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Louder: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Are Still Shaping Pop History

Plus: Lil Nas X, H.E.R., Tyler, the Creator and More
Author Headshot

By Caryn Ganz

Pop Music Editor

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis’s songs are embedded in your brain whether you realize it or not. “Just Be Good to Me” by the S.O.S Band. “Monkey” by George Michael. And about half a dozen Janet Jackson albums that, as Wesley Morris writes, “defined and redefined then defined again who Jackson is and how she can sound.” On Friday, they put out “Jam & Lewis Volume One,” the first album released under their own names, featuring songs sung by Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, Babyface and more. The secret of their success is twofold (well, multifold, but two major points here): Each new song renders its singer as their most quintessential self; and the duo have mastered the art of “newstalgia.” “It’s that feeling that you get when you hear something that’s new,” Jam said, “that’s exciting, but it takes you back to a place that’s very comfortable and very reassuring.” And who doesn’t want to feel reassured right now?

Plus: Jon Caramanica names Tyler, the Creator’s new album a Critic’s Pick; cabaret returns to New York City; H.E.R. breaks down 10 of her inspirations; and Jazmine Hughes provides a rare and insightful look into the world Lil Nas X is creating in the Magazine.

And did you know that Scripps National Spelling Bee winner Zaila Avant-garde’s father changed her surname from Heard to Avant-garde in homage to John Coltrane?

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Tawni Bannister for The New York Times

Jam & Lewis Shaped Pop History. They’re Working on Its Future, Too.

The writing and production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis helped give Janet Jackson and others decades of hits. Now they’re bringing their “newstalgic” sound to their own LP.

By Wesley Morris

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INTERVIEW

My 1o

H.E.R. Still Finds Inspiration in Prince and ‘Martin’

The Grammy- and Oscar-winning performer talks about her new album, the moment she knew she wanted to be a rock star and why R&B isn’t dead.

By Kathryn Shattuck

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NEWS

Robots Can Make Music, but Can They Sing?

At an international competition called the A.I. Song Contest, tracks exploring the technology as a tool for music making revealed the potential — and the limitations.

By Malcolm Jack

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Britney Spears’s Lawyer Asks to Step Down from Court-Appointed Role

The lawyer filed papers to withdraw after the singer said at a court hearing that she wanted new counsel to represent her and get her out of the conservatorship that governs her life.

By Joe Coscarelli, Liz Day and Samantha Stark

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The Charts

Tyler, the Creator Hits No. 1 With ‘Call Me if You Get Lost’

The album opens with the equivalent of 169,000 sales, while BTS remains atop the singles chart with “Butter.”

By Ben Sisario

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‘Waitress’ Is Returning to Broadway. So Is Sara Bareilles.

The popular musical secured a limited engagement at the Ethel Barrymore Theater this fall. The singer and songwriter will reprise her role for six weeks.

By Laura Zornosa

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OBITUARY

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Kaye/Hulton Archive, via Getty Images

Peter Zinovieff, Composer and Synthesizer Innovator, Dies at 88

His powerful, affordable instruments made memorable sounds for Pink Floyd, Kraftwerk, David Bowie, King Crimson and many others.

By Jon Pareles

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