Two bands end the year by entering the Chart Show Hall of Fame, that would be Kacey Musgraves with “justified” and Courtney Barnett’s “Write a List of Things to Look Forward To”.

Reflecting on the life of writer Joan Didion — one of Mary Lucia’s personal heroes — Mary recommends the documentary ‘Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold,’ available on Netflix and directed by Didion's nephew, Griffin Dunne.

Minneapolis hip-hop artist Kristoff Krane is recovering from a serious car accident. A MealTrain is available for those who wish to support Krane and his family.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what are the best new/breakthrough artists of 2021?

Thank you for voting in our Top 89 countdown! The Current’s Best New Artists of 2021 include Wet Leg, Olivia Rodrigo, and Little Simz.

Boldly going where few gay men of color have been allowed to go before, Lil Nas X won the year by joyfully violating cultural taboos and exploiting media far more than it was able to exploit him.

On Dec. 30, Patti Smith turns 75 years old. In honor of this landmark birthday, we’ve compiled a playlist of 75 songs by the legendary artist - as well as by her influences, peers, and protégés.

Sani and Sean, co-hosts of The Message, share their show’s top songs of 2021.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what are the best covers of 2021?

Thank you for voting in our Top 89 countdown! The Current’s Best Covers of 2021 include Lucius, Childish Gambino, and Robert Plant & Alison Krauss.