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Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Music

ABBA’s album “Voyage” was released on Nov. 5. This is ABBA’s first release after nearly 40 years. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Review: ABBA’s ‘Voyage’ revives the band’s iconic sound

The internationally beloved Swedish pop group is bringing the 1970s back.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer November 12, 2021

Swedish pop group ABBA’s triumphant return is marked by the release of their first album in 40 years. The album, titled “Voyage,” is a 37-minute escape to 1970s nostalgia....

On Nov. 9, the indie musician Mitski released her single “The Only Heartbreaker.” It's clear that she's returned from her hiatus with a new direction for her upcoming album "Laurel Hell." (Photo illustration by Natalie Krowitz, photo by Ebru Yildiz courtesy of Pitch Perfect PR)

Mitski is back. God help us all.

The artist known for wreaking emotional devastation on her listeners is back with another single. What can we expect as we anticipate her “Laurel Hell” album next year?
Alex Tey, Deputy Managing Editor November 11, 2021

On Tuesday, indie musician Mitski released the single “The Only Heartbreaker” and announced a February 2022 release date for the album “Laurel Hell.” Along with October’s...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to this: Mariah Carey releases another Christmas song

Read about the most notable singles by Charli XCX, IDLES and more.

Mariah Carey defrosted early this year, releasing a new Christmas song featuring R&B artist Khalid and choirmaster Kirk Franklin. Charli XCX also dropped a collaboration-heavy...

Beatrice Laus, the Filipino-British singer-songwriter also known as beabadoobee, performed at Webster Hall on Nov. 4. During the set, she delivered a few of her hit songs, including 2020's "Stay" and 2017's "Coffee." (Photo by Jack Solomon)

beabadoobee cranks the volume up at Webster Hall

The Filipino-British singer-songwriter delivered an excellent balance of indie-pop hooks and grungy noise.
Jack Solomon, Contributing Writer November 10, 2021

When I arrived at Webster Hall to see beabadoobee, the stage name of Beatrice Laus, there was a line around the block to get in. This is a common occurrence for the artist. The...

Hannah Jadagu, a Steinhardt music business student, performed a one-hour set on Oct. 29 at The Sultan Room in Bushwick. Her rock star-like performance energized and harmonized with the audience. (Photo by Elle Liu)

Hannah Jadagu elevates bedroom pop at her first headline show

The NYU student artist shines at the Sultan Room in Bushwick.
Elle Liu, Contributing Writer November 9, 2021

In an all-white outfit, Hannah Jadagu ran on stage. Taking her place behind the mic stand, she strapped her guitar on and greeted the cheering crowd with a smile. The room was...

Mike Errico is a professor at the NYU Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. On Nov. 7, he released his book “Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter,” which features lessons from his years of teaching students. (Image courtesy of Mike Errico)

Tisch prof reveals music struggles and triumphs in new book

Mike Errico’s book "Music, Lyrics, and Life" compiles lessons learned from his years of teaching students to overcome their fears and doubts as they enter the tumultuous music industry.
Sarah John, Contributing Writer November 8, 2021

Mike Errico, a professor at the Clive Davis Institute at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, released his book "Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter"...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to this: BENEE’s latest single dives into the struggles of anxiety

Read about the most notable singles this week by Conan Gray, Porcupine Tree and more.

This week, Gen Z stars BENEE and Conan Gray are back with new music. For you old souls, fret not, as we also review tracks by Porcupine Tree and John Mayer. The reviews speak for...

A still from Parquet Courts’ “Homo Sapien” music video, which is one of the songs on their most recent album “Sympathy for Life.” This album’s songs lean more heavily into abstract lyrics and a techno sound than their previous albums. (Image courtesy of Pitch Perfect PR)

Review: Parquet Courts evolves their sound on ‘Sympathy for Life’

The ever-influential Parquet Courts allow themselves to be daring and inspired on their latest album.
Holden Lay, Staff Writer November 3, 2021

On their latest album, “Sympathy for Life,” Parquet Courts once again brings a new set of influences to the table, rejuvenating their sound and crafting one of the most interesting...

Welcome to Alex and Joey's K-pop burn book. Feel free to disagree but we stand by our opinions. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

K-pop burn book: October edition

“Oh my gosh, don’t you know I’m a savage?” No, Winter, you probably can’t break anyone into pieces.
Alexandra Chan and Joey Hung November 2, 2021

Welcome back to the K-pop burn book — by fans, for fans! The first K-pop song both Joey and Alex listened to was Wonder Girls’ “Nobody.” The choreography for “Fire”...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to this: ABBA’s latest release ‘Just A Notion’ teases their upcoming album

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Gracie Abrams, Mastodon and more.

ABBA is back with a new song ahead of their album release next week. If you somehow haven’t heard about the band’s return, we’re pleased to inform you that “Voyage” comes...

Podcasts are a great way to learn more about your favorite songs and artists. Listening to these podcasts about the music industry can be both entertaining and educational. (Illustration by Bridget Harshman)

Music podcasts for every mood

Want to be a music insider? Here are five podcasts to keep you in the know about industry trends, emerging artists and new perspectives on your favorite music.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer October 26, 2021

The music industry is constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up. Luckily, there are a plethora of podcasts available to keep you in the loop. Whether you want to geek...

FINNEAS’ debut album “Optimist” was released on Oct. 15. The album deals with topics such as the loss of loved ones, the implications of privilege and so-called cancel culture. (Image via Wikimedia Commons, Staff Illustration by Shaina Ahmed)

Review: Thematically, sonically, nothing is off limits in FINNEAS’ album ‘Optimist’

FINNEAS’ somber debut album contradicts its cheerful title.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer October 25, 2021

You would think an album titled “Optimist” might be, well, optimistic. This time that’s not the case. The singer-songwriter-producer FINNEAS’ debut album, released Oct....