NPR Music

As we enter the homestretch of 2026, we pause to catch up on some of the great tracks we missed from earlier in the year. This includes a stunning, ever-shifting earworm from a bedroom pop artist out of Northern Iowa known as Kinji, maximalist polyrhythms from the composer and electronic artist Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, the singular voice of Mexican singer Silvana Estrada and more.

AltLatino host Anamaria Sayre joins All Songs Considered’s Robin Hilton.

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(01:49) Kinji: “Windburn”

(08:42) Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith: “Ruin”

(17:37) Rita Payés & Lucía Fumero: “Rueda eterna”

(25:32) Lizzie Weber: “Truth Teller”

(33:20) Pedro Mizutani: “Queria Ter Nove”

(39:58) Lockimara: “Tastes Like”

(47:04) Silvana Estrada: “Pensarte”

(53:54) Lennon Stella: “Unforgivable Things”

Tell us what you think 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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Sampa The Great. Moses Boyd. Kaitlin Butts. Guest host Lars Gotrich breaks down the best new albums out Friday, Oct. 30 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Jewly Hight from WPLN in Nashville, Matt Byars from WUOT in Knoxville and Raina Douris from World Cafe in Philadelphia. 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
- Kaitlin Butts, 'Hello, Honky Tonk'

(08:52) Album No. 2
- Sampa The Great, 'Nu Zamrock'

(16:48) Album No. 3
- Kali Malone, 'Burning Song'

(22:42) Album No. 4
- Moses Boyd, 'Songs For Sinners'

(29:34) Album No. 5
- P***, 'you made me / skin on linen'

(37:52) The Lightning Round

- 2nd Grade, 'Girls and Boys'
- NØ MAN, 'Between the Sword and the Neck'
- DIIV, 'ZIRP!'
- Takuya Nakamura, 'Shape The Future'
- Joyce Moreno, 'Never Too Soon'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist.

Credits:
Host: Lars Gotrich
Guests: Jewly Hight, Matt Byars, Raina Douris
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Sheldon Pearce and Felix Contreras

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As we poured ourselves into the El Tiny takeover of the Tiny Desk, a month's worth of new music piled up in our inboxes. So, this week, we dig in and bring the long-awaited debut album from Puerto Rico's Benito-approved ensemble Chuwi, the rap-electronica of Monterrey's alternative experimentalist Nsqk, and a track of resilience in the face of an earthquake's destruction. Plus, Sofía Campos, The Mars Volta, and a deep dive into the glory days of mambo in New York City.

Artists, albums and songs mentioned in this episode:

(01:00) Chuwi, 'Libertad'
(09:33) Carlos Vives, Nidia Gongora, Juliana, "Aquí Seguiré"
(12:43) Nsqk, 'mosca'
(18:07) The Mambo Legends Orchestra, "La Rumbantela"
(24:35) Sofía Campos, 'Minha Beleza'
(26:59) The Mars Volta,"Voice In My Knives - Poseedora De Mi Sombra"

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

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It’s been an unprecedented year for arguing about “fake” music, and it’s not just AI. From bot-powered ticket sales and social media campaigns to manufactured artist identities and an endless wave of complaints against nepo babies, 2026 feels like a turning point in the timeless debate about authenticity in music.

This week on All Songs Considered, NPR Music’s Ann Powers and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento join host Robin Hilton to break down how we’ve reached this point, what it means, and where we go from here.

Tell us what you think 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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Anderson .Paak and Cordae. Michael Kiwanuka. Fenne Lily. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 23 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Francesca Harding from KCRW in Los Angeles, Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee and Alex Newman from KMHD Jazz Radio in Portland, Ore. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:47) Album No. 1
- Anderson .Paak & Cordae, 'Heavy Is The Crown'

(07:34) Album No. 2
- Michael Kiwanuka, 'Fudge'

(14:33) Album No. 3
- Fenne Lily, 'Win Win'

(20:34) Album No. 4
- Fine, 'Jazz dreams'

(27:07) Album No. 5
- Surprise Chef, 'Frogs In A Pond'

(33:53) The Lightning Round

- Shabazz Palaces, 'It's a Style Sport'
- Claud, 'Me and the Music'
- Josh Johnson, 'Animative'
- The Olivia Tremor Control, 'The Same Place'
- Jlin & Third Coast Percussion, 'Vernacular'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Francesca Harding, Erin Wolf, Alex Newman
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers, Lars Gotrich and Tom Huizenga

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More than any song we’ve covered yet in this series about songs that persist in culture, "Crimson and Clover" is a stealth classic. Maybe you heard it in 1968 after its rough mix was leaked by a radio station and it became a top-40 hit. Maybe you only know it from a popular rock ’n’ roll cover in 1980s, or when it became a singalong in an emo song in the 2000s. Maybe it’s not even the lyrics that you recognize, but those three heavy, insistent chords. But it’s a song that’s stuck around, that feels endlessly replayable, and that helped inspire the new name for this NPR Music series: “Over and Over.” 

This week on Over and Over, NPR Music critic Ann Powers and editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen discuss “Crimson and Clover” by Tommy James and the Shondells, from 1968. 

Check out more episodes on songs that keep coming back by looking for “Over and Over” in the NPR Music podcast feed. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one by signing up at plus.npr.org. Follow NPR Music coverage and the Tiny Desk Concerts at npr.org/music.

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Last week we published a Tiny Desk Concert that ended up being unusual for a few reasons.

First of all, it was the final production of our sixth annual El Tiny series. This was a very emotional moment for a lot of reasons. People really love Los Tigres del Norte, to the point that playing their albums feels like sitting with family. And if you’ve seen the introduction I gave the band just before they played at the desk you can see that I wasn’t embarrassed to get emotional when I talked about what the band means to me. 

That emotional intro led to some changes in our process and format that resulted in a huge response from the audience that went viral. The result was a messy moment behind the scenes here at NPR and more than a little confusion for a lot of you.

This week’s episode looks back at last week. 

First we want to share with you, directly from us, an explanation of what happened.

But mostly we want to put the spotlight back on the band and their music because for decades they have been bringing out the kind emotions that got this whole thing started.

Give it a listen and enjoy the music. Again. - Felix

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

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With the arrival of the first new Olivia Tremor Control album in nearly 30 years, we attempt to make sense of the sprawling, enigmatic collective behind it known as Elephant 6.

NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.

Special thanks to Greenwich Entertainment, C.B. Stockfleth and Rob Hatch-Miller for use of audio featured in the 2022 documentary, The Elephant 6 Recording Co. 

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro with “A New Day” by The Olivia Tremor Control
(03:00) The Elephant 6 story in 60 seconds with “Black Foliage (Animation 2)” by The Olivia Tremor Control
(04:28) The Apples In Stereo: “Tidal Wave”
(07:34) Robert Schneider on the creative process, from the documentary ‘The Elephant 6 Recording Co.’
(12:39) The Olivia Tremor Control: “Love Athena”
(16:17) The Apples In Stereo: “Glowworm”
(18:14) Neutral Milk Hotel: “Ghost”
(22:13) Elf Power: “Embrace The Crimson Tide”
(26:08) of Montreal: “Gallery Piece”
(29:25) The Gerbils: “Glue”
(33:54) The Instruments: “Song for Thomas”
(37:01) Beulah: “Score From Augusta”
(39:35) Great Lakes: “A Little Touched”
(41:21) Dressy Bessy: “I’m Still Here”
(51:12) The Olivia Tremor Control: “Meeting Ourselves”
(53:39) The Olivia Tremor Control: “Path of the Parallels VI - Last Occupants”
(55:15) The Olivia Tremor Control: “Leaf”
(57:41) The Olivia Tremor Control: “Begin Now!”

Tell us what you think 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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Fontaines D.C. Sophia Stel. The Avalanches. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 16 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville, Skylar Rochelle from 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City and Andrew Brown from KUTX in Austin. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. 

The Starting 5

(02:23) Album No. 1
- Fontaines D.C., 'Dopamine Chamber'

(09:30) Album No. 2
- @, 'Autosmile'
 
(16:34) Album No. 3
- Sophia Stel, 'the greatest album of all time'

(23:05) Album No. 4
- June McDoom, 'Follow the Light'

(28:32) Album No. 5
- The Avalanches, 'No Bad Memories'

(35:53) The Lightning Round

- N8NOFACE, 'Tomorrow's World'
- Richard Thompson, 'Hippies, Thugs and Heroes'
- Max Richter, 'While The Flood Rages'
- Chuwi, 'Libertad'
- Flora Hibberd, 'Mammoth'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Celia Gregory, Skylar Rochelle, Andrew Brown
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers, Anamaria Sayre and Tom Huizenga

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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 creepy canon, from the truly terrifying to simply seasonal and nostalgic.

Note: An earlier version of this episode appeared on All Songs Considered in 2025.

Tell us what you think 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:

Phoebe Bridgers: “Killer” from ‘Stranger in the Alps’
Fever Ray: “If I Had A Heart,” from ‘Fever Ray’
Sufjan Stevens: “John Wayne Gacy, Jr” from ‘Illinois’
Jack Lenz: “Goosebumps” (theme from the TV show)
Disneyland Records: “Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House”
Alice Cooper: “Welcome to My Nightmare,” from ‘Welcome to My Nightmare’
Oksana Linde: “Horizontes lejanos,” from ‘Travesias’
Florence + the Machine: “Everybody Scream,” from ‘Everybody Scream’
Ethel Cain: “Housofpsychoticwomn,” from ‘Perverts’
girl in red: “We Fell In Love In October” (single)
Mimicking Birds: “Bloodlines,” from ‘EONS’
Van Morrison: “Moondance,” from ‘Moondance’
The Cramps: “I Was A Teenage Werewolf,” from ‘Songs the Lord Taught Us’
Dead Man’s Bones: “My Bodies a Zombie for You,” from ‘Dead Man’s Bones’
Vince Guaraldi: “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” from ‘The Great Pumpkin’

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At almost exactly the midpoint of our conversation about the fifth album made by his band, Fontaines D.C., Grian Chatten told me, “It's an interesting time to be a self.” We'd been talking about the themes on 'Dopamine Chamber,' which comes out on Oct. 16, and could serve as a soundtrack to the era we live in now, what Chatten calls our “glorious age of distraction.”

It's also an interesting time to be a rock band in the mainstream, and that’s where Fontaines D.C., which formed in 2014, definitely lives these days. The Irish quintet’s next tour has them in stadiums and arenas, and the one guest on 'Dopamine Chamber' is pop's universal “it” girl, the Spanish singer Rosalía. The 2024 album Romance took Fontaines to another level, earning them two Grammy nominations and their best sales ever, with hits like the sweet and earnest “Favourite.” Following it up, Fontaines didn't take the easy way. Instead, they explored new sounds to create a captivating sonic travelogue that somehow connects the decadent beauty of old Europe with the narcotic ethereality of cyberspace.

Things really gel for Fontaines on 'Dopamine Chamber.' Using vintage synthesizers and studio effects, the band builds on the hypnotic energy that's always been its calling card to make something huge and seductive and haunting. I was lucky to speak with Chatten about his evolution as a storyteller and his place within a band that's always growing, but which remains utterly true to itself.

When they were making 'Dopamine Chamber,' Chatten’s bandmates recorded the instrumental parts of the songs first, and then Chatten went off on his own to write and record lyrics. This interview worked the same way — I talked with Chatten on his own, and with bassist Conor Deegan (who goes by “Deego”) about how guys who have been playing together since college have taken their bashing punk sound all the way to the stratosphere.   - Ann Powers

Credits:
Host: Ann Powers
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Editor: Jacob Ganz
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Executive Director: Sonali Mehta

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Troye Sivan’s 2023 album, 'Something to Give Each Other,' marked a turning point in the Australian singer-songwriter’s career. Its choreo-driven singles “Rush” and “Got Me Started” became viral hits, earned Sivan his first Grammy nominations and even spawned a Timothée Chalamet and boygenius spoof on Saturday Night Live. Soon after came the Sweat tour with friend and peer Charli xcx amid the hype of “Brat” summer. 

But while Sivan says it was a thrilling moment in his career, it also didn’t paint a full picture of what he was going through at the end of his 20s. His new album, 'She’s the Best,' gives the artist breathing room to dig into some darker feelings. Sivan sat down with NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento to talk about honoring the women in his life, moving away from perfect pop music and making an “unsexy” album that reflects his true feelings. 

This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Hazel Cills. NPR Music’s chief editor is Jacob Ganz. Our executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our executive director is Sonali Mehta. 

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Cameron Winter. Troye Sivan. Remi Wolf. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 9 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Tshego Letsoalo from KALW in San Francisco, Aurora McGuckin from MVYRADIO in Massachusetts and Jewly Hight from WPLN in Nashville. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:39) Album No. 1
- Cameron Winter, 'Live at Carnegie Hall'

(07:30) Album No. 2
- Troye Sivan, 'She's the Best'

(14:45) Album No. 3
- Remi Wolf, 'Mud'

(21:11) Album No. 4
- Jess Williamson, 'A Mile South of Heaven'

(27:20) Album No. 5
- Danielle Ponder, 'Everything Has Changed'

(34:40) The Lightning Round

- Dawn Richard, 'creole culture'
- Margo Cilker, 'Little White Cross'
- Imperial Teen, 'All Over You'
- heavensouls, 'cantu of the sower'
- Joyce Wrice, 'Machiko'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Tshego Letsoalo, Aurora McGuckin, Jewly Hight
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce

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The music of Tim Bernardes fits as easily in the poetry of the cosmos as it does in the songwriting canon of his country. Brazil has a legacy of some of the greatest most intricate, emotional songwriting there is, and if you ask me, I’d argue Tim fits right into it. So, I invited him in to play a Tiny Desk for our annual El Tiny takeover. And, of course, I took the opportunity to pull him into the studio after – I absolutely needed to know what he’s been listening to. So, here we are again playing my latest and greatest new game: a special version of our typical guest DJ episode, where I ask them to recall different parts of their lives and themselves through music. No prepared songs or ideas. Let’s call this episode a musical tapestry painted by one of the greatest Brazilian singer-songwriters of this era.  - Anamaria Sayre

Artists and songs mentioned in this episode:

- The Beatles, 'I Want To Hold Your Hand'
- Os Mutantes, 'Caminhante Noturno'
- Milton Nascimento, 'Nuvem Cigana'
- Nelson Cavaquinho, 'Eu E As Flores'
- Gilberto Gil, 'Luzia Luluza'
- Antônio Carlos Jobim, 'Saudade Do Brasil,' 'O Boto'
- Caetano Veloso, 'Minha Mulher'
- Tim Bernardes, 'Realmente Lindo'

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

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A super deluxe box set of The Beatles' legendary 1965 album Rubber Soul has just been released with brand new mixes, demos and outtakes that show The Beatles breaking up with the past, their fans and everything people knew and loved about the band. 

In this conversation withAll Songs Consideredhost Robin Hilton, Giles Martin, the producer behind the new mixes and son of late Beatles producer George Martin, talks about why Rubber Soulwas such a pivotal album for the band, how the music was changing, and why it sounds “reasonably bleak.”  Martin also explains how the AI tools he used to update the mixes work, how he preserved the original spirit of Rubber Soul and more.

Tell us what you think 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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Victoria Monét. Meshell Ndegeocello. Sons of Sevilla. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Oct. 2, with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Ayana Contreras from KUVO in Denver, Evan Miller from WYSO in Ohio and DJ Llu from Vermont Public. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(01:53) Album No. 1
- Victoria Monét, 'Frequency Of Love'

(08:40) Album No. 2
- Meshell Ndegeocello, 'Synonym'

(15:28) Album No.3 
- Helen, 'Linda's Head'

(22:09) Album No. 4
- Wishy, 'Nature's Pill'

(28:36) Album No. 5
- Sons of Sevilla, 'It Could Be Today'

(34:27 The Lightning Round

- Greg Freeman, 'All Set the Bone'
- Miranda Lambert, 'Crisco'
- Allison de Groot & Rich Ruth, 'Allison de Groot & Rich Ruth'
- Lalah Hathaway, 'Made in Chicago'
- Beth Taylor, 'The Deeps Have Music'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Ayana Contreras, Evan Miller, DJ Llu
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich, Ann Powers and Tom Huizenga

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Jazz has often been called America's musical gift to the world. This week's guests remind us not only of the well-documented ways that Cuba revolutionized that gift, but also how it blossomed in South America.

Chilean tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana and Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba stopped by after their recent Tiny Desk performance to chat about their own personal histories with jazz and its lineage in their respective countries. The memories Rubalcaba shares about Havana's jazz scene in the 1980s adds another layer to a story we've talked a lot about on Alt.Latino. And Aldana looks back on her youth learning music from her father and grandfather, both of whom were Chilean jazz pioneers.

The conversation also covers the music they played at the Tiny Desk, which comes from their recent album, 'Filin,' a reexamination of a Cuban musical movement that lasted from the 1940s through the '60s. Ultimately, this week's episode is time spent with two master musicians to hear how their lives and experiences contribute to their mutual appreciation and love of jazz.

Check out Melissa Aldana and Gonzalo Rubalcaba's Tiny Desk Concert here.

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

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We get big and loud this week with a surprise drop from Phoebe Bridgers and her song “On Video,” from the Primetimesoundtrack; the monstrously disjointed “Placeholder” from Gilla Band; widescreened shoegaze from the Danish artist Trentemøller and more.  

NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton as they share their picks for the best new songs out now.

Tell us what you think with a review onApple 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

(03:22) Phoebe Bridgers: “On Video”

(10:26) Gilla Band: “Placeholder”

(17:25) Trentemøller: “Swerve”

(23:31) Wednesday: “Carolina Murder Suicide (Avey Tare Remix)”

(30:29) serpentwithfeet: “sentinel”

(36:37) Lily Konigsberg: “Free Byrd”

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Leon Bridges. Blondshell. Joy Oladokun. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 18 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee, Jewly Hight from WPLN in Nashville and Liz Warner from WDET in Detroit. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:53) Album No. 1
- Blondshell, 'Violins'

(07:43) Album No. 2
- Julia Jacklin, 'The Gem'

(15:13) Album No. 3
- Joy Oladokun, 'Hope Is A Heavy Thing'

(22:33) Album No. 4
- Leon Bridges, 'Happiness Anytime'

(28:52) Album No. 5
- Protomartyr, 'Hotel Usona'

(34:04) The Lightning Round

- Space Afrika, 'Quiet Storm'
- claire rousay & Martyna Basta, 'hotel room'
- Tinashe, 'Popstar'
- Mary Gauthier, 'Reckoning'
- Axel Boman & Superpitcher, 'Tell It To The Mountain'

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Erin Wolf, Jewly Hight, Liz Warner
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Sheldon Pearce and Ann Powers

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YEИDRY's music is almost as diverse she is. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Italy, the singer’s repertoire of genre and sound pulls from multiple continents, and even more unique cultural roots. It’s complicated to explain so many mixed identities, but, as we know quite well at Alt.Latino, music is an easy way to tell a complex story. From the first song she ever heard to a track that brings her peace, we’re presenting a playlist of YEИDRY, the artist and the person. It’s raw, unprepped, and just like YEИDRY: alive and constantly evolving.


Songs discussed in this episode:

- "Ese Hombre" by LA INDIA

- "Guitarra" by Yoskar Sarante

- "Weird Fishes / Arpeggi" by Radiohead

- "Bam Bam" by Sister Nancy

- "To Zion (feat. Carlos Santana)" by Ms. Lauryn Hill, Carlos Santana

- "Paloma" by Angélica Garcia


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

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Our latest mix of the week’s best new songs swings from the shoegaze rock of rising LA band untitled (halo) to Bach’s “Air on the G String” performed by pianist Víkingur Ólafsson. We’ve also got singer Lizzy McAlpine’s breathtaking ode to her late father, the laid-back grooves of polymath Sen Morimoto, the extraordinary voice of Scottish singer Beth Taylor and more.

NPR Music’s Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton.

Tell us what you think with a review onApple 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

(02:05) Sen Morimoto: “Chewing Gum”

(09:27) Víkingur Ólafsson: “Air on the G String” (Johann Sebastian Bach)

(16:56) Lizzy McAlpine: “The crowd”

(25:51) Beth Taylor: “My Lagan Love”

(33:49) untitled (halo): “easy rider”

(41:58) inti figgis-vizueta: “Samara (maple seed) mvmt. III - find roots”

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In September 2025, the electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso made headlines with the announcement that it was removing its catalog from Spotify. The world’s most popular music streamer wasn’t new to criticism, but the temperature changed last year with the revelation that then-CEO Daniel Ek was a major investor in Helsing, an AI software company that designs military weapons systems. A year later, the band has returned bearing new music and another small bombshell: A week after the release of 'Ow ∞,' Sylvan Esso’s fifth studio album, came the news that all of its music was returning to Spotify beginning Sept. 18. In a conversation with reporter Brian Burns from NPR member station WUNC in Chapel Hill, N.C., members Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn (also a married couple) describe that return as the result of a series of sobering discoveries — but also stress how much they learned on the road to this moment.

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Beck. Carly Rae Jepsen. Beabadoobee. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 18 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Robert Moore from 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City, Amelia Mason from WBUR in Boston, and Brian Burns from WUNC in Chapel Hill. Plus, a handful of of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(01:01) Album No. 1
- Beck, 'Ride Lonesome'

(07:10) Album No. 2
- beabadoobee, 'Pylon'

(13:01) Album No.3
- Carly Rae Jepsen, 'Day and Night'

(21:32) Album No. 4
- Tove Lo, 'ESTRUS'

(28:22) Album No. 5
- Rhiannon Giddens, 'Hope is the Thing with Feathers'

(34:18) The Lightning Round

- Jake Xerxes Fussell, 'The Old Beloved Path'
- Jóhann Jóhannsson & Adam Wiltzie, 'Friendship Survival Guide'
- YENDRY, 'Como agua'
- Krallice, 'Scour Order'
- Son Lux, 'Out Into'

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

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Robert Moore, Amelia Mason, Brian Burns
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Anamaria Sayre, Lars Gotrich and Robin Hilton

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Shortly after Los Texmaniacs did what they do best at the Tiny Desk, I pulled them into a studio to chat with them about the traditions they represent with their music. It turned into a master class on the accordion-fueled style known as conjunto, a mix of European folk music and Spanish-language storytelling. Plus, the group shared some love for one of the iconic artists who taught the world how to love conjunto, Flaco Jimenez, and how their personal connection to him also inspired them to move the music forward.  - Felix

Don't miss NPR Music's full coverage of Latin Music Month, with Tiny Desk Concerts featuring Mon Laferte, Los Tigres del Norte, Tim Bernardes, Los Texmaniacs and more starting September 15 at NPR.org.

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

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We’re back with another round of the best new songs out now, including the universe-splitting “Blister Sunrise” from M83, Shygirl’s bone-rattling, euphoric track “Alyse,” subversive funk from Asher White and more.

NPR Music writer and editor Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.

Tell us what you think 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

(02:02) M83: “Blister Sunrise”

(07:51) Shygirl: “Alyse”

(15:13) FKJ & Labrinth: “Little Little Voice”

(22:21) Renny Conti: “Leaving the Zoo”

(30:57) Asher White: “My Day at the Casino”

(38:36) Rachel Chinouriri: “Make Believe”

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Sylvan Esso. This Is Lorelei. Ezra Collective. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 11 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Brian Burns from WUNC in Chapel Hill, Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville, and John Morrison from WXPN in Philadelphia. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:35) Album No. 1
- Sylvan Esso, 'Ow 8'

(06:57) Album No. 2
- Ezra Collective, 'Here Because of Hope'

(13:36) Album No. 3
- This Is Lorelei, 'The Singer in My Band'

(20:05) Album No. 4
- The Tubs, 'Hard Life'

(27:15) Album No. 5
- Haruomi Hosono, 'Yours Sincerely'

(33:00) The Lightning Round

- Funkadelic, 'Maggot Brain (2026 Remastered)'
- Locust, 'Spectral+'
- Standing On The Corner, 'SOTC II'
- Bri`ghde Chaimbeul & Colin Stetson, 'All the light in the world'
- Angela Autumn, 'Believer'

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

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Brian Burns, Celia Gregory, John Morrison
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Sheldon Pearce, Lars Gotrich and Ann Powers

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This week Ana features two very different Brazilian artists that both draw heavily on the '60s and '70s Tropicália genre. Felix presents two very different approaches to Colombian folkloric music and a new Spanish-language singer-songwriter who turns sadness into light.

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

(01:52) Maglore, 'Fluxo Natural'
(07:13) Indus, 'El Mangle'
(12:42) Candelabro, 'Deseo, Carne y Voluntad'
(17:11) Araña, 'Araña'
(21:07) Lucas Bezerra, 'EU MANDEI MEU AMOR PRO ESPAÇO'
(25:21) Luca de Dios, 'De Amor y Desamor

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

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We share more reimagined and reinterpreted songs that rival the originals, including Janis Joplin’s iconic take on Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” a reggae version of The Beatles' “Don’t Let Me Down,” and more.

NPR Music’s Dora Levite and Lars Gotrich rejoin host Robin Hilton for another round.

Leave us a review onApple 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

(04:30) Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris: Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush”

(09:31) Frodus: Devo’s “Explosions” 

(12:58) Janis Joplin: Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee”

(17:12) Jai Paul: Jennifer Paige’s “Crush”

(22:26) Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey: Lionel Richie & Diana Ross's “Endless Love”

(27:40) Nico: Jackson Browne’s “These Days”

(32:34) Tricky: Public Enemy’s “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos”

(35:29) Cassandra Wilson: Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon”

(40:04) Phoebe Bridgers: The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love”

(43:56) Marcia Griffiths: The Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down”

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Rebecca Black. Paris Paloma. Button Masher. Host Stephen Thompson breaks down the best albums out Friday, Sept. 4 with DJs from around the NPR Music network: Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco, Julie Bee from Marfa Public Radio in west Texas, and DeShun Nance from WJSU in Jackson, Miss. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(01:55) Album No. 1
- Rebecca Black, 'Age of the Exhibitionist'

(08:26) Album No. 2
- Paris Paloma, 'The Fatal Flaw'

(16:40) Album No. 3
- Sharp Pins, 'Mod Mayday 23'

(23:06) Album No.4
- 1-800-Mikey, 'In Yun'

(29:25) Album No. 5
- Button Masher, 'Super Button Masher'

(36:20) The Lightning Round

- Senri Oe, 'Homework'
- Madi Diaz, 'Fatal Optimist UN-unplugged'
- Medium Build, 'King of Having Fun'
- Chat Pile, 'Who Loves The Sun'
- Steven R. Smith, 'Half Light Unfolding'

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

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guests: Nastia Voynovskaya, Julie Bee, DeShun Nance
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Audio Engineer: Cena Loffredo
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Lars Gotrich and Ann Powers

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I like to think I’m the one who keeps things fresh on the show — or at least that’s what I tell everyone. But this week Felix once again proved that false, bringing in a fresh corridos tumbados duo from Guadalajara who takes a something-old-turned-new genre and smashes it together with metal. It's something I’ve never heard before. What can I say, Felix keeps us all young. I went back to Brazil with some up-and-coming artists whose albums I’ve been excitedly awaiting. And, of course, Felix had to balance things out with one of his favorite jazz vocalists. As per usual, we’re all about whiplash here at Alt.Latino, but in a way that hopefully will make you the favorite DJ at your next fiesta. — Ana

Artists and albums featured in this episode

(03:52) Cultura Profética, 'En bucle'
(09:53) Claudia Acuna, 'Ave de Luz: Chilean Jazz & Soul'
(13:52) Mari Froes, 'Esquina do Sol'
(17:36) Valeria Stewart, 'On A Wing'
(21:17) Raquel Dimantas, 'Cosmo Dorme'
(24:37) Ladrones, 'Arriba La L'

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

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After nearly two decades of producing works by other musicians, including Kendrick Lamar and Vampire Weekend, the artist known as Dahi has just released his debut solo album. He describes it as “African Radiohead,” with kaleidoscopic soundscapes, intricate polyrhythms and a breathtaking list of collaborators. We open this week’s show with the song “How to Pray,” featuring both Kendrick Lamar and singer Amber Mark.

Our other picks for the best new tracks of the week include Dominic Fike’s heady “Wallflower,” dancefloor beats from singer Jorja Smith, an 8-bit instrumental from composer Emily A. Sprague and more.

NPR Music writer and editor Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.

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

Featured artists and songs:

(00:00) Intro

(02:00) Dahi, Kenrick Lamar & Amber Mark: “How To Pray”

(10:08) OHMA: “Ever Expanding”

(18:46) Dominic Fike: “Wallflower”

(25:20) Jorja Smith: “I Lied, You Lied”

(33:20) Emily A. Sprague: “Noon Liquid Ore”

(41:50) Osamu Fukuzawa & IYAMAH: “Butterflies (feat. edbl)”

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Alabama Shakes. Mike D. Interpol. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Sean Carolan of WBJB in New Jersey about their favorite albums out Friday, August 28. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. 

The Starting 5

(03:37) Album No. 1
- Mastodon, 'Marrow Deep'

(08:56) Album No. 2
- Mike D 5D, 'Thank You'

(15:41) Album No. 3
- Alabama Shakes, 'I Must Be Dreaming'

(21:43) Album No. 4
- Interpol, 'This Mirror Weighs a Ton'

(27:47) Album No. 5
- The Linda Lindas, 'Gotta Get Out'

(33:37) The Lightning Round

- Billy Strings, 'So Much For Goodbyes'
- Elephant Stone, 'ASHA'
- Tiny Habits, 'Keepers'
- Saul Williams, 'Leap Life'
- Liim, 'A Sunflower Garden In Harlem Is Hard To Find'

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: Sean Carolan, WBJB 
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers and Rodney Carmichael

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Latin identity has been at the core of Cypress Hill's music from the very beginning -- their 1991 track "Latin Lingo" gave voice to the Latin roots of hip hop with its funky Spanglish callouts. But it took the band thirty-five more years to make an album of original songs written in Spanish: 'Dios Bendiga,' which was just released. In this episode, Felix chats with the band -- B-Real, Sen Dog and Eric Bobo -- about the influences behind the album, and why this moment felt right to finally make it. Plus, a cameo from the band's longtime producer and turntablist, DJ Lord. 

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

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Dolly Parton was more than just a country music superstar. She was a songwriter for others, a philanthropist, a businesswoman, an actress and more. As a pop icon across seven decades, Parton sat down with a number of NPR hosts to tell the stories of her life and art. In this episode, NPR Music’s Ann Powers takes listeners through a number of those interviews to hear Parton tell her story, in her own words.

Want more Dolly? Head to the NPR app’s music tab for a Dolly Parton playlist from our archives. Download the app at npr.org/gettheapp. And read Ann Powers’ remembrance of Dolly Parton here.

Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

This episode was produced by Otis Hart, Suraya Mohamed and Noah Caldwell. It was edited by Hazel Cills. Sonali Mehta is the executive director of NPR Music.

Image courtesy of the Michael Ochs Archives.

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Is Sunday morning the best time for music? 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 hours.  

NPR Music’s Hazel Cills and Lars Gotrich join host Robin Hilton.

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

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

Featured songs and artists:

(00:00) Intro / Miles Davis: “So What”

(02:32) Astrud Gilberto: “Once I Loved”

(06:29) The Congos: “Fisherman”

(08:48) Madredeus: “Três Ilusoses - Amargura”

(13:02) Laurie Spiegel: “Patchwork”

(17:03) BAD OPERATION: “Bagel Rooks”

(20:10) Django Reinhardt: “Exactly Like You”

(24:05) Tirzah: “Holding On”

(28:13) Margo Guryan: “Sunday Morning”

(33:32) Ishman Williams & the William Singers: “The Old Ship Zion”

(37:42) Electrelane: “Gone Under Sea”

(41:35) Woo: “Make Me Tea”

(45:17) St. Germain: “So Flute”

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

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Brennan Wedl. Jorja Smith. Brandon Flowers. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, August 21. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.

The Starting 5

(01:23) Album No. 1
- Brennan Wedl, 'Brennan Wedl'

(08:34) Album No. 2
- Squirrel Flower, 'Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going'

(16:07) Album No. 3
- Westside Cowboy, 'It Goes On'

(22:45) Album No. 4
- Brandon Flowers, 'THRASHER'

(28:50) Album No. 5
- Jorja Smith, 'What Are The Odds'

(34:27) The Lightning Round

- Rapsody, 'God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops'
- OK Cowgirl, 'Rhinestone Cowgirl'
- Elanor Moss, 'The Knife, The Needle'
- Julia Holter, 'Materia'
- The Cramps, 'Gravest Gravy'

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: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Ann Powers, Sheldon Pearce and Lars Gotrich

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Mexico isn't the first place you think of as the cutting edge of experimental electronic music. But two new projects show that might be changing. LATIN MAFIA recently teamed up with British producer Fred again.. to make a bold new album featuring collaborators like Mabe Fratti and Lil Yachty. And the up-and-coming duo RØZ -- comprised of producers Manolo Cabrera and Hugo Lara -- just released their debut album, spinning a dazzling mix of hip hop, gospel and glitchy electronica. This week's episode also features a comically brilliant track from El David Aguilar, cumbia jam rockers Dos Santos, a cover from La Zorra Zapata, and a deep dive from Felix on the many interpretations of Consuela Velazquez's classic "Verdad Amarga."

Artists and albums featured in this episode:

(00:43) LATIN MAFIA & Fred again.., '9 months & 50 hours'
(07:40) Dos Santos, 'Es Amor'
(13:12) El David Aguilar, 'VIGENTE'
(18:42) Miguel Zenón & Luis Perdomo, 'El Arte de Bolero, Vol. 3'
(25:23) RØZ, 'SE ESTÁ HACIENDO TARDE'
(29:11) La Zorra Zapata, 'I Love You Baby'

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

Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

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On this week’s show, Weezer gives the people what they want, plus a breathless “dirt dance” from saxophonist Colin Stetson and bagpiper Brìghde Chaimbeul, the scruffy cello-pop of yeemz, works by composer and vocalist Meredith Monk, electronic artist Jlin and more.  

NPR Music’s Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton as we share our picks for the best new songs of the week.

Leave us a review onApple 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

(00:51) Weezer: “C.E.O.”

(08:24) Colin Stetson, Brìghde Chaimbeul: “Dirt dance”

(18:16) slimdan: “Let’s Start A Cult!”

(25:09) Phaedra Ensemble: “Phantom Strings” (Meredith Monk)

(31:43) yeemz: “Brace for Impact” (single)

(37:36) PUBLIQuartet: “Baobab” (Jlin)

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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
 
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

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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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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 onApple 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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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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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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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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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 onApple 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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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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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

Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

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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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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 onApple 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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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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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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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 onApple 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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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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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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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 onApple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. 

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


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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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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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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 onApple 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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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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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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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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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 onApple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. 

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


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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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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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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 onApple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. 

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


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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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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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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 onApple 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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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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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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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 onApple, 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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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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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 onApple, 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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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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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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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 onApple, 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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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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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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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 onApple, 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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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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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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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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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 onApple, 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 DisappointedEP
(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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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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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 onApple, 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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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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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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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 LUXalbum, 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


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


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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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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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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 onApple, 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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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 onApple, 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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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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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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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 onApple, 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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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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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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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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