NPR Music

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...

Summer '25 Album Preview

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We look at the most anticipated albums coming this summer, from Wet Leg, Big Thief, Superchunk, Lucrecia Dalt and more. WNXP's Celia Gregory joins NPR...

New Music Friday: The best albums out June 6

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pulp. Turnstile. Little Simz. It's a packed release week, and NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is here to walk you through it, along with friend of the pr...

Alt.Latino: Accordions!

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The influence of Eastern Europe immigration in Latin America can be heard in the way the accordion was adapted and adopted in countries like Mexico, C...

Little Simz, Ty Segall, yeule, more: The Contenders, Vol. 12

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We update our running list of the year's best songs with old-school guitar rock from Ty Segall, a playful left turn for rapper Little Simz, yeule's po...

New Music Friday: The best albums out May 30

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The National's Matt Berninger. Low's Alan Sparhawk. yeule. KXT's Jackson Wisdorf joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to talk about their favorite recor...

Alt.Latino: Our favorite Latin bands from the Tiny Desk Contest

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras was a Tiny Desk Contest judge this year, and on this episode, he brings six of his favorite entries to the show. Artis...

10 years later, Sufjan Stevens offers a startling reevaluation of 'Carrie & Lowell'

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In a conversation with All Songs Considered's Robin Hilton, Stevens shares a complex and conflicted view of the album he wrote about his mother in the...

New Music Friday: The best albums out May 23

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stereolab. Ganavya. Marc Ribot. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Robert Moore, host of 'Sonic Spectrum' on 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City, to the...

Alt.Latino: Paloma Morphy, rusowsky, Pachyman

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre share six new songs from across the spectrum of Latin music.Featured artists and songs:• Paloma Morphy, "1 tipo n...

Laufey, Fiona Apple, Lord Huron, more: The Contenders, Vol. 11

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've got another update to our running list of the year's best songs with the return of Fiona Apple, Laufey, deep reflections from Lord Huron and mor...

New Music Friday: The best albums out May 16

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tune-Yards. Aminé. Lido Pimienta. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and KCRW's Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras give you a quick roundup of the most exciting al...

Alt.Latino: Guitarricadelafuente, Lido Pimienta, more

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Co-host Anamaria Sayre finally gets to share the new Guitarricadelafuente album with the world, and catch the NPR audience on the viral sensation Maca...

Natalia Lafourcade, Chris Staples, more: The Contenders, Vol. 10

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We update our running list of the year's best songs with a plainspoken but moving story from Chris Staples, a wildly unpredictable piece from soprano ...

New Music Friday: The best albums out May 9

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes WXPN's John Morrison to discuss billy woods, Thom Yorke, PinkPantheress and more.Featured albums: • billy wood...

Alt.Latino: The Mars Volta, Argentine Beatles covers, and more

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The music this week comes from a variety of countries and genres, some of it sounds like music you've heard ... while others sound like nothing you've...

Perfect Sunday morning albums

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 you...

New Music Friday: The best albums out May 2

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Julie Bee of Marfa Public Radio to talk through the best albums released on May 2.Featured albums:• Car Se...

Alt.Latino: Rapper PJ Sin Suela on Puerto Rican hip-hop and more

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anamaria Sayre talks about the history of Puerto Rican hip-hop with rapper PJ Sin Suela. Featured artists and songs:• PJ Sin Suela & Chuwi, "Escúch...

The music of 'Sinners,' hyper-pop and more: The Contenders, Vol. 9

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We update our running list of the year's best songs with a staggering cut from the new 'Sinners' film, hyperpop from Jane Remover, the return of Foxwa...

New Music Friday: The best albums out April 25

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Coco Jones. Samia. Fly Anakin. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Ayana Contreras from Denver public radio stations KUVO Jazz and The Drop to discu...

Alt.Latino: Natalia Lafourcade, Eladio Carrión, more

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre talk artistic growth and precocious talent.Featured artists and songs:• Natalia Lafourcade, "Can...

Songs that hit you hard

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We asked listeners to tell us about the one song they couldn't stop listening to because of how it made them feel. On this episode we share some of th...

New Music Friday: The best albums out April 18

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Julien Baker & Torres. Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson. TV On The Radio's Tunde Adebimpe. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Brian Burns of Nort...

Alt.Latino: A Banjo, Bomba, Bardo y Más

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anamaria continues to impress Felix with new female voices, while he shares more jazz and Puerto Rican bomba fusion.Featured artists and songs:• Que...

Stereolab returns and more: The Contenders, Vol. 8

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stereolab is back with its first new music in 15 years. We give it a spin on this week's show, along with the scorched rock of feeble little horse, a ...

New Music Friday: The best albums out April 11

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bon Iver returns. Valerie June branches out. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Erin Wolf of Radio Milwaukee's 88Nine to the show for a quick run-t...