Popular

No matter what your taste in music is, the occasional catchy popular song will find its way into your head and leave you humming one of the Top 40 Hits of the week. Popular music can often get criticized (you either love it or you hate it), but the intention for the music is to become popular. Artists and producers know how to make a song that numerous people will love. It can be fake, or auto tuned, or only feature four chords over and over again, but it can also be charming. Songs that people love can create bonds over a common interest. Weed out the bad music, and find some good pieces in the large pool of favorites.

The Chainsmokers: In the past, electronic and pop music were separate. Pop music was restricted to it’s basic chords and beats and kept its fan base with catchy vocals, meanwhile electronic used its eccentric beats, but had nothing to hold the audience’s attention without vocals. Then came the Chainsmokers. This band is innovating the newest form of pop music and making it their own. With songs like “Roses,” and “Closer,” reaching the top of the charts for both pop and EDM, you can tell that the duo has a lot passion for the music they create. Their sound is better than their competition, more electrifying. The Chainsmoker’s songs are the ultimate sing-along-with-your friends-as-you-bust-out-embarrassing-moves-in-the-car. The upbeat and catchy melodies ensure this band is never absent at a dance party.

Blurryface: You can say a lot about Twenty One Pilots. Some people think they’re overdone, others think they are life changing. No matter what you say about them, the fact is they’re popular for a reason. Their latest album, Blurryface, showcases all of the reasons that they are so popular. Blurryface is a character the lead singer, Tyler Joseph, made up to reflect all of his insecurities. Through every emotion, they relate to their audience. “Tear in my Heart,” demonstrates how love can make you vulnerable. “Heavydirtysoul,” shows a positive spin on feeling helpless. “We Don’t Believe What’s on TV” gives you hope for the future and the sincerity in the lyrics of “The Judge” makes your head and heart skip a beat. Their rock beat combined with authentic lyrics and messages makes this album one that no one should miss, even Twenty One Pilots cynics.

Pop Discovery: Starboy-The Weeknd, 24K Magic-Bruno Mars, Paris-The Chainsmokers, Genghis Kahn-Miike Snow, All Time Low-Jon Bellion, Cold Water-Major Lazer feat Justin Bieber, HandClap- Fitz and the Tantrums, Not Afraid Anymore-Halsey, Juke Jam-Chance the Rapper, Death of a Bachelor-Panic! At the Disco, Hold Up-Beyonce, Never Be Like You-Flume

Pop Chill: Castle on the Hill-Ed Sheeran, I Don’t Know My Name-Grace Vanderwaal, i hate u, i love u-gnash, This Town-Niall Horan, Love Me Know-John Legend, Way Down We Go-Kaleo,  Too Good-Drake, Pray You Catch Me- Beyonce, When We Were Young-Adele, 7 Years-Lukas Graham, Love Yourself-Justin Bieber, The Judge-Twenty One Pilots

Upcoming Concerts:

Twenty One Pilots-United Center-Chicago, IL-1/28/2017-7:00pm

Jacob Sartorius!!!!!!!-House of Blues-Chicago, IL-1/29/2017-6:30pm

Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Britten and Tchaikovsky)-Chicago Symphony Center-Chicago, IL- Feb. 3&4 -8:00pm

Riff Raff-Portage Theater-Chicago, IL-2/4/2017-7:00pm

I Love the 90s Show ft. Vanilla Ice, Salt N Pepa, Coolio (along with other food items)-BMO Harris Bank Center-Rockford, IL-2/10/2017-7:00pm

Cherub and The Floozies-Riviera Theatre-Chicago-2/10/2017 9:00pm