Stories by Sheldon Pearce
Sheldon Pearce
Editor, NPR Music
By Sheldon Pearce
Pop albums are drowning in 'narrative.' What happens when we go in cold?
Sheldon Pearce | Jun 16, 2026, 2:21 PM UTC
New albums by Lizzo and the rising artist Imani Imani are both "event" records — but one arrives with arguably too much backstory, the other with almost none.
By Sheldon Pearce
Drake's target audience is you, whoever you areSheldon Pearce | May 20, 2026, 3:32 PM UTC
By Sheldon Pearce
What is a radical? It's the question of M.I.A.'s vexing careerSheldon Pearce | May 9, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC
By Sheldon Pearce
Young pop stars are burning out — and singing through itSheldon Pearce | Apr 27, 2026, 6:08 PM UTC
Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE put a ring on indie rap's favorite friendship
A much-hyped double album finds the two reveling in a mutual influence that has bloomed for a decade, shaping a scene in the process.
Sheldon Pearce | Apr 9, 2026, 5:15 PM UTC
