Stephen Thompson
Stories
-
Music
Sabrina Carpenter's album fended off a challenge from Travis Scott to debut at No. 1
After scoring two huge hits this summer with "Espresso" and "Please Please Please," Sabrina Carpenter's new album just debuted at number one -- against an interesting challenger.
-
Music
NPR Music's favorite new releases
NPR's Music team brings their favorite songs released this week.
-
Politics
So, about that special musical guest ... Where was Beyoncé for the DNC's final night?
Instead, the special, previously unannounced guest was … nobody. The night’s headliner, Vice President Harris, had the spotlight to herself — which may have been the point all along.
-
Music
Taylor Swift uses some slick marketing strategies to keep her album No. 1
The album --- “The Tortured Poets Department" -- has now spent 15 weeks at No. 1. Swift’s hold on the top spot is as much about marketing magic as it is music.
-
Music
Taylor Swift stays at No. 1, and foils Ye in the process
In terms of chart success, The Tortured Poets Department is the most charmed album of the pop star's career. This week it spends its 14th week at No. 1, holding off a new album by one-time nemesis Ye.
-
Music
Country music is having an awfully big summer
Country music has been all over the pop charts this summer.
-
Music
Taylor Swift is back at No. 1, for her lucky 13th week
After a short vacation from the pinnacle of the albums chart, Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department reclaims the throne in a week filled with names and sounds that are awfully familiar.
-
Arts & Life
How the U-S is handling TV coverage of these Olympic Games
Stephen Thompson, host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast, talks about the TV coverage of the Olympic games and the value of a good sports commentator.
-
Music
This week's new albums, including the 'Twisters' soundtrack
NPR's Music team breaks down this week's new music, plus how the impact of movie soundtracks has changed.
-
Arts & Life
Ingrid Andress, whose national anthem went viral, says she was drunk
The country star says she intends to check herself in to rehab.
