Robert Christgau, American journalist and critic

Robert Thomas Christgau (pronounced KRIST-gow), born on April 18, 1942, stands as a towering figure in American music journalism and essay writing. Widely regarded as one of the most well-known, revered, and genuinely influential music critics of his era, Christgau embarked on his illustrious career during the vibrant, transformative late 1960s. At a time when rock music was still a relatively new and evolving art form, he emerged as one of the earliest professional rock critics, helping to define the nascent field and shape public understanding of popular music. His discerning ear and willingness to look beyond established norms also made him an early and vocal proponent of burgeoning musical movements, from the groundbreaking rhythms and narratives of hip hop to the fierce, feminist energy of riot grrrl, and the rich, diverse sounds of African popular music, introducing these crucial global influences to Western audiences.

A Distinguished Tenure at The Village Voice

For an remarkable 37 years, Robert Christgau served as the chief music critic and a senior editor for The Village Voice, an iconic alternative weekly newspaper that was a vital cultural touchstone for New York City and beyond. During his extensive tenure, he became synonymous with the publication’s music coverage, leaving an indelible mark. It was here that he not only penned his influential columns but also created and meticulously oversaw the annual Pazz & Jop critics poll. This groundbreaking poll, which surveyed hundreds of music critics across the United States, became a highly anticipated and authoritative barometer of the year’s best albums and singles, offering a collective critical consensus that often sparked lively debate and shaped end-of-year music discussions for decades.

Beyond the Voice: Widespread Influence and Recognition

While his connection to The Village Voice is legendary, Christgau’s critical voice resonated across a multitude of prestigious publications. He contributed extensively to popular music discussions in magazines such as Esquire, Creem, Newsday, Playboy, Rolling Stone, and Billboard. His insightful commentary also found a home on public radio, notably NPR, and in more contemporary outlets like Blender and MSN Music. Beyond journalism, Christgau shared his expertise as a visiting arts teacher at New York University, further cementing his role as an educator and thought leader in the cultural sphere. His profound influence was perhaps best encapsulated by CNN senior writer Jamie Allen, who aptly dubbed Christgau "the E. F. Hutton of the music world – when he talks, people listen," a testament to the trust and respect he commanded within the industry and among his readership.

The Iconic "Consumer Guide" and Its Legacy

At the heart of Robert Christgau’s enduring fame are his unique, terse, and often delightfully provocative letter-graded capsule album reviews. Composed in a highly concentrated, fragmented prose style, these reviews are instantly recognizable. They are masterfully crafted, featuring layered clauses, incisive and sometimes caustic wit, cleverly placed one-liner jokes, thoughtful political digressions, and a wide array of allusions, spanning from readily accessible common knowledge to the truly esoteric. This distinctive approach allowed him to pack immense critical insight, personal opinion, and cultural commentary into a concise format, making his reviews both intellectually stimulating and immensely entertaining.

These celebrated "Consumer Guide" columns were a staple during his time at The Village Voice, running consistently from 1969 until his departure in 2006. So significant were these accumulated works that they were compiled into influential book forms, serving as invaluable historical records of popular music criticism across various decades. These include Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (published in 1981), Christgau's Record Guide: The '80s (1990), and Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s (2000). Beyond these seminal review collections, multiple volumes of his insightful essays have also been published, showcasing his broader analytical and narrative talents. For a comprehensive archive, a dedicated website under his name, launched in 2001, has generously hosted most of his extensive body of work, making it freely accessible to scholars and fans alike.

A New Chapter: Post-Village Voice and Digital Evolution

A significant shift occurred in Christgau’s career in 2006 when The Village Voice, following its acquisition by New Times Media, dismissed him. This event marked the end of an era for both the critic and the publication, reflecting broader changes in the media landscape. However, Christgau’s prolific output and distinctive critical voice were far from silenced. He seamlessly transitioned his "Consumer Guide" format to new digital platforms, continuing to offer his expert opinions on contemporary music. He wrote for MSN Music, then for Cuepoint, and later for Noisey – Vice's music section – where his reviews appeared under the column title "Expert Witness." This phase continued until July 2019, demonstrating his adaptability and ongoing commitment to engaging with music in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Embracing the latest trends in independent publishing, in September 2019, Robert Christgau launched a new paid-subscription newsletter titled And It Don't Stop. Published on the popular email-newsletter platform Substack, this endeavor allows him to maintain a direct relationship with his dedicated readership. The newsletter features a monthly "Consumer Guide" column, ensuring the continuation of his signature review style, alongside other compelling writings that further explore music, culture, and society, cementing his status as an active and vital voice in criticism well into his eighties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Christgau

Who is Robert Christgau?

Robert Christgau is an American music journalist and essayist, widely recognized as one of the most influential and pioneering music critics of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He's known for his insightful commentary, sharp wit, and deep engagement with popular music across various genres.

What is his "Consumer Guide" known for?

The "Consumer Guide" is Christgau's signature column featuring concise, letter-graded capsule album reviews. These reviews are famous for their concentrated prose, blending caustic wit, one-liner jokes, political commentary, and a wide range of allusions into a brief but impactful format, offering definitive judgments on new releases.

What is the Pazz & Jop poll?

The Pazz & Jop poll was an annual, highly respected critics' poll created and overseen by Christgau during his time at The Village Voice. It aggregated the year-end lists of hundreds of music critics to determine a collective consensus on the best albums and singles, serving as a significant benchmark in music journalism.

Which musical genres did he champion early in his career?

Christgau was notable for being an early and vocal advocate for diverse and often emerging genres, including hip hop, the riot grrrl movement, and the global import of African popular music, helping to bring these sounds to wider Western audiences.

Where can I read his current work?

Since September 2019, Robert Christgau publishes his work, including a monthly "Consumer Guide" column, in his paid-subscription newsletter called And It Don't Stop on the Substack platform. Most of his past work is also freely available on his personal website.

Why is Robert Christgau considered so influential?

His influence stems from several factors: his pioneering role as one of the first professional rock critics, his longevity and consistent output, his foresight in championing diverse and often overlooked musical movements, his distinctive and widely imitated critical style, and his creation of influential projects like the Pazz & Jop poll. He shaped how popular music was critically discussed and understood for decades.