Reads & Readings
A running journal of the songs we've been thinking about — what they mean, why they linger, where they come from.
Cover Story · Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen's 'Been By Now': The Math of a Relationship That Didn't Add Up
A country-pop breakup song about the quiet moment you admit a relationship that keeps needing fixing was never going to fix itself
In this issue
Also worth reading
№02
Diane Butler
I Miss You More: Diane Butler's Long-Distance Confession
A traveling musician calls home to the woman he left behind, admitting she was right that distance would hurt more than he expected
№03
Solomon Hayes
Solomon Hayes, 'One Good Day': A Pop Manifesto for Ordinary Heroism
A pep-talk pop song that argues an ordinary day of small annoyances and good food with friends is enough to make you the hero of your own life
№04
KAROL G, Judeline & rusowsky
BbY WOW: Karol G's Reggaeton Ode to Not Being Over It
A post-breakup reggaeton confession about driving around a city hoping to bump into someone you already know you shouldn't call
№05
Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter & Honey Dijon
Ask Yourself This: Inside the Peaktime Dub of 'Bring Your Love'
A stripped-back club edit that turns a pop collaboration into a dancefloor sermon on why you're really out there tonight
Also in this issue
The Reading Room
- 06 Olivia Rodrigo track 2
- 07 Kanye West Heartless
- 08 Madonna Bring Your Love (Stuart Price Afterhours Mix)
- 09 Noah Graves Jesus, I'm afraid
- 10 Olivia Rodrigo Can’t Catch Me Now (from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes)
- 11 Got Dem Blues Banjo Boy
- 12 Jethro Tull Thick As A Brick, Pt. 1
- 13 Jamie Miller Babydoll
- 14 Paperboys, Connor Price, Nic D & Alan Ritchson Hey Heartbreaker
- 15 Francesca Battistelli He Will
- 16 Madonna & Kylie Minogue Love Sensation (Afterhours Mix)
- 17 Sadie Barlow I Choose Me
