Best of CH 2015: ListenUp

Musical highlights from our soundtrack to the year

This year, musicians protested through shouts and rhymes, exposed painful wounds, gave the middle finger to haters and, most of all, perfectly captured the essence of the here and now through their songs. In no particular order, here are 12 musical highlights from our soundtrack to 2015, including everything from uneasy electronica to acoustic tearjerkers. Revisit the songs we noted in our Listen section (updated …

Best of CH 2014: ListenUp

Spaced-out synth solos, vocal experiments, emoji videos, exciting newcomers, legendary acts and so much more in the year's musical highlights

As we bid adieu to 2014, we take a look back at the hundreds of new songs and albums (and even our own 4/20-themed playlist) we shared with our readers. While we said goodbye this year to a few music legends who have shaped today’s contemporary sound, we also warmly welcomed stellar debuts from emerging talents across all ages and genres—and veterans with long-awaited comebacks. …

4. Thelonious Monk: Paris 1969

The top songs, albums and artists influencing an incredible year in music

For his final bow after months commanding the International Space Station, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield recorded a music video from space. In covering David Bowie’s 1969 song, “Space Oddity,” Hadfield was able to croon a viral phenomenon that inspired over 12 million views in the week following its release. Hearing the 53-year-old sing about the fictional astronaut Major Tom—whose failed mission was revised by Hadfield …