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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

Amalia Ulman, an Argentine performance artist, makes her directorial debut with the narrative-driven “El Planeta.” The film, shot in black and white, depicts post-recession contemporary culture. (Photo courtesy of Utopia)

‘El Planeta’ Review: A witty, ethically complicated dramedy

Telling the story of a mother and daughter faking their way through the wake of a recession, Amalia Ulman’s sly, offbeat comedy film is a modern classic.
Ana Cubas, Arts Editor September 27, 2021

A middle-aged woman struggles to carry two boxes while sporting a dashing fur coat. The first words spoken in “El Planeta” are “I’m not returning your online purchases...

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: As Lady Gaga goes jazz, Enrique Iglesias plays it safe

Read about the most notable singles this week by Lukas Graham, Will Wood and more.

This week’s reviews sprawl across a range of genres. From Kehlani’s popcorn butter-smooth R&B to Snail Mail’s electrified indie-rock, these singles will spice up your...

Billie Eilish’s second album “Happier Than Ever” and its accompanying concert film mark a shift in the singer’s sound and tone. The film is dedicated to Los Angeles, where Eilish grew up, and features songs of varying genres. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Review: Billie Eilish’s ‘Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles’ is comfortably intimate

The alternative teen pop star is sultry, quirky and introspective in her new Disney+ concert experience.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer September 20, 2021

In her Disney+ debut, singer-songwriter and alternative pop star Billie Eilish brings her latest album to her home city. Staged at the Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl, Eilish performs...

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: Metallica covers growl alongside lush pop tunes

Read about the most notable singles this week by Mac DeMarco, Troye Sivan and more.

This week’s reviews range from covers of Metallica’s “The Black Album” to a slinky Big Thief song about certainty. They discuss Radiohead’s upcoming triple-album release...

The attacks of September 11 leave behind scars that haven't healed twenty years on. Charles Wolf's film tells the stories of those stills feeling the effects of 9/11. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Review: ‘Worth’ speaks to the political and emotional toll of 9/11

Twenty years after the attacks, Charles Wolf, the main protagonist of ‘Worth,’ provides insight into the lives changed by Sept. 11.
Sophie Mulgrew, Contributing Writer September 15, 2021

Amid a slew of shows, documentaries and movies memorializing the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, “Worth,” directed by Sara Colangelo, details the establishment of the September...

The Clive Davis Institute hosts an annual Artist-In-Residence each year. This year, Clive Davis hosts Grammy winner Jack Antonoff. (Photo by Herbert "River" Ortiz)

Jack Antonoff is this year’s Artist-in-Residence at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute

The Grammy Award-winning musician launched his residency with a Q&A for Clive Davis students.
Yas Akdag, Music Editor September 15, 2021

Hit artist, songwriter, producer and five-time Grammy Award winner Jack Antonoff has been announced as this year’s Artist-in-Residence at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded...

Moments are witnessed through people-watching at the Parc-de-Montsouris in Paris. (Photo by Andi Aguilar)

The art of people-watching: A dispatch from Paris

Andi Aguilar reflects on the vibrant sights of the Paris streets.
Andi Aguilar, Staff Writer September 13, 2021

Some of the world’s most beautiful moments may be taking place right in front of you — you just have to find them. As you enter Cité Universitaire in the 14th division...

Tourists flock to Florence every year to explore its renowned art galleries. While on the street, they should take note of the street art that dominates the city in Italy. (Photo by Annie Hosch)

Painting and politics: A look at Florentine streets

Beyond Florence’s many galleries and museums, political street art serves as a reminder of the city’s longstanding political consciousness and staunch DIY activism.
Annie Hosch, Staff Writer September 10, 2021

FLORENCE, Italy — Every year thousands make the journey to Florence’s great galleries and museums. They crane their necks to admire the magnificent height of the Florence Cathedral,...

Singer-songwriter Halsey released their fourth studio album, "If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power," on August 27, 2021. Halsey tackles femininity, empowerment, pregnancy, and motherhood all at once in their new concept album. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli and Arnav Binaykia)

Review: ‘If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power’

Halsey navigates life in its rawest form through their new concept album.
Paree Chopra, Staff Writer September 8, 2021

“It’s the most inadequate I’ve ever felt.” Halsey shares this in a 2020 interview with the Guardian, discussing the online backlash they received following their public...

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: Singles from August

In case you missed it, here are new tracks by Kacey Musgraves, BTS and more.

August may have slipped away into a moment in time — and sipped away like a bottle of wine — but that doesn’t mean August releases have to! If you feel like refreshing your...

"Donda", the tenth studio album by Kanye West, was released on August 29, 2021. This album is composed of twenty-seven tracks, approximating a two-hour runtime altogether. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Review: ‘Donda’ is a godsend

After several rounds of editing and an expected series of delays, Kanye West’s “Donda” is finally out.
Nico Pedrero-Setzer, Abroad Arts Editor August 31, 2021

Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda Donda. Through mantric divination, Kanye West introduces us to “Donda,” a work of hard drums and heavy tears. Listening...

HBO’s The White Lotus was the streaming darling of the summer. The show attempts to probe America's colonial past in this satire of the tourism industry. (Staff Photo and Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Review: The white existentialism of ‘The White Lotus’

HBO’s splashy summer drama probes at America’s colonial past, but doesn’t manage to rewrite a critical future.
Isabella Armus, Deputy Arts Editor August 30, 2021

Cradled by lapping tides, a boat full of white, wealthy and unreasonably attractive patrons arrive at the paradisiacal island of Maui as doting staff members wave from the distance,...