What Is the Role of Criticism in a Crisis?

Out in the world, the coronavirus is upending the economy and global politics, tearing at the social fabric, and also, by extension, brutalizing the arts — canceled performances, delayed releases, gig economy workers left to fend for themselves. But art itself persists, especially music, which can be made and distributed on the cheap. The last couple of weeks have seen a glut of live-stream performances, and the release of many new albums and songs. Sometimes the collision of good intentions and free time can lead to missteps, like the Gal Gadot-organized celebrity round table singalong of “Imagine” that unified social media in resistance.

Sometimes you get Cardi B’s “Coronavirus (Remix). ” This week’s Popcast includes conversations with pop music critics about how to do their work when the world is in tumult. What might you hear in music under these circumstances that you wouldn’t otherwise? Is it possible to hear music without framing the experience through the lens of the current circumstances?

Is it ethically correct, or worthwhile, to write negative reviews while the world is in upheaval?