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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

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

Washington Square News

Music

(Courtesy of HBO)

Review: Abel Tesfaye delivers a final cinematic masterpiece as The Weeknd

The artist bids farewell to his persona on one of his longest and best projects to date.
Antonio Johri, Contributing Writer February 12, 2025

In 2023, Abel Tesfaye declared that he wanted to “kill The Weeknd.” His final album as The Weekend, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” delivers on that promise, bringing his career-long...

(Courtesy of Nick Mora)

Interview: Musician Brent de la Cruz on the importance of collaboration and inspiration

After the release of his new EP, "NOIR," on Feb. 7, Brent de la Cruz sat down with WSN to discuss his music production and artistry.
Ellie Miller, Contributing Writer February 10, 2025

Brent de la Cruz's newest project, “NOIR,” ushers in a new era for the musician. Following his 2021 debut EP, “Finding Boo,” “NOIR” introduces an increasingly cinematic...

10 guilty pleasure albums that we unapologetically love

10 guilty pleasure albums that we unapologetically love

Here’s what’s playing in our headphones when no one else is listening.

When it comes to certain songs, we're grateful earbuds — and the private listening experience they offer — exist. However, these occasionally cringeworthy picks have earned...

(Courtesy of Dualtone Records)

Review: Flipturn’s ‘Burnout Days’ explores the tension between youth and stress

The indie rock band’s sophomore album blends electronic textures and a powerful rock sound to capture the weight of adolescence, love and fatigue.
Maya Santiago, Staff Writer February 5, 2025

I remember driving down the Pacific Coast Highway with the windows rolled down and the car radio blasting at full volume, listening to Flipturn’s 2022 debut album “Shadowglow.”...

(Courtesy of Warner Records)

Review: ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)’ falls saccharine and stale

Instead of trying therapy next, Teddy Swims should try unique production and lyric variation.
Rory Lustberg, Staff Writer February 5, 2025

Songs about love are not hard to find — they’re taking over every radio station, open mic night and streaming platform. In the tumultuous sea of music covering the pitfalls,...

(Courtesy of 88rising)

​​Review: Knock2’s ‘nolimit’ is a bright and boisterous collection of bangers

This debut solo album is a bombastic victory lap for one of dance music’s newest rising stars.
Kaleo Zhu, Contributing Writer February 3, 2025

It’s easy to think of electronic music as an insular scene confined to eye-straining light shows and hole-in-the-wall raves, occasionally breaking out into the mainstream consciousness...

(Courtesy of Atlantic Records)

Review: ‘EUSEXUA’ is ingenious, experimental club-pop brilliance

FKA twigs’ third full-length project expresses ecstasy and freedom through unrestricted lenses of intimacy, art and the supernatural.
Ian Sleat, Contributing Writer February 3, 2025

“EUSEXUA” is a state of being. Harnessing the vitality of skimpy leather, cosmic stilettos and boiler rooms heated by hundreds of sweaty bodies, FKA twigs is not letting anything...

(Anna Baird-Hassell for WSN)

The case against ‘The Tortured Poets Department’

Taylor Swift's newest Grammy-nominated album promised an emotional journey, but fails to reach any particular destination.
Oshmi Ghosh, Contributing Writer January 31, 2025

From facing misogynistic cruelty to winning the hearts of young Americans, Taylor Swift’s ubiquity at award shows has been an uphill battle. Despite being a genuine long-time...

(Kiara Mujica for WSN)

The Grammys need to rethink their best new artist category

Confusion over the qualifications for the Grammys’ best new artist category is both unnecessary and fixable.
Kaleo Zhu, Contributing Writer January 31, 2025

It’s no secret that there’s an air of wariness surrounding the Grammy Awards’ best new artist award. The list of nominees for the 67th ceremony’s best new artist initially...

(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)

WSN predicts the Grammys

Who our newsroom thinks should win the biggest awards in music.
WSN Staff January 31, 2025

With the 67th annual Grammy Awards ceremony coming up this Sunday, WSN’s Arts Desk took a poll of the newsroom in anticipation of music’s biggest night. Whether you had a “brat...

(Courtesy of Apple Music)

Review: Ethel Cain is back, and you should be afraid

“Perverts” is intrepid and unapologetic, defying those who believe that track length and sonic consistency are one-size-fits-all.
Ian Sleat, Contributing Writer January 23, 2025

Hayden Anhedönia, professionally known as Ethel Cain, is tired of being famous. She took to Tumblr with a scathing critique, sharing how glib comment sections and the increasingly...

An illustration of four colorful Christmas stockings hanging above a fireplace. From left to right are purple, turquoise, green and red stockings that contain vinyl albums.

8 pop Christmas albums to broaden your holiday horizons

A collection of pop music’s best holiday albums based on nostalgia, sentiment and spirit.
Bella Simonte, Contributing Writer December 12, 2024

Every winter, pop stars, actors and even comedians take on the same monumental task: creating a bestselling Christmas album. Some recreate the melodies of classic Christmas tunes,...