NPR Music
Welcome to your all-in-one destination for every NPR Music podcast. We break down the best new albums to hit streaming each week on New Music Friday; we share the latest songs worthy of your playlists on All Songs Considered; there’s off-the-rails conversations (and chisme!) about Latin music on Alt.Latino. The NPR Music channel is your hub for new records, iconic artists and cult heroes, free of algorithms and full of surprises.
Episodes
The best albums of 2026 (so far)
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 Un
NPR Music+: “Such Great Heights” by The Postal Service
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
Alt.Latino: Mon Laferte's captivating coda
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
The year’s best songs (so far)
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 Shel
New Music Friday: The best albums out June 26
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 B
Alt.Latino: They opened for Miles Davis and Sly Stone, then disappeared
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
Beck’s ‘Odelay’ at 30, Mitski covers One Direction, more
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: “Firep
New Music Friday: The best albums out June 19
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
Alt.Latino: The sounds of Cuban resilience
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 t
Songs for any road trip
It’s the season of road trips — and nothing goes better with those long and winding roads than music. This week we share our picks for the perfect playlist, breakdown what works best when, and consider some ground rules — does the driver always have the final say?Reviews help! Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kin
New Music Friday: The best albums out June 12
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) A
Alt.Latino: A Tejano masterclass with El Gato Negro, Ruben Ramos
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.'
11 more songs to reset your mood | All Songs Considered
NPR listeners share the songs they reach for when they need to reset the mood, their day or even their life.This is a followup to our April episode on songs for starting over. NPR’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton.A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind alw
New Music Friday: The best albums out June 5
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.1Death Cab for Cutie, 'I Built You a Tower' (ANTI-Records)(08:18) Album No. 2Vince Staples, 'Cry Baby' (Loma
All Songs Considered: Wet Leg, Vince Staples, Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien
The best new tracks of the week include a raging, dance floor remix of Wet Leg’s “Catch These Fists,” a touch of vintage soul from rapper Vince Staples, Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien and more.NPR Music’s Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton.A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!Questions, comments, suggestions or f
New Music Friday: The best albums out May 29
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) Lightni
Alt.Latino: The Vaqueros of Hawaii
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 ma
What’s the defining Millennial song?
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
New Music Friday: The best albums out May 22
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'Bri
Alt.Latino: Gipsy Kings are back, Julieta Venegas' norteña roots and more
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
All Songs Considered: Gracie Abrams hits a wall, more best new songs
Our latest mix of the week’s best new songs includes a moody reflection on burnout from Gracie Abrams, rising L.A. duo Evening Elephants, the elusive electronic collagists Ear and more. NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton.Please leave a glowing review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any
Interview: Isaiah Rashad is ready to bare his soul
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. I
New Music Friday: The best albums out May 15
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 &
Alt.Latino: Our favorite Latin Tiny Desk Contest entries
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 t
All Songs Considered: Charli xcx, Mike D, Boards of Canada
Our latest mix of the best new tracks this week includes a massive eye-roll from Charli xcx, the first-ever solo music from Mike D of the Beastie Boys, another surprise drop from electronic music icons Boards of Canada, and more.NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.Leave us a glowing review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!Questions, co
New Music Friday: The best albums out May 8
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 After
All Songs Considered: Call your mom
With Mother’s Day nearing, listeners share songs that remind them of their moms and the deeply moving stories behind them.NPR's Mitra Arthur joins host Robin Hilton.Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgFeatured artists and songs:(00:00) Intro /
New Music Friday: The best albums out May 1
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
Alt.Latino: Flamenco meets Música Mexicana
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. Artis
All Songs Considered: Olivia Rodrigo, Nine Inch Nails, Rosalía
Our latest picks for the week’s best new songs include Olivia Rodrigo’s head-over-heels earworm “drop dead,” a stunning bonus cut from Rosalía’s LUX album, a surprising pop turn from Peter Gabriel, twisted dance beats from Nine Inch Nails and more.NPR Music’s Hazel Cills joins host Robin Hiton.Featured artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(01:49) Olivia Rodrigo: “drop dead” from you seem pretty sad for
New Music Friday: The best albums out April 24
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'
Alt.Latino: Argentine indie, Venezuelan reggaeton and punk from San Antonio
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-C
All Songs Considered: Jack White, Boards of Canada
Our latest mix of the best new songs out now includes a scorching new cut from Jack White, a surprise (and breathtaking) return of electronic legends Boards of Canada, outlaw country from Charley Crockett and more. NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!Questions, comments, suggesti
Interview: Beck returns to the spotlight
We talk with Beck about his gauzy new song, what he’s been up to since releasing his last album seven years ago, and what he (maybe?) has planned for the coming year.Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about
New Music Friday: The best albums out April 17
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
Alt.Latino: Jorge Drexler returns home
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
All Songs Considered: Need a reset?
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.
New Music Friday: The best albums out April 10
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 Som
Alt.Latino: Sonic Bloom: Fresh, funky new tracks from Rio, Granada and more
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.
All Songs Considered: José González's hope, Jungle's sunshine
The British act Jungle had a big hit with “Back on 74” — and its unforgettable dance video — in 2023. Now, the group is back with “Carry On,” a breezy, sun-dappled song about surviving a broken heart. We give it a spin to open the show, along with a study on optimism from one of José González’s best albums, a celestial ambient cut from throat singer Tanya Tagaq and more.NPR classical critic Tom Hu
New Music Friday: The best albums out April 3
Thundercat. Arlo Parks. Devotional belters from Dermot Kennedy. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee about their favorite albums out Friday, April 3. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Introduction & Bon Iver, 'VOLUMES: ONE"(01:57) Arlo Parks, 'Ambiguous Desire'(07:29) Dermot Kennedy,
Alt.Latino: Dominican indie, Peruvian cumbia and experimental Argentine pop
Two phrases spoken during this week’s episode stand out because they represent how Ana and I approach our searches for new music. The first: “The only limit is the imagination.” In my constant hunt for the sound I have never heard, this thought is my mantra. The new music we’re bringing this week really steps up to that challenge, from young upstarts like Broke Carrey to beloved veterans like Drac
All Songs Considered: Our favorite Tiny Desk Contest entries
More than 6,000 artists entered this year’s Tiny Desk Contest, hoping to win their very own performance behind the actual Desk. We’ll announce the winner soon, but in the meantime, we’re sharing some of our favorite entries, from the riff-rock group Pump Action, to soul singer Les Greene, loop artist Jackie Marchal, singer-songwriter Yuri Shin and more.Tiny Desk series producer Bobby Carter joins
New Music Friday: The best albums out March 27
Robyn. RAYE. A jazzy left turn from Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Alisa Ali from WFUV in the Bronx about their favorite albums out Friday, March 27. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round. The Starting 5(01:42) Robyn, 'Sexistential'(07:15) RAYE, 'This Music May Contain Hope'(14:21) Courtney Barnett,
Alt.Latino: Songs she loves: Sofia Rei and the magic of the human voice
From the very beginning of Alt.Latino, female vocalists have captivated us the most -- and New York-based Argentine vocalist Sofia Rei has been high on our list of favorites for a while. She uses the human voice like paint on a canvas, layering voices to create choirs that take flight at the mere suggestion of a melody. On her new album Antónima, she not only creates magic with her own voice but a
All Songs Considered: Bon Iver talks to God, plus Tori Amos
Our latest mix of the best new songs out now includes a stunning live version of Bon Iver’s “Heavenly Father,” a track the band originally wrote for the 2014 film Wish I Was Here, but never made available to stream before now. We’ve also got a stirring new ballad from Tori Amos, Luxembourg indie rocker Francis of Delirium (who assures us this is, in fact, a beautiful life), the long-awaited (if co
Interview: Mitski
In this special episode, the beloved singer-songwriter performs four songs live and speaks with Raina Douris of NPR's World Cafe about her acclaimed new album, 'Nothing's About To Happen To Me.'Follow the World Cafe podcast for more live performances and interviews every week.Featured performers:• Mitski: vocals• Patrick Hyland: electric, acoustic guitars• Bruno Esrubilsky: drums• Jeni Magaña: bas
New Music Friday: The best albums out March 20
BTS. Alex Isley. Dubstep-infused hyperpop from underscores. NPR Music's Hazel Cills chats with Francesca Harding of member station KCRW in Los Angeles about their favorite albums out Friday, March 20. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Introduction & BTS, 'ARIRANG'(02:28) Alex Isley, 'When The City Sleeps'(07:52) under
Alt.Latino: A Tejano master gets his flowers. Plus, Yahritza y Su Esencia returns
This week's new music pairs well with a glass of wine - or, at least, that's what Ana chose while taping this happy hour edition of Alt.Latino at Felix's dining room table. And the music on tap spans a huge breadth of styles. Yahritza y Su Esencia returns with a powerful sophomore album after a spell out of the limelight. Brazilian legend-in-the-making Lucas Santtana collaborates with his mentor G
All Songs Considered: Olivia Rodrigo covers The Magnetic Fields, Noah Kahan channels his mom, and more
We check back in with our running list of the best songs of the week, including Olivia Rodrigo’s cover of The Magnetic Fields classic “The Book of Love,” Noah Kahan’s anthemic new single “Porch Light,” one of Aldous Harding’s boldest songs to date and more. NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton.(00:00) Intro(01:29) Noah Kahan: “Porch Light” from ‘The Great Divide’(09:09) Olivia Rodrigo:
Interview: Kacey Musgraves on her new album, 'Middle of Nowhere'
Earlier this week, country superstar Kacey Musgraves announced her sixth album, Middle of Nowhere, which will be released on May 1. Since her Grammy-winning 2018 album Golden Hour, Musgraves has explored a space beyond country music, but the new album reflects a renewed interest in traditional country and western sounds, influenced by the time she's been spending on either side of the Texas-Mexico
New Music Friday: The best albums out March 13
James Blake. Kim Gordon. Sturgill Simpson's country-funk alter ego. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Amelia Mason from WBUR in Boston about their favorite albums out Friday, March 13. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Introduction & Oscars predictions(02:15) Johnny Blue Skies & The Dark Clouds, 'Mutiny After Mi
Alt.Latino: If the singer falls silent, life falls silent: Female power anthems
International Women's Day is more than a perfunctory holiday in many parts of Latin America. In Mexico City, for example, more than 120,000 people turned out on Sunday to protest femicide and celebrate the ongoing fight for basic rights for women in the country. In honor of the holiday, this week's episode debuts our female power anthems hall of fame, highlighting women in Latin music whose art ch
All Songs Considered: Cruelly ranking the best original song Oscar nominees
Will this finally be Diane Warren’s year at the Oscars, when she goes up against “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters and “I Lied to You” from Sinners? (Probably not.)Host Robin Hilton is joined by New Music Friday’s Stephen Thompson to cruelly rank those nominees along with “Train Dreams” from Train Dreams and “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from Viva Verdi!.(00:00) Intro(02:37) Fifth place(08:45) Fourth place
New Music Friday: The best albums out March 6
Flying Lotus. waterbaby. The groovy affirmations of Joshua Idehen. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Nate Chinen from WRTI in Philadelphia about their favorite albums out Friday, March 6. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Introduction & Harry Styles, 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.'(03:18) Flying Lotus,
Alt.Latino: From church basement to salsa immortality: Remembering Willie Colón
On Feb. 21, the musical world lost a legend and pioneer of salsa: Willie Colón.The trombonist, songwriter, producer and arranger was a key part of the transition of Afro-Caribbean dance music from regional traditions to worldwide popularity. For an insider’s perspective on that history, this week we speak to trombonist and bandleader Angel “Papo” Vázquez, a Philadelphia-born musician who was not o
All Songs Considered: Even more songs to calm the nerves
Our third installment of calming songs includes Max Richter’s tribute to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ambient sounds from Ryuichi Sakamoto, Brazilian jazz from Wayne Shorter and more.Note: This episode originally ran in April, 2025Artists and songs featured on this episode:(00:00) Intro(02:20) The Choir: “You Don’t Have To Smile,” from ‘Translucent’(05:58) Orbital Patterns: “Can’t Te
New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 27
Bruno Mars. Mitski. Grief and celebration from Gorillaz. Robin Hilton welcomes Raina Douris from WXPN in Philadelphia to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Feb. 27. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in the lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Introduction & Bruno Mars, 'The Romantic'(03:54) Mitski, 'Nothing's About to Happen to Me'(09:44) Gorillaz, 'T
Alt.Latino: Chicano soul, Canary Islands merengue and a percussion supergroup
This week on Alt.Latino, it's another new music episode with a global panorama: Canary Islands merengue, Chicano soul, Afro-Brazilian roots and more. Plus, a percussion supergroup that Felix could listen to for hours.Featured artists and albums:(00:00) Introduction(01:05) Quevedo, 'NI BORRACHO'(05:12) Joey Quiñones, 'In a Soul Situation'(12:34) Carolina Mama, 'Amina'(15:41) Elipsis, 'Elipsis'(19:3
All Songs Considered: U2 meets the moment, Lana Del Rey goes 'True Detective,' James Blake croons
This week on All Songs Considered: U2 surprise-dropped a new EP that opens with a scorching critique of the government crackdown on immigration; Lana Del Rey inched closer toward releasing her long-awaited album with a haunting and strange ode to love and obsession, while singer Arlo Parks takes a bold step out onto the dance floor. All that and more as host Robin Hilton and NPR Music’s Sheldon Pe
Special announcement
Host Robin Hilton shares an update about some cosmetic changes coming to the 'All Songs Considered' podcast feed.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 20
WILLOW. Altin Gün. Fugazi alumni smashing punk into jazz. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Evan Miller from WYSO in Yellow Springs, Ohio to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Feb. 20.The Starting 5(00:00) Introduction & WILLOW, 'petal rock black'(03:29) Pekka Kuusisto, 'Willows'(08:59) Manu Delago & Max ZT, 'Deuce'(16:21) The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis, 'Deface The Curren
Alt.Latino: A Brazilian summer and a lost Mexican masterpiece
So, I was away for a bit and the new music just piled up during the holidays, and while we were watching Bad Bunny make headlines at the Grammys and the Super Bowl. Our first new music episode of the new year has quite a variety of styles from lots of different countries. We could say that about just about every new music show we produce. But what are we to do when the amount of creativity that co
Andrew Bird on ‘The Pitt,’ Gia Margaret and more of the best new songs
If you watch HBO’s The Pitt, you might have heard the gorgeous new song called “Need Someone” that Andrew Bird wrote for a recent episode. We’ve got that on this week’s show along with reflections on fitting in by letting go, from Gia Margaret and Ratboys; shoegaze from Draag, the twitchy glitchy sounds of Mandy, Indiana and more.NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton to share the best ne
New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 13
August Ponthier. Brent Faiyaz. Jill Scott's first album in more than a decade. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Feb. 13.The Starting 5(00:00) Introduction & Charli xcx, 'Wuthering Heights'(03:06) August Ponthier, 'Everywhere Isn't Texas'(09:38) Brent Faiyaz, 'Icon'(15:29) Jill Scott, 'To Whom Thi
Alt.Latino: Puerto Rico takes the field at the Bad Bunny Super Bowl
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show was many things: a time-traveling journey through the history of Puerto Rico, a statement of pan-American unity, and a masterpiece of cultural expression. This week, co-hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are joined by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento — who brings on-the-ground reporting from San Juan — to unpack the symbolism embedded in Bad Bunny's performance.S
Why everyone is still talking about Geese
With the arrival of the Geese Tiny Desk, we thought we’d try to break down what it is about this band that has made them one of the most talked about and polarizing acts of the past six months.Host Robin Hilton is joined by NPR Music's Ann Powers and host of The Ringer's Bandsplain podcast Yasi Salek to make sense of all the fuss. (Full disclosure: We all love Geese.)Support the show with a review
New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 6
Ratboys. Beverly Glenn-Copeland. Caribou's club alter-ego. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music chats with Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee about their favorite new albums out Friday, Feb. 6.The Starting 5(00:00) Introduction & J. Cole, 'The Fall Off'(02:11) Ratboys, 'Singin' To An Empty Chair'(08:27) Beverly Glenn-Copeland, 'Laughter In Summer'(16:27) Daphni, 'Butterfly'(21:22) Charlotte Day Wilson, 'Pa
Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny makes history at the Grammys. Up next, the Super BBowl
Last Sunday, Bad Bunny's DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS became the first exclusively Spanish language album to win album of the year at the Grammys. This coming Sunday, the Puerto Rican megastar will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. For this week's episode, Anamaria Sayre and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento chat about what these two moments mean for Bad Bunny, the island of Puerto Rico, and the role of Lat
Beck, Asher White, Friko and more of the week’s best new songs
The Beck rarity “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime” has officially hit streaming services and we can’t get enough of it. We’ve also got new (not-yet-announced) projects from Friko and Asher White, a witchy new cut from the duo Sibyl, the Polish composer and guitarist Szymon Wójcik and more.NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.Featured songs and artists:(00:00) Intro and The Grammys(03:3
Recapping a historic Grammys night
Enjoy Pop Culture Happy Hour's late-night recap of the 2026 Grammy Awards, featuring NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Hazel Cills, as well as pop culture journalist (and former NPR intern) Reanna Cruz.(00:00) Intro(00:46) Album of the year: Bad Bunny(05:24) Record of the year: Kendrick Lamar(08:51) Best new artist medley(13:52) Lady Gaga's three Grammys(18:44) Song of the year: Billie Eilish(21:05
New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 30
Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon. Emily Scott Robinson. Blood harmonies from Irish brothers Ye Vagabonds. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music chats with Dre Castillo from KVNF in western Colorado about the best albums out Friday, Jan. 30.The Starting 5(00:00) Introduction(01:21) Emily Scott Robinson, 'Appalachia'(08:58) Ye Vagabonds, 'All Tied Together'(16:05) Jordan Ward, 'Backward'(21:48) Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon,
Alt.Latino: Venezuelan producer Ella Bric spins songs with a 'teardrop of optimism'
This month Alt.Latino's been looking at the music of Venezuela from a lot of different angles. For this episode, we’ve invited trumpet player and producer Ella Bric to be our guest DJ. She shared what she thinks are the most socially, culturally and politically impactful pieces of music to come out of Venezuela in the last half century.Ella Bric grew up in a migrant-rich town in Venezuela called S
Best new songs: Mitski, Father John Misty, Kim Gordon, more
This week we're obsessing over the hilarious and harrowing “Where’s My Phone?” from Mitski, a slightly softer solo cut from Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon, the confounding but wondrous wordplay of Father John Misty and more.NPR Music editor Hazel Cills joins host Robin Hilton.Featured songs and artists:(00:00) Mitski: “Where’s My Phone?” from ‘Nothing’s About to Happen to Me’(09:29) Robber Robber: “The
New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 23
Lucinda Williams. Julian Lage. The debut from rising Americana star Kashus Culpepper. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music chats with Jessie Scott from WMOT in Nashville about the best new albums out Friday, Jan. 23.The Starting 5(00:00) Intro: Cat Power, 'Redux' EP(02:14) Lucinda Williams, 'World's Gone Wrong'(07:36) Carolina Chocolate Drops, 'Genuine Negro Jig' (15th Anniversary Edition)(15:19) Kashu
Alt.Latino: Rawayana on their new album and a changing Venezuela
Sometimes life imitates art - or at least the two can seem eerily connected. On Jan. 1, the Venezuelan band Rawayana released a new album, '¿Dónde Es El After?,' which began with a lyric that many interpreted as a wish for their country's leadership to be gone. A few days later, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was ousted from power and seized by American forces. For this week's episode, we cha
What are the greatest videos of MTV’s golden era?
Reports from late last year about the demise of MTV were overstated; but it got us thinking about the network’s legacy and most memorable moments. So, on this episode, we remember the best of MTV with a list of our top 20 videos from its golden era.If you’re listening on Spotify, tell us your favorite classic music video in the episode’s comments. You can support the show by leaving a review on Ap
New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 16
Ya Tseen. The Sha La Das. A mesmerizing collaboration between Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Alex Newman from KMHD in Portland to chat about the best albums out Friday, January 16.The Starting 5(00:00) Intro & A$AP Rocky, 'Don't Be Dumb'(02:36) Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore, 'Tragic Magic'(07:43) The Sha La Das, 'Your Picture'(15:33) Ya Tseen,
Alt.Latino: Our Love Letter to Bob Weir
Over the weekend, we lost a musician who shaped the lives of countless people: the late, great Bob Weir. He was a founding member of the Grateful Dead who played guitar, wrote and sang in the band for 30 years. After Jerry Garcia died and the Grateful Dead disbanded in 1995, Weir kept the spirit of the music alive for three more decades, creating new Deadheads for generations to come — he brought
Big Thief’s Buck Meek, Joji and more of the week's best songs
NPR’s classical critic Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton for our first spin of the best songs we’re hearing in 2026, including new ones from Big Thief’s Buck Meek, the genre-hopping artist Joji, “fragile hope” from composer Daníel Bjarnason and more. Featured artists and songs:1. Buck Meek: “Gasoline,” from ‘The Mirror’2. Pekka Kuusisto & Sam Amidon: "Way Go, Lily" (Arr. by Nico Muhly / Adapted
Recommended
The Trail Went Cold
Breaking the Cycle
Bloom and Belong
Bruno Mars - Biography Flash
Spiritual Wisdom Weekly – from GOCSL
Self Love Chats: Money Mindset & Personal Growth for Ambitious Women
Dad V Girls After Hours
Saints‘ Hill Church Podcast
The Arab Film Club Podcast
AI Fire Daily
The Fifteenth Page Show | AI Systems, Marketing Tips, andContent Marketing Strategy for Busy Teams
Intrigue Outloud
