Over the last decade, pop’s sonic spaces grew isolated and claustrophobic. But this year the pendulum started to swing back toward solidarity, and even a glimpse of optimism. By Jon Pareles Music ...

Something old, something new: Popular music in 2019 had plenty of both, and there was no shortage of rewards to be had and heard. As we gear up for the ‘20s (finally, a decade with a real name again!) ...