Sade performs at Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia on Oct. 30, 2011. Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/WireImage. You know what I like? Unnecessary saxophones in songs. It’s been a long week and I’m tired, so I’ve been opting for music that cheers me up. I didn’t have to go nuclear…

Though she may not be the biggest artist on Billboard’s charts in 2021, there’s no denying that at 40, Alicia Keys is widely regarded as one of the 21st century’s most successful pop acts and a musical prodigy. With her eighth album, Keys—following just a year after part one…

  Illustration: Vivian Shih It’s “love and hate” week at RIFF. We’ve taken on the theme of Valentine’s Day to talk about both sides of love. We’re starting off with my favorite love songs, but there are some caveats: These are only since 1980. There’s a whole bunch of really…