NPR Music

New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 14

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Phoebe Bridgers. Jungle. Hovvdy. It's a surprisingly stacked Summer Friday this week, and you can hear all about it with New Music Friday host Stephen Thompson and guest Samantha Hval from WMNF in Tampa, Fla. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Phoebe Bridgers
'Lost Weekend' (Dead Oceans)

(10:25) Jungle
'Sunshine' (AWAL)

(19:38) Hovvdy
'Big World' (Arts & Crafts)

(27:08) Sweeping Promises
'You Say I Romanticize' (Sub Pop)

(32:59) L'Rain
'fata morgana' (Mexican Summer)

(37:54) The Lightning Round

• The Womack Sisters, s/t
• Channel Tres 'Enigma POV'
• Ayra Starr, 'Starr Girl'
• Nina Winder-Lind, 'Wild Love'
• Open Mike Eagle & Kenny Segal, 'DOOMED!'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Samantha Hval, WMNF
Audio Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Sheldon Pearce, Ann Powers and Rodney Carmichael

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Alt.Latino: Why Harry Styles and The xx love Latin America

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:44:36 +0000

Harry Styles just finished a 5-night run in Mexico City. You know who else had a 5-night run in Mexico City? Michael Jackson in 1993.

Mainstream artists have a long history of being enticed by the energy of performing for a Latin American crowd … which means there’s also a long and less-known history of big pop stars making music for that audience.

Did you know Michael Jackson has a Latin track? So does Madonna. A few actually.

As early as the '50s, Nat King Cole experimented with Spanish and released an entire record, Cole Español, writing songs in partnership with legendary "Bésame Mucho" composer Consuelo Velásquez.

This week’s Alt.Latino is a pop takeover. We’re mythbusting the idea that there’s only been one kind of crossover — from Latin to mainstream — and walking through a long history of mainstream wanting to go… Latin.

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Cover songs that are better than the originals

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Sometimes a cover song is so good, so singular that it completely eclipses the original version. Think Sinéad O'Connor doing Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Jimmy Hendrix lighting up Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” or, of course, Whitney Houston’s defining take on Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” On this week’s show, we share some of our picks for cover songs that are better than the originals, talk about why, and what, exactly, a cover song needs to become a classic.

NPR Music’s Dora Levite and Lars Gotrich join host Robin Hilton.

Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

(00:00) Intro and the top five G.O.A.T.s

(06:06) Al Green: “I Wanna Hold Your Hand”

(09:58) Björk: “It’s Oh So Quiet”

(12:28) Aretha Franklin: “Respect”

(16:22) Low: “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me”

(19:45) Andrew Paul Woodworth: “Fight For Your Right to Party”

(25:10) Yaeji: “Passionfruit”

(28:13) Shonen Knife: “Top of the World”

(32:06) Wednesday: “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Double)”

(34:54) Low: “Fearless”

(36:37) Harry Nilsson: “Without You”

(39:57) Beyonce: “Before I Let Go (Homecoming Live Bonus Track)”

(42:35) Gary Jules: “Mad World”

(49:19) Chaka Khan: “I Feel For You”

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The Ripple Effect: Deadheads share their stories

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

At the outset of The Ripple Effect, NPR Music’s series on the Grateful Dead, we asked fans to share stories about how they fell in love with the band. The response was overwhelming: wry, emotional and personal. It was overflowing with shared experiences that underline exactly how crucial the community that surrounds the Dead is to the band’s legacy.

Now that we’ve reached the end of Days Between, we’re closing The Ripple Effect by listening to voice memos from you: Deadheads and people who love Deadheads, lifelong fans and late converts. We’ll hear about first shows, encounters with the musicians and multiple cross-country road trips.

Check out all of our coverage from The Ripple Effect: The Grateful Dead's long, strange trip might keep going forever

Hosts: Felix Contreras, Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Editors: Jacob Ganz, Hazel Cills
Visuals: Jackie Lay
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Executive Director: Sonali Mehta

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 7

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Ravyn Lenae. Margaret Glaspy. Overmono. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Liz Warner from WDET in Detroit about their favorite albums out Friday, August 7. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:54) Album No. 1
- Ravyn Lenae, 'Blue Island'

(08:03) Album No. 2
- Overmono, 'Pure Devotion'

(15:26) Album No. 3
- Margaret Glaspy, 'I Am Both'

(21:42) Album No. 4
- Man/Woman/Chainsaw, 'Cannonball'

(27:36) Album No. 5
- Arun Sood & Angeline Morrison, 'Donn/Dubh'

(32:43) The Lightning Round

- The Mountain Goats, 'Days'
- Ceremony, 'Tell Me You're Dream'
- Cletus Strap, 'rappers suck.'
- Various Artists, 'Sittin' With Blaze: A Tribute To Blaze Foley'
- Roy Montgomery & Martha Skye Murphy, 'Nebular'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Liz Warner, WDET
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich, Sheldon Pearce and Ann Powers

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Alt.Latino: Ana's summer playlist

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

To celebrate Ana's world premiere as a DJ -- a gig playing for 5,000 people in Central Park, which she definitely, absolutely prepared for -- this week we present her summer playlist. We've got song of the summer contenders (Aitana's "SUPERESTRELLA"), sleeper hits we missed when they dropped (Quevedo's "EL BAIFO"), and bubbly classics-in-the-making we keep coming back to (Rawayana's "Se Vienen Cositas"). Plus, Felix balances the bangers with chill-out room Uruguayan jazz, a psychedelic guitar jam and a trio of sisters from Austin.

Artists and songs featured in this episode:

(02:23) Quevedo, "EL BAIFO"
(05:07) Camilo y los Cruzers, "Descarga Rockeada"
(09:23) Aitana, "SUPERESTRELLA"
(16:44) Alejandra Gala, "I Dare You"
(22:14) Rawayana, "Se Vienen Cositas"
(25:51) The Tiarras, "Vida Libre", "Black Sheep (unplugged)"

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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Slayyyter's new single, King Princess covers Neil Young

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

We open this week’s show by reflecting on the loss of Glen Hansard, an artist who was critical to shaping the sound and spirit of All Songs Considered in its earliest days. We then share some of our favorite new tracks of the week, including a King Princess cover of Neil Young’s “Helpless,” cheeky pop from Coco & Clair Clair, a stunning ambient track from Adam Wiltzie and the late composer Jóhann Jóhannsson, and more.

NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton.

Support the show with a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro and remembering Glen Hansard

(03:24) Coco & Clair Clair: “Coldplay”

(08:34) Claudia Isaki: “Origami”

(15:30) Slayyyter: “brand new chanel$”

(23:17) King Princess: “Helpless”

(31:01) Dawuna: “I am a Woman too...”

(36:50) Adam Wiltzie & Jóhann Jóhannsson: “White Gloves & Turtlenecks”

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What's next for the Grateful Dead's legacy?

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Death never stopped the Grateful Dead before.

Since Jerry Garcia's death in 1995, a sprawling collection of musicians and fans across generations have kept the band’s legacy alive in different ways. But without members Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, Deadheads are experiencing their first summer where there’s no clear inheritor of the Grateful Dead’s mantle.

Where does the music, and the dedicated community that has grown up around it, go from here? NPR Music's resident Deadheads Felix Contreras and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento took a cue from the Dead itself: They hit the road, interviewing musicians, fans and archivists to learn how the band and its fans built a legacy that has spanned generations, and to find out what's next.

For more podcast episodes and stories about the future of the Grateful Dead, check out our series Dead After Death.

This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. It was edited by Jacob Ganz and Hazel Cills. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. Our executive director is Sonali Mehta.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 31

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 04:01:00 +0000

The Durutti Column. Arca. MOLIY. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Olive Kimoto of member station KCRW in Los Angeles about their favorite albums out Friday, July 31. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(01:34) Album No. 1
- The Durutti Column, 'Renascent'

(08:49) Album No. 2
- Arca, 'XXXXX'

(17:20) Album No. 3
- DOMi & JD Beck, 'WHO ASKED?'

(22:17) Album No. 4
- Shearwater, 'The New World'

(29:13) Album No. 5
- MOLIY, 'BADDIES <3 MOLIY'

(34:52) The Lightning Round

- Shaboozey, 'The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales'
- Perfect Person, 'Some Kind of Life' EP
- Wyatt Flores, 'Scared of Heights'
- Family Stereo, 'The Thread'
- Ed Askew, 'The Final Painting'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Olive Kimoto, KCRW
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich, Felix Contreras and Ann Powers

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Alt.Latino: Is Bill Evans techno?

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Bill Evans might not be techno. But in this week's episode, the slow-building angst and tension of electronic producer Debit's new music reminded Ana of the beloved jazz piano master. And that kind of genre cross-pollination is everywhere in this week's showcase of new music: Brazilian field recordings remixed for the club, multiple reinterpretations of the Cuban guaguancó, and Spanish producers channeling -- as Ana puts it -- "experimental Boricua stuff."

Featured artists and albums:

(00:45) Various Artists, 'Candomblé: Sacred Rhythms in Brazil'
(04:24) Ítallo, 'CATATAU'
(11:25) Debit, 'Potpourri'
(16:41) Calequi y Las Panteras, 'TRES'
(21:07) Carolina Oliveros, 'Oye Camina'
(24:35) BLAYA, 'Your lesbian neighbour is playing music next door'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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How to love the Grateful Dead

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest places, if you look at it right. And if you get confused, just listen to the music play. This week, resident Deadheads Isabella Gomez Sarmiento and Felix Contreras help host Robin Hilton hear what he’s been missing in the music of the Grateful Dead.

Are you a Deadhead? Share your memories about the Grateful Dead and we may include them in a big series about the band we're launching Aug. 1.

Support the show with a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Featured songs:

(00:00) Intro and “King Solomon’s Marbles”

(08:54) “China Cat Sunflower / I Know You Rider” Alpine Valley, WI 7.17.89

(11:03) “Help On the Way / Slipknot / Franklin’s Tower”

(16:39) “Ripple”

(23:34) “Morning Dew (Europe ‘72)”

(26:17) “I Shall Be Released (Live)”

(30:05) “Black Muddy River”

(31:34) “One More Saturday Night”

(32:09) “Sunrise”

(33:21) “Shady Grove”

(39:14) “Birdsong”

(41:45) “Uncle John’s Band”

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 24

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Charli xcx. Tyla. Shania Twain. Guest host Ann Powers chats with Nastia Voynovskaya of member station KQED in San Francisco about their favorite albums out Friday, July 24. Plus, some NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(02:06) Album No. 1
- Charli xcx, 'Music, Fashion, Film'

(08:16) Album No. 2
- Willow, 'The Thread'

(14:59) Album No. 3
- Tyla, 'A*Pop'

(20:39) Album No. 4
- Shania Twain, 'Little Miss Twain'

(27:50) Album No. 5
- Portraits Of Tracy: 'Q: From Where Do Our Primal Instincts Originate? A: MTV!'

(33:23) The Lightning Round

- Creekbed Carter Hogan, 'PEASANTS REVOLT!'
- Rico Nasty, 'RX'
- Amy Shark, 'soft pop'
- Josaleigh Pollett, 'If I Let It Quiet'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits
Host: Ann Powers
Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion, Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Stephen Thompson and Lars Gotrich

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Alt.Latino: Spain wins (at music, too)

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000

We'll take any excuse to talk about the insane quality of music coming out of Spain these days. This week, we got one: Spain defeated Argentina on Sunday to win the 2026 World Cup Final. So, this episode is a celebration of the multitude of music scenes across Spain that we can't get enough of. Catch boundary-pushing electronic and hip hop producers in Madrid, indie rockers and songwriters in Barcelona, and some old favorites whose voices never stop (looking at you, Buika!).

Artists featured in this episode:

(01:22) C. Tangana
(04:19) Ralphie Choo
(06:28) Mora
(10:10) Bikôkô
(13:52) Buika
(16:04) Repion
(20:42) Lucia Fumero
(23:12) Maestro Espada

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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Sylvan Esso, Phoebe Bridgers, feeble little horse, more

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

We share our picks for the best new tracks out now, including the laid-back dystopia of Sylvan Esso’s “Concrete Glen,” an acoustic take on Phoebe Bridgers’ “Lost Boys,” the glitched-out chaos of feeble little horse and more.

NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton.

Support the show with a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:28) Sylvan Esso: “Concrete Glen”

(07:49) feeble little horse: “DMT”

(14:07) Phoebe Bridgers: “Lost Boys (acoustic)”

(22:15) Snõõper: “RECESS”

(26:50) The Olivia Tremor Control: “Garden of Light”

(33:53) @: “Autosmile”

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 17

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Gracie Abrams. Nia Archives. Steve Lacy. On a release day full of catchy earworms, host Stephen Thompson chats with Tshego Letsoalo of KALW in San Francisco about their favorite albums out Friday, July 17. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:58) Album No. 1
- Gracie Abrams, 'Daughter from Hell'

(08:13) Album No. 2
- Steve Lacy, 'Oh Yeah?'

(16:38) Album No. 3
- Nia Archives, 'Emotional Junglist'

(22:27) Album No. 4
- Lido Pimienta, 'Caribenya'

(28:04) Album No. 5
- Swapmeet, 'Mount Zero'

(33:13) The Lightning Round

- Catherine Moan, 'CM Ultra'
- Helado Tropical, 'Helado Tropical'
- Orquesta Akokán, 'América!'
- Nao Yoshioka, 'Self'
- Quicksand, 'Bring On The Psychics'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Tshego Letsoalo, KALW
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Felix Contreras, Lars Gotrich and Ann Powers

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Alt.Latino: Country twang, Brazilian flow

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000

With last week's best-of show behind us, we've got a clean slate to dive into our favorite new music kicking off the second half of the year. Felix brings a batch of country tracks, while Ana -- to absolutely no one's surprise -- continues her exploration of Brazil's endless supply of captivating music. Catch a mesmerizing indie-ambient album from João Carvalho, some posthumous crooning from Raul Malo, the twangy return of Oklahoma's rising star Wyatt Flores, and much more.

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

(01:13) Cruz Contreras & The Black Lillies, 'Gold and Roses (Live)'
(06:15) João Carvalho, 'Uma Festa no Centro do Vazio'
(13:02) Raul Malo, 'Bella Ciao: Raul Malo Live In Nashville'
(17:14) Rincon Sapiência, 'Um Corpo Preto'
(24:13) Wyatt Flores, 'Scared of Heights'
(27:50) Cupido, 'Maldito Cupido'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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beabadoobee, The Rolling Stones, Four Tet, more

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:00:00 +0000

On her stellar new single, “Switchblade,” beabadoobee shreds ‘90s style. The Rolling Stones have still got it on their latest album, Foreign Tongues. And Four Tet surprises us with a new “wingdings” project. We’ve got all that and more as we share our picks for the best new songs of the week.

NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:20) beabadoobee: “Switchblade”

(08:31) Bonobo & Arooj Aftab: “Fire on the Water”

(15:09) The Rolling Stones: “Ringing Hollow”

(25:31) L’rain: “borderline”

(33:02) Four Tet: "track 3"

(40:35) Ela Minus and Nick León: “espiral”

Support the show with a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 10

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:05:00 +0000

Jack White. Baby Rose. Suki Waterhouse. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Maggie Brennan of WCBE in Ohio about their favorite albums out Friday, July 10. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(02:00) Album No. 1
- Jack White, 'Frozen Charlotte'

(07:28) Album No. 2
- Baby Rose, 'YEARNALISM'

(15:23) Album No. 3
- Suki Waterhouse, 'Loveland'

(22:17) Album No. 4
- Allison Russell, 'In the Hour of Chaos'

(28:22) Album No. 5
- Houndmouth, 'Lordy'

(32:46) The Lightning Round

- Bella Kay, 'My Reckless Abandon'
- Luluc, 'Sweet Thief'
- The Temper Trap, 'Sungazer'
- Kelela, 'new avatar'
- Tracey Nelson, 'Hercules'
- Ultra Lights, 'Pleasure's All Yours'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Maggie Brennan, WCBE
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Daoud Tyler-Ameen, Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Sheldon Pearce and Lars Gotrich

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Alt.Latino: The best Latin music of 2026 (so far)

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of the year again: a mix between Christmas and Halloween for me and Felix. We gift you our best album picks of the year so far — and there’s nothing spookier for us than having to choose. So here it is, the music we’ve loved and listened to the most in the first half of 2026, some of the best (in our opinion) from all of Latin America and its diaspora. — Anamaria Sayre

Artist and albums featured in this episode:

(02:15) Trueno - 'TURR4ZO'
(07:06) Jonathan Suazo - 'Ricano Vol. 2: Fruto de mi Corazón'
(11:16) Broke Carrey - 'HIJO DEL PAÍS'
(15:48) X Alfonso - 'AIRE'
(22:28) Silvia Pérez Cruz - 'Oral_Abisal'
(29:30) Nuevos Rios - 'Nuevos Rios'
(32:17) Criolo, Amaro Freitas & Dino d'Santiago - 'CRIOLO, AMARO E DINO'
(37:33) Sofia Rei - 'Antónima'

This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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Summer’s simple pleasures: Roséwave

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Roséwave is a feeling more than a singular sound or genre. It’s the kind of sweetness and sadness that underscores the long, languid days of summer. Long drives with old friends, watching your kids at the pool, backyard barbecues while the sun slowly sets. On this episode we share a mix of songs that offer the perfect soundtrack for your roséwave days and nights, from Linda Ronstadt’s “How Do I Make You” and Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t That Peculiar,” to Katie Gavin’s “Aftertaste,” Waxahatchee’s “Much Ado About Nothing” and more.

NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich and contributor Marissa Lorusso join host Robin Hilton.

(00:00) Intro and “Summertime, Summertime” by The Jamies

(01:57) Wednesday: "Elderberry Wine"

(04:34) The Lijadu Sisters: "Come on Home"

(07:35) Katie Gavin: "Aftertaste”

(12:17) Marvin Gaye: "Ain't That Peculiar"

(15:46) Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra: “Gayane Ballet Suite: Adagio”

(17:02) Haku.: "Looking Through My Subtle Double Eyelids"

(19:46) Labi Siffre: "My Song"

(22:45) Azymuth: "Faça de Conta"

(25:09) Waxahatchee: "Much Ado About Nothing"

(27:35) Linda Ronstadt: "How Do I Make You"

(30:29) Addison Rae: "Diet Pepsi," from 'Addison'

(34:56) Amerie: "Why Don't We Fall in Love"

Reviews help! Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Note: A version of this episode originally ran in July 2025.

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The best albums of 2026 (so far)

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000

On a special mid-year episode of New Music Friday, host Stephen Thompson and a lineup of NPR Music writers and critics reflect on their favorite albums of the year so far.

Albums featured in this episode:

(01:14) Album No. 1
- Noah Kahan, 'The Great Divide'

(07:16) Album No. 2
- underscores, 'U'

(14:00) Album No. 3
- Cécile McLorin Salvant, 'With Every Breath I Take'

(20:13) Album No. 4
- Neurosis, 'An Undying Love For A Burning World'

(27:18) Album No. 5
- Tiffany Day, 'HALO'

(33:46) Album No. 6
- Metropolis Ensemble, Erik Hall & Sandbox Percussion, 'Canto Ostinato'

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Hazel Cills, Ann Powers, Lars Gotrich, Sheldon Pearce, Tom Huizenga
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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NPR Music+: “Such Great Heights” by The Postal Service

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000

The origin story of The Postal Service is as simple (and twee) as they come: An electronic music producer (Jimmy Tamborello) and an indie rock singer-songwriter (Ben Gibbard) decide to collaborate on a few songs, sending each other music via snail mail. But The Postal Service’s only album, Give Up, eventually went platinum, and the band is selling out arenas decades later. It’s a record that seems to have captured how rapid advances in technology would change how we communicate and even love, bridging the distances that separate us.

This week, NPR Music critic Ann Powers and editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen discuss lead single “Such Great Heights” by The Postal Service, from 2003.

This NPR Music podcast series with Ann and Daoud is usually just for NPR+ supporters. To listen to the rest of the episodes in the series and support public media, sign up for NPR+ at plus.npr.org. Follow NPR Music coverage and the Tiny Desk Concerts at npr.org/music

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Alt.Latino: Mon Laferte's captivating coda

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000

On this week’s Alt.Latino, Anamaria and I both gush about 'Femme Fatale Vol. 2,' the new album from Chilean-Mexican singer Mon Laferte, who is on one of the more amazing creative streaks I've witnessed in a while. Also, Ana and I sometimes unintentionally align when picking new music for the show, and that took place this week with a couple of Brazilian highlights: I chose an artist who records as MOMO., while Ana brought in music from São Paulo-based artist Tijolo. Also this week, Chicago-based artist Sparklmami and an EP from Texan-Mexican singer Iveth Luna that got me thinking about the world of Spanish-language Christian music. — Felix Contreras

Artists & albums featured in this episode:

(01:31) Sparklmami, 'in this body'

(06:36) The Animeros, '¡Qué Bárbaro!'

(09:51) Mon Laferte, 'Femme Fatale Vol. 2'

(16:47) Iveth Luna, 'Making Ways'

(21:34) Tijolo, 'Y'

(25:37) MOMO., 'Tum Tum Tum'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Otis Hart. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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The year’s best songs (so far)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

It's the midway point of 2026, and it's safe to say that when it comes to the best songs of the year, there's not really any consensus to be found. So we’ve assembled our personal Top 10 list of the most memorable songs to cross our paths, from the outlaw country of Charley Crockett to the glam rock of Friko, Lana Del Rey’s twisted ode to love, Vince Staples' "White Flag" and more.

NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:38) Mandy, Indiana: “try saying”

(05:09) Aldous Harding: “Coats”

(09:28) Vince Staples: “White Flag”

(14:25) Yebba: “Yellow Eyes”

(18:04) Friko: “Seven Degrees”

(22:01) Charley Crockett: “Kentucky Too Long”

(26:03) Lana Del Rey: “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter”

(32:07) Baby Rose: “Friends Again" (feat. Leon Thomas)

(37:59) Mumford & Sons: “Rubber Band Man" (feat. Hozier)

(42:58) Irreversible Entanglements: “Don’t Lose Your Head" (feat. MOTHERBOARD)

Reviews help! Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 26

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Beth Orton. Chanel Beads. Cécile McLorin Salvant. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Ayana Contreras from KUVO in Denver about their favorite new albums out Friday, June 26. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction
- Roberta Flack, 'The Montreux Years'

(02:01) Album No. 1
- Cécile McLorin Salvant, 'With Every Breath I Take'

(09:11) Album No. 2
- Ibeyi, 'Offering'

(15:57) Album No. 3
- Chanel Beads, 'Your Day Will Come'

(21:52) Album No. 4
- Beth Orton, 'The Ground Above'

(28:34) Album No.5
- ALIA, 'Where the Echoes Bloom'

(33:59) The Lightning Round

- Andrew Sa, 'American Rough'
- Tasha, 'You Are Spring!'
- Madeon, 'Victory'
- Rodney Crowell, 'Then Again'
- Downtown Boys, 'Public Luxury'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Ayana Contreras, KUVO
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich and Ann Powers

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Alt.Latino: They opened for Miles Davis and Sly Stone, then disappeared

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

This week's episode is a musical time machine. In the late 1960s, the band Zapata sprang out of a street gang in northwest Washington, D.C., with a sound that combined a variety of contemporary styles: Afro-Caribbean rhythms, soul jazz and the golden era of American R&B. The mixture worked. For a few years, Zapata opened for an astonishing number of A-list acts passing through the city, like Miles Davis, Sly and the Family Stone, Herbie Hancock and The Isley Brothers. But the band would break up in 1974, and for years their recorded material was believed to be lost. Now, surviving member Pepe Gonzalez has restored a cassette tape of Zapata's music from 1971, and is releasing it for the first time. In this episode, Felix chats with Gonzalez about the origins of the band, and how they tried to unify the Black and Hispanic musical scenes in the city at the time.

The podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Otis Hart. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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Beck’s ‘Odelay’ at 30, Mitski covers One Direction, more

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

We share our picks for the best new tracks of the week, including Mitski’s surprising cover of One Direction’s “Fireproof.” But first, we remember Beck’s still mind-blowing Odelay, which just celebrated its 30th anniversary.

NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Beck’s Odelay at 30
(03:39) Perennial: “What’s New On The Beat Scene”
(08:55) Mitski: “Fireproof”
(13:50) Sarah Davachi: “Songs of the Smile’s Fig: III. Follies”
(21:56) Shearwater: “Daydream Unbeliever”
(32:33) Sleep: “Have Spacesuit Will Travel”
(41:39) L’Rain: “soulless cycle”

Reviews help! Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 19

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Tierra Whack. The War and Treaty. A plethora of new jazz releases. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Nate Chinen from WRTI in Philadelphia about their favorite new albums out Friday, June 19. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(01:17) Album No. 1
- Tierra Whack, 'Whack's Museum'

(06:43) Album No. 2
- The War and Treaty, 'The Story of Michael and Tanya'

(15:39) Album No. 3
- Micah Thomas, 'Lucid'

(20:40) Album No. 4
- Your Brother's Keeper & Gary Bartz, 'Where Rivers Meet'

(26:21) Album No. 5
- Sam Barsh, Keyon Harrold & Mark Guiliana, 'Straight08'

(32:30) The Lightning Round

- Tucker Zimmerman, 'Dream Me A Dream'
- The Phoenix Trio, 'Tomorrow is Today'
- Janus Rasmussen, 'Inert'
- Daniel Lanois, 'Belladonna Nocturne'
- Wild Up, 'Gay Guerilla Vol. 5'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Nate Chinen, WRTI
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Robin Hilton and Tom Huizenga

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Alt.Latino: The sounds of Cuban resilience

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

We're living in a moment when the geopolitical intersects with the personal in a profound way. The relationship between the United States and Cuba is once again in the news, and it happens at a time when there are a handful of new releases from Cuban artists on the island and around the world. The sounds of the albums are vastly different, but they all draw from the same deep well of inspiration that has always fueled Cuban music: a deep love for the intersection of cultures. The music we share this week is a reminder of the very real lives of the people caught in the middle of a situation with an uncertain outcome. It is joyous, contemplative, rhythmically sophisticated and lyrically profound. Just like all Cuban music.

Artists & songs featured in this episode:

(00:52) OKAN, "Ajé (Owo Nla Nla)"
(03:30) Ibeyo, "Aset"
(06:45) Orquesta Akokán, "No Me Voy"
(11:50) Cimafunk, "Cocinarte"
(15:47) X Alfonso, "Unicornio"

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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Songs for any road trip

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

It’s the season of road trips — and nothing goes better with those long and winding roads than music.

This week we share our picks for the perfect playlist, breakdown what works best when, and consider some ground rules — does the driver always have the final say?

Reviews help! Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Eric Burdon and War: “Spill the Wine”
(03:09) Stromae: “Santé”
(04:57) Broadway Cast: “Alexander Hamilton”
(07:53) Joe Iconis / Broadway Cast: “Michael in the Bathroom”
(10:14) Abiotic: “Vermosapien”
(12:02) Wipers: “Mystery”
(13:36) Steely Dan: “My Old School”
(17:28) Tunde Olaniran: “Namesake”
(19:54) Shania Twain: “Man, I Feel Like a Woman!”
(22:37) Pat Travers: “Amgwanna Kick Booty”
(26:27) Anthrax & Public Enemy: “Bring The Noise”
(27:49) Unwed Sailor: “Monster Collecting”
(29:46) The Allman Brothers Band: “Midnight Rider” and “Southbound”
(33:12) Lake Street Dive: “You Go Down Smooth”
(35:41) Black Sabbath: “Turn Up The Night”
(37:19) Simple Minds: “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”

Note: A version of this episode originally posted in August 2025.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 12

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Olivia Rodrigo. Pussy Riot. Hayley Kiyoko. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco about their favorite albums out Friday, June 12. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Songs of the Summer

(01:59) Album No. 1
• Olivia Rodrigo, 'you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love'

(10:01) Album No. 2
• Pussy Riot, 'CYKA'

(17:31) Album No. 3
• YHWH Nailgun, 'Magazine'

(22:01) Album No. 4
• Hayley Kiyoko, 'girls like girls (the album)'

(28:31) Album No. 5
• Six Sex, 'ULTRA'

(34:10) The Lightning Round

• Kelsey Lu, 'So Help Me God'
• Ambrose Akimusire & Mary Halvorson, 'Slo-Mo Neon Luminate Hoverings'
• Diles Que No Me Maten, 'Escrito en Agua'
• Horse Lords, 'Demand To Be Taken Alive!'
• Mon Laferte, 'Femme Fatale Vol. 2'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Robin Hilton, Lars Gotrich and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

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Alt.Latino: A Tejano masterclass with El Gato Negro, Ruben Ramos

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Ruben Ramos' life story mirrors the history of what we now know as Tejano music. His family's musical roots in Texas go back to 1918, and as a boy he was brought into the family bands, first as a drummer and then as a vocalist. He's been playing big band-inflected Tejano music now for more than six decades, and just released a tribute album tracing that musical lineage, called 'Los Días de Calor.' In this episode, Felix chats with "El Gato Negro" Ramos about the history of Tejano music across the twentieth century, and how his own story fits inside of it.

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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11 more songs to reset your mood | All Songs Considered

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:41:39 +0000

NPR listeners share the songs they reach for when they need to reset the mood, their day or even their life.

This is a followup to our April episode on songs for starting over. NPR’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton.

A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:13) Quincy Jones: “Dead End”

(02:12) Bill Withers: “Lovely Day”

(04:51) Florence + the Machine: “Shake It Out”

(08:06) Jacob Collier: “Something Heavy”

(11:24) Des’ree: “You Gotta Be”

(16:32) Peter Gabriel: “Washing Of The Water”

(19:57) Cat Power: “Nothin But Time”

(23:02) John Denver: “Sweet Surrender”

(27:46) Isley Brothers: “Summer Breeze”

(31:22) Green Day: “Still Breathing”

(34:10) Vienna Teng: “Level Up”

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 5

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Vince Staples. Zoh Amba. Death Cab for Cutie. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Laura Grant from WEXT in New York about their favorite albums out Friday, June 5. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Album No.1
Death Cab for Cutie, 'I Built You a Tower' (ANTI-Records)

(08:18) Album No. 2
Vince Staples, 'Cry Baby' (Loma Vista Recordings)

(15:43) Album No. 3
Jalen Ngonda, 'Doctrine of Love' (Daptone Records)

(20:41) Album No. 4
Zoh Amba, 'Eyes Full' (Matador Records)

(27:19) Album No. 5
Laura Misch, 'Lithic' (One Little Independent Records)

(32:39) Lightning Round Recommendations

• Fightmaster, 'Tolerance' (Many Hats)
• Red Clay Strays, 'Grateful' (RCA)
• Slippers, 'Slippers 08' (Perennial)
• Suzanne Ciani, Metropole Orkest, Simon Dobson, 'CIANI/ORKEST' (AKP Recordings)
• Tara Clerkin Trio, 'Somewhere Good' (World of Echo)

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Laura Grant, WEXT
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Robin Hilton, Hazel Cills and Lars Gotrich

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All Songs Considered: Wet Leg, Vince Staples, Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

The best new tracks of the week include a raging, dance floor remix of Wet Leg’s “Catch These Fists,” a touch of vintage soul from rapper Vince Staples, Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien and more.

NPR Music’s Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton.

A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:03) Wet Leg

(07:05) Katia & Marielle Labèque

(15:23) Balming Tiger

(22:42) Wild Up

(31:00) Vince Staples

(36:06) Ed O’Brien

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 29

Fri, 29 May 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Boards of Canada. Kurt Vile. Iceage. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Andrew Brown of KUTX in Austin about their favorite albums out Friday, May 29. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Paul McCartney
(02:00) Boards of Canada
(09:22) Kurt Vile
(17:01) Iceage
(22:18) feeble little horse
(27:45) Greg Mendez

(33:46) Lightning Round Recommendations

- The Greenberry Woods
- obli
- RaiNao
- ear
- Brian Jackson

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Andrew Brown, KUTX
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers, Robin Hilton and Anamaria Sayre

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Alt.Latino: The Vaqueros of Hawaii

Wed, 27 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

We don’t often get to discuss the ways that Latin American music made its way west across the Pacific Ocean. But this week we have two incredible projects that celebrate that journey. First, a Japanese band that fuses traditional minyo folk sounds with cumbia and other Latin rhythms. Then, a project that unearths a forgotten history of the 19th century Mexican cowboys who went to Hawaii to help manage livestock.

Plus, a tribute to Afro-Colombian folk legend Totó La Momposina, who passed away this month at 85; an underrated Puerto Rican reggaetonero shines again; and, of course, Ana continues her Brazilian obsession with new tracks from up-and-comer Bebé.

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

(00:55) Bebé - 'Dissolução'
(05:45) Minya Crusaders - 'From Japan With Love'
(10:06) Álvaro Díaz - 'OMAKASE'
(17:35) Los Cenzontles - 'Adios Ke Aloha: Waves of the Same Sea'
(23:05) Orestes Gomez - 'No me fui porque quise'
(28:04) Totó La Momposina - Various

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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What’s the defining Millennial song?

Tue, 26 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

We weigh the options and attempt to pick the one song that best captures the Millennial experience, from the dizzying highs of the dot-com boom, when anything seemed possible, to the post-9-11 bust, the "hope and change" of the Obama years, and prolonged period of generational disillusionment.

NPR Music editors Hazel Cills and Sheldon Pearce join host Robin Hilton.

A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 22

Fri, 22 May 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Aja Monet. Jack Antonoff's Bleachers. Radiohead's Ed O'Brien. Guest host Ann Powers chats with Aurora McGuckin of MVY Radio in Massachusetts about their favorite albums out Friday, May 22. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Bleachers, 'everyone for ten minutes'
(06:55) JPEGMAFIA, 'EXPERIMENTAL RAP'
(12:49) Ed O'Brien, 'Blue Morpho'
(19:01) aja monet, 'the color of rain'
(25:19) Lowertown, 'Ugly Duckling Union'

(30:35) The Lightning Round

- Alela Diane, 'Who's Keeping Time?'
- Mexican Institute of Sound & Meridian Brothers, 'Ruido Tovar'
- Balming Tiger, 'Gongbu'
- Bill Orcutt & Mabe Fratti, 'Almost Waking'
- Traumprinz, 'Life'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Ann Powers
Guest: Aurora McGuckin, MVY Radio
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich and Robin Hilton

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Alt.Latino: Gipsy Kings are back, Julieta Venegas' norteña roots and more

Wed, 20 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Two different pioneers - from two different continents - are at the heart of this episode of new music. Since the late 80s, Gipsy Kings have been infusing Catalan rumba flamenca with a pop sensibility that defies the purists. Their new single "Historia," from an upcoming album of the same name, shows they've still got that punchy danceability forty years on. And across the pond, Mexican rocker and songwriter Julieta Venegas explores the musical roots of her norteña heritage on a new album, playing with the biculturalism that defines so much of life along the border.

Plus, Las Añez brings twin harmonies to Andean folk-pop, Helado Negro teams up with Reyna Tropical, Mexican upstart Esteesgarcia confounds Ana and Felix, and more!

Artists & songs featured in this episode:

(00:22) Las Añez - "Cebolla", "Libéralo"
(05:21) Helado Tropical - "Tocando"
(09:44) Esteesgarcia - "south kids", "Okupa"
(14:35) Gipsy Kings - "Historia"
(23:23) Julieta Venegas ft. Yahritza y Su Esencia - "La Línea"
(25:53) bpuntito - "colitaderana", "después"
(31:29) Ana Moura & MARO - "Era de Aquário/Deixa o Sol Entrar"

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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All Songs Considered: Gracie Abrams hits a wall, more best new songs

Tue, 19 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Our latest mix of the week’s best new songs includes a moody reflection on burnout from Gracie Abrams, rising L.A. duo Evening Elephants, the elusive electronic collagists Ear and more.

NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton.

Please leave a glowing review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:45) Gracie Abrams: “Hit the Wall”

(08:10) Zoh Amba: “Eyes Full"

(14:18) Jazmin Bean: “Darling”

(21:57) Ear: “Ne Plus Ultra”

(27:46) Evening Elephants: “A Digital Touch”

(33:07) Knats: “Carpet Doctor (feat. Geordie Greep)”

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Interview: Isaiah Rashad is ready to bare his soul

Sat, 16 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

It’s been five years since we last heard music from Isaiah Rashad. And four years since he largely disappeared from the public eye after two leaked sex tapes, featuring Rashad with other men, upended his life. Now, he's back. On his album, 'It's Been Awful,' he reaches new levels of clarity and intimacy. Having survived hypervisibility, this new music encapsulates what it means to truly be seen.

In this episode, NPR Music's Rodney Carmichael sits down with Rashad for a wide-ranging interview about the new album, family, addiction and masculinity in hip hop.

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Sheldon Pearce.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 15

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Jobi Riccio. Dua Saleh. Tank and the Bangas. Plus, others not named Drake! NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Joe Kendrick of WNCW in North Carolina about their favorite albums out Friday, May 15. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Jobi Riccio, 'Face The Feeling'
(07:49) Dua Saleh, 'Of Earth & Wires'
(15:38) Tank and the Bangas, 'The Last Balloon'
(21:41) Cocanha, 'Flame Folclòre'
(26:50) Tamikrest, 'Assikel'

(33:01) The Lightning Round

- Eluvium, 'Virga III'
- Kevin Morby, 'Little Wide Open
- Martyn, 'Music for Existing'
- Julieta Venegas, 'Norteña'
- Jeff Parker ETA IVtet, 'Happy Today'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Joe Kendrick, WNCW
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich and Anamaria Sayre

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Alt.Latino: Our favorite Latin Tiny Desk Contest entries

Wed, 13 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Since 2014, we've been hitting bands up to send in their videos for the opportunity to win the Tiny Desk Contest. And almost from the beginning, Alt.Latino has been pulling aside the bands and artists that play Latin music. It’s always been a highlight to see the incredible talent that's out there night after night in bars, clubs, community centers, street parties and backyards, finding new ways to express their Latino identity through music. This year was no different.

We waded through hundreds of entries to select the six to feature this week, which showcase a huge variety of musical expressions.

And a reminder: you can see every band that sent in a video this year right here - and a big shout out to this year’s winner, Cure For Paranoia!

Artists and songs featured in this episode:

(04:10) Sofia Gomez, "Without Me"
(07:58) Ed Harvest, "Me Toca Despedirme de Ti"
(11:05) alegrías, "Wahoo!"
(16:05) Ivan Llanes and Friends, "Cubahia"
(22:27) Majo Puente, "MAKTUB"
(25:56) Thee Almighty Majestics, "Última Noche"

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive director of NPR Music.

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All Songs Considered: Charli xcx, Mike D, Boards of Canada

Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Our latest mix of the best new tracks this week includes a massive eye-roll from Charli xcx, the first-ever solo music from Mike D of the Beastie Boys, another surprise drop from electronic music icons Boards of Canada, and more.

NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.

Leave us a glowing review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro
(01:18) Charli xcx: “Rock Music” (Single)
(07:30) Starflyer 59: “I’m Disappointed” from Disappointed EP
(12:22) Mike D: “Switch Up” (Single)
(19:53) Black Swan Network: “The Shell” from The Early Music, Vol. 1
(25:30) Hannah Cohen: “Golden Chain” (Single)
(31:55) Boards of Canada: “Introit/Prophecy At 1420 MHz” from Inferno

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 8

Fri, 08 May 2026 04:01:00 +0000

MUNA. Stephen Sanchez. Lykke Li. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, May 8. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) MUNA, 'Dancing On The Wall'
(08:17) Aldous Harding, 'Train on the Island'
(16:00) Deb Never, 'Arcade'
(22:15) Lykke Li, 'The Afterparty'
(28:12) Stephen Sanchez, 'LOVE, LOVE, LOVE'

(34:46) The Lightning Round

- Ashley McBryde, 'Wild'
- Broken Social Scene, 'Remember The Humans'
- Ray Bull, 'Please Stop Laughing'
- Anastasia Kristensen, 'Bestiarium Sombre'
- Amy Grant, 'The Me That Remains'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Celia Gregory, WNXP
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Robin Hilton, Ann Powers and Lars Gotrich

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All Songs Considered: Call your mom

Tue, 05 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

With Mother’s Day nearing, listeners share songs that remind them of their moms and the deeply moving stories behind them.

NPR's Mitra Arthur joins host Robin Hilton.

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro / “Stardust” by Hoagy Carmichael
(01:52) Christina Aguilera: “Beautiful”
(06:06) Jeannie C. Riley: “Harper Valley P.T.A.”
(10:09) Kermit the Frog: “Rainbow Connection”
(13:50) Phyllis Hyman: “You Know How To Love Me”
(17:16) MILCK: “Oh, Mother”
(21:58) Christina Perri: “You Are My Sunshine”
(25:33) The Tokens: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
(29:16) Four Tops: “Reach Out I’ll Be There”
(33:43) Sweet Honey In The Rock: “Wanting Memories”

Note: A version of this episode originally ran in 2024

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 1

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Kacey Musgraves. American Football. Tori Amos. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Jewly Hight from WPLN in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, May 1. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Kacey Musgraves, 'Middle of Nowhere'
(08:41) American Football, 'American Football (LP4)'
(16:25) Isaiah Rashad, 'IT'S BEEN AWFUL'
(21:42) Tori Amos, 'In Times of Dragons'
(28:09) Ana Roxanne, 'Poem 1'

(33:38) The Lightning Round

- Jesca Hoop, 'Long Wave Home'
- Casper Sage, 'PATINA'
- duendita, 'existential thottie'
- Maisy Owen, 'Dark on a Sunny Day'
- Octo Octa, 'Sigils For Survival'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Jewly Hight, WPLN
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers and Hazel Cills

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Alt.Latino: Flamenco meets Música Mexicana

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Fusion is at the heart of so much of the music we cover - especially on this week's episode. Flamenco producers descend on Hermosillo to experiment with regional Mexican music. Young Argentine artists blend trap with folk and rock en Español. A sunny Rio sound is born in Spain. Plus, a New Mexican string band, an Afro-Brazilian collective and an exploration of Latin roots from Cypress Hill.

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

(02:26) Trueno, 'TURR4ZO'
(09:37) Lone Piñon, 'Hot Carne Seca'
(13:20) Chanela Clicka, 'COBRA'
(18:50) Cypress Hill, 'Dios Bendiga'
(22:30) Leo Middea, 'Notícias de Puglia'
(25:28) Mandinga Beat, 'Afro-Brazil'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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All Songs Considered: Olivia Rodrigo, Nine Inch Nails, Rosalía

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Our latest picks for the week’s best new songs include Olivia Rodrigo’s head-over-heels earworm “drop dead,” a stunning bonus cut from Rosalía’s LUX album, a surprising pop turn from Peter Gabriel, twisted dance beats from Nine Inch Nails and more.

NPR Music’s Hazel Cills joins host Robin Hiton.

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:49) Olivia Rodrigo: “drop dead” from you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love

(09:50) Peter Gabriel: “Till Your Mind Is Shining (Bright-Side Mix)” from o\i

(20:23) Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize: “Heresy” from Nine Inch Noize

(28:47) Rosalía: “Focu 'Ranni” from LUX (Complete Works)

(36:21) Rostam: “Like a Spark” from American Stories

(42:51) Gregory Uhlmann: “Days” from Extra Stars

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 24

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Noah Kahan. Kehlani. The return of Metric. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with DJ Llu from Vermont Public about their favorite albums out Friday, April 24. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Noah Kahan, 'The Great Divide'
(09:28) Kehlani, 'Kehlani'
(16:14) Metric, 'Romanticize The Dive'
(21:33) Gia Margaret, 'Singing'
(28:27) Season 2, 'Power of Now'

(34:12) The Lightning Round

- Quiet Light, 'Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2'
- Kiki Cavazos, 'Goodbye Blues'
- Carla dal Forno, 'Confession'
- The Milk Carton Kids, 'Lost Cause Lover Fool'
- Trueno, 'TURR4ZO'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: DJ Llu, Vermont Public
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Hazel Cills, Ann Powers and Anamaria Sayre

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Alt.Latino: Argentine indie, Venezuelan reggaeton and punk from San Antonio

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

This week's new music show spans the breadth of Latin America. Argentine indie artist Paula Prieto goes experimental. Venezuelan reggaeton pioneers Chino y Nacho return to the limelight. Brazilian singer Marina B reminds Felix of The Beatles. Guatemala's Doctor Nativo pays homage to the "caminantes" heading north to find a better life. Plus, Latin punk from San Antonio, and a celebration of Afro-Cuban legend Arsenio Rodriguez.

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

(00:46) Chino y Nacho, 'Radio Venezuela'
(05:30) FEA, 'Careful'
(10:11) Paula Prieto, 'TEMPORAL, LP.'
(16:27) Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band, 'Arsenio And Beyond'
(22:30) Midnight Cafe & Marina B, 'À Flor da Pele (Lonely Man)'
(25:34) Doctor Nativo & Roco Pachukote, 'Caminantes'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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All Songs Considered: Jack White, Boards of Canada

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Our latest mix of the best new songs out now includes a scorching new cut from Jack White, a surprise (and breathtaking) return of electronic legends Boards of Canada, outlaw country from Charley Crockett and more.

NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:22) Jack White: “G.O.D. and the Broken Ribs” (Single)

(08:38) Kelela: “idea 1” (Single)

(16:13) mary in the junkyard: “Crash Landing” from Role Model Hermit

(24:59) Charley Crockett: “Kentucky Too Long” from Age of the Ram

(32:33) Boards of Canada: “Tape 05” (Single)

(40:09) Purity Ring: “lemonlime” (Single)

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Interview: Beck returns to the spotlight

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:10:21 +0000

We talk with Beck about his gauzy new song, what he’s been up to since releasing his last album seven years ago, and what he (maybe?) has planned for the coming year.

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 17

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Honey Dijon. Yaya Bey. Shadowy pop from Sofia Isella. Guest host Hazel Cills chats with Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco about their favorite albums out Friday, April 17. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Nine Inch Nails & Boys Noize, 'Nine Inch Noize'
(02:47) Honey Dijon, 'The Nightlife'
(09:05) Jessie Ware, 'Superbloom'
(16:22) Sofia Isella, 'Something is a shell' EP
(22:43) Eaves Wilder, 'Little Miss Sunshine'
(28:56) Yaya Bey, 'Fidelity'

(34:33) The Lightning Round

- Kathryn Mohr, 'Carve'
- Protoje, 'The Art of Acceptance'
- PPJ, 'Joker' EP
- Iceland Symphony Orchestra, 'Arvo Pärt: Complete Symphonies'
- Adrian Younge, 'Younge'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org

Credits:
Host: Hazel Cills
Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED
Audio Producers: Noah Caldwell, Alina Edwards
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Tom Huizenga and Rodney Carmichael

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Alt.Latino: Jorge Drexler returns home

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Jorge Drexler is one of the most decorated singer-songwriters in Latin America. His albums are always high profile events, and his latest record merits the attention. It's called Taracá, and to make it he returned home to his native Uruguay - after living in Spain for 30 years - to explore the roots of an Afro-Uruguayan tradition known as candombe. On this week's episode we chat with Drexler about the motivation for returning to his home country, making music after losing his parents, and how the album's title reflects the sound made by a candombe drum.

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All Songs Considered: Need a reset?

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

We celebrate spring and new beginnings with a perfect mix of songs for starting over. This can take many forms: songs that spark a good, cleansing cry; songs that offer wisdom, or just a sure-fire jolt of adrenaline. But in the end, all of the tracks herein can help reconfigure your mood, your day, maybe even ... your life.

Host Robin Hilton is joined by NPR Music’s Noah Caldwell and Dora Levite.

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(02:05) Nina Simone: “Feeling Good” from I Put a Spell on You

(06:02) Cassandra Jenkins: “Hard Drive” from An Overview of Phenomenal Nature

(10:29) Cajmere: “Brighter Days” from Brighter Days

(15:42) Beastie Boys: “Sabotage” from Ill Communication

(18:54) Wednesday: “Reality TV Argument Bleeds” from Bleeds

(22:43) Gregory Alan Isakov: “Second Chances” from The Weatherman

(27:09) Bob Marley: “Three Little Birds” from Exodus

(30:56) LCD Soundsystem: “oh baby” from American Dream

(35:18) Ryuichi Sakamoto: “ZURE” from async

(41:02) Amy Shark: “Amy Shark” from Cry Forever

(45:26) Sluice: “Beadie” from Companion

(50:05) The Allman Brothers Band: “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” from Eat a Peach

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!
Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 10

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Ella Langley. Wesley Joseph. The spellbinding Juni Habel. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Chloe Kimes from WMOT in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, April 10. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Ella Langley, 'Dandelion'
(08:24) Tenille Townes, 'The Acrobat'
(15:53) Wesley Joseph, 'Forever Ends Someday'
(21:22) Brown Horse, 'Total Dive'
(27:03) Juni Habel, 'Evergreen In Your Mind'

(32:31) The Lightning Round

- Gracie and Rachel, 'If We Could, Would We'
- Melanie Baker, 'Somebody Help Me, I'm Being Spontaneous!'
- upsammy & Valentina Magaletti, 'Seismo'
- Spirit Adrift, 'Infinite Illumination'
- Drivin N Cryin, 'Crushing Flowers'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Chloe Kimes, WMOT
Audio Producers: Noah Caldwell, Alina Edwards
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich, Ann Powers and Hazel Cills

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Alt.Latino: Sonic Bloom: Fresh, funky new tracks from Rio, Granada and more

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Listen to this episode out in the springtime air. It starts with a bucolic jaunt through Brazilian guitarist Fabiano do Nascimento's latest orchestral project, then finds La Plazuela's fresh Spanish funk and Macha's irreverent side project. Other sounds along the way: Caribbean pop from Venezuela, feel-your-feels indie from northern Mexico and an electronic spin on the indigenous Náhuatl language.

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All Songs Considered: José González's hope, Jungle's sunshine

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

The British act Jungle had a big hit with “Back on 74” — and its unforgettable dance video — in 2023. Now, the group is back with “Carry On,” a breezy, sun-dappled song about surviving a broken heart. We give it a spin to open the show, along with a study on optimism from one of José González’s best albums, a celestial ambient cut from throat singer Tanya Tagaq and more.

NPR classical critic Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton as they update their running list of the year’s best songs.

(00:00) Intro

(01:03) Jungle: “Carry On” from ‘SUNSHINE’

(07:42) Gabriel Kahane & Roomful of Teeth: “Not Even the Dead” from ‘Elevator Songs’

(14:23) Quiet Light: “Self Tape” from ‘Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2’

(23:34) Tanya Tagaq: “Imiq” from ‘Saputjiji’

(31:13) José González: “Etyd” from ‘Against the Dying of the Light’

(37:49) Giya Kancheli: “Middelheim” from ‘Kancheli: Ex contrario, Middelheim & Tsutisopeli’

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 3

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:05:00 +0000

Thundercat. Arlo Parks. Devotional belters from Dermot Kennedy. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee about their favorite albums out Friday, April 3. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Bon Iver, 'VOLUMES: ONE"
(01:57) Arlo Parks, 'Ambiguous Desire'
(07:29) Dermot Kennedy, 'The Weight of the Woods'
(14:15) Thundercat, 'Distracted'
(19:53) Joe Pernice, 'Sunny, I Was Wrong'
(26:44) Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE & Surf Gang, 'POMPEII // UTILITY'

(31:30) The Lightning Round

- Maria Taylor, 'Story's End'
- Wendy Eisenberg, 'Wendy Eisenberg'
- Sunn O))), 'Sunn O)))'
- Roomful of Teeth & Gabriel Kahane, 'Elevator Songs'
- Sofia Rei, 'Antónima'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Erin Wolf, Radio Milwaukee
Audio Producers: Noah Caldwell, Alina Edwards
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Felix Contreras, Lars Gotrich and Tom Huizenga

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Alt.Latino: Dominican indie, Peruvian cumbia and experimental Argentine pop

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Two phrases spoken during this week’s episode stand out because they represent how Ana and I approach our searches for new music. The first: “The only limit is the imagination.” In my constant hunt for the sound I have never heard, this thought is my mantra. The new music we’re bringing this week really steps up to that challenge, from young upstarts like Broke Carrey to beloved veterans like Draco Rosa.

The second phrase? “Latin music is a geography not a genre.” Ana put into words something she and I talk about often, the idea that the term “Latin music” is no longer adequate to reflect that amazingly eclectic forms of musical expression in the Spanish-speaking world. This episode features musicians from Argentina, Peru, the Dominican Republic and elsewhere -- but what they share is a distinct artistic expression that consistently blows our minds.

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All Songs Considered: Our favorite Tiny Desk Contest entries

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

More than 6,000 artists entered this year’s Tiny Desk Contest, hoping to win their very own performance behind the actual Desk. We’ll announce the winner soon, but in the meantime, we’re sharing some of our favorite entries, from the riff-rock group Pump Action, to soul singer Les Greene, loop artist Jackie Marchal, singer-songwriter Yuri Shin and more.

Tiny Desk series producer Bobby Carter joins All Songs Considered host Robin Hilton. (They’re also the two lead judges for the Contest.)

Featured entries:

(00:00) Intro

(00:51) Pump Action: “Supernova”

(03:34) Lily Talmers: “The Big Idea”

(07:18) Walker Burroughs: “Open Skies”

(10:53) Les Greene & the Swayzees: "Long Story Short"

(14:08) Nicolosi: “Are You Coming To The Ivy?”

(17:20) Jackie Marchal: “Excavate The Girl”

(21:43) the King will come: “welcome”

(24:33) Yuri Shin: “Falling Rabbit”

(27:54) Lauren Frihauf: “One Thing Always Leads To Another”

(31:41) Meira: “Make Me Go”

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 27

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:05:00 +0000

Robyn. RAYE. A jazzy left turn from Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Alisa Ali from WFUV in the Bronx about their favorite albums out Friday, March 27. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(01:42) Robyn, 'Sexistential'
(07:15) RAYE, 'This Music May Contain Hope'
(14:21) Courtney Barnett, 'Creature of Habit'
(20:20) The New Pornographers, 'The Former Site Of'
(25:32) Flea, 'Honora'

(32:08) The Lightning Round

- Connie Converse, 'How Sad, How Lovely' (Reissue)
- Snail Mail, 'Ricochet'
- The Philharmonik, 'Transcendentalism I' EP
- Irreversible Entanglements, 'Future Present Past'
- Sluice, 'Companion'
- Charlotte Cornfield, 'Hurts Like Hell'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Alisa Ali, WFUV
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Bobby Carter, Sheldon Pearce and Ann Powers

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Alt.Latino: Songs she loves: Sofia Rei and the magic of the human voice

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

From the very beginning of Alt.Latino, female vocalists have captivated us the most -- and New York-based Argentine vocalist Sofia Rei has been high on our list of favorites for a while. She uses the human voice like paint on a canvas, layering voices to create choirs that take flight at the mere suggestion of a melody. On her new album Antónima, she not only creates magic with her own voice but also collaborates with some Alt.Latino favorites: Gaby Moreno, Daymé Arocena and Xenia Rubinos, among others. As we revive our Guest DJ series, we asked her to bring on some of the songs she loves, for an insider's perspective of the art behind the human voice.

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All Songs Considered: Bon Iver talks to God, plus Tori Amos

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Our latest mix of the best new songs out now includes a stunning live version of Bon Iver’s “Heavenly Father,” a track the band originally wrote for the 2014 film Wish I Was Here, but never made available to stream before now. We’ve also got a stirring new ballad from Tori Amos, Luxembourg indie rocker Francis of Delirium (who assures us this is, in fact, a beautiful life), the long-awaited (if complicated) return of influential metal band Neurosis and more.

NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.

(00:00) Intro

(01:41) Bon Iver: “Heavenly Father” from VOLUMES: ONE (SELECTIONS FROM MUSIC CONCERTS 2019-2023)

(08:25) Souled American: “Freeing Wheels” from Sanctions

(13:58) Francis of Delirium: “It’s a Beautiful Life” from Run, Run Pure Beauty

(20:28) Tara Clerkin Trio: “Somewhere Good” from Somewhere Good

(28:58) Tori Amos: “Stronger Together” from In Times of Dragons

(35:36) Neurosis: “Untethered” from An Undying Love for a Burning World

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Interview: Mitski

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 11:00:01 +0000

In this special episode, the beloved singer-songwriter performs four songs live and speaks with Raina Douris of NPR's World Cafe about her acclaimed new album, 'Nothing's About To Happen To Me.'

Follow the World Cafe podcast for more live performances and interviews every week.

Featured performers:

• Mitski: vocals
• Patrick Hyland: electric, acoustic guitars
• Bruno Esrubilsky: drums
• Jeni Magaña: bass, backing vocals
• Emily Moore: guitarist, keys, backing vocals
• Ty Bailie: keys

Thanks to the production team at Power Station: Neal Shaw, Omisha Chaitanya, Grace Leckey and Ben Miller.

This episode of World Cafe was produced and edited by Kimberly Junod. Our digital producer is Miguel Perez. World Cafe's engineer is Chris Williams. Our programming and booking coordinator is Chelsea Johnson and our line producer is Will Loftus.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 20

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:05:00 +0000

BTS. Alex Isley. Dubstep-infused hyperpop from underscores. NPR Music's Hazel Cills chats with Francesca Harding of member station KCRW in Los Angeles about their favorite albums out Friday, March 20. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & BTS, 'ARIRANG'
(02:28) Alex Isley, 'When The City Sleeps'
(07:52) underscores, 'U'
(15:38) ZENA, 'TEMESGEN'
(20:39) Grace Ives, 'Girlfriend'
(26:16) Suitor, 'Saw You Out With The Weeds'

(32:23) The Lightning Round

- Ali & Charif Megarbane, 'Tirakat'
- Naomi Scott, 'F.I.G.'
- Samara Cyn, 'Detour' EP
- Immanuel Wilkins Quartet, 'Live at the Village Vanguard, Vol.1'
- Luke Combs, 'The Way I Am'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org

Credits:
Host: Hazel Cills
Guest: Francesca Harding, KCRW
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Rodney Carmichael, Ann Powers and Stephen Thompson

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Alt.Latino: A Tejano master gets his flowers. Plus, Yahritza y Su Esencia returns

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

This week's new music pairs well with a glass of wine - or, at least, that's what Ana chose while taping this happy hour edition of Alt.Latino at Felix's dining room table. And the music on tap spans a huge breadth of styles. Yahritza y Su Esencia returns with a powerful sophomore album after a spell out of the limelight. Brazilian legend-in-the-making Lucas Santtana collaborates with his mentor Gilberto Gil. Ana Tijoux revisits her late-'90s hip-hop roots. Plus, Tejano master Ruben Ramos tells his life story through song.

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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All Songs Considered: Olivia Rodrigo covers The Magnetic Fields, Noah Kahan channels his mom, and more

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:31:45 +0000

We check back in with our running list of the best songs of the week, including Olivia Rodrigo’s cover of The Magnetic Fields classic “The Book of Love,” Noah Kahan’s anthemic new single “Porch Light,” one of Aldous Harding’s boldest songs to date and more.

NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton.

(00:00) Intro

(01:29) Noah Kahan: “Porch Light” from ‘The Great Divide’

(09:09) Olivia Rodrigo: “The Book of Love” from ‘Help (2)’

(16:48) Ages and Ages: “Feel Amazing” from ‘Fine Thanks and You’

(24:30) Aldous Harding: “One Stop” from ‘Train on the Island’

(31:23) Ryan Lott: “Discontent” from ‘Marathon’

(38:20) underscores: “Tell Me (U Want It)” from ‘U’

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Interview: Kacey Musgraves on her new album, 'Middle of Nowhere'

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 12:47:14 +0000

Earlier this week, country superstar Kacey Musgraves announced her sixth album, Middle of Nowhere, which will be released on May 1. Since her Grammy-winning 2018 album Golden Hour, Musgraves has explored a space beyond country music, but the new album reflects a renewed interest in traditional country and western sounds, influenced by the time she's been spending on either side of the Texas-Mexico border. For her first interview about the project, she sat down with reporter Jewly Hight to discuss the album's first single, "Dry Spell," how she's learned to love solitude and what made her frosty relationship with with fellow Texan Miranda Lambert thaw enough to collaborate.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 13

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:05:00 +0000

James Blake. Kim Gordon. Sturgill Simpson's country-funk alter ego. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Amelia Mason from WBUR in Boston about their favorite albums out Friday, March 13. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Oscars predictions
(02:15) Johnny Blue Skies & The Dark Clouds, 'Mutiny After Midnight'
(08:50) James Blake, 'Trying Times'
(17:04) Anjimile, 'You're Free To Go'
(22:53) Kim Gordon, 'Play Me'
(27:52) Blessing Jolie, '20nothing'

(35:15) The Lightning Round

- Morgan Nagler, 'I've Got Nothing To Lose, and I'm Losing It'
- Tinariwen, 'Hoggar'
- Jorge Drexler, 'Taracá'
- The Tallis Scholars, 'Nico Muhly: No Resting Place'
- Fugazi, 'Albini Sessions'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Amelia Mason, WBUR
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Felix Contreras, Tom Huizenga and Lars Gotrich

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Alt.Latino: If the singer falls silent, life falls silent: Female power anthems

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

International Women's Day is more than a perfunctory holiday in many parts of Latin America. In Mexico City, for example, more than 120,000 people turned out on Sunday to protest femicide and celebrate the ongoing fight for basic rights for women in the country. In honor of the holiday, this week's episode debuts our female power anthems hall of fame, highlighting women in Latin music whose art challenged the status quo of their time. Plus, some on-the-ground reporting from Anamaria Sayre at the march in Mexico City.

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All Songs Considered: Cruelly ranking the best original song Oscar nominees

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Will this finally be Diane Warren’s year at the Oscars, when she goes up against “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters and “I Lied to You” from Sinners? (Probably not.)

Host Robin Hilton is joined by New Music Friday’s Stephen Thompson to cruelly rank those nominees along with “Train Dreams” from Train Dreams and “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from Viva Verdi!.

(00:00) Intro
(02:37) Fifth place
(08:45) Fourth place
(16:55) Third place
(24:25) Second place
(33:31) First place and our pick to win the Oscar

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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 6

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Flying Lotus. waterbaby. The groovy affirmations of Joshua Idehen. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Nate Chinen from WRTI in Philadelphia about their favorite albums out Friday, March 6. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Harry Styles, 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.'
(03:18) Flying Lotus, 'BIG MAMA' EP
(08:34) waterbaby, 'Memory Be a Blade'
(15:20) Shabaka, 'Of The Earth'
(20:51) Joshua Idehen, 'I know you're hurting, everyone is hurting, everyone is trying, you have got to try'
(27:09) The Scythe, 'Strictly 4 The Scythe'

(31:37) The Lightning Round

- Cece Coakley, 'Pleasant Attack' EP
- Terrace Martin, 'Purpose'
- Various Artists, 'HELP(2)'
- Alice Sara Ott, 'Jóhann Jóhannsson: Piano Works'
- Macha & Bedhead, 'Macha Loved Bedhead'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Nate Chinen, WRTI
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers, Tom Huizenga and Lars Gotrich

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Alt.Latino: From church basement to salsa immortality: Remembering Willie Colón

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

On Feb. 21, the musical world lost a legend and pioneer of salsa: Willie Colón.

The trombonist, songwriter, producer and arranger was a key part of the transition of Afro-Caribbean dance music from regional traditions to worldwide popularity. For an insider’s perspective on that history, this week we speak to trombonist and bandleader Angel “Papo” Vázquez, a Philadelphia-born musician who was not only inspired to play the trombone by Willie Colón, but also played on some historic recordings by Colón and other Fania Records notables.

The best music tells great stories, and the same can be said about musicians. Vázquez brings along five tracks by Willie Colón that set him, and the rest of the world, on a path of deep appreciation for Colón’s contributions to salsa.

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed

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All Songs Considered: Even more songs to calm the nerves

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Our third installment of calming songs includes Max Richter’s tribute to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ambient sounds from Ryuichi Sakamoto, Brazilian jazz from Wayne Shorter and more.

Note: This episode originally ran in April, 2025

Artists and songs featured on this episode:
(00:00) Intro

(02:20) The Choir: “You Don’t Have To Smile,” from ‘Translucent’

(05:58) Orbital Patterns: “Can’t Tell If I’m Awake,” from ‘Extended Impostor Syndrome’

(10:11) Ryuichi Sakamoto & Alvo Noto: “Logic Moon,” From ‘Insen’

(15:46) Lea Bertucci: “Vapours,” From ‘Of Shadow And Substance’

(20:25) Hayden Pedigo: “Long Pond Lily,” From ‘I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away’

(25:57) Max Richter: “All Human Beings,” from ‘Voices’

(31:17) Wayne Shorter: “Tarde,” From ‘Native Dancer’

(36:15) Mabe Fratti: “El Sol Sigue Ahí,” From ‘Pies Sobre La Tierra’

(41:08) Ida: “Don’t Get Sad,” from ‘Will You Find Me?’

(46:10) David Zinman, Dawn Upshaw & London Sinfonietta: “Lento,” from Henryk Górecki’s ‘Symphony No. 3, Op. 36 - Symphony Of Sorrowful Songs’

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 27

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Bruno Mars. Mitski. Grief and celebration from Gorillaz. Robin Hilton welcomes Raina Douris from WXPN in Philadelphia to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Feb. 27. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Bruno Mars, 'The Romantic'
(03:54) Mitski, 'Nothing's About to Happen to Me'
(09:44) Gorillaz, 'The Mountain'
(15:04) Heavenly, 'Highway To Heavenly'
(20:34) Voxtrot, 'Dreamers in Exile'
(27:12) Nothing, 'a short history of decay'

(32:52) The Lightning Round

- Buck Meek, 'The Mirror'
- Maria BC, 'Marathon'
- Bill Callahan, 'My Days of 58'
- GENA, The Pleasure is Yours'
- Sarah Kirkland Snider, 'Forward Into Light'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Robin Hilton
Guest: Raina Douris, WXPN
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Hazel Cills, Ann Powers, Sheldon Pearce and Tom Huizenga

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Alt.Latino: Chicano soul, Canary Islands merengue and a percussion supergroup

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

This week on Alt.Latino, it's another new music episode with a global panorama: Canary Islands merengue, Chicano soul, Afro-Brazilian roots and more. Plus, a percussion supergroup that Felix could listen to for hours.

Featured artists and albums:

(00:00) Introduction
(01:05) Quevedo, 'NI BORRACHO'
(05:12) Joey Quiñones, 'In a Soul Situation'
(12:34) Carolina Mama, 'Amina'
(15:41) Elipsis, 'Elipsis'
(19:32) Da Cruz, 'Som Sistema'
(23:56) Sofía Rei, 'Antónima'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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All Songs Considered: U2 meets the moment, Lana Del Rey goes 'True Detective,' James Blake croons

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

This week on All Songs Considered: U2 surprise-dropped a new EP that opens with a scorching critique of the government crackdown on immigration; Lana Del Rey inched closer toward releasing her long-awaited album with a haunting and strange ode to love and obsession, while singer Arlo Parks takes a bold step out onto the dance floor. All that and more as host Robin Hilton and NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce share their picks for the best new songs of the week.

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:50) U2: “American Obituary,” from ‘Days Of Ash’

(10:24) Arlo Parks: “Heaven,” from ‘Ambiguous Desire’

(17:37) Lana Del Rey: “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” (Single)

(25:22) Baby Rose & Leon Thomas: “Friends Again” (Single)

(31:58) James Blake: “I Had a Dream She Took My Hand,” from ‘Trying Times’

(39:08) Bella Kay: “Steady,” from ‘a couple minutes out’

And here's a link to Sheldon's piece on Jill Scott and Brent Faiyaz that was discussed during the show's intro: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/19/nx-s1-5713600/jill-scott-brent-faiyaz-rnb-review

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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Special announcement

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 12:00:01 +0000

Host Robin Hilton shares an update about some cosmetic changes coming to the 'All Songs Considered' podcast feed.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 20

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:05:00 +0000

WILLOW. Altin Gün. Fugazi alumni smashing punk into jazz. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Evan Miller from WYSO in Yellow Springs, Ohio to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Feb. 20.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & WILLOW, 'petal rock black'
(03:29) Pekka Kuusisto, 'Willows'
(08:59) Manu Delago & Max ZT, 'Deuce'
(16:21) The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis, 'Deface The Currency'
(21:29) Hen Ogledd, 'DISCOMBOBULATED'
(27:19) Altin Gün, 'Garip'

(32:41) The Lightning Round

- Megan Moroney, 'Cloud 9'
- Chris Forsyth's WHAT IS NOW, 'Both / And'
- Choker, 'Heaven Ain't Sold'
- MX LONELY, 'ALL MONSTERS'
- Mumford & Sons, 'Prizefighter'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org/allsongs

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Evan Miller, WYSO
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: A Brazilian summer and a lost Mexican masterpiece

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

So, I was away for a bit and the new music just piled up during the holidays, and while we were watching Bad Bunny make headlines at the Grammys and the Super Bowl. Our first new music episode of the new year has quite a variety of styles from lots of different countries. We could say that about just about every new music show we produce. But what are we to do when the amount of creativity that comes our way pretty much overwhelms us? Jump in for a summertime journey through the many sounds of Brazil, a fusion of indigenous and contemporary styles, and a lost relic of Mexican rock from the 1970s.

- Felix

Artists and albums:

(00:00) Introduction
(01:20) Amaro Freitas, Criolo, and Dino D'Santiago, 'CRIOLO, AMARO E DINO'
(09:19) Javier Jara, 'Our Rhythms, Our Voices'
(13:19) Infinito Latente, 'Sem Início Nem Fim'
(19:19) Ernan Roch Con Las Voces Frescas, 'La Onda Pesada'
(24:52) João Menezes & Paulo Novaes, 'Coisa Híbrida'
(30:02) Líber Terán, 'Canciones Del Desierto'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Andrew Bird on ‘The Pitt,’ Gia Margaret and more of the best new songs

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

If you watch HBO’s The Pitt, you might have heard the gorgeous new song called “Need Someone” that Andrew Bird wrote for a recent episode. We’ve got that on this week’s show along with reflections on fitting in by letting go, from Gia Margaret and Ratboys; shoegaze from Draag, the twitchy glitchy sounds of Mandy, Indiana and more.

NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton to share the best new songs they’re obsessing over this week.

Featured songs and artists:

(00:00) Intro

(02:18) Draag: “Finding Fear,” from ‘Miracle Drug’

(09:35) Mandy, Indiana: “Try Saying,” from ‘Urgh’

(14:59) Andrew Bird: “Need Someone” (single as featured in ‘The Pitt’)

(20:38) Ratboys: “Open Up,” from ‘Singin’ To An Empty Chair’

(28:49) Gia Margaret: “Everyone Around Me Dancing,” from ‘Singing’

(35:30) By Storm: “Can I Have You For Myself,” from ‘My Ghost Go Ghost’

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Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 13

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:05:00 +0000

August Ponthier. Brent Faiyaz. Jill Scott's first album in more than a decade. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Feb. 13.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & Charli xcx, 'Wuthering Heights'
(03:06) August Ponthier, 'Everywhere Isn't Texas'
(09:38) Brent Faiyaz, 'Icon'
(15:29) Jill Scott, 'To Whom This May Concern'
(21:09) STAYC, 'Stay Alive'
(25:57) The Paranoid Style, 'Known Associates'

(32:01) The Lightning Round:

- The Olympians, 'In Search of a Revival'
- Hemlocke Springs, 'the apple tree under the sea'
- Neba Solo & Benego Diakité, 'A Djinn and a Hunter Went Walking (The Complete Sessions)'
- Aaron Shaw, 'And So It Is'
- Ásgeir, 'Julia'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org/allsongs

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Puerto Rico takes the field at the Bad Bunny Super Bowl

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show was many things: a time-traveling journey through the history of Puerto Rico, a statement of pan-American unity, and a masterpiece of cultural expression. This week, co-hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are joined by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento — who brings on-the-ground reporting from San Juan — to unpack the symbolism embedded in Bad Bunny's performance.

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Why everyone is still talking about Geese

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

With the arrival of the Geese Tiny Desk, we thought we’d try to break down what it is about this band that has made them one of the most talked about and polarizing acts of the past six months.

Host Robin Hilton is joined by NPR Music's Ann Powers and host of The Ringer's Bandsplain podcast Yasi Salek to make sense of all the fuss. (Full disclosure: We all love Geese.)

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 6

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Ratboys. Beverly Glenn-Copeland. Caribou's club alter-ego. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music chats with Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee about their favorite new albums out Friday, Feb. 6.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction & J. Cole, 'The Fall Off'
(02:11) Ratboys, 'Singin' To An Empty Chair'
(08:27) Beverly Glenn-Copeland, 'Laughter In Summer'
(16:27) Daphni, 'Butterfly'
(21:22) Charlotte Day Wilson, 'Patchwork'
(26:39) John Craigie, 'I Swam Here'

(31:26) The Lightning Round
- Melissa Carper & Theo Lawrence, 'Havin' a Talk'
- Alice Costelloe, 'Move On With The Year'
- vegas water taxi, 'long time caller, first time listener'
- Ulrika Spacek, 'EXPO'
- Music City, 'Welcome to Music City'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org/allsongs.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Erin Wolf, Radio Milwaukee
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny makes history at the Grammys. Up next, the Super BBowl

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Last Sunday, Bad Bunny's DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS became the first exclusively Spanish language album to win album of the year at the Grammys. This coming Sunday, the Puerto Rican megastar will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. For this week's episode, Anamaria Sayre and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento chat about what these two moments mean for Bad Bunny, the island of Puerto Rico, and the role of Latin music in America more broadly.

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.

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Beck, Asher White, Friko and more of the week’s best new songs

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

The Beck rarity “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime” has officially hit streaming services and we can’t get enough of it. We’ve also got new (not-yet-announced) projects from Friko and Asher White, a witchy new cut from the duo Sibyl, the Polish composer and guitarist Szymon Wójcik and more.

NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured songs and artists:

(00:00) Intro and The Grammys

(03:31) Beck: “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime,” from ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime’

(12:29) Rat Penat: “Kijiji,” from ‘Over Easy’

(18:26) Friko: “Seven Degrees,” from ‘Something Worth Waiting For’

(25:27) Sibyl: “Witch Wife,” from ‘Sibyl’

(30:42) Asher White: “Casper,” from ‘Jessica Pratt’

(38:22) Szymon Wójcik: “it’s only begun,” from ‘when you rub your eyes, you see things you can’t describe’

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Recapping a historic Grammys night

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Enjoy Pop Culture Happy Hour's late-night recap of the 2026 Grammy Awards, featuring NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Hazel Cills, as well as pop culture journalist (and former NPR intern) Reanna Cruz.

(00:00) Intro
(00:46) Album of the year: Bad Bunny
(05:24) Record of the year: Kendrick Lamar
(08:51) Best new artist medley
(13:52) Lady Gaga's three Grammys
(18:44) Song of the year: Billie Eilish
(21:05) Milestone moments and In Memoriam

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Hazel Cills, Reanna Cruz
Producers: Carly Rubin, Mike Katzif
Editor: Jessica Reedy
Executive Producer, NPR Music: Suraya Mohamed
Executive Director, NPR Music: Sonali Mehta

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 30

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon. Emily Scott Robinson. Blood harmonies from Irish brothers Ye Vagabonds. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music chats with Dre Castillo from KVNF in western Colorado about the best albums out Friday, Jan. 30.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Introduction
(01:21) Emily Scott Robinson, 'Appalachia'
(08:58) Ye Vagabonds, 'All Tied Together'
(16:05) Jordan Ward, 'Backward'
(21:48) Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, 'As Of Now'
(27:18) Orestes Gomez, 'No me fui porque quise'

The Lightning Round

- Don Toliver, 'OCTANE'
- Lande Hekt, 'Lucky Now'
- By Storm, 'My Ghosts Go Ghost’
- Yumi Zouma, 'No Love Lost to Kindness'
- David Moore, 'Graze the Bell'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org/allsongs.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Dre Castillo, KVNF
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Venezuelan producer Ella Bric spins songs with a 'teardrop of optimism'

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

This month Alt.Latino's been looking at the music of Venezuela from a lot of different angles. For this episode, we’ve invited trumpet player and producer Ella Bric to be our guest DJ. She shared what she thinks are the most socially, culturally and politically impactful pieces of music to come out of Venezuela in the last half century.

Ella Bric grew up in a migrant-rich town in Venezuela called San Antonio de los Altos, surrounded by a culturally-minded, socially conscious community. She’s now based in New York, and in recent years has positioned herself as a prolific producer on the rise in the Latin music space. In 2018, she won a Latin Grammy for Producer of the Year, and she says her art comes from a curiosity about the state of the world and her desire to reflect that.

(00:00) Introduction
(01:46) La Vida Bohème, 'Hornos del Cal'
(06:41) Betsayda Machado & Parranda el Clavo, 'Sentimiento'
(11:35) María Rodríguez, 'Los Dos Titanes'
(15:11) Ali Primera, 'Techos de Cartón'
(19:52) Linda Briceño & Orlando Watson, 'Unfinished Song'
(24:38) Desorden Público, 'Politicos Paraliticos'
(27:36) Bucle Lunar, 'Subió El Maldito Dolar'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Best new songs: Mitski, Father John Misty, Kim Gordon, more

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

This week we're obsessing over the hilarious and harrowing “Where’s My Phone?” from Mitski, a slightly softer solo cut from Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon, the confounding but wondrous wordplay of Father John Misty and more.

NPR Music editor Hazel Cills joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured songs and artists:

(00:00) Mitski: “Where’s My Phone?” from ‘Nothing’s About to Happen to Me’

(09:29) Robber Robber: “The Sound It Made,” from ‘Two Wheels Move the Soul’

(16:01) Father John Misty: “The Old Law” (single)

(24:44) Kim Gordon: “NOT TODAY,” from ‘PLAY ME’

(31:39) Tinariwen: “Sagherat Assani (feat. Sulafa Elyas),” from ‘Hoggar’

(37:21) Vero: “100 Calls,” from ‘Razor Tongue’

Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 23

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Lucinda Williams. Julian Lage. The debut from rising Americana star Kashus Culpepper. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music chats with Jessie Scott from WMOT in Nashville about the best new albums out Friday, Jan. 23.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Intro: Cat Power, 'Redux' EP
(02:14) Lucinda Williams, 'World's Gone Wrong'
(07:36) Carolina Chocolate Drops, 'Genuine Negro Jig' (15th Anniversary Edition)
(15:19) Kashus Culpepper, 'Act I'
(20:00) The Lowest Pair, 'Always As Young As We'll Ever Be'
(25:29) Julian Lage, 'Scenes From Above'

The Lightning Round

- Ari Lennox, 'Vacancy'
- Sammy Brue, 'The Journals'
- V/A, 'Naive Melodies'
- Della Mae, 'Magic Accident'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Jessie Scott, WMOT
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Rawayana on their new album and a changing Venezuela

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sometimes life imitates art - or at least the two can seem eerily connected. On Jan. 1, the Venezuelan band Rawayana released a new album, '¿Dónde Es El After?,' which began with a lyric that many interpreted as a wish for their country's leadership to be gone. A few days later, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was ousted from power and seized by American forces. For this week's episode, we chat with Fofo Story and Beto Montenegro of Rawayana to hear how the album came together, where its sonic influences lie, and how they're reflecting on the seismic changes underway in their home country.

(00:00) Intro
(01:54) How they decided to open the album
(06:26) On the song 'Qué Rico PR!'
(09:36) Caribbean influences growing up
(13:41) Childhood love for merenhouse
(16:13) Adapting tonada folk music
(21:58) Reflections on Venezuela in this moment

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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What are the greatest videos of MTV’s golden era?

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Reports from late last year about the demise of MTV were overstated; but it got us thinking about the network’s legacy and most memorable moments. So, on this episode, we remember the best of MTV with a list of our top 20 videos from its golden era.

If you’re listening on Spotify, tell us your favorite classic music video in the episode’s comments.

You can support the show by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Or just tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 16

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Ya Tseen. The Sha La Das. A mesmerizing collaboration between Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Alex Newman from KMHD in Portland to chat about the best albums out Friday, January 16.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Intro & A$AP Rocky, 'Don't Be Dumb'
(02:36) Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore, 'Tragic Magic'
(07:43) The Sha La Das, 'Your Picture'
(15:33) Ya Tseen, 'Stand On My Shoulders'
(21:53) Shaking Hand, 'Shaking Hand'
(27:43) Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel, 'Celestun'

The Lightning Round

• Craig Taborn, Tomeka Reid & Ches Smith, 'Dream Archives'
• Courtney Marie Andrews, 'Valentine'
• Diogo Strausz, 'Dance Para Se'
• Oxis, 'Oxis 8'
• Nate Smith, 'LIVE-ACTION (Deluxe)'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Alex Newman, KMHD
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Our Love Letter to Bob Weir

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Over the weekend, we lost a musician who shaped the lives of countless people: the late, great Bob Weir. He was a founding member of the Grateful Dead who played guitar, wrote and sang in the band for 30 years. After Jerry Garcia died and the Grateful Dead disbanded in 1995, Weir kept the spirit of the music alive for three more decades, creating new Deadheads for generations to come — he brought John Mayer, Billy Strings and even the National Symphony Orchestra into the Grateful Dead universe. The Deadhead slogan proved to be true: Weir everywhere.

At Alt.Latino, we’re big fans of Bob Weir and his immensely cosmic musical legacy. Over the years, we’ve learned that many Latin musicians are also, metaphorically speaking, on the bus. Today on the show, we celebrate Bob Weir’s life by hearing some of his past interviews on NPR, exploring the Grateful Dead’s influence on artists like Devendra Banhart, and of course, revisiting his magnetic Tiny Desk concert from 2019. We’re incredibly grateful that Bobby came down to this world for a little while to tell us his stories – we hope to see him in the next one.

(00:00) Intro
(01:38) Bob Weir's early life and Grateful Dead career
(08:05) Grateful Dead at the National Symphony Orchestra
(14:30) Felix and Isa reflect on 'American Beauty'
(20:35) Grateful Dead's impact on Latin musicians
(26:33) Bob Weir at the Tiny Desk

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Big Thief’s Buck Meek, Joji and more of the week's best songs

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

NPR’s classical critic Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton for our first spin of the best songs we’re hearing in 2026, including new ones from Big Thief’s Buck Meek, the genre-hopping artist Joji, “fragile hope” from composer Daníel Bjarnason and more.

Featured artists and songs:

1. Buck Meek: “Gasoline,” from ‘The Mirror’

2. Pekka Kuusisto & Sam Amidon: "Way Go, Lily" (Arr. by Nico Muhly / Adapted for orchestra by Bernard Rofe), from ‘Willows’

3. Joji: “Love You Less,” from ‘P*** In The Wind’

4. Joyce DiDonato & Time for Three: “Because I could not stop for Death," from ‘Emily - No Prisoner Be’

5. Jana Horn: “Don’t think,” from ‘Jana Horn’

6. Daniel Bjarnason & The Iceland Symphony Orchestra: “Fragile Hope,” from ‘The Grotesque and the Sublime’

Support the show by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 9

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Dry Cleaning. Jenny on Holiday. An introspective debut from Mon Rovîa. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville to talk about their favorite new albums out Friday, January 9.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Intro
(00:31) Dry Cleaning, 'Secret Love'
(06:53) Jenny on Holiday, 'Quicksand Heart'
(15:12) Mon Rovîa, 'Bloodline'
(21:22) Home Star, 'A Binding Life'
(27:07) Kris Davis and the Lutoslawski Quartet, 'The Solastalgia Suite'

The Lightning Round

• Zach Bryan, 'With Heaven On Top'
• The Cribs, 'Selling A Vibe'
• Pullman, 'III'
• Clémentine March, 'Powder Keg'
• Rawayana, '¿Dónde Es El After?'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Celia Gregory, WNXP
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Music as protest in Venezuela

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Venezuela has a deep tradition of reflecting political change through music. This week, as the country reels from the seizure of its president by American forces, we explore the recent history of Venezuelan protest music, and from the Nineties right up until the present. First, we share an excerpt of an episode we made at another moment of political turmoil in Venezuela, in the summer of 2024. Then, we'll walk up to the present and see how some musicians across Latin America are responding to this moment. And a big thanks to NPR Music's Isabella Gomez Sarmiento for being our guide.

(00:00) Intro
(02:06) A history of Venezuelan protest music
(13:39) Social and economic changes under Nicolas Maduro
(14:53) Venezuelan protest music in recent years
(22:21) How artists across Latin America are responding

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The best 2026 albums we've heard so far

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

We look ahead to some of the albums we’re most excited about for the new year, from sure bets like Dry Cleaning and Beverly Glenn-Copeland to rumored releases from some pretty big names.

(00:00) Intro

(01:26) Dry Cleaning: “Cruise Ship Designer,” from ‘Secret Love’

(05:03) Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore: “Perpetual Adoration,” from ‘Tragic Magic’

(07:48) Ásgeir: “Smoke,” from ‘Julia’

(12:27) Joyce Manor: “All My Friends Are So Depressed,” from ‘I Used To Go To This Bar’

(17:45) Beverly Glenn-Copeland: “Laughter In Summer (with Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland),” from ‘Laughter In Summer’

(21:06) gobbinjr: “Just a dream,” from ‘crystal rabbit moon’

(24:59) Danny L Harle, Oklou & MNEK: “Crystallise My Tears,” from ‘Cerulean’

(28:08) August Ponthier: “Handsome,” from ‘Everywhere Isn’t Texas’

(31:14) Mumford & Sons: “Rubber Band Man (with Hozier),” from ‘Prizefighter’

Support the show by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: A roundup of December albums

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:25:32 +0000

It's a slow release day to start the new year, so this week NPR Music's Stephen Thompson brings us an abbreviated episode highlighting a few of the new albums you might have missed in December.

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

- Pink Floyd, 'Wish You Were Here 50'
- Fred Again.., 'USB002'
- This Is Lorelei, 'Holo Boy'
- HEALTH, 'CONFLICT DLC'
- Juliana Hatfield, 'Lightning Might Strike'
- DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ, 'Fantasy'
- Daniel Lopatin, 'Marty Supreme (Original Soundtrack)'

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Viking's Choice 2025: The Guitar

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:02:35 +0000

On the last episode of All Songs Considered for 2025, NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich takes host Robin Hilton through an exceptional year in guitar music. From Gwenifer Raymond's beautiful and brash fingerstyle to Rafael Toral's stretched-out jazz standards, not to mention William Tyler's glitched hymns and Vernon Reid's ecstatic shred, there's so much diversity to be found in six strings.

Featured songs and artists:
• Gwenifer Raymond: "Bleak Night in Rabbit's Wood," from 'Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark'

• Hayden Pedigo: "Houndstooth," from 'I'll Be Waving As You Drive Away'

• TAKAAT: "Isghmar," from 'Is Noise, Vol. 1'

• Rafael Toral: "You Don't Know What Love Is," from 'Traveling Light'

• Laura Snowden: "This Changing Sky," from 'This Changing Sky'

• Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba: "Wemfana," from 'kwaNTU'

• William Tyler: "Star of Hope," from 'Time Indefinite'

• Jorge Espinal: "ají de pollería," from 'Bombos y Cencerros'

• Vernon Reid: "Meditation on the Last Time I Saw Arthur Rhames," from 'Hoodoo Telemetry'

Want more? See the full Viking's Choice list for the best guitar music of 2025.

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Our no. 1 songs: 2024

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In our final look back at our number one songs from the past 25 years, we visit Modesto, take an existential stroll through Petco, and find it all so confusing.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

Leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with a friend.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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A very tolerable Christmas, 2025

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We take a motorcycle road trip to Wisconsin in our annual search for the true spirit of the season. And, of course, we meet some special guests along the way.

Thanks for another amazing year, and happy holidays!

Listen to the songs featured on this episode and more in our holiday playlist in Apple Music and Spotify.

Tell a friend about the show and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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Our No. 1 songs: 2023

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We get in our fast car, drive like a red wine supernova, and run into Kristine from the 7th grade. Bad idea, right?

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Listener Poll: Your Favorite Albums of 2025

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We asked and you answered. Earlier this month, we opened the polls and invited All Songs Considered's listeners to tell us their top 5 records of the year. We tabulated all of the ballots, determined the top 10, and gave the results a proper countdown in this episode of All Songs. And while we usually include the albums we discuss in our episode notes, this time you'll have to listen to find out what made the list. (OK, fine, you can click here to see the top 50 vote-getters.)

NPR Music critic Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.

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Alt.Latino: What We Missed In 2025

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

The sheer volume and variety of Spanish-language music released every year is breathtaking. Even those of us with our ears to the ground are bound to miss things. So, in this episode we travel back through the year to resurface some of the remarkable albums that somehow didn't make it on the show. Catch Afro-Caribbean jazz, a history-spanning classical strings project, the return of Juana Molina and much, much more.

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

- Alex Cuba, 'Índole'
- Enyel C, 'Nuevo Caribe'
- Berta Rojas, 'La Huella de las Cuerdas'
- Cazzu, 'Latinaje'
- Conrad Herwig, Eddie Palmieri and Luques Curtis, 'Reflections-Facing South'
- Juana Molina, 'DOGA'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Songs that hit hard in 2025

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

NPR listeners share the one song that hit them the hardest this year, and tell us why they laughed, cried, or simply couldn’t stop listening to it.

Featured songs and artists:
1. Annie DiRusso: "Back In Town," from Super Pedestrian

2. Tunde Adebimpe: "Drop," from Thee Black Boltz

3. Brandi Carlile: "You Without Me," from Returning To Myself

4. Bad Bunny: "DtMF," from DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS

5. Of Monsters And Men: "The End," from All Is Love And Pain In The Mouse Parade

6. Eph See: "Malachi The Uber Driver" (unreleased single)

7. Audra McDonald: "Rose's Turn," from Gypsy

8. Big Thief: "Los Angeles," from Double Infinity

9. Flock Of Dimes: "Afraid," from The Life You Save

10. Ben Rector: "Forever (Doesn't Quite Seem Long Enough)," from The Richest Man In The World

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Our No. 1 songs: 2022

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We go to college and get the “big D,” hit the dance floor and do what we want, then head back to the radio. Is this a life filled with every possibility, or is it all just devastatingly mediocre?

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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The Best Albums of 2025

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:05:00 +0000

If we needed any more proof that the album isn't dead, 2025 was it. On this episode, Stephen Thompson is joined by Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen to run through 12 dazzling albums that stuck with the NPR Music team this year. And for an even deeper exploration, check out the full lists of our critics' best albums of 2025 here.

Artists and albums featured on this episode:

- Rosalía, 'LUX'
- Wednesday, 'Bleeds'
- Nourished by Time, 'The Passionate Ones'
- Daniel Caesar, 'Son of Spergy'
- Dave, 'The Boy Who Played the Harp'
- Clarice Jensen, 'In holiday clothing, out of the great darkness'
- Gwenifer Raymond, 'Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark'
- Kal Banx, 'RHODA'
- Mary Halvorson, 'About Ghosts'
- Annie DiRusso, 'Super Pedestrian'
- Queralt Lahoz, '9:30 PM'
- Patrick Watson, 'Uh Oh'

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Alt.Latino: What Were Felix and Ana's 2025 Favorites?

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

This year was bookended by two major statements in Latin music. In January, Bad Bunny released DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, and followed that up with a 31-show residency in Puerto Rico over the summer. Then, in November, the Spanish vocalist Rosalía released her genre-defying masterpiece LUX, which sent legions of music lovers scrambling to try to grasp the magnitude of an album performed in 13 different languages.

But they were only the tip of the iceberg of yet another year of mind-bending creativity in Spanish language music. This week on Alt.Latino, Felix and Ana look back at some of the other artists and recordings that made 2025 another year of adventurous and rewarding listening. These six artists made only a fraction of music that caught our attention. But we only have so much time on these podcasts! Use this as a starting point to explore the year that was on your own. And check out more of NPR Music's coverage of the best music of 2025 here. Enjoy!

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

- Bad Bunny, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
- Rosalía, LUX
- Queralt Lahoz, 9:30 PM
- Roxana Amed, Todos los Fuegos
- Arath Herce, Musas en Mi
- Mon Laferte, Femme Fatal
- rusowsky, DAISY
- Lido Pimienta, La Belleza

This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Best Songs of 2025

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

When the dust settles on 2025, what songs will remain in heavy rotation? We look back at a dizzying amount of music and share some of our picks for the best tracks of the year.

What you'll hear in this episode is an incredibly incomplete list that obviously just scratches the surface of all the incredible music that came out this year. For a more comprehensive breakdown of what we loved in 2025, check out NPR Music’s list of the 125 best songs.

Artists and songs featured on this episode:
1. Dijon: “Yamaha,” from ‘Baby’
2. Nourished By Time: “Max Potential,” from ‘The Passionate Ones’
3. Patrick Watson: “Peter and the Wolf,” from ‘Uh Oh’
4. FKA twigs: “Room of Fools,” from ‘EUSEXUA’
5. PinkPantheress: “Stateside,” from ‘Fancy That’
6. Asher White: “Beers with my name on them,” from ‘8 Tips for Full Catastrophe Living’
7. Wednesday: “Townies,” from ‘Bleeds’
8. Gabriel Jacoby: “the one,” from ‘gutta child’
9. Olafur Arnalds & Talos: “We Didn’t Know We Were Ready (feat. Niamh Regan & Ye Vagabonds),” from ‘A Dawning’

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Our No. 1 songs: 2021

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We’ve got a funny feeling about the times, stay indoors (together alone), and dream about life on the other side.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Dec. 5

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Dove Ellis. Melody's Echo Chamber. Editors' Tom Smith. Erin Wolf of Radio Milwaukee joins Stephen Thompson to discuss those albums and more on our last episode of New Music Friday this year.

The Starting 5:

Dove Ellis, Blizzard

Melody's Echo Chamber, Unclouded

Tom Smith, There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn’t There In The Light

TEED, Always With Me

Voices from the Lake, II

The Lightning Round:

HTRK, String of Hearts (Songs of HTRK)

Ben Marc, Who Cares Wins

Isobel Waller-Bridge, Objects

Mother Soki, Fantasy EP

Prins Thomas, Thomas Moen Hermansen

See our long list of albums out December 5 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Erin Wolf, Radio Milwaukee

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Zen and the art of new music

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Some folks think by December all the releases for the year are complete. Not quite. This week's Alt.Latino episode features a new music show with albums that should be considered along with the year’s best.

We've got pop and alternative from Mexico, funk from Colombia, rock and ambient from New York, and a Tejano master celebrated by his fellow Texans. Plus, Felix brings the zen.

Artists and songs featured in this episode:

- Diles que no me maten, 'Manos de Piedra - Revisitada'
- Dianna Lopez, 'Sun Frequencies (Renewal)'
- HUMBE, 'fantasmas'
- Rene Lopez, 'Any Chance'
- Duplat, 'Vete del País'
- Ruben Ramos. 'El Año Viejo (ft. Gaby Moreno)'

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The year in review, 2025

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We look back at the year’s most defining moments in music, from the Trump administration’s takeover of the Kennedy Center to Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance, the Sean Combs trial, the 'Sinners' phenomenon, artists we loved and lost and more. But we begin with a question: Was it an unusually great year for music, unusually bad or par for the course?

Check back for more year-end coverage from NPR Music and All Songs Considered, including our picks for best songs, best albums and more.

Vote for your favorite albums of 2025.

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Our no. 1 songs: 2020

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We make some bad moves, start over, and take a day off in Kyoto as we look back at the songs we loved most from 2020.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: Record Store Day Black Friday 2025

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:05:00 +0000

There's 177 new special edition physical releases out today, so go support your local music purveyor. On this abbreviated version of 'New Music Friday,' host Stephen Thompson shares a taste of what's waiting for you.

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A Thanksgiving playlist: songs of joy and gratitude

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hosts Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson share stories and songs of gratitude from NPR listeners.

Note: This is an encore presentation that originally ran in 2024

Featured songs and artists:

1. Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss: "Simple Gifts," from Classic Yo-Yo
2. Bill Withers: "Lean On Me," from Still Bill
3. The Mountain Goats: "This Year," from The Sunset Tree
4. Crosby, Stills & Nash: "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," from Crosby, Stills & Nash
5. Louis Armstrong: "What A Wonderful World"
6. John Williams: "End Credits," from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
7. Blackalicious: "Make You Feel That Way," from Blazing Arrow
8. Tyler Childers: "Space and Time," from Rustin' in the Rain
9. Nina Simone: "Isn't It A Pity," from Emergency Ward! (Live)
10. Bob Marley & The Wailers: "Three Little Birds," from Exodus

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Our No. 1 songs: 2019

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We bury a friend, visit the School of Design, and gather around a crowded table to remember the songs that take us back to 2019.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 21

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Odeal. Snarky Puppy. The return of Tobias Jesso Jr. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Justus Sanchez from KNKX in Seattle and Tacoma to chat about their favorite new albums out Friday, Nov. 21.

The Starting 5:

- Tobias Jesso Jr., 's h i n e'
- Haley Heynderickx and Max Garcia Conover, 'What of Our Nature'
- SHOLTO, 'The Sirens'
- Snarky Puppy with Metropole Orkest, 'Somni'
- Odeal, 'The Fall That Saved Us'

The Lightning Round:

- Keaton Henson, 'Parader'
- John Scofield and Dave Holland, 'Memories of Home'
- Fabiano do Nascimento, 'Cavejaz'
- Magic Fig, 'Valerian Tea'
- Max Richter, 'Hamnet (OST)'

See the long list of albums out Nov. 21 and sample what’s out via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Justus Sanchez, KNKX
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Roots and unity at the Latin Grammys

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

The annual Latin Grammy awards are always full of glamour and glitz. But they're also an ideal time to take the pulse of the industry - which is exactly what Anamaria Sayre did this year, perusing the red carpet to talk with the most exciting names in Latin music.

In this episode, Ana brings Felix her report from Las Vegas, where Bad Bunny won Album of the Year, the independent Brazilian music scene made a splash, and the whole industry seemed to be saying: "Show us where you're from."

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 25: Robyn, Rosalía, Nothing, Snocaps, more

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In our final contenders episode of 2025, we’ve got some late additions to our running list of the year’s best songs, including Robyn’s first new release in seven years, the return of the existential shoegaze band Nothing and, of course, we’ve gotta include Rosalía.

NPR Music editor Hazel Cills joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured artists and songs:

Robyn: “Dopamine” (single)
Rosalía: “Divinize,” from 'LUX'
Snocaps: “Over Our Heads,” from ‘Snocaps’
Bassvictim: “Mr. President,” from ‘Forever’
Lola Young: “SPIDERS,” from ‘I’m Only F****** Myself’
Nothing: “cannibal world,” from ‘a short history of decay’

Weekly reset: Walking through Nara Park (the deer park) in Nara, Japan, on an autumn afternoon.

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Our no. 1 songs: 2018

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

An Afro-futurist universe with funk and lots of theater (and a big nod to Prince), a potent, political gut punch from a beloved actor and comedian, era-defining protest anthems and more.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 14

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:05:00 +0000

FKA twigs. The Avett Brothers. Madi Diaz covering blink-182. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Liz Warner from WDET in Detroit to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Nov. 14.

The Starting 5:

- FKA twigs, 'EUSEXUA Afterglow' (Stream)
- The Avett Brothers & Mike Patton, 'AVTT/PTTN' (Stream)
- Gabriel Jacoby, 'gutta child' EP (Stream)
- K-LONE, 'sorry i thought you were someone else' (Stream)
- Sword II, 'Electric Hour' (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

- Summer Walker, 'Finally Over It'
- V/A, 'DJ-Kicks: Eris Drew'
- Austra, 'Chin Up Buttercup'
- Everything But the Girl, 'The Best of Everything But the Girl'
- Tony Molina, 'On This Day'

See the long list of albums out Nov. 14 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Liz Warner, WDET

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Rosalía in her own words

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Spanish vocalist and composer Rosalía has been a major presence in Spanish language music since she released her 2018 album, "El Mal Querer." She started by leaning into her flamenco roots, but since then she has expanded her musical vision to become one of those musicians who defies category.

Her new album "LUX" stretches that descriptor to its limit. Her musical tools this time include the London Symphony Orchestra, singing in 13 languages, guests like Icelandic performer Björk, and her own vocals that hit operatic heights. This week, Ana and Felix dissect the album and play excerpts from Ana's interview with Rosalía. How can you go wrong?

You can read extended highlights of Ana's interview with Rosalía at NPR.org

This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 24: JADE, S.G. Goodman, Cleo Reed, more

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:52:26 +0000

With the end of 2025 in sight, we pause to update our running list of the year’s best songs. Our latest adds include the (possibly twisted) dance pop of JADE, a brutal but affecting story song from S.G. Goodman, power pop from the band Liquid Mike and more. But we open with a question: Benson Boone... kinda awesome?

Featured artists and songs:

1. Liquid Mike: “Double Dutch,” from ‘Hell Is An Airport’

2. Cleo Reed: “Always the Horse, Never the Jockey (feat. IWEWE),” from ‘C**try’

3. JADE: “Plastic Box,” from ‘THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!’

4. S.G. Goodman: “Snapping Turtle," from 'Planting by the Signs’

5. Ken Pomeroy: “Stranger,” from ‘Cruel Joke’

Weekly reset: A breezy, Sunday morning in a small town

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Our no. 1 songs: 2017

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

A Pulitzer Prize-winning hip-hop album, a crushing elegy to a lost love, a reevaluation of Kesha, "melodrama" from Lorde and more.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 7

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Mavis Staples. Young Miko. A jaw-dropping project from Rosalía. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Liz Felix from WYEP in Pittsburgh to discuss their favorite new albums out November 7.

The Starting 5:

- Rosalía, 'Lux'
- Young Miko, 'Do Not Disturb'
- Various Artists, 'All Things Go: 10 Years'
- Portugal. The Man, 'Shish'
- Mavis Staples, 'Sad and Beautiful World'

The Lightning Round:

- Juana Molina, 'DOGA'
- Liam Kazar, 'Pilot Light'
- The Mountain Goats, 'Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan'
- The Cranberries, 'MTV Unplugged'
- Sarathy Korwar, 'There Is Beauty, There Already'

See the long list of albums out Nov. 7 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guests: Anamaria Sayre and Liz Felix, WYEP

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Portraits of Jazz and Identity in Latin America

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Ever since I heard the Argentine saxophonist Gato Barbieri back in the Seventies, I’ve been fascinated by musicians from South America who found their way to jazz.

Lately there seems to be a strong showing of contemporary musicians from various Latin American countries who not only play jazz but also mix certain Latin American folk traditions into their sound.

So, this week I spoke with six of them: vocalist Claudia Acuña from Chile, Argentine vocalists Sofia Rei and Roxana Amed, Mexican vocalist Magos Herrera, guitarist/vocalist Camila Meza and tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana.

Each has a story about identity, living the jazz dream and how they came to jazz.

Hopefully you’ll use this roadmap to start your own journey into jazz, if you haven’t already.

- Felix

Music heard in this episode:

Claudia Acuña - “Prelude To A Kiss”
Sofia Rei - “El Gavilán”
Gato Barieri - “To Be Continued”
Roxana Amed - “Corazón delator”
Mangos Herrera - “Luz de Luna”
Camila Meza - “Utopia”
Melissa Aldana - “A Purpose”

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New songs to calm the nerves: 2025

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Our fourth installment of music to slow the blood is a mix of all-new releases from this year, from the world-building, ambient sounds of Ozbolt and Klein to the hope, optimism and good company found in the music of Samia, Hand Habits, KeiyaA and more.

NPR Music’s Dora Levite and Sheldon Pearce join host Robin Hilton.

Featured songs and artists:

1. Kieren Hebden & William Tyler: “Secret City,” from ‘41 Longfield Street Late ‘80s’
2. Cassandra Jenkins: “Only Relaxation,” from ‘My Light, My Massage Parlor’
3. David Cordero & anthené: “Humedal,” from ‘Let One Bird Sing’
4. KeiyaA: “stupid prizes,” from ‘hooke’s law’
5. Annahstasia: Unrest,” from ‘Tether’
6. Klein: “it is what it is in d minor,” from ‘sleep with a cane’
7. Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke: “The Spirit,” from ‘Tall Tales’
8. Hand Habits: “Jasmine Blossoms,” from ‘Blue Reminder’
9. Ozbolt: “Harkerville Coastal Trail,” from ‘Chasyng Drakens’
10. Samia: “Pool (Stripped),” from ‘The Baby (5th Anniversary Edition)’
11. The Armed: “I Steal What I Want,” from ‘The Future Is Here And Everything Needs To Be Destroyed’
12. Stars of the Lid: “Goodnight,” from ‘Music for Nitrous Oxide (30 Year Anniversary 2025 Remaster)'

Enjoy the show? Send it to a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Our no. 1 songs: 2016

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

It was a year of staggering losses, from David Bowie and Prince to Leonard Cohen and George Michael. But it was also a year of monumental new music, including Beyonce’s 'Lemonade' and a mountain-sized rock anthem from Mitski.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 31

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:05:00 +0000

A Waxahatchee side project. Guided By Voices. keiyaA. Marfa Public Radio's Julie Bee joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to break down the best albums out on Halloween.

The Starting 5:

- Snocaps (Katie and Allison Crutchfield), s/t (Stream)

- Guided By Voices, Thick Rich and Delicious (Stream)

- Chat Pile & Hayden Pedigo, In The Earth Again (Stream)

- keiyaA, hooke's law (Stream)

- Anna von Hausswolff, Iconoclasts (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

- Florence + The Machine, Everybody Scream

- The Charlatans, We Are Love

- Saintsenaca, Highwalllow & Supermoon Songs

- Hilary Woods, Night CRIÚ

- Lily Lyons, Re-Open The World

See the long list of albums out Oct. 31 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Follow Julie Bee's weekly Marfa Public Radio show on Mixcloud.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Julie Bee, Marfa Public Radio

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Salsa, bossa nova, and Argentina's next big thing

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Not to sound like a broken record, but I'll say it again: the variety of creative expression in what is inadequately labeled "Latin music" continues to astound me.

From the bossa nova-by-way-of-Guatemala of Fabuloso and Los Skeepers, to the evolving torch singing of the Chilean-via-Mexico vocalist Mon Laferte, to the ‘Western noir’ of California singer Andrés Miguel Cervantes, to Nathy Peluso’s Argentine take on Seventies New York City salsa, to jazz from southern Spain’s Chano Domínguez... how do we even try to keep up with this kind of output?

Someone has to do it, and we’re glad it’s us.

Featured artists and songs:

- Milo J, 'OLIMPO', 'Bajo De La Piel', 'Jangadero'

- Fabuloso & Los Skeepers, 'Si Te Gusta'

- Mon Laferte, 'Las Flores Que Dejaste En La Mesa', '1:30'

- Chano Domínguez & Emaginario, 'March Of The Siguiriyas'

- Nathy Peluso, 'ÁNGEL'

- Andrés Miguel Cervantes, 'Dreams of Jacumba'

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 23: Brandi Carlile, Blood Orange, Magdalena Bay, more

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

It’s a week of surprises as we update our running list of the year’s best music, with a mix of songs that refuse to be any one thing. Plus, singer Brandi Carlile drops a stunning, stadium-sized rock anthem.

NPR Music editor Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.

Featured artists and songs:

1. Brandi Carlile: “Church & State,” from ‘Returning to Myself’
2. Hannah Frances: “The Space Between (feat. Daniel Rossen),” from ‘Nested in Tangles’
3. Kelly Moran: “Don’t Trust Mirrors,” from ‘Don’t Trust Mirrors’
4. Blood Orange: “The Last of England,” from ‘Essex Honey’
5. Magdalena Bay: “Second Sleep” (single)

Weekly reset: A family of bears rummage through a forest on an autumn afternoon.

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Our no. 1 songs: 2015

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Guitar rock comes roaring back, a monumental tear-jerker wrecks legions of fans, hip-hop hits Broadway and more.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 24

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Brandi Carlile. Miguel. Tortoise. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Ayana Contreras from KUVO in Denver about their favorite albums out Friday, Oct. 24.

The Starting 5:

- Brandi Carlile, 'Returning To Myself'
- Miguel, 'Caos'
- Tortoise, 'Touch'
- Daniel Caesar, 'Son Of Spergy'
- Yazmin Lacey, 'Teal Dreams

The Lightning Round:

- iLe, 'Como Las Canto Yo'
- Natural Information Society, 'Perseverance Flow'
- Hannah Jadagu, 'Describe'
- Hether, 'Holy Water'
- Joyer, 'On the Other End of the Line'

See the long list of albums out Oct. 24 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Ayana Contreras, KUVO
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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“I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” by Stevie Wonder

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:00:04 +0000

This is the first episode of a new series on All Songs Considered, hosted by NPR Music critic Ann Powers and editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen. Most of what you hear on All Songs is focused on new music, but now, every other Thursday, Ann and Daoud will pick an old song and discuss how it has managed to stand the test of time and why we still care about it. This week’s song: “I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” by Stevie Wonder, from 1972.

This episode is available for everyone, but upcoming episodes in this series will be just for NPR Music+ supporters. NPR Music+ is a new way to support NPR and public radio. When you join, you’ll get access to every episode in this new series, and you’ll get to hear every episode of All Songs Considered and Alt.Latino sponsor-free. Sign up at plus.npr.org/nprmusic

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Alt.Latino: The beauty of simplicity

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The past month has been a whirlwind. The El Tiny takeover of the Tiny Desk... interviews with some of the most exciting artists in Latin music... and, of course, puppets! So, for today's episode, we emerge from the craziness and dig into our neglected mailbag, which is brimming with new music. What did we find? Simple beauty. A young songwriter from Veracruz whose spare compositions have wowed his elders. An offbeat producer from Madrid. And, a joyful ode to a city half a millennium old.

Featured artists and songs:

- Arath Herce, "Musas en Mi" and "Quien Pensaría"

- iLe, "Si Te Contara"

- TRISTAN!, "Voyage" and "Ártico"

- Venezonix ft. Pahua, "La Soledad"

- Meme de Real, "Estaba Sentado" and "Embeces"

- Bomba Estereo ft. Carlos Vives, "La Samaria"

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Redefining the Halloween canon

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Who’s the Mariah Carey of Halloween? Labels and artists are trying to capitalize on spooky season, but these are the songs that belong in the canon, from the truly terrifying to autumnal and nostalgic.

Featured songs:
1. Phoebe Bridgers: “Killer” from ‘Stranger in the Alps’
2. Fever Ray: “If I Had A Heart,” from ‘Fever Ray’
3. Sufjan Stevens: “John Wayne Gacy, Jr” from ‘Illinois’
4. Jack Lenz: “Goosebumps” (theme from the TV show)
5. Disneyland Records: “Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House”
6. Alice Cooper: “Welcome to My Nightmare,” from ‘Welcome to My Nightmare’
7. Oksana Linde: “Horizontes lejanos,” from ‘Travesias’
8. Florence + the Machine: “Everybody Scream,” from ‘Everybody Scream’
9. Ethel Cain: “Housofpsychoticwomn,” from ‘Perverts’
10. girl in red: “We Fell In Love In October” (single)
11. Mimicking Birds: “Bloodlines,” from ‘EONS’
12. Van Morrison: “Moondance,” from ‘Moondance’
13. The Cramps: “I Was A Teenage Werewolf,” from ‘Songs the Lord Taught Us’
14. Dead Man’s Bones: “My Bodies a Zombie for You,” from ‘Dead Man’s Bones’
15. Vince Guaraldi: “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” from ‘The Great Pumpkin’

Weekly reset: Chilling, thrilling sounds from the haunted house

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Our no. 1 songs: 2014

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

A new synth-pop duo comes out of the gate with a perfect song and country gets metaphysical, but a surprise drop from the tail end of 2013 dominates the year.

Note: This is a recurring series in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 17

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Tame Impala. Silvana Estrada. Soulwax! Guest host Anamaria Sayre is joined by Travis Holcombe of KCRW in Los Angeles to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Oct. 17.

The Starting 5:

- Tame Impala, 'Deadbeat' (Stream)
- Silvana Estrada, 'Vendrán Suaves Lluvias' (Stream)
- Soulwax, 'All Systems Are Lying' (Stream)
- Meme del Real, 'La Montaña Encendida' (Stream)
- Clarice Jensen, 'In holiday clothing, out of the great darkness' (Stream)

**Read our review of Clarice Jensen's album on NPR.org.**

The Lightning Round:

- Nathy Peluso, 'MALPORTADA' EP
- Sudan Archives, 'The BPM'
- Skullcrusher, 'And Your Song Is Like a Circle'
- C.Y.M., 'C.Y.M'
- Sam Wilkes, 'Public Records Performance'

See the long list of albums out Oct. 17 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits:

Host: Anamaria Sayre
Guest: Travis Holcombe, KCRW
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: A Tiny Desk chat with Silvana Estrada

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

There is no question that Mexican vocalist and composer Silvana Estrada is special to Alt.Latino. Ever since she launched her 2022 album "Marchita" with a series of revelatory singles, she seemingly spoke directly to Alt.Latino co-host Anamaria Sayre.

Since those earliest days, the two have been able to spend quite a bit of time together in interviews and other public gatherings, which only brought them closer on a personal level. Now, as Estrada releases her new album, "Vendrán Suaves Lluvias," and celebrates the publication of her Tiny Desk Concert, it seemed like a good time to sit in on the ever-flowing conversations between the two of them.
The result is a conversation that is probably a lot more personal than you’re used to. And that’s OK. Because Silvana is a performer of complex emotions, and while you can experience those emotions through songs, sometimes you have to hear things for yourself. Enjoy.

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 22: Geese, Dijon, Juana Molina, more

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

We’ve got two of the most-talked-about albums of the year, the return of electro-folk wonder Juana Molina, guitar rock from Alien Boy, Agriculture and more. NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton as we update our running list of the year’s best songs.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Geese: “Islands of Men,” from ‘Getting Killed’
2. Juana Molina: “Siestas ahí,” from ‘DOGA’
3. Dijon: “Yamaha,” from ‘Baby’
4. Devin Shaffer: “All My Dreams Are Coming True,” from ‘Patience’
5. Agriculture: “Hallelujah,” from ‘The Spiritual Sound’
6. Alien Boy: “Cold Air,” from ‘You Wanna Fade?’

Weekly reset: A pixilated afternoon in the Minecraft universe.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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Our no. 1 songs: 2013

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

A country music makeover, an electro-pop crooner inspired by Sam Cooke, the stomp-clap era continues, and more.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 10

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Madi Diaz. Madison Cunningham. The return of Mobb Deep. Guest host Rodney Carmichael chats with Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, Oct. 10.

Intro:

- Patti Smith, 'Horses (50th Anniversary)'

The Starting 5:

- Madi Diaz, 'Fatal Optimist' (Stream)

- Princess Nokia, 'Girls' (Stream)

- Madison Cunningham, 'Ace' (Stream)

- Makaya McCraven, 'Off The Record' (Stream the singles)

- Mobb Deep, 'Infinite' (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

- NoSo, 'When Are You Leaving?'

- Jay Som, 'Belong'

- Amber Mark, 'Pretty Idea'

- Black Eyes, 'Hostile Design'

- Gabriel Kahane, 'Heirloom'

See the long list of albums out Oct. 10 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits:

Host: Rodney Carmichael

Guest: Celia Gregory, WNXP

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Our no. 1 songs: 2012

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:01:00 +0000

The flood gates open to K-Pop, plus a feel-good rock anthem (from a band that hasn’t released anything since), a pop juggernaut that became the year’s “song of summer,” and more.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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Alt.Latino: A conversation with Gloria Estefan

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Gloria Estefan is one of those musicians whose work and mere presence in the record industry deserves without question platitudes like ‘pioneering’ or ‘ground breaking.’ In fact, we have often mentioned her in that light throughout the fifteen years of Alt.Latino. So it was a thrill to invite her to chat with us once again, this time immediately after a stunning Tiny Desk performance that will publish on October 13th. She gives serious Favorite Tiá vibes, and since she and Felix are close in age, it felt like a conversation with a good friend with a fascinating life story - who just happens to have one of the richest song catalogs in Latin music history.

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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A conversation with David Gilmour

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:01:00 +0000

The Pink Floyd guitarist and singer talks about the 50th anniversary of Wish You Were Here, a new live album and concert film for his latest solo release Luck And Strange, and more.

Weekly Reset: Rowing on an autumn lake.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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Taylor Swift: 'The Life Of A Showgirl'

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:00:01 +0000

Taylor Swift just dropped her new album The Life Of A Showgirl. It touches on her relationship with fiancé Travis Kelce while reflecting on fame, normalcy, the Internet, and a simmering beef with a fellow pop star. Our friends at Pop Culture Happy Hour unpack all the songs on this special episode, including “Actually Romantic,” “Eldest Daughter,” “CANCELLED!”, and “Ruin The Friendship.”

Note: Look for our No. 1 songs of 2012 this Thursday, Oct. 9.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 3

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 04:05:00 +0000

dodie. Molly Nilsson. Leon Vynehall. We welcome Skylar Rochelle of 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City to the show to recommend five albums not made by Taylor Swift.

The Starting 5:

• dodie, 'Not For Lack Of Trying'
• Blue Lake, 'The Animal'
• Snõõper, 'Worldwide'
• Molly Nilsson, 'Amateur'
• Leon Vynehall, 'In Daytona Yellow'

The Lightning Round:

• S. Carey, 'Watercress' (EP)
• Ledisi, 'For Dinah' (A Tribute to Dinah Washington)
• Alfa Mist, 'Roulette'
• Prewn, 'System'
• Upchuck, 'I'm Nice Now'

View our long list of new albums out on Oct. 3 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlists on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Skylar Rochelle, 90.9 The Bridge
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Production Assistant: Dora Levite
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: The return of El Tiny

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

It's that time of year again: NPR's Tiny Desk becomes El Tiny, featuring concerts from some of the most exciting and legendary Latin artists around. So, this week Felix and Ana run through this year's El Tiny lineup and listen to performances from Fito Paez, Carlos Vives, Chuwi and more. Plus, a conversation about the news that Bad Bunny will perform at next year's Super Bowl LX.

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 21: Tame Impala, Dominic Fike, Amber Mark, more

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0000

We update our running list of the year’s best songs with club beats from Tame Impala, the fractured pop of Dominik Fike, good vibes from singer Amber Mark and more.

Featured artists and tracks:

1. Tame Impala: “Dracula,” from ‘Deadbeat’
2. Gabriel Jacoby: “The One” (single)
3. Dominic Fike: “Quite The Opposite,” from ‘Rocket’
4. NewDad: “Misery,” from ‘Altar’
5. Madi Diaz: “Heavy Metal,” from ‘Fatal Optimist’
6. Amber Mark: “Too Much,” from ‘Pretty Idea’

Weekly reset: A flamenco performance in Barcelona, circa 1999.

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Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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Our No. 1 songs: 2011

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0000

We "wake the hell up" to pop music, Adele plays the Tiny Desk, a certain Australian artist drops the year's most infectious song, and more.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

Tell us what you think: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 26

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Neko Case. Jeff Tweedy. Amanda Shires' divorce album. Evan Miller from member station WYSO in Ohio joins Lars Gotrich to talk about their favorite albums out Sept. 26.

The Starting 5
- Neko Case, 'Neon Grey Midnight Green'
- Jeff Tweedy, 'Twilight Override'
- Robert Plant, 'Saving Grace'
- Amanda Shires, 'Nobody's Girl'
- Cate Le Bon, 'Michelangelo Dying'

The Lightning Round
- Geese, 'Getting Killed'
- Josie, 'A Life of Sweets Alone'
- Bitchin Bajas, 'Inland See'
- M. Sage, 'Tender / Wading'
- Lady Wray, 'Cover Girl'

Credits
Host: Lars Gotrich
Guest: Evan Miller, WYSO
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Production Assistant: Dora Levite
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: New songs from Spain, the D.R. and more

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The way new music comes to Alt.Latino World Headquarters says a lot about our slight age difference. I still get CDs in the mail, with an occasional music file sent via email. Ana is constantly playing me audio files she gets vial email or texts from her new music sources, very rarely on CD. So while we were busy putting the finishing touches on our fist annual El Tiny takeover of the Tiny Desk Concert series, our mail piled up. Which means we had lots to choose from for this week's new music episode. There's bound to be something that catches your ear and makes you think: 'How did I live without that in my life?"

Featured artists and songs:

- Making Movies, “La Marea” ft. Mireya Ramos

- Teo Planell, “El Mundo Delante de Ti”, “Como Pensarte Mal”

- Ramona and the Holy Smokes, “Esta Herida”, “I Want You To Be My Man”

- Lorea, “Se me ve la cabeza”, “Mi alma sobre la mesa”

- Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Yainer Horta and Joey Calveiro, “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás”

- Martox, “Enganchao de Ti”

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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Why Wilco's Jeff Tweedy still finds joy in troubled times

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The Wilco frontman talks about his new triple solo album, 'Twilight Override,' an enthralling opus on the miracle and wonder of life, and why he can't get enough of it, even when everything seems bad.

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Our No. 1 songs: 2010

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0000

It was a year of both soaring euphoria and quiet calm, with lots of sonic adventures.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

Tell us what you think: allsongs@npr.org

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The best new albums out Sept. 19

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Joan Shelley, Lola Young and the return of Sarah McLachlan. Kyle Meredith from WFPK in Louisville joins Stephen Thompson to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Sept. 19.

The Starting 5:

- Joan Shelley, 'Real Warmth' (Stream)

- Lola Young, 'I'm Only F****** Myself' (Stream)

- Wednesday, 'Bleeds' (Stream)

- Sarah McLachlan, 'Better Broken' (Stream)

- Yasmine Hamdan, 'I remember I forget بنسى وبتذكر' (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

- Kieran Hebden & William Tyler, '41 Longfield Street Late '80s'

- Nine Inch Nails, 'Tron: Ares (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)'

- Lawrence Matthews, 'Between Mortal Reach & Posthumous Grip'

- Joy Crookes, 'Juniper'

- Joanne Robertson, 'Blurrr'

See the long list of albums out Sept. 12 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Kyle Meredith, WFPK

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Production Assistant: Dora Levite

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny Closes Out His Residency

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 12:20:44 +0000

Bad Bunny's months-long residency in Puerto Rico is coming to an end. The shows brought in hundreds of millions of dollars to the island, and sparked new debates about Puerto Rican identity and politics.

For this week's episode, Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras traveled to San Juan to take in one of the final performances, and interview both locals and tourists about the musical and cultural impact of the summer of Bad Bunny.

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 20: The Beths, Dustin O’Halloran, Nicholas Payton, more

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0000

We’ve got six must-hear songs to add to our running list of the year’s best tracks, including some shredding from The Beths, a gorgeous solo piano piece from Dustin O’Halloran, sublime jazz from Nicholas Payton and more.

Featured artists and songs:

1. The Beths: “No Joy,” from ‘Straight Line Was A Lie’
2. Nate Smith & Saje: “Big Fish,” from ‘Live Action’
3. Dustin O’Halloran: “Gold” (Single)
4. Dara Starr Tucker: “Pure Imagination,” from ‘Time Wouldn’t Wait’
5. Grumpy: “Crush,” from ‘Piebald’
6. Nicholas Payton (with Esperanza Spalding and Karriem Riggins): “Let It Ride,” from ‘Triune’

Weekly reset: A late-summer day at the playground

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Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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Our No. 1 songs: 2009

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0000

We enter the stomp-clap era as we look back at our number one songs from 2009.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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The best new albums out Sept. 12

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Guerilla Toss. Die Spitz. The return of Spinal Tap. Raina Douris from WXPN's World Cafe joins Stephen Thompson to discuss their favorite albums out Friday, Sept. 12.

The Starting 5:

- Spinal Tap, 'The End Continues' (Stream)

- Guerilla Toss, 'You're Weird Now' (Stream)

- Die Spitz, 'Something to Consume' (Stream)

- Frost Children, 'Sister' (Stream)

- Mark William Lewis, 'Mark William Lewis' (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

- Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 'Perimenopop'

- Asher White, '8 tips for full catastrophe living'

- Jade, 'THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY!'

- Fruit Bats, 'Baby Man'

- Kassa Overall, 'CREAM'

See the long list of albums out Sept 12 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Raina Douris, WXPN

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Production Assistant: Dora Levite

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: A Tribute to Felix

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week's episode of Alt.Latino is a tribute to host Felix Contreras, who just received the Hispanic Heritage Award for Journalism from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Co-host Anamaria Sayre and the Alt.Latino team surprised Felix with guest appearances from Juanes, Daymé Arocena, Chucho Valdés, Dolores Huerta and more.

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 19: Neko Case, Asher White, caroline, more

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:01:00 +0000

Hear the songs we just had to share this week. NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton to update our running list of the year’s best songs, with head-spinning, shape-shifting wonders from Asher White, transcendent ambient sounds from Early Fern, the first new solo album from Neko Case in eight years and more.

Featured artists and songs:

1. Asher White: “Beers with my name on them,” from ‘8 Tips for Catastrophe Living’

2. Neko Case: “Wreck,” from ‘Neon Grey Midnight Green'

3. caroline: “Total Euphoria,” from ‘caroline 2’

4. Sturle Dagsland: “Hugging Horses,” from ‘Dreams And Conjurations’

5. Model/Actriz: “Doves,” from ‘Piourette’

6. Early Fern: “Teasel,” from ‘Wetland Interiors’

Weekly reset: Horses are really having a moment

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Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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Our No. 1 songs: 2008

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:00:01 +0000

What songs take us back to 2008? Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson recall a pretty folk-heavy year with lots of groundbreaking debuts.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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The best new albums out Sept. 5

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Big Thief. David Byrne. El Michels Affair. WFUV's Alisa Ali joins Stephen Thompson to discuss their favorite albums coming out Friday, Sept. 5.

The Starting 5:

• Big Thief, 'Double Infinity'

• El Michels Affair, '24 Hr Sports'

• Curtis Harding, 'Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt'

• Lucrecia Dalt, 'A Danger to Ourselves'

• David Byrne, 'Who Is The Sky?'

The Lightning Round:

• Saint Etienne, 'International'

• james K, 'Friend'

• Ivy, 'Traces of You'

• Anaïs & The Hoops, 'Growing Pains'

• V/A, 'I Will Swim To You: A Tribute to Jason Molina'

See the long list of albums out Sept. 5 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Alisa Ali, WFUV
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Elle Mannion
Editor: Otis Hart
Production Assistant: Dora Levite
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Tim Bernardes, Mabe Fratti, more

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Felix shares the music that's helped him recover from a serious illness. Anamaria shares some new exquisite (and, in one case, slightly toxic) love songs.

Featured artists and songs:

• Blood Orange, "I Can Go" (feat. Mabe Fratti & Mustafa)

• Draco Rosa, "Quiero Vivir"

• Caetano Veloso, "Voce E Linda" (Remixed Original Album)

• Tim Bernardes, "BB (Garupa de Moto Amarela)"

• Tim Bernardes, "Última Vez"

• Santana, "Goodness and Mercy"

• Xavi, "Ojitos de Miel"

• Los Lobos, "Bertha" (Live at the Carefree Theatre, 1992)

This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.

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The most anticipated fall '25 albums

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 07:00:48 +0000

We get a jump on the upcoming fall releases we’re most excited about, including new ones from Skullcrusher, S. Carey, Silvana Estrada and more.

Featured artists and albums:

1. Snōōper: ‘Worldwide’ (Oct. 3)
2. Sudan Archives: ‘The BPM’ (Oct. 17)
3. Claire Rousay: ‘Little Death’ (Oct. 31)
4. Crushed: ‘No Scope’ (Sept. 26)
5. Cate Le Bon: ‘Michelangelo Dying’ (Sept. 26)
6. S. Carey: ‘Watercress’ (Oct. 3)
7. Emily Sprague: ‘Cloud Time’ (Oct. 10)
8. Skullcrusher: ‘And Your Song Is Like A Circle’ (Oct. 17)
9. Silvana Estrada: ‘Vendrán Suaves Lluvias’ (Oct. 17)

Weekly reset: Walking through the woods on an autumn afternoon

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Our No. 1 songs: 2007

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The songs that take us back to 2007, the golden age of indie pop and rock.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 29

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Sabrina Carpenter. The Beaches. Margo Price. This week, Stephen Thompson chats with NPR Music's Hazel Cills and WMOT's Jessie Scott about the best new albums out this new music Friday.

The Starting 5:

• The Beaches, 'No Hard Feelings'

• The Beths, 'Straight Line Was A Lie'

• Margo Price, 'Hard Headed Woman'

• Rodney Crowell, 'Airline Highway'

• Anna Tivel, 'Animal Poem'

Read more about WMOT's live webcast from AMERICANAFEST 2025.

The Lightning Round:

• Blood Orange, 'Essex Honey'

• Jaelee Roberts, 'Let Me Be Lonely'

• Brad Mehldau, 'Ride Into the Sun'

• CMAT, 'EURO-COUNTRY'

• Tiwa Savage, 'This One Is Personal'

See the long list of albums out Aug. 29 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Alt.Latino: Omar Apollo, Mon Laferte, Mabe Fratti

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week, NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez-Sarmiento is back on the mic, bringing host Anamaria Sayre new music in the vein of her 2010s Tumblr era. Think emo bangs, bright blue skinny jeans and a Warped Tour T-shirt. Sonically, this week’s picks run through bedroom pop, sultry balladry and Bronx-Dominican rap over post-punk basslines.

Featured artists and songs:

• Titanic (I. la Católica and Mabe Fratti), “Escarbo dimensiones"

• Mon Laferte, “Esto Es Amor"

• Planta Industrial, “Teteo in The Bronx”

• Santi Muk and Zenon Pereyra, “seu carinho,” “CUÁNTO FALTA PARA CONOCERTE?” and “ANA BAILABA”

• Maria Usbeck, “Mar”

• LATIN MAFIA and Omar Apollo, “Hecho para ti”

This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Otis Hart. Suraya Mohamed is the Executive Producer of NPR Music and the madrina of Alt.Latino.

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The Contenders, Vol. 18: Disiniblud, Anamanaguchi, more

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

We update our running list of the year’s best songs with a bunch of glitched-out ear candy, raging rock, and tracks that seek real, human connections in an increasingly artificial landscape.

Featured artists and songs:

1. Disiniblud: “Give-upping (feat. Julianna Barwick),” from ‘Disniblud’
2. ear: “Fetish” (single)
3. Emily Yacina: “Talk Me Down,” from ‘Veilfall’
4. Anamanaguchi: “Rage (Kitchen Sink),” from ‘Anyway’
5. james K: “Play,” from ‘Friend’

Weekly reset: A day at the county fair

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Our No. 1 songs: 2006

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:16:39 +0000

The songs that take us back to 2006.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary. A shortened version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 22

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:05:00 +0000

Nourished By Time. Mac Demarco. Earl Sweatshirt. Stephen Thompson and Vermont Public's Tad Cautious discuss the best new albums out this new music Friday.

The Starting 5:

• Nourished By Time, The Passionate Ones (Stream)

• Pino Palladino & Blake Mills, That Wasn't a Dream (Stream)

• Greg Freeman, Burnover (Stream)

• Kathleen Edwards, Billionaire (Stream)

• Mac DeMarco, Guitar (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

• Laufey, A Matter of Time

• Sombr, I Barely Know Her

• Ami Taf Ra, The Prophet and the Madman

• Deftones, private music

• BigXthaPlug, I Hope You're Happy

• Teyana Taylor, Escape Room

• Night Owls, Versions II

• Kid Cudi, Free

• Earl Sweatshirt, Live Laugh Love

• Ghostface Killah, Supreme Clientele 2

See our long list of albums out Aug. 22 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Tad Cautious, Vermont Public

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Editor: Otis Hart

Production Assistant: Dora Levite

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Our No. 1 songs: 2005

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

What songs take us back to 2005?

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary. A shortened version of this episode ran earlier in the year.

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Flaco Jimenez and Eddie Palmieri: Why Their Music Mattered

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

On Alt.Latino we often discuss the way that traditions are recognized and expanded upon. Usually it’s when we’re talking about new artists.

But this week we are spending time honoring two legends: Tex Mex accordion player Flaco Jimenez and Latin jazz pianist/composer Eddie Palmieri each died within the last few weeks. They were foundational to their respective musical cultures, products of two distinct Latino cultural and musical traditions who also expanded the idea of tradition with their musical visions.

Tune in this week to see how Felix connects the dots between these two seemingly dissimilar icons — and hear some new music that also blends tradition with modernity.

Music heard in this episode:

Orquestra Afro-Brasileira, “Saudação ao Rei Nagô” and “Obaluayê”

Doctor Nativo, “Caminantes” feat. Roco Pachukote

Bikôkô, “The Other” feat. Isaiah Hull and “La Mano” feat Crystal Murray

day2k, “OBSSD” and “más q todoooooo”

Flaco Jimenez, “Lucerito”

Eddie Palmieri, “Una Rosa Española”

Audio and production for this episode was done by Noah Caldwell.

Suraya Mohamed is Executive Producer for NPR Music.

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Our No. 1 songs: 2000-2004

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:23:01 +0000

A nostalgic look back at the most memorable songs that defined All Songs Considered in its first five years.

Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary. A version of this episode originally ran on March 4, 2025

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 15

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:05:00 +0000

KAYTRANADA. Dijon. Molly Tuttle. We discuss the best new albums of the week with arts critic Amelia Mason from WBUR in Boston.

Intro

• KAYTRANADA, 'AIN’T NO DAMN WAY!' (Stream)

The Starting 5

• Dijon, 'Baby' (Stream)

• Marissa Nadler, 'New Radiations' (Stream)

• Molly Tuttle, 'So Long Little Miss Sunshine' (Stream)

• Pile, 'Sunshine and Balance Beams' (Stream)

• Joseph Decosimo, 'Fiery Gizzard' (Stream)

The Lightning Round

• Cassandra Jenkins, 'My Light, My Massage Parlor'

• Cass McCombs, 'Interior Live Oak'

• Audrey Hobert, 'Who's The Clown'

(Read our feature on Audrey Hobert on NPR.org)

• Najee Janey, 'Royalty'

• Bret McKenzie, 'Freak Out City'

See our Long List of albums out Aug. 15 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

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Alt.Latino: Xavi, Simon Grossmann, more

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Alt.Latino host Anamaria Sayre and frequent guest Isabella Gomez Sarmiento share their favorite Latin pop earworms of the moment.

Featured artists and songs:

• Simon Grossmann, "Copa Del Mundo"

• Xavi & Kapo, "Bien Pedos"

• Ana Frango Elétrico, "A Sua Diversão"

• Piek & Letón Pé, "Prendan Un Fokin Abanico"

• Letón Pé, "Madrugá"

• Martox, "Si Es Verdad"

• Lena Dardelet & Martox, "A mí de ti"

• stivijoes, "Solo"

• stivijoes, "No he nacido rico"

The audio for this episode has been produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is Executive Producer of NPR Music.

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What's the perfect road trip playlist?

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Before summer disappears, we share our favorite songs for your long and winding drives, plus a list of ground rules (does the driver always have final say?), and a breakdown of what works best when.

Featured artists and songs:

1. Eric Burdon and War: “Spill the Wine,” from Eric Burdon Declares “War”
2. Stromae: “Santé,” from Multitude
3. Broadway Cast: “Alexander Hamilton,” from Hamilton
4. Joe Iconis / Broadway Cast: “Michael in the Bathroom,” from Be More Chill
5. Abiotic: “Vermosapien,” from Symbiosis
6. Wipers: “Mystery,” from Is This Real?
7. Steely Dan: “My Old School,” from Countdown to Ecstasy
8. Tunde Olaniran: “Namesake,” from Transgressor
9. Shania Twain: “Man, I Feel Like a Woman!” from Come On Over
10. Pat Travers: “Amgwanna Kick Booty,” from Black Pearl
11. Anthrax & Public Enemy: “Bring The Noise,” from Attack of the Killer B’s
12. Unwed Sailor: “Monster Collecting,” from Cruel Entertainment
13. The Allman Brothers Band: “Midnight Rider,” from Idlewild South and “Southbound,” from Brothers And Sisters
14. Lakestreet Dive: “You Go Down Smooth,” from Bad Self Portraits
15. Black Sabbath: “Turn Up The Night,” from Mob Rules
16. Simple Minds: “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” from The Breakfast Club

All Songs Considered 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2024

Weekly reset: Summer roadtrip while listening to the radio

Hear the songs in our Roadtrip Mix on Spotify and Apple.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 8

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Ethel Cain. Charley Crockett. J.I.D. Plug in to the week's top new releases with NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and guest DeShun Nance of WJSU's The Sipp in Jackson, Miss.

The Starting 5:

• J.I.D, 'God Does Like Ugly' (Stream)

• Ethel Cain, 'Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You' (Stream)

• Amaarae, 'BLACK STAR' (Stream)

• Charley Crockett, 'Dollar a Day' (Stream)

• Gordi, 'Like Plasticine' (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

• Hayes Carll, 'We're Only Human'

• Big Freedia, 'Pressing Onward'

• Ashley Monroe, 'Tennessee Lightning'

• Bryson Tiller, 'The Vices'

• Ada Lea, 'when i paint my masterpiece'

See our long list of albums out Aug. 8 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on the All Songs Considered blog.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: DeShun Nance (WJSU's The Sipp)

Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell

Digital Producer: Elle Mannion

Production Assistant: Dora Levite

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Sofia Kourtesis, Lucrecia Dalt, more

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Some might call it whiplash, the way we sometimes zip from one genre of Latin music to another in our New Music shows. But I like to think of it as an expression of the richness and vitality of all music made under what is known as Latin music.
This week's selections reinforce the idea that trying to identify this music under one heading is impossible. Let's just call it Good Music.
Featured artists and songs:
Harold Lopez-Nussa, “Niña Con Violin”
Sofia Kourtesis, "Canela Pura” and "Ballumbrosio"
Lucrecia Dalt, “caes” and “cosa rara”
goodtoknow (paula prieto, benjamin walker, sir hope), "Mareas,” "October," and "I’ll stay"
Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet, “Panabe”
Natanael Cano, “Presidente” and “El Juez”
Gabito Ballesteros and Carin Leon, “Regalo de Dios”
The audio for this episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the Executive Producer of NPR Music and the madrina of Alt.Latino.

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The Contenders, Vol. 17: Keaton Henson, Arvo Pärt, Julia Hamos, more

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

We update our list of the year’s best songs with new obsessions from The Antlers, polymath Keaton Henson, pianist Julia Hamos, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Julia Hamos: “Ellis Island,” from Ellis Island
2. The Antlers: “Carnage,” from Blight
3. Gabriela Ortiz: “El olo del Jaguar,” from Yanga
4. Keaton Henson: “Lazy Magician (feat. Julia Steiner)” (single)
5. Arvo Pärt: “Nunc dimittis,” from And I heard a voice

All Songs Considered 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2023

Weekly reset: Crows in a D.C. suburb on a summer afternoon.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 1

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Newcomer Emily Hines. Hardcore collective The Armed. A Susumu Yokota boxset. WDET's Liz Warner joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to dive into their favorite albums out this week.

The Starting 5:

• Emily Hines, 'These Days'

• The Armed, 'THE FUTURE IS HERE AND EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DESTROYED'

• Mal Devisa, 'Palimpsesa'

• Caimin Gilmore, 'BlackGate'

• Susumu Yokota, 'Skintone Edition Volume 1' (box set)

The Lightning Round:

• Buddy Guy, 'Ain't Done With The Blues'

• René Najera, 'Painted Life'

• Hieroglyphic Being, 'The Sound Of Something Ending'

• Spafford Campbell, 'Tomorrow Held'

See our long list of albums out August 1 and sample dozens of new records via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Liz Warner, WDET
Audio producer: Noah Caldwell
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: It's a Bad Bunny summer in Puerto Rico: Ana recaps 2 of his shows

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Global superstar Bad Bunny is hosting an unprecedented 30 concert residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fans are calling it a defining cultural moment for the island. Anamaria Sayre attended two recent shows and shared her reflections.

Music featured in this episode:

• Bad Bunny, "Callaita"
• Bad Bunny, "Baile Inolvidable"
• Los Pleneros de la Cresta, "Los de la Isla"
• Gilberto Santa Rosa,"La Agarro Bajando"
• Bad Bunny, "Lo Que Le Paso A Hawaii"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.

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Roséwave: Summer's Simple Pleasures

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

You asked, we listened: Roséwave is back! Our summer playlist series returns with syrupy sweet songs from the likes of Amerie, Wednesday, Addison Rae, Marvin Gaye, and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. The Jamies: "Summertime Summertime"
2. The Lijadu Sisters: "Come on Home," from 'Horizon Unlimited'
3. Amerie: "Why Don't We Fall in Love," from 'All I Have'
4. Waxahatchee: "Much Ado About Nothing," from 'Tigers Blood (Deluxe)'
5. Wednesday: "Elderberry Wine," from 'Bleeds'
6. Katie Gavin: "Aftertaste," from 'What a Relief'
7. Marvin Gaye: "Ain't That Peculiar"
8. Haku.: "Looking Through My Subtle Double Eyelids," from 'Catch'
9. Labi Siffre: "My Song," from 'Crying Laughing Loving Loving'
10. Azymuth: "Faça de Conta," from 'Azimuth'
11. Linda Ronstadt: "How Do I Make You," from 'Mad Love'
12. Addison Rae: "Diet Pepsi," from 'Addison'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2022

Weekly reset: Sailing on the high seas.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 25

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Tyler Childers. Patty Griffin. Indigo De Souza. Joe Kendrick of WNCW in North Carolina joins us to discuss the best albums out on July 25.

Intro:

• Tyler, The Creator, 'DON'T TAP THE GLASS'

The Starting 5:

• Tyler Childers, 'Snipe Hunter'

• Patty Griffin, 'Crown of Roses'

• Indigo De Souza, 'Precipice'

• Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band, 'New Threats from the Soul'

• Yoshika Colwell, 'On The Wing'

The Lightning Round:

• Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist, 'Alfredo 2'

• Cory Hanson, 'I Love People'

• quinnie, 'Paper Doll'

• Unspoken Tradition, 'Resilience'

• MC Yallah & Debmaster, 'Gaudencia'

See our long list of albums out July 25 and sample more than 50 albums via our New Music Friday on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Joe Kendrick, WNCW
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny residency prep, new guitar tracks and Latin genre benders

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Before Ana heads off to see Bad Bunny's unprecedented residency in Puerto Rico, we chat a little about why the celebration is significant to the island and Latin music in general.

We also dig deep into new releases that include four different approaches to the guitar and a musician from Peru who defies genre to create his own musical language.

Music heard in this episode:

• Hermanos Gutiérrez, "Elegantly Wasted (ft. Leon Bridges)"
• Bebo Dumont, "Hoy"
• Eljuri, "Karma"
• Yamil Quiere Ser Artista & Oliver Berg, "Bandido," "Gatito Miau Miau Miau"
• Yasser Tejeda, "Una Cascada de Miel"
• Yerai Cortés, "Sonar por Bulerías,"
• Judeline & Yerai Cortés, "Un puente por la Bahía, la Cruz del Campo"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.

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The Contenders, Vol. 16: Jay Som, Jeff Tweedy, Kassa Overall, more

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Can music save the world? The songs in this week's mix consider the power of creativity as we update our running list of the year's best tracks, with new ones from Jay Som, Jeff Tweedy and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Jay Som & Jim Adkins: "Float," from 'Belong'
2. Google Earth (John Vanderslice & James Riotto): "meow meow," from 'For Mac OS X 10.11'
3. Goon: "For Cutting The Grass," from 'Dream 3'
4. Jeff Tweedy: "One Tiny Flower," from 'Twilight Override'
5. Kassa Overall: "Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like That)," from 'Cream'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2021

Weekly reset: Twilight at Nags Head, with crickets and barking dog in the distance

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:18:04 +0000

Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit donate.npr.org now.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out July 18

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 07:00:17 +0000

Alex G. Paramore's Zac Farro. Lord Huron. It's a packed release week, and we've got Chelsea O from Buffalo/Toronto Public Media on the show to unpack all the greatness.

Intro:

• Sly & The Family Stone, 'The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral 1967'

The Starting 5:

• Alex G, 'Headlights' (Stream)

• Jim Legxacy, 'black british music (2025)' (Stream)

• Zac Farro, 'Operator' (Stream)

• Lord Huron, 'The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1' (Stream)

• Disiniblud, s/t (Stream)

The Lightning Round:

• Cam, 'All Things Light'

• Forth Wanderers, 'The Longer This Goes On'

• Jess Ribeiro, 'Mixtape'

• Billie Marten, 'Dog Eared'

• Two Shell, 'Iicons'

See our long list of albums out July 18 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlists on npr.org.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Chelsea O (BTPM)
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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What makes for a summer song?

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Robin Hilton, Anamaria Sayre and Hazel Cills gather to share songs that feel like summer — and that means staying indoors to avoid the heat as well as partying on a Brooklyn rooftop. (Note: A version of this conversation appeared in this feed last July.)

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2020

Weekly reset: Grilling on a summer night just ahead of a thunderstorm

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Alt.Latino: Isabella Lovestory, Vicente García, more

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Our selections this week feature a crate diggers' delight from Colombia and the sound of modern rap in Mexico.

Featured artists and songs:

• Óscar Agudelo y El Combo Moderna, "Está Como Mango"

• Isabella Lovestory, "Fresa Metal," "Eurotrash," "Tu Te Vas"

• Grecia Albán, "YO POR TI"

• Vicente García, "Mambo Violento," "El Huracán," "Abusadora"

• BALTHVS, "Flesh and Soul"

• Gera MX, "Ciclo Vital," "1 Millón"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.

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2025's best songs (so far)

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000

This week we share our wildly incomplete list of the year's best tracks so far, including bangers from PinkPantheress and HAIM, a slow-burner from Lana Del Rey, dystopian rap from clipping and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. PinkPantheress: "Stateside," from 'Fancy That'
2. HAIM: "Relationships," from 'I quit'
3. clipping.: "Keep Pushing," from 'Dead Channel Sky'
4. Lana Del Rey: "Henry, come on" (single)
5. Oklou: "Blade Bird," from 'choke enough'
6. Miya Folick: "This Time Around," from 'Erotica Veronica'
7. Perfume Genius: "It's A Mirror," from 'Glory'
8. FKA twigs: "Room Of Fools," from 'EUSEXUA'
9. Lucius: "Gold Rush," from 'Lucius'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2018

Weekly reset: Summer afternoon at the pool

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 27

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Madison McFerrin. Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas. Durand Jones & The Indications. KALW's Wonway Posibul joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to share their favorite new releases of the week.

Intro:
• Bruce Springsteen, 'Tracks II: The Lost Albums' (Read our guide to the box set on npr.org)
• Lorde, 'Virgin' (Read our review on npr.org)

The Starting 5:
• Laura Stevenson, 'Late Great'
• Adrian Quesada, 'Boleros Psicodélicos II'
• Madison McFerrin, 'Scorpio'
• Durand Jones & The Indications, 'Flowers'
• Herbert & Momoko, 'Clay'

The Lightning Round:
• Frankie Cosmos, 'Different Talking'
• Dana and Alden, 'Speedo'
• Brighde Chaimbeul, 'Sunwise'
• Mocky, 'Music Will Explain (Choir Music Vol. 1)'
• Tim Barnes, 'Lost Words / Noumena'

Check out our Long List of new albums out June 27 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Wonway Posibul, KALW
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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The Contenders, Vol. 14: Upchuck, Just Mustard, Brandon Woody, more

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

This week's update to our running list of the year's best songs includes some scorchers from Atlanta's Upchuck, the shoegaze group Just Mustard, jazz trumpeter Brandon Woody and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Upchuck: "Plastic" (single)
2. The Westerlies (with Sam Amidon): "Paradise," from 'Paradise'
3. Just Mustard: "POLLYANNA" (single)
4. Brandon Woody: "Beyond the Reach of Our Eyes," from 'For The Love Of It All'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2017

Weekly reset: Frogs and crickets chattering in a rice field in Okazaki, Japan

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 20

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

HAIM. Hotline TNT. Yaya Bey. World Cafe's Raina Douris joins Stephen Thompson to give you a quick tour through the best records out this week.

Featured albums:

• HAIM, 'I quit' (Stream)

• Hotline TNT, 'Raspberry Moon' (Stream)

• Yaya Bey, 'do it afraid' (Stream)

• Kelsey Waldon, 'Every Ghost' (Stream)

• S.G. Goodman, 'Planting by the Signs' (Stream)

Check out the long list of albums out June 20 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.

Credits
• Host: Stephen Thompson
• Guest: Raina Douris, WXPN
• Producer: Simon Rentner
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

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Alt.Latino's Favorite music of 2025 (so far)

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:35:42 +0000

A look at some of the most intriguing music released during the first six months of the year.

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Fever Ray, The Beaches, Patrick Watson, more: The Contenders, Vol. 13

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

The latest additions to our list of the year's best songs include a joyful new banger from The Beaches, a wondrous tapestry of sounds from singer Patrick Watson, twisted pop from Fever Ray and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. The Beaches: "Last Girls At The Party," from 'No Hard Feelings'
2. Patrick Watson: "Peter And The Wolf," from 'Uh Oh'
3. Deb Talan: "A Glimmer In The Grass," from 'I Thought I Saw You'
4. Fever Ray: "I'm Not Done (Therapy Session)" (single)
5. Ethel Cain: "Nettles," from 'Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2016

Weekly reset: A day at the beach

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best new albums out June 13

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Brandee Younger. The Cure. Annahstasia. WRTI's Nate Chinen joins Stephen Thompson to discuss our favorite albums of the week.

Featured albums:

• Annahstasia, 'Tether' (Stream)

• Mary Halvorson, 'About Ghosts' (Stream)

• Brandee Younger, 'Gadabout Season' (Stream)

• Joe Armon-Jones, 'All The Quiet (Part II)' (Stream)

• The Cure, 'Mixes for a Lost World' (Stream)

See our long list of albums out June 13 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Nate Chinen, WRTI
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Alt.Latino: Bruce Springsteen, Louie TheSinger, more

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

This week Anamaria Sayre continues to scour her part of the internet for great new tracks that will impress Felix Contreras, while he continues to explore Latinos who sing country music.

Featured artists and songs:

• Alleh & Yorghaki, "me late"
• Alleh & Yorghaki, "capaz (merengueton)"
• Louie TheSinger, "Quicker Way To Jesus"
• pablopablo, "Dónde Estás!"
• Bruce Springsteen, "Adelita"
• Bruce Springsteen, "Sinaloa Cowboys"
• Belafonte Sensacional, "Llamas Rexio"
• Belafonte Sensacional, "Todavía DF"
• David Byrne and Brian Eno, "Mea Culpa"
• Juana (feat. ELENI), "La Paloma"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Summer '25 Album Preview

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We look at the most anticipated albums coming this summer, from Wet Leg, Big Thief, Superchunk, Lucrecia Dalt and more. WNXP's Celia Gregory joins NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce and host Robin Hilton.

Featured artists and albums:
1. Wet Leg: 'moisturizer' (featured song: "CPR")
2. Marissa Nadler: 'New Radiations' (featured song: "New Radiations")
3. Superchunk: 'Songs in the Key of Yikes' (featured song: "Everybody Dies")
4. Indigo De Souza: 'Precipice' (featured song; "Crying Over Nothing")
5. Lucrecia Dalt: 'A Danger to Ourselves' (featured song: "divina")
6. Kokoroko: 'TUFF TIMES NEVER LAST' (featured song: "Three Piece Suit")
7. Parcels: 'LOVED' (featured song: "yougotmefeeling")
8. Big Thief: 'Double Infinity' (featured song: "Incomprehensible")
9. Georgia Harmer: 'Eye Of The Storm' (featured song: "Can We Be Still")

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2015

Weekly reset: Summer weekend in the neighborhood with sprinkler, birds, lawnmower.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out June 6

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Pulp. Turnstile. Little Simz. It's a packed release week, and NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is here to walk you through it, along with friend of the program Izzi Bavis of WTMD in Baltimore.

Featured albums:

• Turnstile, 'NEVER ENOUGH' (Stream)
• Pulp, 'More' (Stream)
• Little Simz, 'Lotus' (Stream)
• McKinley Dixon, 'Magic, Alive!' (Stream)
• Lifeguard, 'Ripped and Torn' (Stream)

Check out the long list of albums out today and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Izzi Bavis, WTMD
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editors: Otis Hart and Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Alt.Latino: Accordions!

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

The influence of Eastern Europe immigration in Latin America can be heard in the way the accordion was adapted and adopted in countries like Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and beyond.

This week we take a deep dive into those traditions with our guide, Eduardo Díaz, former director of Latino cultural information for the Smithsonian Institution.

Featured artists and songs:

• Narciso Martínez, "Nix"

• Carlos Vives, "Hijo de Vallenato"

• Los Corraleros de Majagual, "La Pollera Colorada"

• Luis Gonzaga, "Asa Branca"

• Grupo Alma Serrana, "Puerto Tirol"

• Francisco Ulloa, "El Farolito"

• Tatico Henriquez, "La Invasión de Deiziseis"

Credits
Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Little Simz, Ty Segall, yeule, more: The Contenders, Vol. 12

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We update our running list of the year's best songs with old-school guitar rock from Ty Segall, a playful left turn for rapper Little Simz, yeule's pop from the ether and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Little Simz: "Young," from 'Lotus'
2. yeule: "Dudu," from 'Evangelic Girl Is a Gun'
3. Wednesday: "Elderberry Wine" (single)
4. Ty Segall: "Shining," from 'Possession'
5. Nourished By Time: "Max Potential," from 'The Passionate Ones'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2014

Weekly reset: Ringing bells at a neighborhood shrine near Osaka

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 30

Fri, 30 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

The National's Matt Berninger. Low's Alan Sparhawk. yuele. KXT's Jackson Wisdorf joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to talk about their favorite records out May 30.

Featured albums:

• Matt Berninger, 'Get Sunk' (Stream)
• yeule, 'Evangelic Girl is a Gun' (Stream)
• Ben Kweller, 'Cover the Mirrors' (Stream)
• Alan Sparhawk, 'With Trampled by Turtles' (Stream)
• Amy Millan, 'I Went To Find You' (Stream)

Check out our long list of albums out May 30 and sample more than 50 records out today via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Jackson Wisdorf, KXT
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Alt.Latino: Our favorite Latin bands from the Tiny Desk Contest

Thu, 29 May 2025 17:31:53 +0000

Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras was a Tiny Desk Contest judge this year, and on this episode, he brings six of his favorite entries to the show.

Artists and songs featured:

• Esotérica Tropica, "Despierta"

• Mario Diaz, Bachi and Los Salvajes, "Ropa de Colores"

• alegrías, "Daygo"

• Charly Siaba, "Lejos de Aquí"

• Los Pleneros de la Cresta, "Rayo del Sol"

• Taisha Estrada, "El Abstracto"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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10 years later, Sufjan Stevens offers a startling reevaluation of 'Carrie & Lowell'

Tue, 27 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

In a conversation with All Songs Considered's Robin Hilton, Stevens shares a complex and conflicted view of the album he wrote about his mother in the wake of her death from cancer.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 23

Fri, 23 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Stereolab. Ganavya. Marc Ribot. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Robert Moore, host of 'Sonic Spectrum' on 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City, to the show to discuss their favorite albums out May 23.

Featured albums:

• Stereolab, 'Instant Holograms On Metal Film' (Stream)

• Ganavya, 'Nilam' (Stream)

• Robert Forster, 'Strawberries' (Stream)

• Marc Ribot, 'Map of a Blue City' (Stream)

• Thalia Zedek Band, 'The Boat Outside Your Window' (Stream)

Read the long list of albums out May 23 and sample more than 50 full-lengths out today via our New Music Friday playlists on npr.org.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Robert Moore, 90.9 The Bridge

Producer: Simon Rentner

Editors: Otis Hart and Elle Mannion

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Alt.Latino: Paloma Morphy, rusowsky, Pachyman

Wed, 21 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre share six new songs from across the spectrum of Latin music.

Featured artists and songs:

• Paloma Morphy, "1 tipo nuevo"

• Camila Meza, "Persistir"

• Rusowsky, "Malibu"

• Ines Velasco, "Todo Es Para Decir"

• Pachmyan, "Hard to Part"

• Las Chorizeras, "Blue Eyed Man"

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Laufey, Fiona Apple, Lord Huron, more: The Contenders, Vol. 11

Tue, 20 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We've got another update to our running list of the year's best songs with the return of Fiona Apple, Laufey, deep reflections from Lord Huron and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Fiona Apple: "Pretrial (Let Her Go Home)" (single)
2. Jerskin Fendrix: "SK1" (single)
3. Lord Huron: "Looking Back," from 'The Cosmic Selector, Vol. 1'
4. Eph See: "Malachi The Uber Driver" (Tiny Desk Contest entry)
5. Kacy Hill: "Please Don't Cry" (single)
6. Laufey: "Tough Luck," from 'A Matter Of Time'

'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2013

Weekly reset: Neighborhood birds on a spring morning

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 16

Fri, 16 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Tune-Yards. Aminé. Lido Pimienta. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and KCRW's Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras give you a quick roundup of the most exciting albums out May 16.

Featured albums:

• Aminé, '13 Months of Sunshine' (Stream)

• Guitarricadelafuente, 'Spanish Leather' (Stream)

• Tune-Yards, 'Better Dreaming' (Stream)

• Rico Nasty, 'LETHAL' (Stream)

• Lido Pimienta, 'La Belleza' (Stream)

See our long list of albums out May 16 and sample more than 80 albums via our New Music Friday playlists on npr.org.

Credits
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras, KCRW
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editors: Otis Hart and Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Alt.Latino: Guitarricadelafuente, Lido Pimienta, more

Wed, 14 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Co-host Anamaria Sayre finally gets to share the new Guitarricadelafuente album with the world, and catch the NPR audience on the viral sensation Macario Martínez. Felix Contreras spotlights Lido Pimienta's symphonic pivot.

Featured artists and songs:

• Guitarricadelafuente, "BABIECA!"

• Haydée Milanés, "Un amor que se demora"

• Macario Martínez, "Sueña Lindo, Corazón"

• Macario Martínez, "Otra Vez"

• Macario Martínez, "¿qué somos hoy?"

• Macario Martínez, "Hey destino"

• Lido Pimienta, "Quiero Que Me Beses"

• Marco Mares & Sabino, "digo que no, pero si"

• Adri Paíz, "Quererte o No"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 9

Fri, 09 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes WXPN's John Morrison to discuss billy woods, Thom Yorke, PinkPantheress and more.

Featured albums:

• billy woods, GOLLIWOG (Stream)

• Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke, Tall Tales (Stream)

• PinkPantheress, Fancy That (Stream)

• MIKE & Tony Seltzer, Pinball II (Stream)

• mclusky, the world is still here and so are we (Stream)

See our long list of records out May 9 and sample more than 40 new albums via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org/music.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: John Morrison, WXPN

Producer: Simon Rentner

Editors: Otis Hart and Elle Mannion

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Alt.Latino: The Mars Volta, Argentine Beatles covers, and more

Wed, 07 May 2025 18:42:59 +0000

The music this week comes from a variety of countries and genres, some of it sounds like music you've heard ... while others sound like nothing you've heard before.

Featured artists and songs:

• Natalia Bernal, "Más Allá"

• Jaze, "mil procedimientos"

• Jaze & Susana Baca, "jomalón"

• Jaze, "boomeran'"

• The Mars Volta, "Fin"

• The Mars Volta, "Enlazan las tinieblas"

• The Mars Volta, "Alba del orate"

• The Mars Volta, "Lucro sucio"

• Diego Mema, "la forma de quererte"

• Diego Mema, "till there was you" (Beatles cover)

• The Rumba Madre, "Abuela"

• Junior Zamora, "Salsa y Clase"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Perfect Sunday morning albums

Tue, 06 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Whether you prefer solitude, get-togethers with family or friends, or steeling yourself for the week to come, we've got the perfect album to score your early Sunday hours.

Featured artists and albums:
1. Miles Davis: 'Kind of Blue'
2. Astrud Gilberto: 'The Astrud Gilberto Album'
3. The Congos: 'Heart of the Congos'
4. Madredeus: 'O Espírito da Paz'
5. Laurie Spiegel: 'The Expanding Universe'
6. BAD OPERATION: 'BAD OPERATION'
7. Django Reinhardt: '1937'
8. Tirzah: 'Devotion'
9. Margo Guryan: 'Take a Picture'
10. V/A: 'Worried Now, Won't Be Worried Long: Alan Lomax's "Southern Journey," 1959–1960'
11. Electrelane: 'The Power Out'
12. Woo: 'Into The Heart Of Love'
13. St. Germain: 'Tourist'

All Songs Considered 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2011

Weekly reset: Bells ringing at Duomo di Firenze, Florence, Italy

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out May 2

Fri, 02 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Julie Bee of Marfa Public Radio to talk through the best albums released on May 2.

Featured albums:

• Car Seat Headrest, 'The Scholars' (Stream)

• Samantha Crain, 'Gumshoe' (Stream)

• PUP, 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' (Stream)

• Jenny Hval, 'Iris Silver Mist' (Stream)

• Jolie Laide, 'Creatures' (Stream)

See the long list of albums out May 2 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Julie Bernal, Marfa Public Radio
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editors: Otis Hart and Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Alt.Latino: Rapper PJ Sin Suela on Puerto Rican hip-hop and more

Thu, 01 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Anamaria Sayre talks about the history of Puerto Rican hip-hop with rapper PJ Sin Suela.

Featured artists and songs:

• PJ Sin Suela & Chuwi, "Escúchame "

• PJ Sin Suela, "Es La Hora"

• Nuff Ced & Tek 1, "Metrópolis"

• PJ Sin Suela, Siete Nueve & Messy Deprat , "Illegal 2.0"

• E.A. Flow, "D'Aqui"

• Intifada, Luis Diaz & Yallzee "Albizu"

• Los Pleneros de La Cresta, "Los de la Isla"

• Bad Bunny & Los Pleneros de La Cresta, "CAFé CON RON"

• Tego Calderón, "Gracias"

• Ñejo Y Dálmata, "Asi Es la Vida"

• PJ Sin Suela, "San Dunga"

• PJ Sin Suela, "Mambrú"

• PJ Sin Suela, "Vivo"

• PJ Sin Suela & Jorge Drexler, "Todo Se Complica"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Lauren Migaki. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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The music of 'Sinners,' hyper-pop and more: The Contenders, Vol. 9

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We update our running list of the year's best songs with a staggering cut from the new 'Sinners' film, hyperpop from Jane Remover, the return of Foxwarren and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Miles Caton: "I Lied to You," from 'Sinners'
2. Foxwarren: "Yvonne," from '2'
3. Jane Remover: "Dancing with your eyes closed," from 'Revengeseekerz'
4. Mal Blum: "I'm So Bored," from 'The Villain'
5. Men I Trust: "The Landkeeper," from 'Equus Asinus'

All Songs Considered 25th anniversary segment: Our number one songs from 2010

Weekly reset: Dinner and dance performance, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 25

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Coco Jones. Samia. Fly Anakin. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Ayana Contreras from Denver public radio stations KUVO Jazz and The Drop to discuss the best new albums they heard this week.

Featured albums:

• Coco Jones, 'Why Not More' (Stream)

• Samia, 'Bloodless' (Stream)

• Emma-Jean Thackray, 'Weirdo' (Stream)

• David Murray, 'Birdly Serenade' (Stream)

• Fly Anakin, '(The) Forever Dream' (Stream)

Check out our long list of albums out April 25 and sample more 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

To learn more about the Tiny Desk Contest artists you heard in this episode, check out Ayana Contreras' Top Shelf special on YouTube.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Ayana Contreras, KUVO Jazz & The Drop
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Alt.Latino: Natalia Lafourcade, Eladio Carrión, more

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre talk artistic growth and precocious talent.

Featured artists and songs:

• Natalia Lafourcade, "Cancionera"

• Natalia Lafourcade & El David Aguilar, "Como Quisiera Quererte"

• Natalia Lafourcade & Hermanos Gutierrez, "Luna Creciente"

• Irene Diaz, "Anything For You"

• Eladio Carrión & Myke Towers, "Vetements"

• Eladio Carrión & Lia Kali, "Me Muero"

• Kayatibu, LUIZGA & Yaka Huni Kuin, "Nai Basa Masheri"

• Santi Sc, "Cuando Nos Besamos" (feat. Dirk)

• Santi Sc, "Home Run"

• Maria Marquez, "La Lagrima"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Songs that hit you hard

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We asked listeners to tell us about the one song they couldn't stop listening to because of how it made them feel. On this episode we share some of their picks and the stories behind them.

Note: This episode originally aired in Dec. 2024

Weekly reset: Mochi street vendor, Japan

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 18

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Julien Baker & Torres. Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson. TV On The Radio's Tunde Adebimpe. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Brian Burns of North Carolina public radio station WUNC to the show to discuss the best albums out today.

Featured Albums:

• Torres & Julien Baker, 'Send a Prayer My Way'

• Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson, 'What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow'

• Tunde Adebimpe, 'Thee Black Boltz'

• BEIRUT, 'A Study of Losses'

• Sarah Siskind, 'Simplify'

Check out our long list of records out April 18 and sample more than 50 new albums in our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Alt.Latino: A Banjo, Bomba, Bardo y Más

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Anamaria continues to impress Felix with new female voices, while he shares more jazz and Puerto Rican bomba fusion.

Featured artists and songs:

• Queralt Lahoz, "LA FE"

• Bardo, "Renacer" (feat. Combo Chimbita)

• Vanessa Zamora, "GRAVEDAD" (feat. Çantamarta)

• BEATrio, "Archipelago"

• Mon Laferte, "Otra Noche de Llorar"

• El Laberinto del Coco, "Todo Se Nubla"

Credits

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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Stereolab returns and more: The Contenders, Vol. 8

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Stereolab is back with its first new music in 15 years. We give it a spin on this week's show, along with the scorched rock of feeble little horse, a relentlessly catchy earworm from Yaeji and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Stereolab: "Aerial Troubles," from 'Instant Holograms On Metal Film'
2. Yaeji & E Wata: "Pondeggi" (single)
3. Snuggle: "Dust" (single)
4. feeble little horse: "This Is Real" (single)
5. Lyra Pramuk: "Rewild," from 'Hymnal'

Weekly reset: Street musicians on the Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 11

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Bon Iver returns. Valerie June branches out. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Erin Wolf of Radio Milwaukee's 88Nine to the show for a quick run-through of the best new albums out April 11.

Featured albums:

• Bon Iver, 'SABLE, fABLE'

• Valerie June, 'Owls, Omens, and Oracles'

• Gerald Clayton, 'Ones & Twos'

• Real Lies, 'We Will Annihilate Our Enemies' (out April 16)

• Kills Birds, 'Crave' EP

Check out our long list of albums out April 11 and stream our New Music Friday sampler playlist of more than 70 songs at npr.org/music.

Credits
• Host: Stephen Thompson
• Guest: Erin Wolf, Radio Milwakee's 88Nine
• Producer: Simon Rentner
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Vice President, Music & Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny's Tiny Desk

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Bad Bunny's Tiny Desk concert was the most watched premiere in the series' history. In this episode, Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre speaks with the superstar at the Desk and takes you behind the scenes of the performance. NPR reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, who also was in the audience, sits in for Felix Contreras this week.

Featured artists and songs:

• Bad Bunny, "PIToRRO DE COCO" (Tiny Desk Version)

• Bad Bunny, "VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR" (Tiny Desk Version)

• Bad Bunny, "KLOuFRENS" (Tiny Desk Version)

• Bad Bunny, "LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii" (Tiny Desk Version)

• Bad Bunny, "LA MuDANZA" (Tiny Desk Version)

Credits:

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Even more songs to calm the nerves

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Our third installment of calming songs includes Max Richter's tribute to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ambient sounds from Ryuichi Sakamoto, Brazilian jazz from Wayne Shorter and more.

Featured artists and songs:
01. The Choir: "You Don't Have To Smile," from 'Translucent'
02. Orbitalpatterns: "Cant Tell If Im Awake," from 'Extended Impostor Syndrome'
03. alva noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto: "Logic Moon," from 'Insen'
04. Lea Bertucci: "Vapours," from 'Of Shadow And Substance'
05. Hayden Pedigo: "Long Pond Lily," from 'I'll Be Waving As You Drive Away'
06. Max Richter: "All Human Beings," from 'Voices'
07. Wayne Shorter & Milton Nascimento: "Tarde," from 'Native Dancer'
08. Mabe Fratti: "El Sol Sigue Ahí," from 'Pies sobre la tierra'
09. Ida: "Don't Get Sad," from 'Will You Find Me?'
10. David Zinman, Dawn Upshaw & London Sinfonietta: "Lento," from Henryk Górecki's 'Symphony No. 3'

Weekly Reset: Walking through Okazaki neighborhood at night

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Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear songs featured on this episode and previous episodes of music to calm the nerves in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 4

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000

The Hold Steady's Craig Finn. Momma. Newcomers Lily Seabird and duendita. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson teamed up with Zach McCormick of Minnesota Public Radio's The Current to highlight their favorite albums out April 4.

Featured albums:

• Craig Finn, 'Always Been' (Stream)

• Momma, 'Welcome to My Blue Sky' (Stream)

• Lily Seabird, 'Trash Mountain' (Stream)

• duendita, 'a strong desire to survive' (Stream)

• Dumb Things, 'Self Help' (Stream)

Check out our long list of albums out April 4 and listen to our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Zach McCormick, MPR's The Current
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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New Music Friday: The best records out March 28

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Lucy Dacus. Perfume Genius. Destroyer. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Colorado Public Radio's Alisha Sweeney of Indie 102.3 to guide you through a huge release day.

Featured albums:

• Lucy Dacus, 'Forever Is A Feeling' (Stream)

• Perfume Genius, 'Glory' (Stream)

• Great Grandpa, 'Patience, Moonbeam' (Stream)

• Destroyer, 'Dan's Boogie' (Stream)

• SPELLLING, 'Portrait Of My Heart' (Stream)

Check out the long list of albums out March 28 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits

Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: Alisha Sweeney, Indie 102.3
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: Songs To Move By

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras discuss the best music Felix unearthed while moving out of his apartment.

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Saying 'goodbye' to SXSW Music

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We look at how and why SXSW, once the world's largest music festival, is being scaled back to a shell of itself, what was so special about it, and what the shift means for artists and the industry.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 21

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Japanese Breakfast. My Morning Jacket. Greentea Peng. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Izzi Bavis from Baltimore public radio station WTMD to run through their favorite albums out today.

Featured albums:

• Japanese Breakfast, 'For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)' (Stream)

• Greentea Peng, 'TELL DEM IT'S SUNNY' (Stream)

• Tamino, 'Every Dawn's a Mountain' (Stream)

• My Morning Jacket, 'is' (Stream)

• YHWH Nailgun, '45 Pounds' (Stream)

Read our long list of albums out March 21 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits:
• Host: Stephen Thompson
• Guest: Izzi Bavis, WTMD
• Producer: Simon Rentner
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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The most anticipated spring albums

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We look ahead to the most anticipated albums due out this spring, including Rico Nasty's LETHAL, the return of Car Seat Headrest and Lucius, the existential punk rock group Pup and more.

Featured artists and albums:
1. HAIM: "Relationships," from a "not yet announced fourth album"
2. Blondshell: "Two Times," from 'If You Asked For A Picture'
3. M(h)aol: "DM:AM," from 'Something Soft'
4. Car Seat Headrest: "Gethsemane," from 'The Scholars'
5. PUP: "Hallways," from 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?'
6. Kara-Lis Coverdale: "Daze," from 'From Where You Came'
7. Lucius: "Gold Rush," from 'Lucius'
8. Rico Nasty: "TEETHSUCKER (YEA3x)," from 'LETHAL'
9. Jenny Hval: "To Be A Rose," from 'Iris Silver Mist'

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 14

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

Charley Crockett. Twin Shadow. Throwing Muses. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Matt Reilly of Austin public radio station KUTX to discuss the best new releases we heard this week.

Featured albums:

• Charley Crockett, Lonesome Drifter (Stream)

• Twin Shadow, Georgie (Stream)

• Courting, Lust for Life, Or: 'How To Thread The Needle And Come Out The Other Side To Tell The Story (Stream)

• Étienne de Crécy, WARM UP (Stream)

• Throwing Muses, Moonlight Concessions (Stream)

Check out the long list of albums out March 14 and stream our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org/music.

Credits:

Host: Stephen Thompson

Guest: Matt Reilly, KUTX

Producer: Simon Rentner

Editor: Otis Hart

Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: A Latin Jazz survey, plus Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:00:14 +0000

Alt.Latino hosts share six songs that they've had on repeat over the past month.

Featured artists and songs:

• Edison Machado & Boa Nova, "Naquela Base"

• Michi, "Memmy (Recuerdo)" (feat. Gabriel da Rosa)

• Adam O'Farrill, "Nocturno, 1932"

• Vivir Quintana, "Más Libre Que En Casa"

• Lucia Sarmiento, "Look Up"

• Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, "#T****"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The Contenders, Vol. 6: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000

We've got just what you need for that stubborn case of existential dread in a looming dystopia as we update our running list of the year's best songs, with new ones from yeule, Raveena and more.

Also, we continue to celebrate the 25th anniversary of All Songs Considered by looking back at our number one songs from each year. On this episode: the songs that take us back to 2005

Featured artists and songs:
01. Everything Is Recorded: "Never Felt Better (feat. Sampha, Florence + The Machine)," from 'Temporary'
02. yeule: "Skullcrusher," from 'Evangelic Girls Is A Gun'
03. Raveena: "You're So Good To Me," from 'Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain (Deluxe)'
04. Gordi: "Alien Cowboy," from 'Like Plasticine'
05. Whatever The Weather: "12°C," from 'Whatever The Weather II'

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 7

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Lady Gaga. Jason Isbell. Newcomer Annie DiRusso. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Celia Gregory from Nashville public radio station WNXP to discuss these records and much more.

Featured albums:

• Annie DiRusso, 'Super Pedestrian' (Stream)

• Jason Isbell, 'Foxes in the Snow' (Stream)

• Sasami, 'Blood on the Silver Screen' (Stream)

• Divorce, 'Drive To Goldenhammer' (Stream)

• ASTROPICAL (Bomba Estéreo + Rawayana), 'ASTROPICAL' (Stream)

Read our feature on 'ASTROPICAL' here.

Check out our long list of albums out March 7 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits:

• Host: Stephen Thompson
• Guest: Celia Gregory, WNXP
• Producer: Simon Rentner
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: New Music + Violeta Parra

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:38:45 +0000

This week Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre balance their passion for new discoveries with reissued music from an iconic Latin American songwriter.

Featured artists and songs:

• Ezra Collective, "Body Language" (feat. Sasha Keable)

• Patti LaBelle, "Teach me Tonight (Me Gusta Tu Baile)"

• Teri Gender Bender, "SANAR"

• Kevin Kaarl, "recuérdame x siempre"

• Violeta Parra, "Cantores Que Reflexionan"

• Ben Aler, "Honest"

• Jose Luiz Martins, "Cravo e Canela"

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All Songs Considered At 25

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:00:59 +0000

As we celebrate a quarter century of music nerdom and buffoonery, we remember the songs that shaped the show and our lives, with 25 No. 1 tracks from our first 25 years (and whatever else we can manage to recall).

We aren't going to ruin the fun with a tracklist — listen along as All Songs Considered host Robin Hilton and New Music Friday's Stephen Thompson try to guess each other's favorite cuts.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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Alt.Latino celebrates Black History Month

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:33:21 +0000

Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras speaks with Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican saxophonist Miguel Zenón about the Afro-Latino legacy on the island.

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The Contenders, Vol. 5: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

We update our running list of the year's best songs with the cinematic pop of Oklou, Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir, the experimental hip-hop group clipping. and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Oklou: "family and friends," from 'choke enough'
2. Anna Thorvaldsdottir: "Part V" and "Part VIII," from 'UBIQUE'
3. clipping.: "Keep Pushing," from 'Dead Channel Sky'
4. Sandbox Percussion: "Don't Look Down," from 'Cerrone: Don't Look Down'
5. Lucrecia Dalt: "cosa rara (feat. David Sylvian)" (single)
6. Anouar Brahem: "The Eternal Olive Tree," from 'After the Last Sky'

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear the songs in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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And the Oscar for Original Song goes to...

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

With Oscar season here, we review the nominees for Original Song and Original Score, prognosticate who will win the statues on March 2, and look at the Academy's biggest snubs.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear the songs in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 14

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Bartees Strange. Denison Witmer. The Sun Ra Arkestra's Marshall Allen. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Nate Chinen of Philadelphia's WRTI to discuss the best new releases out on Valentine's Day.

Featured albums:

• Bartees Strange, 'Horror'

• Denison Witmer, 'Anything At All'

• Marshall Allen, 'New Dawn'

• Sullivan Fortner, 'Southern Nights'

• John Patitucci, 'Spirit Fall'

Check out our longer list of albums out Feb. 14 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

Credits:

• Host: Stephen Thompson
• Guest: Nate Chinen (WRTI)
• Producer: Simon Rentner
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Vice President, Music & Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Alt.Latino: New Music Roundup

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:09:36 +0000

'Alt.Latino' hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are back with six new songs that span the spectrum of Latinidad.

Featured artists and songs:

• Christian Nodal, "A Solas con la Botella"

• Las Trompas de Falopium, "JARRE"

• pablopablo, Carín León & Ralphie Choo, "Eso Que Tú Llamas Amor"

• The Mexican Standoff & Flaco Jimenez, "Tu Dirás" (feat. Los Texmaniacs)

• Amaia, "C'est La Vie"

• Angie K, "Red Dirt on Mars"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The Contenders, Vol. 4: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

The latest update to our running list of the year's best songs includes the shredded guitars of girlpuppy, solo material from from TV On The Radio's Tunde Adebimpe and more.

Featured artists and songs:

• Tunde Adebimpe: "Drop," from 'Thee Black Boltz'

• girlpuppy: "Champ," from 'Sweetness'

• Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith: "Into Your Eyes" from 'GUSH'

• Lonnie Holley: "Protest With Love," from 'Tonky'

• The Weather Station: "Lonely," from 'Humanhood'

• Ólafur Arnalds & Talos: "We Didn't Know We Were Ready" (feat. Niamh Regan & Ye Vagabonds) (single)

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear the songs in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Jessie Reyez, Arturo O'Farrill and Astropical

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

This week, we hear from a Colombian-Venezuelan super group, a new Afro-Brazilian band, and Ana gets another jazz lesson from a Latin jazz orchestra.

Songs featured in this episode:

• XIXA, "Xolo de Galáxia"
• Meme del Real, "Princesa"
• Jessie Reyez, "GOLIATH"
• Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, "Dia de los Muertos III Mambo Cadaverous"
• Trinka, "Grego"
• Astropical, "Me Pasa (Piscis)"

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Lesser-known love songs

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Making a playlist or mixtape for that special someone? We've got you covered this Valentine's Day with these off-the-radar love songs.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Linda Diaz: "Watching Ourselves Die (feat. Solomon Fox)" (single)
2. Gal Costa: "Baby," from 'Gal Gosta'
3. Mirah: "Engine Heart," from 'You Think It's Like This, But Really It's Like This'
4. Paloma Murphy: "me faltas tú" (single)
5. Stretch Arm Strong: "For Now," from 'Rituals of Life'
6. Tender Forever: "Then If I'm Weird, I Want To Share," from 'The Soft And The Hardcore'
7. Xavi: "Tu Casi Algo," from 'NEXT'
8. Elf Power: "Temporary Arm," from 'Vainly Clutching at Phantom Limbs'
9. Daniel Lanois: "I Love You," from 'Shine'

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear our expanded playlist of lesser-known love songs in Apple Music and Spotify.

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2025 Grammys Recap

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:26:11 +0000

We break down the winners, surprise shutouts and more from what's billed as "music's biggest night," courtesy of our friends at Pop Culture Happy Hour.

Ten take-aways from this year's Grammys
A complete list of 2025 Grammy winners

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 31

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 08:00:44 +0000

The Weeknd may be the biggest release of the week, but is it the best? We run down five other albums you should hear, with NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and John Morrison, host of Culture Cypher Radio on partner station WXPN.

Featured albums:

• Cymande, 'Renascence'

• Ambrose Akinmusire, 'honey from a winter stone'

• Lilly Hiatt, 'Forever'

• Pink Siifu, 'BLACK'!ANTIQUE'

• Damon Locks, 'List of Demands'

See our long list of albums out Jan. 31 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org.

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Alt.Latino: Why we love Joaquina. Plus, Felix is chismeless

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Do not come on Alt.Latino if you don't have good chisme! Ana and Felix talk about their favorite songs of the week, including some psychedelic cumbia, Cuban folk music and more.

Songs featured on the episode:

•Combo Chimbita, "Dímelo"
•Cortadito, "Yemaya"
•Joaquina, "desahogo"
•Joaquina, "aeropuerto"
•The Altons, "Waiting"
•Thee Midniters, "It'll Never Be Over For Me"
•Majo Aguilar, "el beso"
•Carrie Rodriguez, "Miles Away"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The Contenders, Vol. 3: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

We update our list of the year's best songs with a Tamino-Mitski collaboration, Son Lux's first new music since scoring Everything Everywhere All At Once, new Circuit des Yeux and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Shura: "Recognise," from I Got Too Sad For My Friends
2. Tamino, Mitski: "Sanctuary," from Every Dawn's a Mountain
3. Julien Baker & Torres: "Sugar in the Tank" (single)
4. Flora From Kansas: "The Ghost is Me," from Homesick
5. Circuit des Yeux: "Megaloner," from Halo On The Inside
6. Son Lux: "Cocoon," from Risk of Make Believe

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear the songs in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 24

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 11:19:17 +0000

FKA twigs. Central Cee. It's a big week for new releases, and we've got you covered. Host Stephen Thompson welcomes Desiré Moses of Virginia public radio station WNRN to break it all down.

Featured albums:

• FKA twigs, 'EUSEXUA'

• Central Cee, 'Can't Rush Greatness'

• Sam Amidon, 'Salt River'

• Mogwai, 'The Bad Fire'

• Anna B. Savage, 'You & i are Earth'

Check out our long list of albums out Jan. 24 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org.

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Alt.Latino: New songs for New Year's resolutions

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 18:31:48 +0000

Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras share their goals for 2025 and the new songs that reflect them.

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2025's most-anticipated albums

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

We highlight some of the most anticipated albums of the year, including upcoming ones from Perfume Genius, Lucy Dacus, serpentwithfeet and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Perfume Genius: "It's A Mirror," from Glory (March 28)
2. Florist: "Have Heaven," from Jellywish (April 4)
3. Lucy Dacus: "Ankles," from Forever Is A Feeling (March 28)
4. serpentwithfeet: "Writhing In The Wind," from GRIP Sequel (Feb. 28)
5. Squid: "Building 650," from Cowards (Feb. 7)
6. Jason Isbell: "Bury Me," from Foxes in the Snow (March 7)
7. Saya Gray: "Shell (Of A Man)," from SAYA (Feb. 21)
8. Marshall Allen: "African Sunset," from New Dawn (Feb. 14)
9. Samia: "Bovine Excision," from Bloodless (April 25)

See the complete list of 2025 releases we're tracking.

Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear the songs in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 17

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes aboard Kara Manning of New York City public radio station WFUV to discuss the best new albums hitting streaming services on Friday, Jan. 17.

Featured Albums

• Mac Miller, 'Balloonerism'

• The Weather Station, 'Humanhood'

• jasmine.4.t, 'You are the Morning'

• Victoria Canal, 'Slowly, It Dawns'

• Blue Lake, 'Weft'

Check out our long list of albums out today and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

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A moment for Los Angeles

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Los Angeles is home for me and always in my heart. Watching the fires from afar in my current city, New York, has me thinking a lot about what makes my hometown great: breathtaking mountains, stunning beaches and above all a hodgepodge, tapestry community that comes together in powerful ways during a painful moment.

The good and bad of LA's history — redlining and rebuilding, previous fires and displacement, immigration and annexation — have all been building blocks for an exchange of culture that shows up in layers in its music and art. This week on Alt.Latino, we've decided to shine a light on some of the sounds that feel most quintessentially LA, while also specifically honoring the creativity that has come from communities most affected by the fires.

We're thinking of family and friends, and the beating heart of the city as a whole. There's nothing quite like LA and we hope this episode is an intro to some and an invitation for others to celebrate what makes it so special. —Anamaria Sayre

Songs featured on this episode:

•José Feliciano, "California Dreamin"
•Ry Cooder feat. Lalo Guerrero, "Barrio Viejo"
•Banda MS feat. Becky G and Snoop Dogg, "Que Maldicion"
•Jasper Bones, "Amor de mis sueños"
•Gerardo Ortiz, "Dámaso"
•Empress Of, "For Your Consideration"

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The Contenders, Vol. 2: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

Japanese Breakfast (Michelle Zauner) is back with her first new album since her memoir, Crying in H Mart, blew up. We've got the first single from it, plus a Sufjan Stevens-produced Denison Witmer track and more.

Enjoy the show? Share with a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear the songs in our Apple and Spotify playlists.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Deep Sea Diver: "Shovel," from Billboard Heart
2. SPELLLING: "Portrait of My Heart," from Portrait of My Heart
3. Japanese Breakfast: "Orlando in Love," from For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)
4. Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek, "Hop Bico" from Yarın Yoksa
5. Denison Witmer: "A House With," from Anything At All
6. DARKSIDE: "S.N.C," from Nothing

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 10

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by KCRW's Travis Holcombe to run down their four favorite albums out today, as well as the revamped version of SZA's 'LANA' project.

Featured Albums:

• SZA, 'SOS Deluxe: LANA'
• Franz Ferdinand, 'The Human Fear'
• Ethel Cain, 'Perverts'
• zzzahara, 'Spiral Your Way Out'
• Moonchild Sanelly, 'Full Moon'

See the long list of albums out January 10 and stream our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org/music.

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Bad Bunny's 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos,' Explained

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 20:58:10 +0000

Alt.Latino hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras, and NPR reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento break down what exactly makes the record so Puerto Rican and why its Bad Bunny's most reflective, ambitious and ingenious album yet.

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The Contenders, Vol. 1: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 08:00:59 +0000

A new year means a new running list of our favorite songs, from the transfixing voice of Anna B Savage and FKA Twigs' moody club beats to the '80s-influenced rock and pop of Sharon Van Etten and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Ela Minus: "Broken," from DIA
2. Anna B Savage: "Lighthouse," from You & i are Earth
3. Horsegirl: "2468," from Phonetics On and On
4. Miya Folick: "This Time Around," from Erotica Veronica
5. FKA Twigs: "Perfect Stranger," from EUSEXUA
6. Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory: "Afterlife," from S/T

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Hear the songs in our Apple and Spotify playlists.

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New Music Friday: The best albums you missed from December

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 11:34:13 +0000

There's been some great music released since the last New Music Friday episode in late November. So, on this slow January release day, NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and WRTI's Nate Chinen catch you up on the best albums we heard in December in between "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."

Featured Albums:
• ROSÉ, 'rosie'
• Lauren Mayberry, 'Vicious Creature'
• Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner & Peter Bernstein, 'Solid Jackson'
• The Innocence Mission, 'Midwinter Swimmers'
• SAULT, 'Acts of Faith'

Visit npr.org/music to see the long list of albums you might have missed in December, and stream our New Music Friday playlist.

CREDITS:

Host: Stephen Thompson, NPR Music
Guest: Nate Chinen, WRTI
Producer: Simon Rentner
Editor: Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Vice President, Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins

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Viking's Choice: The year in catharsis and calm

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich turns us on to lesser known corners of music from 2024: blooming drone-folk, richly textured jazz, Somali garage-rock, medieval metal and a bittersweet farewell from a beloved Athens psych-pop band. You can find more adventurous music and mixtapes via Lars' newsletter, vikingschoice.org.

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Songs that hit hard in 2024

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

We asked listeners to tell us about the one song they couldn't stop listening to in 2024 because of how it made them feel. On this episode we share some of their picks and the stories behind them.

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Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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Secret Santa Song Exchange

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:42:23 +0000

When it comes to music, December is overflowing with gifts, but we aren't quite done with the presents. This time, the NPR Music team is giving ... to each other! On this episode of All Songs Considered, our hosts, writers and editors get into a sort of chain-letter, Secret Santa-type gift exchange. The rules were simple: Pick a song from 2024 specifically for one of your colleagues, who then has to pick a song for someone else, and so on, until the gift train comes full circle.

What songs did we pick? How well do we really know each other's taste? You'll have to listen to hear the surprise, just like we did.

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Alt.Latino's 'Music We Missed In 2024'

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

'Alt.Latino' hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre do their best to keep up with new releases, but sometimes great music evades their radar. On this episode, the duo highlight some of the best songs they never got a chance to share during the year.

Music We Missed in 2024

• Sanje, "Buen Fantasma" (from 'De Repente Otra Vez')

• David Lindes, "Te Vengo A Perdonar" (from 'Peace With A Lion')

• Yung Dupe X Kimmø X PUGSPUGSPUGS, "Nube Negra" (from 'Políticamente Correcto')

• Benjamin Walker, "Libre" (from 'LIBRE')

• Lhasa de Sela et Yves Desrosiers, "El Cosechero" (from 'First Recordings')

• Dom La Nena, "Pierre et les fleurs" (from 'LA VIE DE MA MÈRE')

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A very tolerable Christmas, with All Songs Considered 2024

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Our annual attempt to throw a holiday party for the ages continues with a tolerable mix of songs for the season and, as always, some very special guests.

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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Hip-hop in 2024 was on a wild ride

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 10:45:33 +0000

Record-breaking mainstream hits. A new generation of artists rising to seize their moment. Rappers in and out of courts. A pair of the biggest names in the game transforming their careers by taking their rivalry to sometimes bitter new heights. In 2024, hip-hop brought us wave upon wave of massive, surprising, culture-shifting moments.

NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce, Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael were watching and listening all year long, and they've gathered together to explain the most important stories of hip-hop's 51st year. There was the ascendance of new dominant voices in Southern rap, many of them female, along with the noticeable resonance, for many artists in the genre, with country music. The disconcerting trial of Young Thug left a void in Atlanta — the longtime hip-hop capital — for much of the year, before it ended suddenly and dramatically. And yes, there was the remarkable show put on by Kendrick Lamar in his sustained attack on Drake.

Plus: Rodney, Sidney and Sheldon share their favorite hip-hop albums of the year. Hip-hop may have celebrated its landmark 50th anniversary in 2023 by looking back at its own history, but in 2024, it shot forward like a cannon blast.

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Alt.Latino's favorite songs of 2024

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento run through their favorites in a crowded year for excellent songs, from innovative Spanish hip-hop to distinctive jazz.

Songs featured in this episode:

•Çantamarta, "MOTORIZADO"
•Mala Rodriguez, "Casi Nada"
•Zaccai Curtis, "Maple Leaf Rag"
•Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso, "DUMBAI"
•Melissa Aldana, "A Purpose"
•Residente, "313"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The Best Songs of 2024

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Our special coverage of the year in music continues with a look at the best songs of 2024, featuring Clairo, Tinashe, Chief Keef, Laura Marling and more.

See NPR Music's complete list of the 124 best songs of the year.

See NPR Music's list of the 50 best albums.

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you get podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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The Best Albums of 2024, Part 2

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Our look back at the best albums of 2024 continues, with Tyler, The Creator, Cassandra Jenkins, The Cure and more.

See NPR Music's complete list of the 50 best albums of the year.

And be sure to check out our list of the 124 best songs of 2024.

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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Alt.Latino's favorite albums of 2024

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

It's that time of the year — figuring out the best Latin music of 2024. And every year, it gets harder and harder (seriously, it's difficult!) for Ana and Felix to narrow down their extensive lists. Joined by NPR culture reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, the three round up the best albums of this year.

Songs featured in this episode:

•Angélica Garcia, "El Que" from Gemelo
•Hinds, "Coffee" from Viva Hinds
•Spanish Harlem Orchestra, "Lluego El Caballero (feat. Gilberto Santa Ross)" from Swing Forever
•Latin Mafia, "tengo mucho ruido." from TODOS LOS DÍAS TODO EL DÍA
•RaiNao, "readysita" from CAPICÚ
•Orquesta Akokán, "Caracoles" from Caracoles

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The Best Albums of 2024, Part 1

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Our annual look back at the year in music begins with the first of a two-part episode highlighting the year's best albums, with Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Waxahatchee and more.

Look for Part 2 on Friday, Dec. 6.

See NPR Music's complete list of the 50 best albums from 2024.

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you get podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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As the Latin Grammys turns 25, how much has Latin music changed? (Part 2)

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre continue their discussion on the 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammys and the industry's changes, featuring insight from Nathy Peluso, Rauw Alejandro and more.

Songs featured in this episode:

•Fuerza Regida, "TQM"
•Fuerza Regida, "Que onda"
•Fuerza Regida "HARLEY QUINN"
•Latin Mafia, "y como te digo que"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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A Thanksgiving mix: Songs of joy and gratitude

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Hosts Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson share stories and songs of gratitude from NPR listeners.

Featured songs and artists:
1. Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss: "Simple Gifts," from Classic Yo-Yo
2. Bill Withers: "Lean On Me," from Still Bill
3. The Mountain Goats: "This Year," from The Sunset Tree
4. Crosby, Stills & Nash: "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," from Crosby, Stills & Nash
5. Louis Armstrong: "What A Wonderful World"
6. John Williams: "End Credits," from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
7. Blackalicious: "Make You Feel That Way," from Blazing Arrow
8. Tyler Childers: "Space and Time," from Rustin' in the Rain
9. Nina Simone: "Isn't It A Pity," from Emergency Ward! (Live)
10. Bob Marley & The Wailers: "Three Little Birds," from Exodus

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 22

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers are your guides to the last big Friday of 2024. Plus a deep dive into an epic new Red Hot compilation titled TRAИƧA.

Featured albums:
• Kim Deal, Nobody Loves You More
• Father John Misty, Mahashmashana
• Say Lou Lou, Dust
• Michael Kiwanuka, Small Changes
• Various Artists, TRAИƧA (Red Hot)

See the long list of albums out Nov. 22 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.

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As the Latin Grammys turns 25, how much has Latin music changed? (Part 1)

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

The Latin Grammys recently marked its 25th anniversary. Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre was in Miami to talk to some of Latin music's most influential artists to understand some of the trends that are shaping Latin music today, shared over two episodes.

Songs featured in this episode:

•Juanes, "Fíjate Bien"
•Juanes, "Vida Cotidiana"
•Álvaro Díaz, "Quien Te Quiere"
•Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera "Bebé Dame"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The Contenders, Vol. 21: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

In the final update to our running list of the year's best songs, we've got the cathartic rock of Kassie Krut, a nerve-settling collaboration between the singers SOAK and Gordi, Ethel Cain and more.

Featured songs and artists:
1. Kassie Krut: "Reckless," from Kassie Krut
2. Gordi: "Reverie," from Lunch At Dune
3. Katy J Pearson: "Save Me," from Someday, Now
4. Freak Slug: "Ya Ready," from I Blow Out Big Candles
5. Hildegard: "Bach In Town," from Jour 1596
6. Ethel Cain: "Punish" (single)

Enjoy the show? Tell your friends and leave us a review wherever you listen go podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 15

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling releases out on November 15.

Featured Albums:
• FLO, Access All Areas
• Dwight Yoakam, Brighter Days
• Ganavya, Daughter of a Temple
• Wussy, Cincinnati Ohio

Check out the longer list of albums out Nov. 15 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.

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Alt.Latino's New Music Roundup

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:09:55 +0000

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre recorded their latest new music guide on the streets of Spain.

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The Contenders, Vol. 20: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

We update our running list of the year's best songs with more calming sounds from Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi, the electronic artist Jon Hopkins, Muno singer Katie Gavin's new solo album and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Jónsi: "Flicker," from First Light
2. Katie Gavin: "Aftertaste," from What A Relief
3. Jon Hopkins: "part viii - nothing is lost," from RITUAL
4. Katie Malco: "Fatal Attraction (feat. Laura Stevenson)" (Single)
5. Clairo: "Add Up My Love," from Charm
6. Max Richter: "Movement, Before All Flowers," from In A Landscape

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcats.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 8

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling albums released this Friday.

Featured albums:
• Ab-Soul, Soul Burger
• Jamey Johnson, Midnight Gasoline
• Our Girl, The Good Kind
• Various Artists, Like Someone I Know: A Celebration of Margo Guryan

Check out the longer list of albums out Nov. 8 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.

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Alt.Latino's Spain Soundtrack

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are in Spain for a music conference. On this episode, they share their favorite discoveries from Bilbao, San Sebastián and beyond.

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More songs to calm the nerves

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 08:00:59 +0000

In our second installment of blood-slowing songs we take a deep breath and let it out with the music of Max Richter, Hania Rani, Fleet Foxes, Yasmin Williams and more.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Joan Shelley: "Easy Now," from Over and Even
2. Fleet Foxes: "Helplessness Blues," from Helplessness Blues
3. Theo Alexander: "re; Waiting," from Animadversions
4. Hania Rani & Dobrawa Czocher: "There Will Be Hope," from Inner Symphonies
5. Nicholas Britell: "Eden (Harlem)," from If Beale Street Could Talk
6. Max Richter: "Dream 3 (in the midst of my life)," from From Sleep
7. Stars of the Lid: "Even If You're Never Awake," from And Their Refinement of the Decline
8. Iron & Wine: "Passing Afternoon," from Our Endless Numbered Days
9. Yasmin Williams: "Juvenescence," from Urban Driftwood
10. Gidon Kremer & Keith Jarrett: "Fratres (for violin and piano)," from Arvo Párt: Tabula Rasa

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Question, comments, suggestions and feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 1

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 10:56:39 +0000

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling new releases of the week, including the first album in 16 years by The Cure and a surprise release by Tyler, the Creator.

Featured albums:
• The Cure, 'Songs of a Lost World'
• Tyler, the Creator, 'Chromokopia'
• Willie Nelson, 'Last Leaf on the Tree'
• Haley Heynderickx, 'Seed of a Seed'

Check out the longer list of albums out November 1 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.

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How hip-hop reached global domination

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

Over half a century, hip-hop has grown into a globally dominant musical and cultural force while remaining stubbornly, vitally local.

When DJ Kool Herc spun records at a small party in the Bronx in August of 1973, no one would have predicted his unique style would give birth to the most influential and dominant music in the world: hip-hop. In this special episode, NPR Music editors Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Sheldon Pearce are joined by contributor Christina Lee to look at how and why the music has managed to remain a local phenomenon, even as it's taken hold of the world.

Note: This episode original ran in Aug. 2023 for our special coverage of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 25

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Hazel Cills are your guides to the week's most compelling new releases.

Featured albums:
• Amythyst Kiah, Still + Bright
• Soccer Mommy, Evergreen
• Laura Marling, Patterns in Repeat
• Elmiene, Anyway I Can
• Anna Butterss, Mighty Vertebrate

Plus: A discussion of unconventional album release strategies.

Check out the complete list of albums out Oct. 25 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.

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Alt.Latino's new music round-up: Elsa y Elmar, Alih Jey and Little Jesus

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

Anamaria Sayre brings some exciting new sounds coming out Mexico City (while recording from Mexico City) including sweet new music from Colombian artist Elsa Y Elmar, while Felix Contreras shares new jazz-classical out of Barcelona and more.

Songs featured in this episode:

•Elsa y Elmar, "Palacio"
•Alih Jey, "Luz de Gas"
•Little Jesus, "Tierra Llamando A Sant"
•Lucia Fumero, "Folklore II"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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The Contenders, Vol. 19: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

We debate the pros and cons of small-town living through the music of Christian Lee Hutson, Youth Lagoon, Bartees Strange and more in our biweekly update of the year's best songs.

Featured artists and songs:
1. Christian Lee Hutson: "Carousel Horses," from Paradise Pop. 10
2. Youth Lagoon: "My Beautiful Girl" (single)
3. Memorials: "Cut It Like A Diamond," from Memorial Waterslides
4. Bartees Strange: "Sober," from Horror
5. Sam Phillips: "I Wanted To Be Alone," from A Boot And A Shoe (20th anniversary edition)
6. Immanuel Wilkins: "MOTION" (feat. June McDoom) from Blues Blood

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggetions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 18

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce are your guides to this week's most compelling new musical offerings. For October 18, their selections include an array of ambitious, melodic and emotional new albums spanning genres.

Plus: celebrating the arrival of a new music website and considering what drives us to write and talk about music in the first place.

Featured albums:
• Joy Oladokun, 'Observations From a Crowded Room'
• CKay, 'EMOTIONS'
• Kelly Lee Owens, 'Dreamstate'
• Porridge Radio, 'Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me'
• Bon Iver, 'SABLE,'

Check out our longer list of albums out Oct. 18 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at https://npr.org/music.

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Celebrating the legacy of Celia Cruz

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

To celebrate the release of a new book from NPR Music, How Women Made Music, as well as the 50th anniversary this year of the album Celia & Johnny, Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre walk through their favorite songs by the legendary Celia Cruz, alongside the artist's niece Linda Pritchett.

Songs featured in this episode:

• Celia Cruz, "Bemba Colorá"
• Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, "Yiri Yiri Bon"
• Celia Cruz, "La Negra Tiene Tumbao"
• Celia Cruz, "Quimbara"
• Celia Cruz, "Cuando Salí de Cuba"
• Celia Cruz, "La vida es un carnaval"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The most terrifying film scores of all time

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

We celebrate spooky season with an unnerving mix of songs from our favorite horror movie scores, including The Shining, Under The Skin, Hereditary and more.

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Featured songs and films:
1. Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind: "Main Title" and "Clockworks (Bloody Elevators)," from The Shining
2. Mark Korven: "The Goat & The Mayhem," from The Witch
3. Goblin: "Sighs," from Suspiria
4. Hildur Guǒnadóttir: "The Door," from Chernobyl
5. John Carpenter: "Main Title," from Halloween
6. Colin Stetson: "Mothers & Daughters," from Hereditary
7. Mica Levi: "Lipstick To Void," from Under the Skin
8. Cristobal Tapia De Veer: "Laura Smile," from Smile
9. Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow: "The Alien," from Annihilation
10. Bobby Krlic: "Gassed," from Midsommar

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 11

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

The rapper-turned-country star Jelly Roll, who has had a major breakthrough in Nashville in the last couple of years, leads the pack of the most exciting albums out on Friday, October 11.

As NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and WRTI's Nate Chinen discuss, his new album Beautifully Broken is a powerful (and sometimes overwhelming) portrait of recovery and empathy for those grappling with addiction.

Also on the show this week: The second album from punk teens The Linda Lindas feels like confirmation of a promising career; Samara Joy and Immanuel Wilkins put two different approaches to the modern jazz vocal album on display; E L U C I D combines influences from Miles Davis to Public Enemy into a harrowing experience of modern indie rap and Charli XCX's remix album leads us to consider the tradition of artists reworking their own songs.

Featured albums:
• Jelly Roll, 'Beautifully Broken'
• The Linda Lindas, 'No Obligation'
• Samara Joy, 'Portrait'
• Immanuel Wilkins, 'Blues Blood'
• E L U C I D, 'REVELATOR'

Check out our long list of albums out Oct. 11 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.

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Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Rosalía, Twanguero and Wyatt Flores

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are back with a new music show, featuring Rosalía, Helado Negro, Wyatt Flores and more.

Songs featured in this episode:

• Twanguero, "Rumba #2"
• Twanguero, "La Leyenda de Cañaveral"
• Rosalía, "Omega (feat. Ralphie Choo)"
• Wyatt Flores, "Oh Susanna"
• Helado Negro, pablopablo, "Lejos De Más"
• Troker, "El Novio (Versión Mariachi)"
• Los Sufridos, Bad Gyal, "Duro de Verdad pt. 2"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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The Contenders, Vol. 18: The songs we can't stop playing this week

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

Reflections on regret from beabadoobee and Bon Iver, deep sonic meditations from Nala Sinephro and Jill Fraser, and more updates to our running list of the year's best songs.

Featured songs and artists:
1. beabadoobee: "California," from This is How Tomorrow Moves
2. Bon Iver: "S P E Y S I D E," from SABLE
3. Mabe Fratti: "Kravitz," from Sentir que no sabe
4. Jem: "Come On Closer," from Finally Woken (20th Anniversary Remastered Edition)
5. Nala Sinephro: "Continuum 3," from Endlessness
6. Jill Fraser: "Beautiful Summer," from Earthly Pleasures

Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

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New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 4

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 07:00:59 +0000

NPR Music's Lars Gotrich and Sheldon Pearce round up the most exciting albums out this Friday, and reflect on the history of instrumental music as protest.

Featured albums:
• The Smile, 'Cutouts'
• Blood Incantation, 'Absolute Elsewhere'
• Half Waif, 'See You At The Maypole'
• Darius Jones, 'Legend of e'Boi (The Hypervigilant Eye)'
• Yasmin Williams, 'Acadia'
• Godspeed You! Black Emperor, 'NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD'

Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

For a longer list of new albums out Oct. 4 and to stream our New Music Friday playlist, visit https://npr.org/music.

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