Skillet
Victorious
Christian/Gospel, Metal, Rock

Skillet has tattooed themes of perseverance and determination across nearly every song on the aptly named Victorious.

Ed Sheeran
No. 6 Collaborations Project
Pop, Rap/Hip-Hop, Rock

Ed Sheeran’s collaboration with many popular rappers pushes his sixth album in more problematic directions.

Lil Nas X
7 EP
Country, Pop, Rap/Hip-Hop, Rock

Lil Nas X’s debut EP blends and blurs musical genres … as well positive and problematic messages.

Shawn Mendes
If I Can’t Have You
Pop, Rock

Desperate pleas for attention generally aren’t the best way to a woman’s heart. Nobody told Shawn Mendes.

Vampire Weekend
Father of the Bride
Alternative, Folk, Rock

The latest effort from this indie rock trio mixes some positive messages among melancholy ones.

Judah and the Lion
Pep Talks
Alternative, Christian/Gospel, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Folk, Pop, Rock

The latest effort from this eclectic Christian trio finds hope even in some of life’s hardest spots.

Pink
Hurts 2B Human
Pop, Rock

Pink’s latest is classic Pink—in both redemptive and frustrating ways.

Jonas Brothers
Cool
Pop, Rock

The Jonas Brothers second single this year features the guys looking cool, loving life and frolicking with … retirees?

Billie Eilish
WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
Alternative, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Folk, Pop, Rock

Billie Eilish’s official debut is haunting and confessional, mesmerizing and disturbing in equal measure.

Hozier
Wasteland, Baby!
Alternative, Folk, Jazz/Swing/Blues, Rock

The second album by this Irish singer dances between hope and despair, declaring that everything—and nothing—is sacred.

Dream Theater
Distance Over Time
Metal, Rock

Dream Theater’s 14th dose of prog-metal virtuosity ponders profound questions and mostly proffers positive answers.

Avril Lavigne
Head Above Water
Alternative, Pop, Punk, Rock

After a desperate season, Avril Lavigne’s latest finds her reaching out to God … and spending time in bed with …

Switchfoot
Native Tongue
Alternative, Christian/Gospel, Rock

Switchfoot returns with a powerful reminder of how love and forgiveness overcome division and distrust.

Mumford & Sons
Delta
Alternative, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Folk, Pop, Rock

Mumford & Sons’ latest, by the band’s own admission, deals with the “four Ds”: death, divorce, drugs and depression.

Imagine Dragons
Origins
Alternative, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Folk, Pop, Rock

Imagine Dragons returns with another paradox-filled journey through the messy intersection of grief and hope.