As pop culture continues to fracture, our critic was drawn to art and performances that explored universal themes by way of specific settings.
Category: Country Music
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Jelly Roll, Shaboozey and Others Helped Country Break Through in 2024
Our critic hit the road to talk with Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Tanner Adell and other artists to understand why country music was inescapable in 2024.
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Jacob Collier, Megan Moroney and Clay Aiken Issue Holiday Albums
Our critics on Christmas records from Jacob Collier, Megan Moroney, two “American Idol” alums and more.
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How ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer’ Became a Hit
It started with a novelty songwriter stranded on a snowy night. Decades later, listeners still can’t get his song, “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,” out of their heads.
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Morgan Wallen Pleads to Reduced Charges in Chair-Throwing Incident
The country superstar agreed to misdemeanor reckless endangerment charges and a week at a D.U.I. education center.
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Hear the Best Albums and Songs of 2024
A playlist of 103 songs from our three critics’ lists to experience however you wish.
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Best Songs of 2024
Listen to 68 tracks that made major statements, boosted big beefs, propelled up-and-comers and soundtracked the party this year.
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Best Albums of 2024: Charli XCX, Mk.gee, MJ Lenderman and More
Charli XCX, Mk.gee and MJ Lenderman top our pop music critics’ lists this year.
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In ‘Music City’ and ‘Babe,’ Existential Battles of the Heart and Soul
Bedlam’s country music show is a rollicking good time. But the New Group’s production of “Babe,” starring Marisa Tomei, is a frustrating one-act lacking cohesion.
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Morgan Wallen Wins CMA’s Entertainer of the Year Award
The singer, who is among the most popular artists in music, won country’s top prize in absentia, three years after being rebuked by the genre’s gatekeepers.
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A Bizarre Love Triangle Playlist
Sabrina Carpenter, Loretta Lynn and SZA sing about all the points on a love triangle.