Some pop songs are built for escapism. They offer a three-minute vacation from the weight of things. Paul Jenner, the creative force behind the musical project 50mething, seems uninterested in this kind of holiday. His work is consistently grounded in the here and now, tackling the social and political agitations of our time with a composer’s ear and a critical eye. His 2026 single, “You Can’t...

If one were to immerse themselves in the environment of modern popular music, one would find that there is a dynamic and broad assortment of voice expressions. On rare occasions, though, one person may rise from the middle of multiple voices with great clarity and charisma, compelling others to listen to what they have to say. Katie Belle is making waves with her entrancing new...