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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The album cover of “EVERYONE’S A STAR!” by 5 Seconds of Summer.

[Photo] Review | 5SOS shines on ‘EVERYONE’S A STAR!’

By Elizabeth Bichkoff, Staff Writer • Nov 19, 2025
The album cover of Rosalía’s ‘LUX.’ The album was released on Nov. 7.

[Photo] Review | Rosalía’s ‘LUX’ illuminates space between classical pop, divinity

By Edgar Nava, Staff Writer • Nov 11, 2025
Cover art for Not For Radio's album “Melt,” released on Oct. 10.

[Photo] Review | María Zardoya crafts her own world on ‘Melt’

By Shyler Yost, Contributing Writer • Oct 15, 2025
The album cover for Doja Cat’s fifth studio album, “Vie,” released on Sept. 26.

[Photo] Review | ‘Vie’ brings no life to Doja’s discography

By Calissa Stevens, Staff Writer • Sep 30, 2025
8.29.25_FBvWIU_M.Stepp-29

[Photo] Snow Strippers cancel PYGMALION performance

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Anna Ceja and Chloe Barbarise • Sep 18, 2025
Cover art for EarthGang’s album, “PERFECT FANTASY,” released on Oct. 29, 2024.

[Photo] EarthGang looks towards future with ‘PERFECT FANTASY,’ upcoming Canopy Club performance

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Sep 18, 2025
Cover art for Blood Orange's new album, “Essex Honey,” released on Aug. 29.

[Photo] Blood Orange’s ‘Essex Honey’ travels through England, youth, grief

By Juliana Damian, Staff Writer • Sep 4, 2025
Cover art for Sabrina Carpenter's single, “Manchild,” released on June 5. The song is the lead single for her upcoming album “Man's Best Friend.”

[Photo] Review | Sabrina Carpenter explores country pop with ‘Manchild’

By Drake Facchinello, Staff Writer • Jun 16, 2025
Cover art for Cynthia Erivo's album, “I Forgive You,” released on June 6.

[Photo] Review | Cynthia Erivo finds power and peace in ‘I Forgive You’

By Kathya Grau, Staff Writer • Jun 15, 2025
Cover art for Kali Uchis's album, “Sincerely,” released on May 9.

[Photo] Review | Kali Uchis ‘Sincerely’ stuns with fifth studio album

By Calissa Stevens, Staff Writer • May 13, 2025
Album cover for Natalia Lafourcade's album “Cancionera,” released on April 24.

[Photo] Review | Natalia Lafourcade fuses passion, playfulness in ‘Cancionera’

By Juliana Damian, Staff Writer • Apr 27, 2025
Album cover for Viagra Boys' album “viagr aboys,” released on April 25.

[Photo] Review | Viagra Boys embrace chaos, absurdity in new album

By Zoe Kidd, Copy Editor • Apr 28, 2025
Cover art for Lorde's single “What Was That,” released on April 24.

[Photo] Review | Lorde reinvents, finds herself on ‘What Was That’

By Drake Facchinello, Staff Writer • Apr 27, 2025
The cover for Bon Iver's new album “SABLE, fABLE,” released on April 11.

[Photo] Review | ‘SABLE, fABLE’ reflects, then reaches forward

By Blake Moore, Contributing Writer • Apr 17, 2025
The album cover for Djo’s third studio album, “The Crux,” released on April 4.

[Photo] Review | ‘The Crux’ marks decisive moment for Djo

By Thomas O’Sullivan, Senior Arts & Entertainment Reporter • Apr 8, 2025
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[Photo] ‘No Hands’ rapper Waka Flocka Flame announced for 2025 Spring Jam

By Maaike Niekerk, Managing Editor • Apr 3, 2025
The album cover for Ariana Grande's new album “eternal sunshine,” released on March 8.

[Photo] Review | Ariana Grande dazzles on her dreamy ‘eternal sunshine’

By Mariana Quezada, Staff Writer • Apr 1, 2025
The album cover for the Wallows EP “More,” released on March 28.

[Photo] Review | We need ‘More’ crushing hits from Wallows

By Calissa Stevens, Contributing Writer • Apr 2, 2025
JAPANESE BREAKFAST

[Photo] Review | Michelle Zauner enchants in ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)’ 

By Juliana Damian, Staff Writer • Mar 28, 2025
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[Photo] Review | Lady Gaga’s ‘Mayhem’ returns to dark pop roots

By Zoe Kidd, Copy Editor • Mar 11, 2025
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[Photo] Review | JENNIE’s ‘Ruby’ is crown jewel of versatility 

By Edgar Nava, Staff Writer • Mar 12, 2025
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[Photo] Review | LISA explores new personas, masters none in ‘Alter Ego’

By Amartya Nalluri, Senior Copy Editor • Mar 3, 2025
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[Photo] Review | Bhad Bhabie gone badder: ‘Ms. Whitman’ targets Alabama Barker

By Madison Trimm, Copy Editor • Mar 2, 2025
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[Photo] Review | Tate McRae is ready to dominate music industry with ‘So Close To What’ 

By Jonathan Mathew, Staff Writer • Feb 26, 2025
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[Photo] Review | Saya Gray beautifully conveys heavy heart on ‘SAYA’ 

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor • Feb 25, 2025
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[Photo] Review | JISOO returns to music with new EP ‘Amortage’

By Kailib Keblys, Staff Writer • Feb 18, 2025
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[Photo] Review | ‘Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe)’ complements original, doesn’t overstay welcome

By Gabriel Kedziora, Staff Writer • Feb 17, 2025
10,000 Maniacs.

[Photo] 10,000 Maniacs presents captivating show at Krannert Center

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor • Feb 13, 2025
d2ebb384c57a8ff8d42300694d429419.1000x974x1

[Photo] Review | Kendrick Lamar: To pimp a halftime show

By Nina Issel, Staff Writer • Feb 10, 2025
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[Photo] Review | LISA enlists Doja Cat, RAYE in new single, ‘Born Again’

By Kailib Keblys, Contributing Writer • Feb 10, 2025
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[Photo] Review | The Weeknd beautifully fades to black in ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’

By Jack Larson, Audience Director • Feb 5, 2025
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[Photo] Kendrick Lamar sweeps, Beyoncé triumphs at 67th Annual Grammy Awards

By Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Feb 3, 2025
54e35454becf8280b88a95156fe3050a.1000x1000x1

[Photo] Review | FKA twigs’ ‘EUSEXUA’ is transformative, techno-pop masterpiece

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor • Jan 27, 2025
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[Photo] Review | Ringo Starr meets low expectations with country album ‘Look Up’

By Makenna Norman, Staff Writer • Jan 15, 2025
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[Photo] Review | buzz picks worst albums of 2024

By Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Dec 30, 2024
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[Photo] Review | buzz picks best albums of 2024

By Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Dec 30, 2024
The album cover for Band Aid's 2024, "Do They Know It’s Christmas? (2024 Ultimate Mix)."

[Photo] Column | Does everyone need to know it’s Christmas?

By Andrew Shevlin, Staff Writer • Dec 23, 2024
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[Photo] Review | ‘rosie’ is confessional, catchy, earnest start to solo career

By Riddhima Patllolli, Staff Writer • Dec 10, 2024
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[Photo] Review | Drift into a dreamy journey with TV Girl, George Clanton’s nostalgic ‘Fauxllennium’

By Mariana Quezada, Senior buzz Reporter • Dec 7, 2024
TWICE-STRATEGY Album Cover - Genius

[Photo] Review | TWICE introduces its ‘Strategy’ with new album

By Edgar Nava, Staff Writer • Dec 9, 2024
The cover for Bon Iver's 2024 EP "SABLE."

[Photo] Review | Bon Iver provides honest conversation in ‘SABLE’

By Juliana Damian, Contributing Writer • Oct 30, 2024
63b888b8e8811e00ffe3d88fbab80658.1000x1000x1

[Photo] Review | ‘Shawn’ explores folk in vulnerable but forgettable comeback

By Bryana Perez, Staff Writer • Nov 21, 2024
The cover of Kendrick Lamar's 2024 album "gnx."

[Photo] Review | Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album ‘GNX’ solidifies status as rap great 

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor • Nov 24, 2024
The album cover for Father John Misty's "Mahashmashana."

[Photo] Review | Father John Misty’s ‘Mahashmashana’: A beautiful sign of the times

By Mary Piacente, News Editor • Nov 28, 2024
The cover for IRENE's "Like a Flower," released November 26, 2024.

[Photo] Review | IRENE stuns in solo debut ‘Like a Flower’

By Kailib Keblys, Contributing Writer • Dec 1, 2024
The cover for Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime."

[Photo] Column | Who’s up having a ‘Wonderful Christmastime?’

By Nicolas Roacho, Staff Writer • Nov 19, 2024
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[Photo] Column | Lady Gaga’s ‘The Fame Monster’ remains definition of iconic

By Mariana Quezada, Senior buzz Reporter • Nov 18, 2024
The album cover for Lady Gaga's 7th album, "Disease."

[Photo] Review | Lady Gaga’s new single ‘Disease’ marks strong pop return

By Kailib Keblys, Contributing Writer • Nov 3, 2024
The album cover for Nirvana's live performance in New York, released November 1, 1994.

[Photo] Column | Remembering Nirvana’s iconic MTV live performance 30 years later

By Kristina Muharremaj, Staff Writer • Nov 5, 2024
The album cover for Ben Folds new holiday album, "Sleigher."

[Photo] Review | Ben Folds’ ‘Sleigher’ distinguishes itself as unique holiday album

By Thomas O’Sullivan, Contributing Writer • Nov 6, 2024
Cover art of Tyler, The Creator's recent fall album release, “CHROMAKOPIA.”

[Photo] Review | Tyler, The Creator’s ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ contemplates personal growth, anxieties of getting old 

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Senior buzz Reporter • Oct 30, 2024
The Official album cover of aespa’s 5th Mini Album "Whiplash," released earlier this year.

[Photo] Review | aespa are game changers with new ‘Whiplash’ era

By Edgar Nava, Contributing Writer • Oct 28, 2024
The cover for Peach Pit's 2024 release "Magpie."

[Photo] Review | ‘Magpie’ is an experimental spectacle for Peach Pit

By Andrew Shevlin, Staff Writer • Oct 29, 2024
The cover of American Football's 2024 remaster "American Football [Covers]."

[Photo] ‘American Football (Covers)’ is brilliant remaster of nostalgic classic 

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Senior buzz Reporter • Oct 22, 2024
Cover art for Big Thief's “Two Hands” released in 2019.

[Photo] Column | Big Thief’s emotional indie-folk album ‘Two Hands’ turns 5

By Kristina Muharremaj, Staff Writer • Oct 11, 2024
Thee Sacred Souls latest album “Got a Story to Tell.”

[Photo] Review | Thee Sacred Souls’ ‘Got A Story To Tell’ distinguishes self from peers

By Riddhima Patllollu, Staff Writer • Oct 12, 2024
The cover of Coldplay's 2024 album, "Moon Music."

[Photo] Review | Coldplay’s final album release is heartwarming, but played out

By Andrew Shevlin, Staff Writer • Oct 8, 2024
The cover of The Cranberries' 1994 "No Need to Argue."

[Photo] Column | The Cranberries continue to influence alternative rock 30 years later

By Kristina Muharremaj, Staff Writer • Oct 10, 2024
The cover art of FINNEAS‘ sophomore album, “For Cryin’ Out Loud!,” shows FINNEAS seeming distant while holding a girl’s hand when sitting in a corner.

[Photo] Review | FINNEAS stylistically expands on ‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!’

By Chloe Barbarise, Senior Copy Editor • Oct 7, 2024
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[Photo] Review | Nelly Furtado meets expectations in newest album, ‘7’

By Amartya Nalluri, Staff Writer • Sep 24, 2024
The album cover for Fousheé's recent album "pointy heights," released on Sept. 13.

[Photo] Review | Fousheé showcases versatility on ‘Pointy Heights’

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Senior buzz Reporter • Sep 16, 2024
The cover for The Dare's newest album "What's Wrong With New York", released on Sept. 6.

[Photo] Review | The Dare brings indie sleaze mainstream with ‘What’s Wrong with New York?’

By Nina Athanasopoulos, Staff Writer • Sep 13, 2024
Cover art for A$AP Rocky's recent release, "Tailor Swif."

[Photo] buzz weekly new music rundown

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Senior buzz Reporter • Sep 7, 2024
Beabadoobee’s third studio album cover, “This is How Tomorrow Moves.”

[Photo] Beabadoobee’s ‘This is How Tomorrow Moves’ echoes heartbreak, growth

By Mary Piacente, News Editor • Aug 11, 2024
Clairo’s album cover for her latest release, “Charm.”

[Photo] Review | Third time’s the charm with Clairo’s new album, ‘Charm’

By Kristina Muharremaj, Staff Writer • Jul 17, 2024
“Guilty Pleasure” is JoJo Siwa’s newest release. It is her fourth EP.

[Photo] Review | JoJo Siwa boldly rebrands in new EP

By Magdalena Neff, Summer Editor • Jul 14, 2024
'Loom' is the newest album from technopop group Imagine Dragon. This is their sixth studio album.

[Photo] Review | Imagine Dragons rocks electropop in new album ‘Loom’

By Magdalena Neff, Summer Editor • Jul 1, 2024
The cover art for “The Secret of Us,” a 13-track, 47-minute album by singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams.

[Photo] Review | ‘The Secret of Us’ is a smashing sad girl summer success

By Chloe Barbarise, Senior Copy Editor • Jun 23, 2024
Bon Jovi’s newest album “Forever” was released on June 7, 2024. This is their 16th studio album.

[Photo] Review | Bon Jovi’s ‘Forever’ fails at a rock and roll revival

By Magdalena Neff, Summer Editor • Jun 8, 2024
Maya Hawke's newest album "Chaos Angel" was released May 31. The indie pop album marks her third record.

[Photo] Review | Maya Hawke teaches listeners how to be human in ‘Chaos Angel’

By Nina Athanasopoulos, Summer Editor • Jun 4, 2024
Album cover of “Blue Electric Light” by Lenny Kravitz. The rock album was released on May 24.

[Photo] Review | Lenny Kravitz’s new album “Blue Electric Light” is soulfully predictable

By Nina Athanasopoulos, Summer Editor • May 25, 2024
Album cover of “Model” by Wallows. The album was released on May 24.

[Photo] Review | ‘Model’ revitalizes Wallows’ sound, falls flat with repetition

By Jacob Slabosz and Chloe Barbarise • May 24, 2024
The official cover art for Billie Eilish’s third studio album, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” which released on May 17.

[Photo] Review | Billie Eilish hits it hard, not at all soft with third studio album

By Chloe Barbarise, Senior Copy Editor • May 19, 2024
The official album cover for Blur’s “Parklife.”

[Photo] Column | Blur’s ‘Parklife’ turns 30: Celebrating a defining Brit-pop album

By Kristina Muharremaj, Staff Writer • Apr 25, 2024
The official cover for “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology,” a 15-song part two to Taylor Swift’s latest album.

[Photo] Review | ‘The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology’ perfects TTPD (Part 2)

By Ella Narag, Special Sections Editor • Apr 20, 2024
The official album cover for Taylor Swift’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” released on April 19.

[Photo] Review | Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ aligns love, poetry (Part 1)

By Ella Narag, Special Sections Editor • Apr 19, 2024
The cover for Nas' debut album "Illmatic," released in 1994.

[Photo] Column | Nas’s ‘Illmatic’ is a timeless example of rap’s greatness, authenticity

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Senior buzz Reporter • Apr 19, 2024
The official album cover for Metro Boomin and Future’s latest album "WE STILL DON'T TRUST YOU."

[Photo] Column | Metro Boomin and Future clearly still don’t trust you 

By Russell Dearing, Contributing Writer • Apr 18, 2024
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[Photo] Review | Vampire Weekend’s ‘Only God Was Above Us’ is triumphant

By Mariana Quezada, Staff Writer • Apr 9, 2024
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[Photo] Billie Eilish to release first album in three years

By Tamana Ramkumar, Staff Writer • Apr 9, 2024
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[Photo] ‘JoJo! Have you learned nothing?’ Siwa returns with confusing new single

By Mary Piacente, News Editor • Apr 8, 2024
Charli_XCX_-_Brat_(album_cover)

[Photo] Charli XCX announces new album ‘Brat,’ releases two singles 

By Gabriel Kedziora, Contributing Writer • Apr 8, 2024
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[Photo] Column | J. Cole’s surprise album ‘Might Delete Later’ should be deleted immediately

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Senior buzz Reporter • Apr 6, 2024
"HOPE ON THE STREET VOL. 1" cover art.

[Photo] Jump into spring with j-hope’s ‘Hope on the Street Vol. 1’

By Bella Schott, Contributing Writer • Apr 2, 2024
NLEChoppa

[Photo] NLE Choppa announced as 2024 Spring Jam artist

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • Mar 27, 2024
Cover art for Olivia Rodrigo's "GUTS (spilled)" deluxe album released in March.

[Photo] Review | Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘GUTS’ have been spilled, drops 5 new tracks

By Angelica Milkie, Staff Writer • Mar 24, 2024
Album cover of “Bright Future” by Adrianne Lenker.

[Photo] Review | Adrianne Lenker delivers emotional folk-rock album with ‘Bright Future’

By Kristina Muharremaj, Staff Writer • Mar 25, 2024
Album cover of Madvillainy by Madvillain.

[Photo] Column | MF DOOM, Madlib’s ‘Madvillainy’ reinvents boundaries of hip-hop, defines a generation

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Staff Writer • Mar 23, 2024
Album cover of Neon Pill by Cage The Elephant.

[Photo] Cage The Elephant makes long-awaited return with ‘Out Loud’ and ‘Neon Pill’

By Andrew Shevlin, Contributing Writer • Mar 8, 2024
Album cover of This Is Why by Paramore.

[Photo] Independent Paramore gets fresh start with new ‘Thick Skull’ music video

By Suzette Murillo, Contributing Writer • Mar 8, 2024
Album cover of Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs.

[Photo] Column | ‘Lost in the Dream’ is expansive record, holds immense weight 10 years later

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Staff Writer • Mar 18, 2024
Album cover of Bleachers by Jack Antonoff.

[Photo] Review | Jack Antonoff brings Bleachers back with self-titled album

By Mariana Quezada, Staff Writer • Mar 18, 2024
1984 "Footloose" soundtrack album art.

[Photo] Review | 40-year-old ‘Footloose’ soundtrack holds well, lack of diversity doesn’t

By A. Oishii Basu, Staff Writer • Feb 19, 2024
Ty Dolla $ign and Kanye West.

[Photo] Review | Mediocre ‘Vultures 1’ showcases West’s delusion on a new level

By Jack Larson, Assistant buzz Editor • Feb 15, 2024
Cover shot for Declan McKenna's third album "What Happened to the Beach" released on Friday.

[Photo] Review | Declan McKenna makes experimental splash with ‘What Happened to the Beach?’

By Pratim Vasireddy, Staff Writer • Feb 13, 2024
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[Photo] Country star Toby Keith dies at 62

By Sam Gregerman, Staff Writer • Feb 6, 2024
Album cover of INSANO.

[Photo] Review | Kid Cudi can’t save mediocre ‘INSANO’ with star features 

By Jack Larson, Assistant buzz Editor • Jan 22, 2024
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