songwriting

Brandi Carlile’s new album radiates quiet celebration but also reminds us that human frailty can throw shade on whatever lightness we find.

With heartland characters who fend off impending trouble with the thought of love, James McMurtry portrays the hope and sadness of today’s America.

Veteran country-rockers the Mavericks didn’t reinvent the wheel on their new album. But they did something almost as good.

José González knows exactly where he wants to take you. And he’s patient and organized about getting there.

The hit country songwriter notes that anyone can write platitudes, but getting to the heart of true love is hard work.

Estelle jumps from power ballads to early-'90s house to sassy r&b to reggae-pop. But maybe she does it a little too perfectly.

I don't know if jealousy is the right way to describe how I feel about Beck. He does, however, remind me of my own shortcomings. I don't know if ...

When we dream of escaping ourselves, escaping the mundane beginnings that swaddle us, from our earliest embarrassments on into our teenage years...

Having spent the better (obviously the wrong word) part of my listening life in a thralldom to both severe depression and the saddest music I can...

Red Fang’s singer thinks that Take That are clearly talented, but they need some more flavor.

It’s not her broken-hearted best, but the new Marianne Faithfull album still feels like a welcome visit from an old friend.

Singer-songwriter Holly Miranda assesses the new album by the woman who first inspired her to write a song.