NPR Music

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

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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...

Alt.Latino: Bad Bunny's Tiny Desk

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bad Bunny's Tiny Desk concert was the most watched premiere in the series' history. In this episode, Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre speaks with the super...

Even more songs to calm the nerves

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our third installment of calming songs includes Max Richter's tribute to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ambient sounds from Ryuichi Sakamo...

New Music Friday: The best albums out April 4

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Hold Steady's Craig Finn. Momma. Newcomers Lily Seabird and duendita. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson teamed up with Zach McCormick of Minnesota Publ...

Alt.Latino: New music and a psicodélico explainer

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre play the new music that caught their ears this week, plus Felix delivers a deep dive into the root...

New Wet Leg, Sufjan Stevens, more: The Contenders, Vol. 7

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wet Leg is back with another burst of wildly infectious, frenetic rock. We've got that, the original version of an Oscar-worthy Sufjan Stevens song, a...

Special announcement

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A quick note about today's episode from All Songs Considered.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

New Music Friday: The best records out March 28

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lucy Dacus. Perfume Genius. Destroyer. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Colorado Public Radio's Alisha Sweeney of Indie 102.3 to guide you throug...

Alt.Latino: Songs To Move By

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras discuss the best music Felix unearthed while moving out of his apartment.Learn more about sponsor message cho...

Saying 'goodbye' to SXSW Music

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We look at how and why SXSW, once the world's largest music festival, is being scaled back to a shell of itself, what was so special about it, and wha...

New Music Friday: The best albums out March 21

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Japanese Breakfast. My Morning Jacket. Greentea Peng. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Izzi Bavis from Baltimore public radio station WTMD to run...

The most anticipated spring albums

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We look ahead to the most anticipated albums due out this spring, including Rico Nasty's LETHAL, the return of Car Seat Headrest and Lucius, the exist...

New Music Friday: The best albums out March 14

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Charley Crockett. Twin Shadow. Throwing Muses. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Matt Reilly of Austin public radio station KUTX to discuss th...

Alt.Latino: A Latin Jazz survey, plus Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alt.Latino hosts share six songs that they've had on repeat over the past month.Featured artists and songs:• Edison Machado & Boa Nova, "Naquela Bas...

The Contenders, Vol. 6: The songs we can't stop playing this week

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've got just what you need for that stubborn case of existential dread in a looming dystopia as we update our running list of the year's best songs,...

New Music Friday: The best albums out March 7

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lady Gaga. Jason Isbell. Newcomer Annie DiRusso. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Celia Gregory from Nashville public radio station WNXP to discu...

Alt.Latino: New Music + Violeta Parra

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre balance their passion for new discoveries with reissued music from an iconic Latin Ameri...

All Songs Considered At 25

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we celebrate a quarter century of music nerdom and buffoonery, we remember the songs that shaped the show and our lives, with 25 No. 1 tracks from ...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 28

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Animal Collective's Panda Bear. Nicolás Jaar's DARKSIDE. Newcomer Hope Tala. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson discusses these albums and more with KCRW's...

Alt.Latino celebrates Black History Month

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras speaks with Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican saxophonist Miguel Zenón about the Afro-Latino legacy on the island.Lea...

The Contenders, Vol. 5: The songs we can't stop playing this week

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We update our running list of the year's best songs with the cinematic pop of Oklou, Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir, the experimental hip-hop...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 21

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Fender. The Drive-By Truckers' Patterson Hood. Jesse Welles. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson discussed these new albums and more with country star Ka...

And the Oscar for Original Song goes to...

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With Oscar season here, we review the nominees for Original Song and Original Score, prognosticate who will win the statues on March 2, and look at th...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 14

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bartees Strange. Denison Witmer. The Sun Ra Arkestra's Marshall Allen. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Nate Chinen of Philadelphia's WRTI to dis...