BY: AVERY WALKOVIAK, FILM DIRECTOR, WSBU THE BUZZ Whether or not you enjoy music, if you have a heart and a soul, it is necessary that you listen to Alabama Shakes. I can attest that watching them live completely rewired my brain chemistry. Brittany Howard, the frontwoman for the band, brings deep, powerhouse vocals to…
BY: DANIELLE CLARK, STAFF WRITER Noah Kahan has built his career on writing songs that feel personal, but “The Great Divine” may be one of his most emotional yet. While interpretation differs for all listeners, I believe that the song reflects something like Kahan looking back at a relationship filled with misunderstanding and things…
BY: JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons The music industry thrives on the talent and labor of artists, yet record labels continue to deny them health insurance. In her acceptance speech for Best New Artist, Chappell Roan used her moment in the spotlight to highlight an issue within the music industry —…
BY: JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Despite its carefully cultivated image as a champion of artists and music lovers, Spotify cares more about profit than the people who make its platform worth using. The latest revelation? A $150,000 donation to Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony. Spotify defended the move, claiming it was…
BY: HANNAH WEST, STAFF WRITER Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Out of the three country categories at the GRAMMY Awards, Beyoncé questionably won two and was nominated for all three. Her “country” album, “COWBOY CARTER,” was, in fact, very popular. It surpassed 1 billion streams last year and broke the record for the most streams…
BY: JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Album cover from albumoftheyear.com Bill Ryder-Jones has always worn his heart on his sleeve, but with his “Iechyd Da,” he offers more — an embrace of life’s messy emotions. Named after the Welsh toast for “good health,” this record reflects on a life that balances heartbreak with hope. This LP…
LILLY GOODMAN, STAFF WRITER Album Cover from albumoftheyear.com “Lana” — written as a deluxe to SZA’s “SOS” — is an album defined by striking contrasts. Its highs soar to breathtaking heights while the lows do not detract from the overall brilliance. SZA’s 15-track sophomore album, “Lana,” was released on Dec. 20, 2024, marking a milestone…
BY: LILLY GOODMAN, STAFF WRITER Photo courtesy of Joseph DeBell / Opinion Editor for The Bona Venture Although playlists and singles dominate modern music, the album format remains a timeless and irreplaceable medium for storytelling. In an era dominated by streaming platforms and digital downloads, some might wonder if the album format no longer has…
JOSEPH DEBELL: OPINION EDITOR Graphic: Joseph DeBell With Donald Trump as the incoming president, musicians’ progress toward fair compensation is at risk. The Living Wage for Musicians Act — designed to secure better wages for artists in the music industry — is in danger of being sidelined. This legislation could become one of the casualties…
BY: LILLY GOODMAN, STAFF WRITER Album cover from albumoftheyear.org “Dancing in the Flames” displays The Weeknd’s musical ability but highlights areas where the song could have packed more of a punch. The Weeknd illustrates a fast-paced evening drive in the city as “Dancing in the Flames” begins. With electric echoes reminiscent of Daft Punk, digital…
BY: HANNAH WEST, STAFF WRITER Photo from Wikimedia Commons Not enough people are talking about Maggie Rogers. Many stumbled upon Roger’s from her song with Zach Bryan, “Dawns,” but her solo works have stunning lyrics and a style different from most modern, popular music. She is currently on her “Don’t Forget Me” tour, the name…
BY: MORGAN KILGER, FEATURES EDITOR Musical theater is coming to St. Bonaventure University. Professor Janell Clingenpeel, a visual and performing arts professor, and Dr. Brian Stevens, visiting professor and director of choral and vocal music, will offer MUS 399: Musical Theatre and Production for the spring semester. In this course, students will engage in the…
BY: LILLY GOODMAN, STAFF WRITER Album cover from albumoftheyear.org “Songs In The Key Of Life” isn’t just a staple in Stevie Wonder’s career — it’s a towering musical accomplishment. This September, Wonder’s 18th studio album, “Songs In The Key Of Life,” celebrated its 48th anniversary. When people hear Wonder’s name, they often think of songs…
BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Graphic: @beyonce on Instagram Long before the days of sought-after country artists like Toby Keith, country music has always prided itself on two things: storytelling and being the voice of the everyday American. However, Beyoncé’s experience suggests otherwise. Beyoncé’s latest effort, “Cowboy Carter,” the first LP by a Black woman…
BY: LILLY GOODMAN, CONTRIBUTING WRITER Album Cover from albumoftheyear.com Stars from Wikimedia Commons The soundscape of the hip-hop genre is constantly evolving, and few artists command attention like Travis Scott. His fourth studio album, “UTOPIA,” follows his 2018 album, which cemented his place in atmospheric music production. In the grand scope of Scott’s career, “UTOPIA”…
BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Graphic: Joseph DeBell / The Bona Venture Michael Smith’s case should serve as a reminder that regulation in the music streaming industry is not just about preventing financial fraud — it’s about preserving the integrity of music. The recent arrest of Smith, who managed to swindle $10 million through a…
BY: LILLY GOODMAN, CONTRIBUTING WRITER Graphic made by Joseph DeBell Few bands have managed to seize the essence of surf rock quite like Weezer. With their unique blend of geek rock, catchy hooks and unmistakable guitar riffs, the band has earned a devoted fan base since their 1994 debut. 5.)“El Scorcho” From Weezer’s “Pinkerton” LP,…
BY: HANNAH WEST, CONTRIBUTING WRITER Graphic made by Joseph DeBell As fall approaches, it’s time to watch the leaves change and listen to famous New Englander, Noah Kahan. In July of 2022, Kahan released the title track from his “Stick Season” album. Since then, he has not looked back. In 2024, the Vermonter went on…
BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Album cover courtesy of @sabrinacarpenter on Instagram ALBUM SCORE: 3/5 Stars Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album, “Short n’ Sweet,” marks a new chapter in her career, one full of surprises and contradictions. While she’s often heralded as the fresh face of pop, she’s not exactly a newcomer. At 25, she already…
BY: LILLY GOODMAN, CONTRIBUTING WRITER Cover art courtesy albumoftheyear.com Some could argue that “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” is Tommy Richman’s greatest piece of music, but after listening to “THE RUSH,” audiences were forced to question that notion. Richman is a popular name in the music industry in 2024, with 36 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Richman’s…