“Promise” isn’t necessarily about love, or even about surrender, but about giving your heart over, repeatedly, and enduring the failures that come with the exchange.
music
Posted inEditor's Pick
The Rhythms of “Rock Creek Park”
“The Blackbyrds’ ode to DC inspired a new generation of artists.”
Posted inFeature
30 Years Later: Groove Theory, “Groove Theory”
“Groove Theory” tries to make the work of staying in love feel as easy as possible, even when it isn’t.
Posted inTop 5
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
Featuring stories by John Woodrow Cox, Justin Sayles, Aryn Baker, Moran Barkai and Paul Tullis, and Russell Cobb and Sarah Brandvold.
Posted inEditor's Pick
Remembering D’Angelo: The Eternal Spell of ‘Voodoo’
“’Voodoo’ has remained one of the pillars of soul music that’s transcended its era and defined its genre, nearly as much as one video almost came to define D’Angelo.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Tyler, the Creator Always Does Things His Way
“Known for both his openness and his mysteriousness, the rapper, producer — and now actor — keeps people guessing.”
Posted inFeature
20 Years Later: Little Brother, “The Minstrel Show”
Like minstrelsy, Little Brother’s album shows you one hand, convinces you of one thing, while something else works behind the scenes.
Posted inEditor's Pick
My Father, Guitar Guru to the Rock Gods
“When the greatest musicians of the 1970s needed an instrument—or a friend—my dad was there.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Who Killed the Mercy Man?
“An obscure murder keeps resurfacing in Black story and song.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
My 24 Guitars
“Music was hazardous in my family, yet I couldn’t help playing—even in my sleep.”