All Songs Considered
Episodes
The Best Albums of 2025
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If we needed any more proof that the album isn't dead, 2025 was it. On this episode, Stephen Thompson is joined by Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen to...
Alt.Latino: What Were Felix and Ana's 2025 Favorites?
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This year was bookended by two major statements in Latin music. In January, Bad Bunny released DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, and followed that up with a 31...
The Best Songs of 2025
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When the dust settles on 2025, what songs will remain in heavy rotation? We look back at a dizzying amount of music and share some of our picks for th...
Our No. 1 songs: 2021
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve got a funny feeling about the times, stay indoors (together alone), and dream about life on the other side.Note: This is a recurring series in...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Dec. 5
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dove Ellis. Melody's Echo Chamber. Editors' Tom Smith. Erin Wolf of Radio Milwaukee joins Stephen Thompson to discuss those albums and more on our las...
Alt.Latino: Zen and the art of new music
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some folks think by December all the releases for the year are complete. Not quite. This week's Alt.Latino episode features a new music show with alb...
The year in review, 2025
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We look back at the year’s most defining moments in music, from the Trump administration’s takeover of the Kennedy Center to Kendrick’s Super Bo...
Our no. 1 songs: 2020
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We make some bad moves, start over, and take a day off in Kyoto as we look back at the songs we loved most from 2020.Note: This is a recurring series ...
New Music Friday: Record Store Day Black Friday 2025
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's 177 new special edition physical releases out today, so go support your local music purveyor. On this abbreviated version of 'New Music Friday...
A Thanksgiving playlist: songs of joy and gratitude
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson share stories and songs of gratitude from NPR listeners.Note: This is an encore presentation that originally r...
Our No. 1 songs: 2019
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We bury a friend, visit the School of Design, and gather around a crowded table to remember the songs that take us back to 2019.Note: This is a recurr...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 21
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Odeal. Snarky Puppy. The return of Tobias Jesso Jr. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Justus Sanchez from KNKX in Seattle and Tacoma to cha...
Alt.Latino: Roots and unity at the Latin Grammys
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The annual Latin Grammy awards are always full of glamour and glitz. But they're also an ideal time to take the pulse of the industry - which is exac...
The Contenders, Vol. 25: Robyn, Rosalía, Nothing, Snocaps, more
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our final contenders episode of 2025, we’ve got some late additions to our running list of the year’s best songs, including Robyn’s first new...
Our no. 1 songs: 2018
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An Afro-futurist universe with funk and lots of theater (and a big nod to Prince), a potent, political gut punch from a beloved actor and comedian, er...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 14
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
FKA twigs. The Avett Brothers. Madi Diaz covering blink-182. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Liz Warner from WDET in Detroit to chat abou...
Alt.Latino: Rosalía in her own words
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Spanish vocalist and composer Rosalía has been a major presence in Spanish language music since she released her first album, "El Mal Querer," in 201...
The Contenders, Vol. 24: JADE, S.G. Goodman, Cleo Reed, more
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the end of 2025 in sight, we pause to update our running list of the year’s best songs. Our latest adds include the (possibly twisted) dance po...
Our no. 1 songs: 2017
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A Pulitzer Prize-winning hip-hop album, a crushing elegy to a lost love, a reevaluation of Kesha, "melodrama" from Lorde and more.Note: This is a recu...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 7
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mavis Staples. Young Miko. A jaw-dropping project from Rosalía. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Liz Felix ...
Alt.Latino: Portraits of Jazz and Identity in Latin America
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever since I heard the Argentine saxophonist Gato Barbieri back in the Seventies, I’ve been fascinated by musicians from South America who found the...
New songs to calm the nerves: 2025
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our fourth installment of music to slow the blood is a mix of all-new releases from this year, from the world-building, ambient sounds of Ozbolt and K...
Our no. 1 songs: 2016
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It was a year of staggering losses, from David Bowie and Prince to Leonard Cohen and George Michael. But it was also a year of monumental new music, i...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 31
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A Waxahatchee side project. Guided By Voices. keiyaA. Marfa Public Radio's Julie Bee joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to break down the best albums...
Alt.Latino: Salsa, bossa nova, and Argentina's next big thing
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not to sound like a broken record, but I'll say it again: the variety of creative expression in what is inadequately labeled "Latin music" continues t...
The Contenders, Vol. 23: Brandi Carlile, Blood Orange, Magdalena Bay, more
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a week of surprises as we update our running list of the year’s best music, with a mix of songs that refuse to be any one thing. Plus, singer...
Our no. 1 songs: 2015
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Guitar rock comes roaring back, a monumental tear-jerker wrecks legions of fans, hip-hop hits Broadway and more.Note: This is a recurring series in ce...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 24
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brandi Carlile. Miguel. Tortoise. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Ayana Contreras from KUVO in Denver about their favorite albums out Friday, Oct. 24...
“I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” by Stevie Wonder
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first episode of a new series on All Songs Considered, hosted by NPR Music critic Ann Powers and editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen. Most of what yo...
Alt.Latino: The beauty of simplicity
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The past month has been a whirlwind. The El Tiny takeover of the Tiny Desk... interviews with some of the most exciting artists in Latin music... and,...
Redefining the Halloween canon
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who’s the Mariah Carey of Halloween? Labels and artists are trying to capitalize on spooky season, but these are the songs that belong in the canon,...
Our no. 1 songs: 2014
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new synth-pop duo comes out of the gate with a perfect song and country gets metaphysical, but a surprise drop from the tail end of 2013 dominates t...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 17
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tame Impala. Silvana Estrada. Soulwax! Guest host Anamaria Sayre is joined by Travis Holcombe of KCRW in Los Angeles to chat about their favorite albu...
Alt.Latino: Silvana Estrada's stunning sophomore album
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is no question that Mexican vocalist and composer Silvana Estrada is special to Alt.Latino. Ever since she launched her 2022 album "Marchita" w...
The Contenders, Vol. 22: Geese, Dijon, Juana Molina, more
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve got two of the most-talked-about albums of the year, the return of electro-folk wonder Juana Molina, guitar rock from Alien Boy, Agriculture a...
Our no. 1 songs: 2013
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A country music makeover, an electro-pop crooner inspired by Sam Cooke, the stomp-clap era continues, and more.Note: This is a recurring feature in ce...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 10
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Makaya McCraven. Madi Diaz. The return of Mobb Deep. Guest host Rodney Carmichael chats with Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville about their favorite...
Our no. 1 songs: 2012
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The flood gates open to K-Pop, plus a feel-good rock anthem (from a band that hasn’t released anything since), a pop juggernaut that became the year...
Alt.Latino: A conversation with Gloria Estefan
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gloria Estefan is one of those musicians whose work and mere presence in the record industry deserves without question platitudes like ‘pioneering’...
A conversation with David Gilmour
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Pink Floyd guitarist and singer talks about the 50th anniversary of Wish You Were Here, a new live album and concert film for his latest solo rele...
Taylor Swift: 'The Life Of A Showgirl'
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Taylor Swift just dropped her new album The Life Of A Showgirl. It touches on her relationship with fiancé Travis Kelce while reflecting on fame, nor...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 3
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
dodie. Molly Nilsson. Leon Vynehall. We welcome Skylar Rochelle of 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City to the show to recommend five albums not made by Tay...
Alt.Latino: The return of El Tiny
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's that time of year again: NPR's Tiny Desk becomes El Tiny, featuring concerts from some of the most exciting and legendary Latin artists around. S...
The Contenders, Vol. 21: Tame Impala, Dominic Fike, Amber Mark, more
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We update our running list of the year’s best songs with club beats from Tame Impala, the fractured pop of Dominik Fike, good vibes from singer Ambe...
Our No. 1 songs: 2011
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We "wake the hell up" to pop music, Adele plays the Tiny Desk, a certain Australian artist drops the year's most infectious song, and more.Note: This ...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 26
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Neko Case. Jeff Tweedy. Amanda Shires' divorce album. Evan Miller from member station WYSO in Ohio joins Lars Gotrich to talk about their favorite alb...
Alt.Latino: New songs from Spain, the D.R. and more
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The way new music comes to Alt.Latino World Headquarters says a lot about our slight age difference. I still get CDs in the mail, with an occasional m...
How Jeff Tweedy finds joy in troubled times
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Wilco frontman talks about his new triple solo album, 'Twilight Override,' an enthralling opus on the miracle and wonder of life, and why he can't...
Our No. 1 songs: 2010
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It was a year of both soaring euphoria and quiet calm, with lots of sonic adventures.Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25...
The best new albums out Sept. 19
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joan Shelley, Lola Young and the return of Sarah McLachlan. Kyle Meredith from WFPK in Louisville joins Stephen Thompson to chat about their favorite ...
Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny Closes Out His Residency
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bad Bunny's months-long residency in Puerto Rico is coming to an end. The shows brought in hundreds of millions of dollars to the island, and sparked ...
The Contenders, Vol. 20: The Beths, Dustin O’Halloran, Nicholas Payton, more
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve got six must-hear songs to add to our running list of the year’s best tracks, including some shredding from The Beths, a gorgeous solo piano...
Our No. 1 songs: 2009
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We enter the stomp-clap era as we look back at our number one songs from 2009.Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th anni...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 12
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Guerilla Toss. Die Spitz. The return of Spinal Tap. Raina Douris from WXPN's World Cafe joins Stephen Thompson to discuss their favorite albums out Fr...
Alt.Latino: A Tribute to Felix
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week's episode of Alt.Latino is a tribute to host Felix Contreras, who just received the Hispanic Heritage Award for Journalism from the Hispanic...
The Contenders, Vol. 19: Neko Case, Asher White, caroline, more
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hear the songs we just had to share this week. NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton to update our running list of the year’s best songs...
Our No. 1 songs: 2008
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What songs take us back to 2008? Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson recall a pretty folk-heavy year with lots of groundbreaking debuts.Note: This is a ...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 5
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Big Thief. David Byrne. El Michels Affair. WFUV's Alisa Ali joins Stephen Thompson to discuss their favorite albums coming out Friday, Sept. 5.The Sta...
Alt.Latino: Tim Bernardes, Mabe Fratti, more
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Felix shares the music that's helped him recover from a serious illness. Anamaria shares some new exquisite (and, in one case, slightly toxic) love so...
The most anticipated fall '25 albums
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We get a jump on the upcoming fall releases we’re most excited about, including new ones from Skullcrusher, S. Carey, Silvana Estrada and more. Feat...
Our No. 1 songs: 2007
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The songs that take us back to 2007, the golden age of indie pop and rock.Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th annivers...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 29
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sabrina Carpenter. The Beaches. Margo Price. This week, Stephen Thompson chats with NPR Music's Hazel Cills and WMOT's Jessie Scott about the best new...
Alt.Latino: Omar Apollo, Mon Laferte, Mabe Fratti
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez-Sarmiento is back on the mic, bringing host Anamaria Sayre new music in the vein of her 2010s Tumblr era....
The Contenders, Vol. 18: Disiniblud, Anamanaguchi, more
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We update our running list of the year’s best songs with a bunch of glitched-out ear candy, raging rock, and tracks that seek real, human connection...
Our No. 1 songs: 2006
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The songs that take us back to 2006.Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary. A shortened version of this epi...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 22
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nourished By Time. Mac Demarco. Earl Sweatshirt. Stephen Thompson and Vermont Public's Tad Cautious discuss the best new albums out this new music Fri...
Our No. 1 songs: 2005
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What songs take us back to 2005?Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary. A shortened version of this episode...
Flaco Jimenez and Eddie Palmieri: Why Their Music Mattered
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Alt.Latino we often discuss the way that traditions are recognized and expanded upon. Usually it’s when we’re talking about new artists. But t...
Our No. 1 songs: 2000-2004
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A nostalgic look back at the most memorable songs that defined All Songs Considered in its first five years. Note: This is a recurring feature in cele...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 15
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
KAYTRANADA. Dijon. Molly Tuttle. We discuss the best new albums of the week with arts critic Amelia Mason from WBUR in Boston.Intro• KAYTRANADA, 'AI...
Alt.Latino: Xavi, Simon Grossmann, more
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alt.Latino host Anamaria Sayre and frequent guest Isabella Gomez Sarmiento share their favorite Latin pop earworms of the moment. Featured artists an...
What's the perfect road trip playlist?
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Before summer disappears, we share our favorite songs for your long and winding drives, plus a list of ground rules (does the driver always have final...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 8
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ethel Cain. Charley Crockett. J.I.D. Plug in to the week's top new releases with NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and guest DeShun Nance of WJSU's The Sip...
Alt.Latino: Sofia Kourtesis, Lucrecia Dalt, more
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some might call it whiplash, the way we sometimes zip from one genre of Latin music to another in our New Music shows. But I like to think of it as an...
The Contenders, Vol. 17: Keaton Henson, Arvo Pärt, Julia Hamos, more
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We update our list of the year’s best songs with new obsessions from The Antlers, polymath Keaton Henson, pianist Julia Hamos, Estonian composer Arv...
New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 1
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Newcomer Emily Hines. Hardcore collective The Armed. A Susumu Yokota boxset. WDET's Liz Warner joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to dive into their f...
Alt.Latino: It's a Bad Bunny summer in Puerto Rico: Ana recaps 2 of his shows
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Global superstar Bad Bunny is hosting an unprecedented 30 concert residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fans are calling it a defining cultural moment f...
Roséwave: Summer's Simple Pleasures
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You asked, we listened: Roséwave is back! Our summer playlist series returns with syrupy sweet songs from the likes of Amerie, Wednesday, Addison Rae...
New Music Friday: The best albums out July 25
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler Childers. Patty Griffin. Indigo De Souza. Joe Kendrick of WNCW in North Carolina joins us to discuss the best albums out on July 25.Intro:• Ty...
Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny residency prep, new guitar tracks and Latin genre benders
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Before Ana heads off to see Bad Bunny's unprecedented residency in Puerto Rico, we chat a little about why the celebration is significant to the islan...
The Contenders, Vol. 16: Jay Som, Jeff Tweedy, Kassa Overall, more
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can music save the world? The songs in this week's mix consider the power of creativity as we update our running list of the year's best tracks, with ...
Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit d...
New Music Friday: The best albums out July 18
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alex G. Paramore's Zac Farro. Lord Huron. It's a packed release week, and we've got Chelsea O from Buffalo/Toronto Public Media on the show to unpack ...
Alt.Latino: Joy and resistance, plus Felix shares some of his favorite playlists
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Ana and I share some of our long time favorites. While Ana leans into music discovery, I tend to bring more of the classics. In fact, I buil...
What makes for a summer song?
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Robin Hilton, Anamaria Sayre and Hazel Cills gather to share songs that feel like summer — and that means staying indoors to avoid the heat as well ...
Is John Williams the GOAT?
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With strains of John Williams' music once again animating and inspiring the summer blockbuster season — as heard in Jurassic World Rebirth, the new...
New Music Friday: The best albums out July 11
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is back with Celia Gregory of Nashville public radio station WXPN to talk through this week's best new music.Intro:- The ...
Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny gets political, Brazilian grooves from Brooklyn and more
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ana and Felix break down Bad Bunny's latest political video. Hear their failed attempt at a blindfold listening game.Artists and songs featured in thi...
The Contenders, Vol. 15: Wisp, Blonde Redhead, Sherelle, more
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brittany Luse, host of NPR's It's Been A Minute, joins us to update our running list of the year's best songs, including new shoegaze from Wisp, heart...
New Music Friday: The best albums out July 4
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kesha. Kae Tempest. Nilüfer Yanya. It's an abbreviated Independence Day edition of New Music Friday.Featured albums:• Kesha, '.'• Kae Tempest, 'S...
Alt.Latino: Isabella Lovestory, Vicente García, more
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our selections this week feature a crate diggers' delight from Colombia and the sound of modern rap in Mexico.Featured artists and songs:• Óscar Ag...
2025's best songs (so far)
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we share our wildly incomplete list of the year's best tracks so far, including bangers from PinkPantheress and HAIM, a slow-burner from Lan...
New Music Friday: The best albums out June 27
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Madison McFerrin. Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas. Durand Jones & The Indications. KALW's Wonway Posibul joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to share the...
Alt.Latino: Karol G's 'Tropicoqueta'
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karol G leans into a Pan-Latin approach on her latest album. Jazz vocalist Roxana Amed reimagines classic rock from her native Argentina. And more.Art...
The Contenders, Vol. 14: Upchuck, Just Mustard, Brandon Woody, more
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week's update to our running list of the year's best songs includes some scorchers from Atlanta's Upchuck, the shoegaze group Just Mustard, jazz ...
New Music Friday: The best albums out June 20
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
HAIM. Hotline TNT. Yaya Bey. World Cafe's Raina Douris joins Stephen Thompson to give you a quick tour through the best records out this week.Featured...
Alt.Latino's Favorite music of 2025 (so far)
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A look at some of the most intriguing music released during the first six months of the year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices....
Fever Ray, The Beaches, Patrick Watson, more: The Contenders, Vol. 13
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The latest additions to our list of the year's best songs include a joyful new banger from The Beaches, a wondrous tapestry of sounds from singer Patr...
New Music Friday: The best new albums out June 13
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brandee Younger. The Cure. Annahstasia. WRTI's Nate Chinen joins Stephen Thompson to discuss our favorite albums of the week.Featured albums:• Annah...
Alt.Latino: Bruce Springsteen, Louie TheSinger, more
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Anamaria Sayre continues to scour her part of the internet for great new tracks that will impress Felix Contreras, while he continues to exp...