The most-played country songs of 2021 included some surefire hits and some big surprises, some sentimental ballads and some rowdy party songs, and even two contributions from one superstar artist.

It’s brutal out there, and that’s why, more than ever, we needed the consoling and prodding pleasures of popular music to help everything make sense in here. [Stage direction: taps chest, knowingly.] ...

Local music was one of the few bright spots of the 2021 entertainment scene, with Rhode Island bands releasing a steady stream of full-length albums, EPs and singles. The year's output reflected the ...