Ann Powers: Pop Music Critic
Written on September 8, 2010 – 12:46 am | by cclancy
As a pop music critic, it only seems right that Ann Powers reside in Los Angeles, surrounded by tween pop sensations. Since 2006, Powers has held the title of chief pop music critic for the Los Angeles Times. Before landing this gig, wrote for papers such as The Rocket, New York Times, and Village Voice.
On a regular basis, Powers blogs for L.A. Times’ music blog, Pop & Hiss. From Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus to Zach de la Rocha and M.I.A., Powers covers all things music. Not only does she review newly released pop albums, but she also blogs funny or news worthy stories surrounding pop music.
In a recent post, Powers blogged a music review for Katy Perry’s new album, “Teenage Dream.” The review was a little strange, though, as Powers spent almost as much time commenting on Katy’s love life and physical appearance as she did on the actual album. In a system she uses to grade all of her album reviews, Powers rated Perry’s album with three out of four stars; Not bad!
Overall, I enjoyed reading Powers’ work, especially on Pop & Hiss. I like the way makes her stories more interesting and unique by adding a lot of her personality and humor into each post.
4 Responses to “Ann Powers: Pop Music Critic”
I’m happy you mentioned Powers because I really like her style of writing. Most of her reviews are interesting and entertaining to read.
I read the Perry review and I too wish she would have talked about the music it self a little more. That being said, I agree with most of what she was saying. I liked when she said, “To judge Perry as inauthentic or unoriginal would be wrong; as with any great ad campaign, uncanny familiarity is her greatest achievement.” She takes songs that otherwise would be boring and generic and makes them interesting because of her fun loving attitude.
Good post, but be careful with your AP Style — no italicizing names of publications. 10/10
“Pop music” covers such a broad spectrum of music, and unfortunately it often carries bad connotations. I really enjoy reading the work of critics who don’t bash pop to bash pop, there’s some genius in so much pop music that people fail to realize.