New York Times — The popularity of streaming holiday-music classics has made record labels more reluctant to release non-Christmas albums in the final quarter. more info

New York Times — The dominant sound this year was dark, traumatized and defensive, led by artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Future and Taylor Swift. more info

Dlisted — Since Taylor Swift is probably tired of having to make her assistant start each day erasing poop emoji Twitter comments from Katy Perry’s fans, and Katy is probably being forced by her American Idol bosses to earn that $25 million, it appears thes... more info

PopSugar — Are Taylor Swift and Katy Perry burying the hatchet? According to E! News, sources claim Katy filmed a cameo for Taylor's "End Game" music video in Miami on Tuesday. If you recall, Taylor and Katy's nearly four-year-long feud began in 2013 after Tay... more info

L.A. Times - Entertainment — Whether it was Lorde, Halsey or even Taylor Swift, pop singers knew that presenting themselves as outsiders was a clear way to connect with listeners in a year as fractured as 2017. But when these would-be misfits are topping year-end lists (like Lor... more info

L.A. Times - Pop & Hiss — Whether it was Lorde, Halsey or even Taylor Swift, pop singers knew that presenting themselves as outsiders was a clear way to connect with listeners in a year as fractured as 2017. But when these would-be misfits are topping year-end lists (like Lor... more info

Mjsbigblog — Today’s thread is brought to you by the numbers 4 and 67,000. Billboard reports that Luke Bryan has his fourth number one album with “What Makes You Country”. 1 (NEW) Luke Bryan “What Makes You Country” 108K, 99K in sales 2 (3) Taylor Swift... more info

New York Times — Last week U2 bumped Ms. Swift’s “Reputation” from the top spot after three weeks. And this week Luke Bryan hits No. 1 with “What Makes You Country.” more info

PopSugar — Todrick Hall is in the mood to spill some tea. On Thursday, Taylor Swift's BFF probably dished a little more than he was supposed to when he appeared on a morning radio show and spoke of one of the "Gorgeous" singer's old flames. "There was a time ... more info

The Daily Mail — As Taylor Swift's BFF, Todrick Hall has had a front row seat when it comes to the singer's headline-grabbing relationships. more info