Richard S. He

There’s no question that Women In Music Pt. III is HAIM’s best album. It’s both their softest and most daring work, with the most love to give.

I spoke to host Daniel Hedger about the career and legacy of Silverchair, one of my all-time favourite bands, and the strange trajectory of Australian popular music in the last 25 years.

I contributed the segment "Also in 2013... Lorde's 'Royals' Was the Sound of the Big Pop Bubble Bursting."

It’s easier to define Dua Lipa by what she’s not, rather than what she is. She’s not the most anything — the most flamboyant, most emotive, most trendsetting, most relatable. Where does that leave her in the landscape of popular music in 2020?

The Weeknd’s music used to be thrilling for how dark and depraved it could get… but it was only a matter of time before we got desensitised. Now, what’s thrilling is how the glimpses of optimism are getting brighter. When pop culture feels like it’s forcing you to smile, nihilism can be truthful. But in the long run, now more than ever, we need so much more.

In 2020, Music now marks the halfway point of Madonna’s career. It’s arguably one of her best albums, yet rarely the first one fans or casual listeners reach for. But it’s to her, and Mirwais’ credit, that Music still feels like recent history. It’ll be remembered not just for the cowgirl outfits and choreography, but its restless, adventurous spirit, looking backwards and ahead to find a sense of belonging in the present.

Brandon is joined by returning guest Richard S. He (@Richaod) to celebrate the release of the new Ozzy Osbourne album “Ordinary Man” by taking a chronological look at all the times Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne crossed paths. The two examine the influence of Black Sabbath on Metallica, and much more.

So has Justin Bieber really changed? That’s in the eye of the beholder. It’s impossible to objectively assess this album — you’ll either retch at the thought of this many sentimental love songs, or be receptive enough to let it sink in.

I reissued my controversial 2016 piece with its original headline, so you can read it as it was initially intended.

I wrote a Twitter thread on the experience of seeing one of my own articles (via a headline I did not write) appear in Miss Americana.

It’s rare that the mere leadup to an album feels as enlightening as Manic’s has. Without hiding behind concepts, costumes, or allowing herself to be defined by others’ labels, Halsey’s found a way to integrate every part of her once-chaotic psyche.

Selena’s still only 27, but it feels like she’s never had more to prove. So it’s ironic, and fitting, that pop’s quietest singer gets the first chance to define the sound of 2020.