Over two interviews and more text messages, our artist of the year unpacks her album Fetch the Bolt Cutters – and explains how she finally found compassion for herself after trauma and bullying
The reclusive artist’s fifth album seemed to resonate with people’s desire to escape lockdown. But Apple’s bracing vision of justice and compassion proposed a different kind of freedom
Casual listeners think of him as a gentle giant of jazz, but critics and African Americans often saw him as a sell out or ‘Uncle Tom’. A new book aims to show how radical ‘Pops’ really was
Her $60m annual Las Vegas residency was off the cards this year, but the singer still has lots to say about animal rights, Trump’s ‘toxic’ politics, cosmetic surgery and the men in her life
Fabulously talented and famously outspoken, Stefflon Don is one of rap’s hottest stars. Here, she opens up to Yomi Adegoke about controversy, teen motherhood and staying true to herself
Innovative technician described as a ‘sonic genius’ by long-time collaborator Quincy Jones also worked with Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and others
His melodically brilliant powerpop chafed against the 90s indie scene – but the singer, who has died of bowel cancer, should also be remembered for songs made after his band’s fame
Twelve years after Kirsty MacColl's untimely death,
Michael Hann talks to her friends and family as the singer-songwriter's first four albums are re-released
Our countdown is complete, topped by a mercurial work of sprawling invention by a woman who has dug deep to survive. Taken as a whole, these choices contain drama, solace, poetry and fire, a fitting selection for a turbulent year
The reclusive artist’s fifth album seemed to resonate with people’s desire to escape lockdown. But Apple’s bracing vision of justice and compassion proposed a different kind of freedom
The singer, who has left Little Mix to focus on her mental health, brought huge talent and charisma to the group – but trolls turned abuse into a defining feature
After 60 years, the brass band melody – inspired by sun streaming through a dreary Manchester day – is now the most played piece of music on British TV
She was a rock’n’roll powerhouse who electrified audiences worldwide. As Tina Turner releases a guide to happiness, she talks to playwright V (formerly Eve Ensler) about how she found the strength to overcome illness, abuse and tragedy
Now 89, one-time refugee Chris Strachwitz presides over one of the greatest US labels, having removed the stigma from working-class music like blues and zydeco to give a voice to the ignored
The work of the composer, who has died from Covid-19 aged 84, can’t be contained with the term ‘ambient’ – it is a guide to dreamworlds and a haven in tough times
The 50 best albums of 2020, No 1 Fiona Apple – Fetch the Bolt Cutters
The 50 best albums of 2020 The full list
Albums and tracks of 2020 How our writers voted