track on the 16-year-old Canadian phenom’s My World Acoustic release trades in sugary romantic sentimentality for surprisingly earnest …

Kanye West
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Alternative, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, Rap/Hip-Hop

Kanye’s first album after his tangle with Taylor Swift is a jarring blend of self-flagellation and egotistical self-exaltation, served on …

Rihanna
Loud
Pop, R&B, Rap/Hip-Hop, Reggae

Rihanna has ditched the rage she vented in 2009’s Rated R. We’re almost afraid to find out what she’s replaced …

The Black Eyed Peas
“The Time (Dirty Bit)”
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop, Rap/Hip-Hop

Not that you had much time to miss them, but The Black Eyed Peas are back with yet another electronica-drenched …