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

Frank Ocean doesn’t want to be here anymore

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

The 25 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

Celebrate the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin or see Chadwick Boseman's "Black Panther" costume at the Smithsonian's new "Afrofuturism" exhibit.

March 23, 2023

In D.C.’s post-pandemic nightlife, these new venues signal a rebound

Three new spaces for D.C. music — the Owl Room, the Runaway and Eckington Hall — are up and running.

March 15, 2023

Wayne Shorter’s jazz offered a glimpse at the meaning of life

Saxophonist Wayne Shorter was one of the titans of jazz, from his work as bandleader, with the Weather Report, with Miles Davis and many more.

March 2, 2023