pop

What We Lose When Music Divas Become Movie Stars

Beyoncé, Janelle Monáe, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Grace Jones in front of a wavy, pink and red background
by Ren Jender
January 21, 2022 at 2:00pm
 When pop stars turn to film, they’re at the whims of mostly male directors who squander their visionary talent.
Taylor Swift, in a red car, gazes into the distance wearing red lipstick, an orange newsboy-style hat, a beige coat, and a silver, diamond-shaped ring that says “RED”

Taylor’s Version: How Swift Created a Roadmap for Young Women in Pop

by Elly Belle
November 12, 2021 at 4:11pm
The intentionality of her rereleased albums only further cements what fans have known for almost two decades: Taylor Swift is nothing if not strategic about how she tells her story. Read more »
Lorde, a thin, white woman is shown from below in a yellow body suit on the cover of Solar Power

Sun Worshiper: Lorde Doesn’t Want to be a Messiah—or Does She?

by Torrey Crim
August 31, 2021 at 11:27am
She doesn’t want to be a messiah; she wants to be a devotee. Read more »
Billie Eilish, a thin, white, teen with blond hair and blue eyes, looks up at the camera while posing against a brown background

Pains of Fame: Billie Eilish Comes Into Her Own

by Danielle Chelosky
August 10, 2021 at 12:07pm
In spite of everything, Billie Eilish has managed to retain her sense of self. Read more »
Doja Cat, a light-skinned and thin musician, is wearing a gold costume in a pink prism

“Planet Her” Cements Doja Cat’s Pop Reign

by DeAsia Paige
July 23, 2021 at 11:20am
“Planet Her” is a thrilling ride into Doja Cat’s mesmerizingly eccentric world. Read more »
Olivia Rodrigo on the cover of SOUR. Against a purple background, she has children's stickers all over her face and is sticking her tongue out, newspaper cut out letters imposed over her tongue say "SOUR"

License to Feel: “SOUR” Highlights the Unique Wisdom of Teen Girls

by Rodlyn-mae Banting
June 9, 2021 at 9:00am
Rodrigo’s practice of sitting intently with her messy emotions—whether on her bathroom floor or in her car—seems like a metaphor for the recent seasons of quarantine. Read more »
Aly & AJ, two young white women brown hair, pose together on the beach with their arms entwined

All Grown Up: The Triumphant Return of Aly & AJ

by Elly Belle
May 12, 2021 at 2:17pm
There’s an evident maturity in their new music, one which strays from the more cookie-cutter pop and rock that came after their Disney days. Read more »
Britney Spears wears a red dress. Her hair is blond and in a high ponytail.

“Framing Britney Spears” Is a Portrait of a Pop Star on Fire

by Vanessa Willoughby
February 19, 2021 at 1:04pm
Framing Britney Spears is a clear indictment of society’s stigmatization of mental illness. Read more »
Billie Eilish, a white young woman, has black-dyed hair and is very pale. She leans out of a trailer and wears an oversized, pastel-colored outfit.

Billie Eilish’s Body Is Not Ours to Claim

by Rachel Charlene Lewis
October 15, 2020 at 2:33pm
“I feel you watching, always. And nothing I do goes unseen.” Read more »
Danielle, Este, and Alana Haim, three white sisters,

Haim’s “Women in Music Pt. III” Gets a Little Darker

by Rachel Charlene Lewis
July 16, 2020 at 10:17am
Haim is pressing pause on their sunshine-y, Fleetwood Mac aesthetic. Read more »
Kehlani, a light skinned Black woman, has short black hair parted down the center. She sings on stage while wearing a white turtleneck.

Done Searching: Kehlani Powerfully Conquers Growings Pains on New Album

by DeAsia Paige
May 27, 2020 at 4:21pm
Kehlani has always worn her heart on her sleeve. Read more »

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