For over five decades, Rolling Stone has been a significant force in music journalism, offering a diverse range of features related to music. The magazine's coverage of music news is comprehensive and up-to-date, providing readers with insights into the latest industry trends, album releases, and concerts.

The publication is also renowned for its in-depth interviews with some of the most famous musicians, songwriters, and producers in the world. These interviews provide readers with a personal look into the lives and creative processes of these artists.

Rolling Stone's reviews and ratings of the latest albums are varied and insightful, offering readers diverse perspectives on the current musical landscape. The magazine's long-form feature articles are immersive and detailed, providing readers with an in-depth exploration of music-related topics. These articles can range from exploring the history of a particular band to examining the evolution of a music genre. Furthermore, the magazine’s comprehensive lists and rankings of the best and most influential musicians, albums, and songs provide readers with a unique perspective on the world of music.

With its dedication and professionalism, Rolling Stone continues to be a respected and trusted source of music journalism, catering to the interests of music enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

Year of Release: 1967
Publisher: Penske Media Corporation
Chief Editor: Jason Fine
Monthly readers: 60 million

Billboard is a renowned music magazine that has been a leading voice in the music industry for over 125 years, deserving a spot on our list of the best music magazines to read.

One of the most prominent features of the magazine is its weekly chart rankings, which offer readers a glimpse into the most popular songs and albums across various genres. Billboard's commitment to providing its readers with the most current music news is another key feature, ensuring that readers are up-to-date with the latest releases, concerts, and tours.

The magazine's in-depth interviews with musicians, songwriters, and producers provide readers with unique insights into the creative processes of these individuals, as well as their personal lives. Billboard's analysis and commentary on the music industry, including trends and opportunities, offer readers a valuable perspective on the ever-evolving world of music.

Another notable highlight of Billboard is its music-related features, such as profiles of rising stars, retrospectives on classic albums, and trend pieces on emerging genres. These columns cater to the diverse interests of music enthusiasts and showcase the magazine's commitment to providing comprehensive coverage of the music industry.

Overall, Billboard has established itself as a trusted source of music journalism, catering to the interests of a broad readership that includes music enthusiasts, industry professionals, and casual listeners alike. The magazine's commitment to quality journalism and comprehensive coverage of the music industry has solidified its position as a leader in the music media landscape.

Year of Release: 1894
Publisher: Valence Media
Chief Editor: Hannah Karp
Monthly readers: 17.6 million

With an emphasis on independent music and a critical approach to reviews, Pitchfork is a leading voice in music journalism. The magazine offers a variety of features, including interviews, album reviews, news, and video content.

Known for its strong opinions and attention to detail, Pitchfork has become a trusted source for music fans looking for in-depth and nuanced coverage. The magazine is committed to covering new and innovative music, highlighting emerging artists and genres that might otherwise be overlooked.

One of Pitchfork's most distinctive features is its rating system, which assigns a score out of 10 to each album reviewed. This has become a point of reference for many music fans, and a score of 8.0 or above is seen as a mark of high quality.

Pitchfork's coverage is not limited to music alone. The magazine also features articles on art, fashion, and politics, making it a well-rounded publication that appeals to a wide audience.

Finally, the paper has been recognized for organizing annual music festivals, which showcase a range of artists and genres in cities across the US. These events are highly anticipated by fans and are a testament to Pitchfork's commitment to discovering and promoting new and exciting music.

So the main takeaway here is, Pitchfork is a must-read for anyone interested in music, offering insightful coverage, thoughtful analysis, and a commitment to independent and innovative sounds.

Year of Release: 1995
Publisher: Condé Nast
Chief Editor: Puja Patel
Monthly readers: 6.2 million

With a legacy spanning over three decades, Q Magazine has established itself as a top-tier publication for music enthusiasts.

Among its most prominent highlights are its comprehensive album reviews, which provide readers with insightful commentary and ratings across various genres. Additionally, the magazine is known for its in-depth interviews with musicians and industry professionals, covering topics such as songwriting, creative processes, and the state of the industry.

Plus, one of Q Magazine's most impressive columns is its diverse range of features that delve into music-related topics. These include profiles of musicians, analysis of industry trends, and retrospectives on iconic albums and artists. Readers can also enjoy the magazine's music-related lists, including rankings of the greatest albums, songs, and artists of all time, as well as themed lists such as the best debut albums or the greatest guitarists.

Of course, we must mention that Q Magazine also hosts an annual awards ceremony, the Q Awards, which recognizes and honors achievements in the music industry, including album of the year, best new act, and best live act. This feature adds an interactive and engaging element to the magazine, allowing readers to stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends.

To sum it up, Q Magazine offers a comprehensive and engaging look into the world of music. With its diverse range of features and thoughtful analysis, it continues to be a must-read for music lovers around the world.

Year of Release: 1986
Publisher: Bauer Media Group
Chief Editor: Ted Kessler
Monthly readers: 3.6 million

Mojo Music Magazine has established itself as a prominent voice in the music industry, providing music enthusiasts with a unique and engaging perspective on various genres and eras.

One of its most notable features is its album reviews, which are renowned for their thorough and insightful analysis. The magazine covers a diverse range of music, ensuring that readers are kept up to date on the latest releases across multiple genres.

In addition to reviews, Mojo is also known for its extensive coverage of interviews with musicians and industry professionals. The magazine offers readers an inside look into the creative process, providing an understanding of what goes into making music and the industry that surrounds it.

Mojo's retrospectives on classic albums are another standout feature of the magazine. The retrospectives provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the music, the artists, and the cultural context of the time, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for iconic albums.

The magazine also explores music archives, unearthing rare photographs, interviews, and previously unpublished material. This provides readers with a unique insight into the rich history of music, offering a fresh perspective on legendary artists and their work.

Finally, Mojo's coverage of iconic artists across various genres is extensive and provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of their legacy and influence on music. Features on legends such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and David Bowie offer a fascinating glimpse into the careers of some of the most influential musicians of our time.

Year of Release: 1993
Publisher: Bauer Media Group
Chief Editor: John Mulvey
Monthly readers: 2.2 million

Since its inception in 1985, Spin magazine has been one of the most influential music publications in the industry. Its focus on alternative and indie rock has made it a go-to source for fans of those genres, but it also covers a wide variety of other music styles. Spin has several key features that set it apart from other music magazines.

First, Spin is known for its in-depth and often provocative interviews with musicians. The magazine has a reputation for getting artists to open up about personal and sometimes controversial topics. Second, Spin is highly regarded for its music reviews, which are often the first place fans turn to when looking for new music. Its commentaries are written by experienced journalists and are known for being honest and insightful.

Furthermore, Spin covers music news from all over the world, making it a great resource for fans who want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry. Even better, it regularly features long-form pieces that explore the history and cultural impact of different music styles and movements. These articles provide context and depth that are often missing from other music publications.

Last but not least, Spin has a keen eye for emerging talent and is known for featuring up-and-coming artists before they become household names. The magazine has an impressively long history of championing indie and alternative artists, helping to launch the careers of bands like R.E.M, Nirvana, and The Strokes.

Year of Release: 1985
Publisher: Next Management Partners
Chief Editor: Puja Patel
Monthly readers: 1.2 million

NME, a well-known music magazine, has been at the forefront of music journalism for over 60 years. The publication offers a diverse range of features that cater to the interests of music enthusiasts, including up-to-date music news, live reviews, album reviews, interviews, and opinion pieces.

What readers feel impressed the most about NME is its comprehensive coverage of music news, including new releases, concerts, and industry events. This ensures that readers are always up-to-date with the latest developments in the music world.

NME's reviews of live shows and concerts provide readers with a detailed and immersive experience of the live music scene, while the in-depth album reviews offer critical analysis and ratings of the latest releases across various genres. The magazine's features and interviews with musicians, songwriters, and industry professionals provide readers with insights into the creative processes, trends, and the state of the industry.

The paper’s commitment to providing a platform for writers to share their opinions and commentary on music-related topics is another notable feature. This offers readers diverse perspectives on the music industry and culture, fostering a sense of community among music enthusiasts.

All in all, NME is definitely among the best music magazines to read, having established itself as a key player in the music media landscape. Its commitment to quality journalism and comprehensive coverage of the music industry has garnered a loyal readership of music enthusiasts, industry professionals, and casual listeners alike.

Year of Release: 1952
Publisher: BandLab Technologies
Chief Editor: Charlotte Gunn
Monthly readers: 1.2 million

Recognized as the world's largest rock magazine, Kerrang! has earned its reputation for its authentic and diverse coverage of the rock and metal genres. With an extensive archive that spans over 40 years, it's no wonder that Kerrang! is a favorite among rock music enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of Kerrang! is its comprehensive coverage of rock music, ranging from punk to metal and everything in between. Kerrang! covers the latest trends and developments in the rock scene, as well as classic bands and legendary figures. This extensive coverage makes Kerrang! an essential resource for rock music enthusiasts.

Another prominent highlight we must mention is the exclusive interviews with all the biggest names in rock. Kerrang! is known for its in-depth, behind-the-scenes interviews, providing readers with a glimpse into the lives and creative processes of their favorite artists.The paper also features insightful and well-researched reviews of the latest albums, singles, and live shows. These reviews are not only informative but also provide readers with a balanced and unbiased view of the music being reviewed.

In addition to its coverage of music, Kerrang! also publishes many insightful articles on rock culture, fashion, and lifestyle. From discussions on the latest trends in tattoos and piercings to deep talks with fashion designers and artists, Kerrang! covers all aspects of the rock lifestyle.

Lastly, Kerrang! is known for its annual awards ceremony, The Kerrang! Awards. The event is a highlight of the rock music calendar and recognizes the best and brightest in the industry, voted for by Kerrang! readers.

At the end of the day, Kerrang! is highly recommended for anyone interested in rock music and the culture that surrounds it. Its comprehensive coverage, exclusive interviews, insightful reviews, and in-depth coverage of rock culture make it a one-stop-shop for all things rock.

Year of Release: 1981
Publisher: Wasted Talent Ltd
Chief Editor: Sam Coare
Monthly readers: 600.000

As a music magazine, Uncut has established itself as a highly regarded publication with a focus on deep-dive features, interviews, and reviews. The magazine's editorial style is known for its insightful and thought-provoking content, covering a wide range of musical genres and eras.

The best charm of Uncut is its focus on music history, regularly delving into the stories behind iconic albums and musicians, and exploring the cultural and social contexts in which they were created.

Another standout feature of this famous magazine is its attention to detail in music reviews, with the writers consistently providing thorough and in-depth assessments of new releases. The publication also places a strong emphasis on classic and obscure releases, making it a go-to resource for music enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge and explore new sounds.

In addition to music coverage, Uncut also features a range of music-related content, including book reviews, film reviews, and features on art and design. The magazine is also known for its comprehensive coverage of live music events and festivals, providing readers with detailed reviews and coverage of some of the biggest and most exciting music events around the world.

Overall, Uncut is a quality magazine for anyone with a passion for music and a desire to deepen their understanding of the art form. With its insightful writing, in-depth coverage, and commitment to exploring music history and culture, Uncut has established itself as one of the best music magazines to read in the world.

Year of Release: 1997
Publisher: BandLab Technologies
Chief Editor: Michael Bonner
Monthly readers: 500,000

Celebrating music, film, and culture since its founding in 2002, Paste Magazine has become a go-to source for entertainment enthusiasts around the world. Its five most prominent features are its diverse music coverage, focus on emerging artists, emphasis on live performances, thoughtful and in-depth album reviews, and curated playlists.

Paste's music coverage spans across various genres, including rock, indie, hip-hop, and folk. The magazine also features interviews with musicians and insights into their creative processes. It is committed to discovering new and emerging artists, dedicating a significant portion of its content to up-and-coming musicians. Furthermore, Paste is known for its coverage of live music performances, providing readers with a glimpse into the energy and excitement of live shows.

Album reviews are another staple of Paste's music coverage, offering detailed and thoughtful analysis of both popular and lesser-known records. Readers can trust the magazine's reviewers to provide honest and insightful critiques of the latest releases. Additionally, Paste offers a variety of curated playlists, providing readers with the perfect soundtrack for every occasion.

In general, Paste Magazine will always be fantastic resource for music lovers looking to discover new artists, stay up-to-date on the latest music news, and gain insightful commentary on their favorite albums. Its commitment to diversity and inclusion in music makes it an indispensable source for readers seeking fresh perspectives and innovative sounds.

Year of Release: 2002
Publisher: Paste Media Group
Chief Editor: Josh Jackson
Monthly readers: 87,000