Contributor: Adam R. Holz

After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.

Hardwired… to Self-Destruct

Metallica’s latest may not be quite as self-destructive as its title implies. But it’s not all puppy dogs and daisies, either.

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Make Me (Cry)

Noah Cyrus is following in big sister Miley’s footsteps … minus the Hannah Montana phase.

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Almost Christmas

Despite this dramedy’s tender reflections on grief and its strong emphasis on family and forgiveness, the profanity here feels pretty overwhelming for a PG-13 movie.

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This House Is Not for Sale

Thirty years after conquering the music world, Jon Bon Jovi and his band are somehow still topping the charts with songs reflecting on the passage of time.

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The Stage

Life and death, heaven and hell, salvation and damnation, spirituality and naturalism and … Neal deGrasse Tyson? It’s all on The Stage.

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Lady Wood

The second album from this Swedish singer is long on the hedonistic pursuit of pleasure but short on finding joy or meaning in the process.

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Battlefield 1

This intense, graphic depiction of World War I features equal measures of visceral combat and anti-war sentiment.

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Joanne

Lady Gaga is inching past hedonism for hedonism’s sake, trading her outrageous antics something more substantive … if still reckless and risqué.

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I’m Not Ashamed

Rachel Joy Scott’s story is a moving example of the difference just one committed Christian can make in the lives of people around her.

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Better Man

Little Big Town’s latest hit offers an aching, bittersweet reflection on what might have been.

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Don’t Wanna Know

Breaking up has always been hard. But it’s even worse when you start brainstorming what your ex might be doing with a new partner.

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Bad Things

“Bad Things” romanticizes and rationalizes a volatile and destructive relationship.

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Drug Dealer

Macklemore’s latest social-issue song shines an autobiographical light on the important issue of prescription medication abuse.

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Oh My My

OneRepublic’s latest offers an upbeat, optimistic perspective, with just enough grittiness to keep anyone from accusing the band of being too Pollyannaish.

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24K Magic

Bruno Mars’ latest hit is long on catchy licks and gold-plated bling but short on anything else beyond his hedonistic, perpetual-party mindset.

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