Craig Jenkins is a critic who writes about music and television and comedy and video games. He was a 2021 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Criticism.
Miley’s Californication Is CompleteEndless Summer Vacation showcases a more unified and refined version of Cyrus, but is almost too meticulously crafted to soundtrack summers.
The John Cale ChallengeThe prolific singer and producer could have made things easier on himself — but easy “is not very interesting.”
don’t bless this mess
Let’s Not Do This AgainToo many musicians spent the year gleefully abandoning their better judgment.
album review
SZA Wants It AllSOS processes loss and success and pain and desire from the middle of millions of ogling eyes.
best of 2022
The Best Albums of 2022The question of how to find peace hung heavily over the year’s most impactful records.
silver & gold
’Tis the Season for SufjanThe singer-songwriter on what he’s learned about the holidays after releasing 100 Christmas songs.
chat room
Fousheé Is Done Sulking and Wants to Rage“I would encourage people to stop being a bitch,” says the newly Grammy-nominated artist. “Embrace different. Be a part of the renaissance.”
album review
Our LossDrake’s new album, billed as a collaboration with 21 Savage, renews his interest in bars but also excitable, chauvinistic cruelty.
remembrance
Takeoff Was the GlueIt’s beyond shocking seeing tragedy strike a group that forced fair-weather listeners and staunch old-heads alike to appreciate the craft.
