Elise Ryan, Author at The Rapid City Post

Music Review: Ed Sheeran returns to his roots on ‘Play,’ a cross-cultural playground

September 11, 2025

Ed Sheeran has long sought to bring people together with his music, whether it be his emotionally resonant acoustic ballads or unproblematic, danceable pop hits. His eight studio album, “Play,” stays in that familiar lane, writes The Associated Press’ Elise Ryan. Recorded throughout his “Mathematics World Tour,” the project feels split. Sheeran the hitmaker returns on parts of the project, including the addictive “Sapphire,” featuring Indian singer Arijit Singh. Other songs fall more in line with Sheeran’s past projects, deviating little from the narrative songwriting toolkit that raised him.

Music Review: Conan Gray’s ‘Wishbone’ further confirms his place as a tastemaker of Gen Z pop

August 15, 2025

Conan Gray’s wistful fourth album, “Wishbone,” arrives Friday. It is a return to form for Gray, writes The Associated Press’ Elise Ryan in her review. She says that the album’s 12 diaristic tracks oscillate between bold heartbreak anthems and moments of tender reflection. Rejection serves as inspiration for angst and contemplation. On “Wishbone,” Gray once again collaborates with producer Dan Nigro, known for his work with Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan. Their reunion finds Gray comfortable but candid. Recurring characters, settings and symbols help him recount relationships atop a sonic landscape informed by his past releases.

On ‘Bite Me,’ Reneé Rapp punches back

July 30, 2025

Reneé Rapp’s second album, “Bite Me,” gave the 25-year-old multi-hyphenate an outlet to work through the whirlwind that has been her career so far. She toured her first album, “Snow Angel,” left HBO’s “The Sex Lives of College Girls” and played Regina in the 2024 musical remake of “Mean Girls.” Rapp told The Associated Press that she approached the project with intention. She said that process was grueling, but also fun. She hopes the result empowers fans, too. The album is out Friday. She’ll launch a tour in September.

Broadway has found its Gen Z audience — by telling Gen Z stories

June 4, 2025

“John Proctor is the Villain” is about high schoolers studying “The Crucible” as the #MeToo movement arrives in their Georgia town. It earned seven Tony nominations, the most of any this season. It’s among a group of Broadway shows that have centered the stories of young people and attracted audiences to match. Producers reported that Sam Gold’s take on “Romeo + Juliet,” nominated for best revival of a play, drew the youngest ticket-buying audiences recorded on Broadway. The shows share some DNA: pop music, Hollywood stars with established fanbases and stories that reflect the complexity of young adulthood.

Elise Ryan.

Music Review: Ed Sheeran returns to his roots on ‘Play,’ a cross-cultural playground

Music Review: Conan Gray’s ‘Wishbone’ further confirms his place as a tastemaker of Gen Z pop

On ‘Bite Me,’ Reneé Rapp punches back

Broadway has found its Gen Z audience — by telling Gen Z stories

Finance.