Mitski

Boygenius-mania was only the most visible sign of the fantastic year indie-rock had in 2023, with strong albums from newcomers (Blondshell, Kara Jackson), established stars (Mitski) and veterans (Wilco, the National). In the new episode of Rolling Stone Music Now, we go through some highlights of the year in indie albums. Trending Jon Dolan, Angie Martoccio, and Simon Vozick-Levinson join host Brian Hiatt for the discussion. Among many other topics, we touch on Mitski’s surprise…

The lead single of Mitski’s previous album, 2022’s Laurel Hell, took a bleak view of her future in music. “I used to think I’d be done by 20,” she sang on Working for the Knife. “Now at 29, the road ahead appears the same / Though maybe at 30, I’ll see a way to change.” It was the Japanese American songwriter’s latest treatise on her conflicted relationship to her niche but intense fame. After several of her songs unexpectedly went viral, Mitski saw her mordant, nuanced introspection reduced to “sad girl” pop and came to…

Have you looked at the Billboard Hot 100 lately? If not, you’re in for a treat. The Christmas classics have flooded in and shaken everything up, making for one slightly surreal snow globe that features Doja Cat, Bing Crosby, Burl Ives, and Gunna all rocking around the same tree. Speaking of which: Sixty-five years after its release, Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is finally at Number One. In another 65 years, “Cruel Summer” will probably still be in the Top 10. If we’re lucky, Jason Aldean’s “Try That…

From Lil Yachty to Olivia Rodrigo, from R&B to indie rock to Afrobeats In 2023, must-hear albums kept piling up at an insane rate. Olivia Rodrigo proved the truth-bomb punk-pop of her 2021 Sour was no fluke. Boygenius blew first-album expectations out of the water. Lil Yachty traded in his boat for a space cruiser. Zach Bryan released an album of deeply personal songs that subverted country-bro masculinity (and still packed arenas). Underground rapper Billy Woods and…

The Queen’s Gambit went from the pages of Walter Tevis’ 1983 novel to the screens of millions of Netflix users when its series adaptation premiered in 2020 — and now it’s heading to Broadway. The musical adaptation of the period drama will be driven by music and lyrics from singer and songwriter Mitski. “Before Level Forward even brought the idea of making a musical of The Queen’s Gambit, I was a fan of the Netflix show, and an even greater fan of the original novel. So I was already determined to be a member of…

Among the many movies sporting Oscar-contending original songs are three that stand out in different ways. The moods among them include a frenetic dance number, a haunting melody for anyone separated from loved ones and ... a nod to quantum physics. Actors Ram Charan and N.T. Rama Rao Jr. are celebrated in a scene from “RRR.” (DVV Entertainment) “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR” So you just saw the Indian smash “RRR” and think you may be possessed. A mysterious force is making you attempt some extraordinarily…