Carrie Battan
Carrie Battan began contributing to The New Yorker in 2015 and became a staff writer in 2018. She has contributed to the Times, New York magazine, GQ, and Elle, and her work was anthologized in the 2021 edition of “The Best American Travel Writing.”
The Anxious Precision of Jacqueline Novak’s Comedy
“Get on Your Knees,” her new Netflix special, is a ninety-minute reflection on the blow job.
The Revealing Spectacle of Beyoncé’s “Renaissance”
Beyoncé’s nearly three-hour-long concert film captures a grandiose affair, but it also has its own lofty aspirations.
PinkPantheress Is a Hopeless Romantic
On her new album, “Heaven Knows,” the Gen Z songstress displays a yearning quality that’s surprisingly difficult to locate in today’s splintered, chaotic pop world.
Drake’s Era of Masculine Frustration
On his new album, “For All the Dogs,” the star rapper wallows in his discontent.
The Ascent of the Supermodel
A four-part Apple TV+ series, “The Super Models,” traces the transformation of Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, and Linda Evangelista into a new cultural category.
Olivia Rodrigo’s Star-Making “Guts”
The singer’s new album comes loaded with expectations about her talent and the future of the music industry.
Romy’s Exuberant Eurodance Revival
On “Mid Air,” the xx singer and guitarist embraces Y2K dance music, transforming big-room E.D.M. drops into elegant crescendos.
“And Just Like That . . .” Has One Too Many Cosmopolitans
The first season was a pleasant reunion; the second season has some issues.
Hannibal Buress the Rapper’s Warmup Act? Hannibal Buress the Comedian
The former standup comic, whose career shift into music is not, in fact, a bit, does a quick comedy set downtown before rapping about veneers and weight lifting.
The Zen Wisdom of Sarah Silverman
The comic discusses the recent death of her parents, how hosting a call-in podcast has been freeing, and her new standup special, “Someone You Love.”
Desperate to Be Micro-Famous
The satirical film “Sick of Myself” shows the warping effects of social media by way of a character who gives herself a hideous rash.
John Mulaney Confronts Addiction in His New Netflix Special
As an act of vulnerability, “Baby J” may not live up to expectations, but it’s further confirmation of Mulaney’s comedic talent.
Central Cee, Britain’s Hip-Hop Ambassador
The musician takes Americans on a tour of British rap.
The Casual Anti-Spectacle of Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show
Rihanna is perhaps the only pop star so relaxed and unencumbered by expectations that she could turn such a high-stakes occasion into a jaunt.
The Beyoncé Grammys Were Awkward
A ceremony that was designed to feel like a coronation instead came off like an apology.
The Fierce, Lasting Influence of Paramore
On “This Is Why,” Paramore is trying to grow up and move on. But it’s the teen-age angst of the band’s early work that still inspires.
The Best Music of 2022
Rosalía, Beach House, Tokischa, Beyoncé, and other standout musicians and tastemakers.
My Year of Reddit and Relaxation
I misjudged the Web site, which can be a pleasing oasis of text-based communication.
Jonah Hill, Selena Gomez, and the Rise of Celebrity Vulnerability
Today’s young stars place their mental health front and center in a way that feels new.
Ramy Youssef’s Muslim American Life
The actor-director-comedian discusses the third season of his show “Ramy,” why he likes to “touch the stove” with jokes, and playing a character who believes in God.
The Anxious Precision of Jacqueline Novak’s Comedy
“Get on Your Knees,” her new Netflix special, is a ninety-minute reflection on the blow job.
The Revealing Spectacle of Beyoncé’s “Renaissance”
Beyoncé’s nearly three-hour-long concert film captures a grandiose affair, but it also has its own lofty aspirations.
PinkPantheress Is a Hopeless Romantic
On her new album, “Heaven Knows,” the Gen Z songstress displays a yearning quality that’s surprisingly difficult to locate in today’s splintered, chaotic pop world.
Drake’s Era of Masculine Frustration
On his new album, “For All the Dogs,” the star rapper wallows in his discontent.
The Ascent of the Supermodel
A four-part Apple TV+ series, “The Super Models,” traces the transformation of Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, and Linda Evangelista into a new cultural category.
Olivia Rodrigo’s Star-Making “Guts”
The singer’s new album comes loaded with expectations about her talent and the future of the music industry.
Romy’s Exuberant Eurodance Revival
On “Mid Air,” the xx singer and guitarist embraces Y2K dance music, transforming big-room E.D.M. drops into elegant crescendos.
“And Just Like That . . .” Has One Too Many Cosmopolitans
The first season was a pleasant reunion; the second season has some issues.
Hannibal Buress the Rapper’s Warmup Act? Hannibal Buress the Comedian
The former standup comic, whose career shift into music is not, in fact, a bit, does a quick comedy set downtown before rapping about veneers and weight lifting.
The Zen Wisdom of Sarah Silverman
The comic discusses the recent death of her parents, how hosting a call-in podcast has been freeing, and her new standup special, “Someone You Love.”
Desperate to Be Micro-Famous
The satirical film “Sick of Myself” shows the warping effects of social media by way of a character who gives herself a hideous rash.
John Mulaney Confronts Addiction in His New Netflix Special
As an act of vulnerability, “Baby J” may not live up to expectations, but it’s further confirmation of Mulaney’s comedic talent.
Central Cee, Britain’s Hip-Hop Ambassador
The musician takes Americans on a tour of British rap.
The Casual Anti-Spectacle of Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show
Rihanna is perhaps the only pop star so relaxed and unencumbered by expectations that she could turn such a high-stakes occasion into a jaunt.
The Beyoncé Grammys Were Awkward
A ceremony that was designed to feel like a coronation instead came off like an apology.
The Fierce, Lasting Influence of Paramore
On “This Is Why,” Paramore is trying to grow up and move on. But it’s the teen-age angst of the band’s early work that still inspires.
The Best Music of 2022
Rosalía, Beach House, Tokischa, Beyoncé, and other standout musicians and tastemakers.
My Year of Reddit and Relaxation
I misjudged the Web site, which can be a pleasing oasis of text-based communication.
Jonah Hill, Selena Gomez, and the Rise of Celebrity Vulnerability
Today’s young stars place their mental health front and center in a way that feels new.
Ramy Youssef’s Muslim American Life
The actor-director-comedian discusses the third season of his show “Ramy,” why he likes to “touch the stove” with jokes, and playing a character who believes in God.