NPR Music

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 of the Obama years, and prolonged period of generational disillusionment. NPR Music editors Hazel Cills and Sheldon Pearce join host Robin Hilton. A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org 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

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 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

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. 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

Our latest mix of the week’s best new songs includes a moody reflection on burnout from Gracie Abrams, rising L.A. duo Evening Elephants, the elusive electronic collagists Ear and more. NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton. Please leave a glowing review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (01:45) Gracie Abrams: “Hit the Wall” (08:10) Zoh Amba: “Eyes Full" (14:18) Jazmin Bean: “Darling” (21:57) Ear: “Ne Plus Ultra” (27:46) Evening Elephants: “A Digital Touch” (33:07) Knats: “Carpet Doctor (feat. Geordie Greep)” 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

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. 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

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 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

Since 2014, we've been hitting bands up to send in their videos for a chance 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. 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

Our latest mix of the best new tracks this week includes a massive eye-roll from Charli xcx, the first-ever solo music from Mike D of the Beastie Boys, another surprise drop from electronic music icons Boards of Canada, and more. NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton. Leave us a glowing review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (01:18) Charli xcx: “Rock Music” (Single) (07:30) Starflyer 59: “I’m Disappointed” from Disappointed EP (12:22) Mike D: “Switch Up” (Single) (19:53) Black Swan Network: “The Shell” from The Early Music, Vol. 1 (25:30) Hannah Cohen: “Golden Chain” (Single) (31:55) Boards of Canada: “Introit/Prophecy At 1420 MHz” from Inferno 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

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 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

With Mother’s Day nearing, listeners share songs that remind them of their moms and the deeply moving stories behind them. NPR's Mitra Arthur joins host Robin Hilton. Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro / “Stardust” by Hoagy Carmichael (01:52) Christina Aguilera: “Beautiful” (06:06) Jeannie C. Riley: “Harper Valley P.T.A.” (10:09) Kermit the Frog: “Rainbow Connection” (13:50) Phyllis Hyman: “You Know How To Love Me” (17:16) MILCK: “Oh, Mother” (21:58) Christina Perri: “You Are My Sunshine” (25:33) The Tokens: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (29:16) Four Tops: “Reach Out I’ll Be There” (33:43) Sweet Honey In The Rock: “Wanting Memories” Note: A version of this episode originally ran in 2024 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

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 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

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. 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

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 look pretty sad for a girl so in love (09:50) Peter Gabriel: “Till Your Mind Is Shining (Bright-Side Mix)” from o/i (20:23) Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize: “Heresy” from Nine Inch Noize (28:47) Rosalía: “Focu 'Ranni” from LUX (Complete Works) (36:21) Rostam: “Like a Spark” from American Stories (42:51) Gregory Uhlmann: “Days” from Extra Stars Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org 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

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 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

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. 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

Our latest mix of the best new songs out now includes a scorching new cut from Jack White, a surprise (and breathtaking) return of electronic legends Boards of Canada, outlaw country from Charley Crockett and more. NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton. Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (01:22) Jack White: “G.O.D. and the Broken Ribs” (Single) (08:38) Kelela: “idea 1” (Single) (16:13) mary in the junkyard: “Crash Landing” from Role Model Hermit (24:59) Charley Crockett: “Kentucky Too Long” from Age of the Ram (32:33) Boards of Canada: “Tape 05” (Single) (40:09) Purity Ring: “lemonlime” (Single) 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

We talk with Beck about his gauzy new song, what he’s been up to since releasing his last album seven years ago, and what he (maybe?) has planned for the coming year. Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org 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

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 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

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. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: 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

We celebrate spring and new beginnings with a perfect mix of songs for starting over. This can take many forms: songs that spark a good, cleansing cry; songs that offer wisdom, or just a sure-fire jolt of adrenaline. But in the end, all of the tracks herein can help reconfigure your mood, your day, maybe even ... your life. Host Robin Hilton is joined by NPR Music’s Noah Caldwell and Dora Levite. Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (02:05) Nina Simone: “Feeling Good” from I Put a Spell on You (06:02) Cassandra Jenkins: “Hard Drive” from An Overview of Phenomenal Nature (10:29) Cajmere: “Brighter Days” from Brighter Days (15:42) Beastie Boys: “Sabotage” from Ill Communication (18:54) Wednesday: “Reality TV Argument Bleeds” from Bleeds (22:43) Gregory Alan Isakov: “Second Chances” from The Weatherman (27:09) Bob Marley: “Three Little Birds” from Exodus (30:56) LCD Soundsystem: “oh baby” from American Dream (35:18) Ryuichi Sakamoto: “ZURE” from async (41:02) Amy Shark: “Amy Shark” from Cry Forever (45:26) Sluice: “Beadie” from Companion (50:05) The Allman Brothers Band: “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” from Eat a Peach Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: 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