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The Grammys

Grammy Nominations 2021: See the List

Highlights from the 63rd annual awards’ 83 categories.

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Brittany Howard Cuts Loose From Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes’s frontwoman goes solo on an album that is totally, gloriously about — and for — herself.

By Jon Pareles

DaBaby Blew Up. But Can He Settle Into Stardom?

The year’s inescapable, breakout rapper has just released “Kirk,” his third project in 12 months. Now comes the hard part.

By Joe Coscarelli

The Music Issue

How Megan Thee Stallion Turned ‘Hot’ Into a State of Mind

The musician talks about the aftermath of sudden fame, the sanctuary of alter egos and what she hopes to do by the time she turns 40.

By Jenna Wortham

Miranda Lambert Doesn’t Mean to Offend. She’s ‘a Little Too Honest.’

The country singer and songwriter on her new album, “Wildcard,” scooping the tabloids and her life as a teenage goody-goody.

By Rob Tannenbaum

Lil Baby Might Be Rap’s Most Reluctant New Star

The Atlanta artist, whose new album “My Turn” is out Friday, discusses how he has remained so low-key while earning more than 11 billion streams worldwide.

By Joe Coscarelli

Jazz Is Built for Protests. Jon Batiste Is Taking It to the Streets.

The pianist and “Late Show” bandleader has been bringing musical wake-up calls to events across New York.

By Alan Scherstuhl

Here’s the Lady. Where’s the Gaga?

On “Chromatica,” Lady Gaga strives to bring introspection to the dance-pop that made her a star. But hallmarks like her audaciousness and sense of adventure are in shorter supply.

By Jon Pareles, Wesley Morris, Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz

Fiona Apple Is Back and Unbound: Let’s Discuss

“Fetch the Bolt Cutters,” the singer and songwriter’s first album since 2012, is a bold, cathartic, challenging masterpiece. Our critics have a lot to say about it.

By Jon Pareles, Jon Caramanica, Wesley Morris and Lindsay Zoladz

Critic’s Pick

Phoebe Bridgers Wants to Believe

On her second album, “Punisher,” the singer and songwriter showcases her greatest talent: weaving tiny, specific details into big-tent tapestries of feeling.

By Lindsay Zoladz

Critic’s Pick

Haim Steps Into a New Groove on ‘Women in Music Pt. III’

On the band’s third album, the sisters in Haim add what was missing from previous releases — tension and texture — to make their sharpest and most adventurous songs yet.

By Lindsay Zoladz

Album Review

Post Malone Smears All the Genres Into One (Emotions, Too)

On his third album, “Hollywood’s Bleeding,” he’s ecstatic when he’s sad, and grim when he’s boasting.

By Jon Caramanica

Critic’s Notebook

Can Justin Bieber Hide in Plain Sight?

He’s suffered the pains of superfame for half of his life. Now pop’s biggest male star wants to make R&B music and de-stress in an oxygen chamber.

By Jon Caramanica

Album Review

Bad Bunny Finds Gold in the Past, While J Balvin Is Trapped in the Future

New albums by two of Latin pop’s biggest stars find them chasing inspiration in opposite directions, with contrasting results.

By Jon Caramanica

Album Review

Drake Was Isolated (at the Top) Way Before Quarantine

“Dark Lane Demo Tapes” is a collection of rough drafts about the struggles of success and hints at what his next album might sound like.

By Jon Caramanica

Album Review

Camila Cabello and Harry Styles, Teen-Pop Alumni, Think Bigger

Both emerged from groups created on “The X Factor.” And both are releasing their second solo albums, showing listeners they have the ambition to go their own way.

By Jon Pareles

Lucinda Williams Is Raw, Riled Up and Ready to Speak Her Mind

The singer and songwriter’s 14th studio album, “Good Souls Better Angels,” is stocked with fuzzy guitars and pointed political lyrics.

By Jewly Hight

Bettye LaVette Didn’t Know the Beatles’ ‘Blackbird.’ Then It Helped Her Fly.

Ten years ago, the Fab Four’s song about civil rights gave the soul singer a creative spark. Now she’s releasing an album of tracks originally popularized by Black women.

By David Peisner