12 releases from smaller artists in 2023 that you don’t want to miss.
From shoegaze to irish folk to underground rap, check out some of the most exciting albums and EPs from lesser-known artists this year.
The best songs that dominated 2023.
Billboard’s 2023 Year End Hot 100 chart, ranked.
Under your spell: diving into the catalog of Italians Do It Better.
A sampler of ten great albums from the legendary synth-pop label, Italians Do It Better.
Stevie’s wonderful album run: Stevie Wonder’s classic period.
Ranking five breathtaking records in one of the greatest discographies of all time, from Music of My Mind to Songs in the Key of Life.
“I’m in my third prime”: ranking the Nas & Hit-Boy hexalogy.
A comprehensive ranking of Nas and Hit-Boy’s once-thought-unlikely partnership.
Mafia, what else: ranking every Boldy James album.
A review of the Detroit rapper's impressive discography.
Songs for your summer road trips.
With summer vacation — and freedom from the UChicago grind — finally here, the time for road trips and warm drives is approaching. Here are ten songs to add to your summer road trip playlist!
The top ten trap albums of the modern era.
From 2010 onwards, these are the records that define a generation.
Songs to help you romanticize the remaining weeks of winter.
From dream pop to folk: listen to these songs while you wait for the snow to melt.
Ten pop-rap crossovers that went horribly wrong.
Creatively bankrupt and hollow collaborations that leave you wanting so much more.
Firebird’s Top Albums of 2022: Staff Picks.
See our staff’s individual lists of their favorite albums of 2022 here!
Firebird’s Top 20 Albums of 2022
The top 20 albums of 2022 as voted by Firebird’s staff.
Songs I won’t forgive the artist for leaving off Spotify.
These songs deserve their moment in the spotlight.
New Music Highlights: January — June 2022
Some of Sha’s favorite new releases from the first half of 2022.
Small Acts: familiar sounds from five artists you’ve never heard of.
The top 10 Spotify web apps.
Songs for when you are an angry woman.
When you need the energy of murderous women, these songs are here for you.
Songs that Will Keep You Warm When Chicago Gets Cold
These songs will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling and make the windy walk to class a bit more bearable.
Firebird’s Best Albums of 2021
Firebird Staff’s 2021 top picks.
Five 2021 Releases to Get You Through the Winter
From folksy ballads to mellow synth beats, these five new releases will keep you warm on even the coldest days.