The power of a lasting song is that it breaks free of its origins. Hits should be more than celebrity narratives.

In a peak moment of pop monoculture, synthesizers pumped up songs and MTV forever changed how artists were seen. Here’s how — and why.

Hear tracks by Sky Ferreira, Bad Bunny, Sakura Tsuruta and others.

While Latin music looks ahead, its biggest awards show, broadcast live from Miami on Thursday night, looked back.

On the British R&B trio’s awaited debut album, “Access All Areas,” nostalgia meets ambition.

Hear tracks from Ethel Cain, the Black Keys featuring Beck, Ilham and others.

The Grateful Dead bassist found new melodic byways through every song.

Hear Sade’s first new track since 2018, plus songs from Soccer Mommy, Tyler, the Creator and more.

The singer and songwriter’s fifth album processes intense pain through a high-concept homage to role models including Stevie Nicks, Bruce Springsteen and Britney Spears.

Hear tracks by Haley Heynderickx, Cymande, Bonzie and others.