Music
A Grand Unified Theory of Buying Stuff
So you've acquired a new thing. And now you want accessories. Ask yourself: Will the potential experience be worth the cost to the supply chain?
The 8 Best Albums of 2021
This year’s most searing records—from Adele’s 30 to Jazmine Sullivan’s Heaux Tales—asked listeners to pause, reflect, and reconsider the path ahead.
These Lemurs Have Got Rhythm. Scientists Have Got Questions
Studying how and why rhythm evolved in these primates could help unravel the mysteries of human musicality.
2021 Was Bound to Be a Year of Pop Culture Disappointments
Despite high points like Dune and Squid Game, the year was full of letdowns. Perhaps we wanted too much.
This Marvel Game Soundtrack Has an Epic Origin Story
Guardians of the Galaxy has one of the 2021's most ambitious video game scores. An MCU-obsessed composer and a made-up metal band brought it to life.
2021’s Spotify Wrapped Is a Haunting, Hilarious Time Capsule
There's a lot to be gleaned from people’s listening patterns in the past year.
My Music App Knows Me Way Too Well. Am I Stuck in a Groove?
WIRED’s spiritual advice columnist on predictability, freedom—and the duality of rebellion.
Our Favorite Audiophile-Grade Gear for Serious Listening
Ready to get the best sound quality of your life? From speakers and headphones to streaming amps, here are our favorite tools for gold-plated listening.
In Celebration of Adele’s Finsta
The singer told Rolling Stone she knows how to “trace something online like no one’s business.”
Video Games Inspire a Generation of Classical Music Fans
Game soundtracks are making waves in the classical community, and a new generation of composers and aficionados are starting to pay attention.
The 16 Best Wireless Headphones for Everyone
Even if you’re on a budget, these wireless headphones sound like a million bucks.
19 Delightful Gifts for Music Lovers and Audiophiles
From headphones and speakers to accessories for their vinyl LPs, these gift ideas will appeal to any audio lover.
How to Identify Any Song Using Your Phone
Need help naming that tune? Try asking Google Assistant, Siri, or Shazam.
How a Playlist Keeps My Family Connected to My Late Father
I never knew how well music could unite everyone, from older relatives to my 7-year-old son—until we built a collaborative playlist together.
Want to Learn Music? Start With These Sites and Apps
Modern technology makes studying to play a new instrument easier than ever. And the best part? Most of these tools are free or affordable.
What Music Labels Learn When You Pre-Save Music
Pre-saving a song before its release can give third parties access to eye-popping amounts of data about your listening habits.
Drake, Kanye, Lil Nas X, and the Art of Online Self-Creation
The internet has given all three artists license for role-playing. Only one is using it to the best effect.
How to Make Podcasts Better for People With Hearing Loss
Here are some easy ways to make audio more accessible for everyone.
What Makes an Artist in the Age of Algorithms?
The Grammy-nominated composer BT spoke to WIRED about art as a form of big data—and his new composition that lives on the blockchain.
The Best Gear to Learn Music Like a Pro
Want to play guitar, piano, or your old clarinet? From mics to metronomes, here's a list of our favorite tools for learning a musical instrument.
The Best Turntables for Your Vinyl Collection
Looking for fresh indoor hobbies? Why not start a record collection? These entry-level turntables will help you enjoy analog audio at home.
The Case Against Music Curation
In an age of pop singles and TikTok virality, letting go is the best way to listen.
The Best Music Streaming Apps to Get Your Groove On
Whether you want to share playlists with friends, jam out at a party, or listen to a 3D live recording, these are the best services to rock out to.