Chris Richards

Washington, D.C.

Pop music critic

Education: George Washington University

Chris Richards has been The Washington Post's pop music critic since 2009. Before joining The Post, he freelanced for various music publications.
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Latest from Chris Richards

Kali Uchis makes astrological pop music, but she’s the star to watch

Kali Uchis's new album, “Red Moon in Venus,” pushes toward celestial heights, but the singer kept her feet on the ground at a homecoming concert in Washington.

May 10, 2023

El Cousteau raps loud. He’s just trying to hear himself.

Supporting the release of his stylish new mixtape, ‘Dirty Harry,’ the D.C. native opens for Mavi at Union Stage.

May 10, 2023

Willie Nelson might know what forever means

Willie Nelson turned 90 with a star-studded two-day concert at the Hollywood Bowl, and the most legendary country singer alive sounded like a new man.

May 2, 2023

Frank Ocean bailed on Coachella. He never fit there in the first place.

Frank Ocean bailed on Coachella's second weekend. He joins a growing list of artists from his generation who would seemingly rather be anywhere than on stage.

April 24, 2023

Wifigawd is still rapping two steps ahead of the algorithm

For years, rap critics have praised D.C. native Wifigawd for being ahead of his time. Where’s he at now?

April 20, 2023

Nativesun needs to feel the beat as much as you do

The District-raised DJ Nativesun approaches nightlife rhythm as personal therapy and public service: “The people out there need to feel this, too.”

April 12, 2023

Joni Mitchell sang Gershwin. I think I heard divine intervention.

Joni Mitchell was awarded the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song and then delivered a performance that was utterly profound.

March 31, 2023

Ari Lennox isn’t ready to say goodbye just yet

The D.C.-born R&B star said this would be her last tour. But with the help of her hometown crowd, she seemed to be singing a different song.

March 30, 2023

Lana Del Rey is a realist — and reality is weird

On her ninth album, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” the pop visionary’s detailed ballads seep into strange places.

March 27, 2023

Singing from deep within, Kelela is reaching higher heights

The songs on Kelela's fabulous new album, “Raven,” feel intimate and lucid. Onstage, she made them feel closer and clearer.

March 24, 2023