Finally! Miley Cyrus' long-awaited 7th album is called Plastic Hearts and it drops on November 27 (pre-order here). The pop star unveiled the pink-and-black cover art on social media and shared an open letter with fans. "If you're reading this... know that I fucking love and appreciate you on the deepest level," she begins. "I began this album over 2 years ago. Thought I had it all figured out. Not...

And she's back! Ariana Grande introduces her 6th album Positions (due October 30) with the slinky title track. Which is essentially about all the different roles that women take on. I'm trying to meet your mama on a Sunday and make a lotta love on a Monday," the 27-year-old begins. "Never need... no one else, babe." That takes us to the instantly catchy chorus. "'Cause I'll be switchin' the positions...

Kylie Minogue is releasing "I Love It" as the third song (it's unclear as yet if it's an official single) from DISCO. I am pleased to report that it's another exquisite disco-pop moment that rivals the genius of "Say Something" and "Magic." In fact, it might be the best of the three. "I was like a lonely star at night, waiting for someone to share the light," the pop icon begins. "Love like this no...

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, the sequel to 2006's zeitgeist-capturing blockbuster, is hard to watch. In the best possible way. Sasha Baren Cohen holds a mirror up to modern-day America and the reflection is undeniably ugly. The comedian's prime target is the GOP, eviscerating individual politicians as well as their policies — particularly in regard to COVID-19 — and their most ardent supporters....

Sadness is Sasha Sloan's brand. Her staggeringly good debut EP was literally called sad girl, while the followup was christened Loser. It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise then, that the singer/songwriter's long-awaited debut LP, Only Child, is a dropkick to the heart. There are songs about loneliness, loss, alienation, body dysmorphia and general delusion. However, flecks of happiness and,...

A great artist has hits. A truly extraordinary one has those as well as hidden treasures that extend to the deepest, darkest recesses of their discography. And then there's Mariah Carey, who has 19 chart-toppers, beloved deep cuts and an album worth of flawless material sitting in the vault. Mimi finally dusts those pop relics off, and gives them a chance to shine on The Rarities (out now). Make no...

It's only a matter of time before A Good Woman Is Hard To Find ends up on a streaming service and becomes a mini-phenomenon. All the elements are there. Abner Pastoll's festival favorite is a hard-boiled, revenge drama with a heroine to root for. The director deftly introduces us to a world of crushing cruelty and casual belittlement. One in which, the titular Good Woman could feasibly be pushed to...

If you're looking for clumsy jump scares and buckets of gore, Relic is not the film for you. Natalie Erika James, in one of 2020's most auspicious directorial debuts, focuses on atmosphere, tension and emotional nuance. This is the kind of fright fest that slowly seeps under your skin, and then lingers long after the final credits roll. Which is no small feat for a body horror that — on the face...

Daisy Dove Bloom might have taken 9 months to arrive, but Katy Perry's fifth album gestated for a lot longer. With songs dating back in 2017, Smile has evolved — seemingly in real time — with the superstar. From the tear-soaked bangers that begin the album to sunny serenity that ends it, Smile is a diary-like account of Katy's early 30s. One that she has been kind enough to share with the world....

By conjuring a multi-layered pop album for grownups, Katy Perry pulls off an increasingly rare feat with Smile. This is pop with purpose that uplifts and inspires. Over the course of 12 bouncy bops and catchy toe-tappers, Katy takes us along on her journey of self-discovery — exploring themes like perseverance, acceptance and healing. If Witness represented the eye of a very public storm, Smile is...

Taylor Swift has already won Album Of The Year Grammys for both country and pop offerings. (Fearless and 1989, respectively). She could feasibly take home a third with folklore. Which is excitingly difficult to horn into any particular genre. There are country and pop elements in the mix, but also folk, indie and Americana. The result is a heady, rustic brew that evokes fog-smeared forests and log...

Melanie Martinez's After School EP arrived today (September 25) and it's another thoroughly demented collection of pop songs from the genre's most original voice. Apart from being exceptionally good, the 7-song set is also notable because it finds the 25-year-old side-stepping Cry Baby — the usual lens through which she creates. Instead, this is 100 percent undiluted Melanie Martinez. Everything...