NPR Music

Alt.Latino: New Music Roundup

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

'Alt.Latino' hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are back with six new songs that span the spectrum of Latinidad.Featured artists and songs:• C...

The Contenders, Vol. 4: The songs we can't stop playing this week

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The latest update to our running list of the year's best songs includes the shredded guitars of girlpuppy, solo material from from TV On The Radio's T...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 7

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sharon Van Etten headlines this week's new releases, but she's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. On this episode, NPR Music's Stephen Thompson w...

Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Jessie Reyez, Arturo O'Farrill and Astropical

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we hear from a Colombian-Venezuelan super group, a new Afro-Brazilian band, and Ana gets another jazz lesson from a Latin jazz orchestra.So...

Lesser-known love songs

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Making a playlist or mixtape for that special someone? We've got you covered this Valentine's Day with these off-the-radar love songs.Featured artists...

2025 Grammys Recap

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We break down the winners, surprise shutouts and more from what's billed as "music's biggest night," courtesy of our friends at Pop Culture Happy Hour...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 31

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Weeknd may be the biggest release of the week, but is it the best? We run down five other albums you should hear, with NPR Music's Stephen Thompso...

Alt.Latino: Why we love Joaquina. Plus, Felix is chismeless

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do not come on Alt.Latino if you don't have good chisme! Ana and Felix talk about their favorite songs of the week, including some psychedelic cumbia,...

The Contenders, Vol. 3: The songs we can't stop playing this week

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We update our list of the year's best songs with a Tamino-Mitski collaboration, Son Lux's first new music since scoring Everything Everywhere All At O...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 24

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

FKA twigs. Central Cee. It's a big week for new releases, and we've got you covered. Host Stephen Thompson welcomes Desiré Moses of Virginia public r...

Alt.Latino: New songs for New Year's resolutions

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras share their goals for 2025 and the new songs that reflect them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastcho...

2025's most-anticipated albums

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We highlight some of the most anticipated albums of the year, including upcoming ones from Perfume Genius, Lucy Dacus, serpentwithfeet and more.Featur...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 17

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes aboard Kara Manning of New York City public radio station WFUV to discuss the best new albums hitting streaming ...

A moment for Los Angeles

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Los Angeles is home for me and always in my heart. Watching the fires from afar in my current city, New York, has me thinking a lot about what makes m...

The Contenders, Vol. 2: The songs we can't stop playing this week

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Japanese Breakfast (Michelle Zauner) is back with her first new album since her memoir, Crying in H Mart, blew up. We've got the first single from it,...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Jan. 10

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by KCRW's Travis Holcombe to run down their four favorite albums out today, as well as the revamped version of ...

Bad Bunny's 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos,' Explained

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alt.Latino hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras, and NPR reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento break down what exactly makes the record so Puerto Rica...

The Contenders, Vol. 1: The songs we can't stop playing this week

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new year means a new running list of our favorite songs, from the transfixing voice of Anna B Savage and FKA Twigs' moody club beats to the '80s-inf...

New Music Friday: The best albums you missed from December

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's been some great music released since the last New Music Friday episode in late November. So, on this slow January release day, NPR Music's Ste...

Viking's Choice: The year in catharsis and calm

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich turns us on to lesser known corners of music from 2024: blooming drone-folk, richly textured jazz, Somali garage-rock,...

Songs that hit hard in 2024

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We asked listeners to tell us about the one song they couldn't stop listening to in 2024 because of how it made them feel. On this episode we share so...

Secret Santa Song Exchange

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to music, December is overflowing with gifts, but we aren't quite done with the presents. This time, the NPR Music team is giving ... to...

Alt.Latino's 'Music We Missed In 2024'

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

'Alt.Latino' hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre do their best to keep up with new releases, but sometimes great music evades their radar. On thi...

A very tolerable Christmas, with All Songs Considered 2024

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our annual attempt to throw a holiday party for the ages continues with a tolerable mix of songs for the season and, as always, some very special gues...

Hip-hop in 2024 was on a wild ride

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Record-breaking mainstream hits. A new generation of artists rising to seize their moment. Rappers in and out of courts. A pair of the biggest names i...

Alt.Latino's favorite songs of 2024

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento run through their favorites in a crowded year for excellent songs, from innovative Spanis...

The Best Songs of 2024

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our special coverage of the year in music continues with a look at the best songs of 2024, featuring Clairo, Tinashe, Chief Keef, Laura Marling and mo...

The Best Albums of 2024, Part 2

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our look back at the best albums of 2024 continues, with Tyler, The Creator, Cassandra Jenkins, The Cure and more.See NPR Music's complete list of the...

Alt.Latino's favorite albums of 2024

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of the year — figuring out the best Latin music of 2024. And every year, it gets harder and harder (seriously, it's difficult!) for A...

The Best Albums of 2024, Part 1

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our annual look back at the year in music begins with the first of a two-part episode highlighting the year's best albums, with Sabrina Carpenter, Doe...

As the Latin Grammys turns 25, how much has Latin music changed? (Part 2)

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre continue their discussion on the 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammys and the industry's changes, featuring insigh...

A Thanksgiving mix: Songs of joy and gratitude

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hosts Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson share stories and songs of gratitude from NPR listeners.Featured songs and artists:1. Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krau...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 22

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers are your guides to the last big Friday of 2024. Plus a deep dive into an epic new Red Hot compilation tit...

As the Latin Grammys turns 25, how much has Latin music changed? (Part 1)

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Latin Grammys recently marked its 25th anniversary. Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre was in Miami to talk to some of Latin music's most influential art...

The Contenders, Vol. 21: The songs we can't stop playing this week

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the final update to our running list of the year's best songs, we've got the cathartic rock of Kassie Krut, a nerve-settling collaboration between ...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 15

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling releases out on November 15. Featured Albums:• FLO, Access All A...

Alt.Latino's New Music Roundup

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre recorded their latest new music guide on the streets of Spain.Learn more about sponsor message cho...

The Contenders, Vol. 20: The songs we can't stop playing this week

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We update our running list of the year's best songs with more calming sounds from Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi, the electronic artist Jon Hopkins, Muno ...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 8

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling albums released this Friday.Featured albums:• Ab-Soul, Soul Burg...

Alt.Latino's Spain Soundtrack

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are in Spain for a music conference. On this episode, they share their favorite discoveries from B...

More songs to calm the nerves

03 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In our second installment of blood-slowing songs we take a deep breath and let it out with the music of Max Richter, Hania Rani, Fleet Foxes, Yasmin W...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Nov. 1

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen are your guides to the most compelling new releases of the week, including the first album in 16 years by...

How hip-hop reached global domination

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over half a century, hip-hop has grown into a globally dominant musical and cultural force while remaining stubbornly, vitally local.When DJ Kool Herc...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 25

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Hazel Cills are your guides to the week's most compelling new releases. Featured albums:• Amythyst Kiah, Still + Bright•...

Alt.Latino's new music round-up: Elsa y Elmar, Alih Jey and Little Jesus

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anamaria Sayre brings some exciting new sounds coming out Mexico City (while recording from Mexico City) including sweet new music from Colombian arti...

The Contenders, Vol. 19: The songs we can't stop playing this week

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We debate the pros and cons of small-town living through the music of Christian Lee Hutson, Youth Lagoon, Bartees Strange and more in our biweekly upd...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 18

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce are your guides to this week's most compelling new musical offerings. For October 18, their selections inclu...

Celebrating the legacy of Celia Cruz

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate the release of a new book from NPR Music, How Women Made Music, as well as the 50th anniversary this year of the album Celia & Johnny, Fe...

The most terrifying film scores of all time

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We celebrate spooky season with an unnerving mix of songs from our favorite horror movie scores, including The Shining, Under The Skin, Hereditary and...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 11

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The rapper-turned-country star Jelly Roll, who has had a major breakthrough in Nashville in the last couple of years, leads the pack of the most excit...

Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Rosalía, Twanguero and Wyatt Flores

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are back with a new music show, featuring Rosalía, Helado Negro, Wyatt Flores and more.Songs featured in this epis...

The Contenders, Vol. 18: The songs we can't stop playing this week

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Reflections on regret from beabadoobee and Bon Iver, deep sonic meditations from Nala Sinephro and Jill Fraser, and more updates to our running list o...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 4

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Lars Gotrich and Sheldon Pearce round up the most exciting albums out this Friday, and reflect on the history of instrumental music as pro...

The songs we can't stop playing on repeat

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alt.Latino is usually all about sharing new music across Latin America, but what about the older cuts Ana and Felix are obsessed with?On this episode,...

'How Women Made Music'

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How Women Made Music, a new book out now from NPR, considers what the canon of popular music would look like without men.On this episode, we dig into ...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 27

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers discuss on this week's episode, there's a thread of loss running through some of the most notable, thr...

Alt.Latino talks all the surprise nominations for the 2024 Latin Grammys

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Wait a minute — does Alt.Latino actually agree with a lot of the Latin Recording Academy's nominations this year?Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and...

The Contenders, Vol. 17: The songs we can't stop playing this week

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We update our running list of the year's best songs with a slice of pop perfection from Oso Oso, harrowing sounds from Colin Stetson, a blissful journ...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 20

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Lars Gotrich provide a guide the most exciting new releases out today. This week, the selections include some record...

Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Manu Chao, Linda Diaz and Solo Fernández

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Alt.Latino, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras talk about an exciting new album from Manu Chao on the way — his first in 17 years — a...

Arcade Fire's 'Funeral' at 20

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We look back at Arcade Fire's monumental debut album, why it was so special, the ways it changed the musical landscape, and how it sounds two decades ...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 13

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Hazel Cills are your guides to the best music out this Friday, Sept. 13, including the 10th studio album by Miranda Lambert...

Alt.Latino's 'El Tiny' takeover is back — and this year it's all about love

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

'El Tiny' season at the Tiny Desk launches next week and this year it's all about love — familial and romantic, with drama fit for a telenovela. Ana...

The Contenders, Vol. 16: The songs we can't stop playing this week

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We update our running list of the year's best songs with the shapeshifting rock of Caleb Landry Jones, Angélica Garcia's dystopian grooves, a searing...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Sept. 6

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers take you on a tour of the most exciting albums out Friday, Sept. 6Featured albums:• LL Cool J, 'The FOR...

New music from Alt.Latino

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras play some of their favorite new songs from the last few months, featuring globe-spanning electronica from Colombian...

Fall preview 2024

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We look ahead to the final big push of releases for 2024, with fall albums from Mount Eerie, SOPHIE, Soccer Mommy, a newly discovered Nusrat Fateh Ali...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 30

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The best albums out this week include Wild God from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Doechii's Alligator Bites Never Heal, Jon Hopkins' Ritual and more.Feat...

The Contenders, Vol. 15: The songs we can't stop playing this week

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The latest update to our running list of the year's best songs includes tips for staying engaged, being happy and letting go from Arooj Aftab, Great G...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 23

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Sheldon Pearce are your guides to seven anticipated albums out Aug. 23. During the second half of the episode, the tw...

The sound of Venezuelan protest music over the last 30 years

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past month thousands of Venezuelans have taken to the streets to protest the disputed election of president Nicolás Maduro, while Venezuelan...

Nick Cave on the encounters that brought him to 'Wild God'

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On August 30, the Australian-born rock titan Nick Cave will release Wild God, a new album with his band The Bad Seeds. It's a high point in Cave's car...

New Music Friday: The best albums out Aug. 16

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Hazel Cills give you a quick rundown of the most notable albums out Friday, Aug. 16, including Post Malone's country...

The funniest songs of all time

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"Weird Al" Yankovic helps curate a mix of some of the funniest songs of all time, from classics like Tom Lehrer's "The Elements," to more fringe disco...

New Music Friday: The best albums out August 9

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers survey the new albums out August 9, ranging from Ravyn Lenae's focused R&B to King Gizzard and the Lizard...

Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Danny Ocean, Girl Ultra and Superfónicos

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre run through their favorite new music, including new work from Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean in the midst of the cou...

The golden age of slacker rock

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thirty years after the release of Beck's "Loser," we look back at its impact on the rise of slacker rock and how we still hear its influence today.Not...

New Music Friday: The best albums out August 2

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Sheldon Pearce dig deep into the latest release by bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, who, more than 30 years into her car...

S.O.S.: Songs of summer

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

These aren't the big bangers and Top 40 hits designed to capitalize on the typical summer vibes. We instead play the songs that feel like summer or sa...

Alt.Latino's guide to Chicano soul

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The genre commonly referred to as "Chicano soul" has that "you know it if you hear it" kind of sound. It's a bicultural interpretation of late 1950s a...

The Contenders, Vol. 14: The songs we can't stop playing this week

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We update our running tally of the year's best songs with a return from Moses Sumney, 2022 Tiny Desk Contest winner Alisa Amador, Orville Peck's colla...

New Music Friday: The best albums out July 19

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on New Music Friday from All Songs Considered, NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Stephen Thompson listen to a grab bag of new releases out o...

Breathe: Songs to calm your nerves

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We pause to take a deep breath this week and chill out with a mix designed to slow the blood and calm the nerves, including the one song scientists sa...

New Music Friday: The best albums out July 12

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen present the noteworthy albums out July 12, including new releases by Nashville iconoclast Sturgill Simpso...

Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Omar Apollo, Karol G and Papo Vazquez

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre round up their favorite new tracks, including heartbroken music from Omar Apollo, a mix of jazz and Afro-Puerto Ric...

The Contenders, Vol. 13: The songs we can't stop playing this week

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The latest update to our running list of the year's best songs includes new ones from Wilco and Omar Apollo, an ode to friendship from Charli XCX and ...

'Born In The U.S.A.' at 40

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the Fourth of July week here, we look at an album all about the messy, complicated and wonderful culture of America: Bruce Springsteen's Born in ...

New Music Friday: The best albums out June 28

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Anamaria Sayre give you the lowdown on Omar Apollo's new LP, Lil Yachty's collaboration with James Blake, and the fou...

In Conversation: Edgar Barrera

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras visit the Miami studio of the Latin pop super-producer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podca...

The Contenders, Vol. 12: The songs we can't stop playing this week

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our updated list of the year's best songs includes a sweet reflection from beabadoobee, Nathy Peluso's wildly infectious "Aprender A Amar," the mind-b...

New Music Friday: The best albums out June 21

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The first half of 2024 has been stuffed with blockbuster albums, and as we reach the midpoint of the year, we've got one more to add to the list. On t...

The best songs of 2024 (so far)

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the first half of the year almost behind us, we hit pause to reflect on some of the best tracks we've gotten so far, from Chappell Roan, Brittany...

New Music Friday: The best albums out June 14

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers steer the New Music Friday podcast straight into the oncoming Father's Day weekend, following ...

Alt.Latino's favorite music of 2024 (so far)

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To mark the halfway point of 2024, Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and NPR Culture Desk producer Isabella Gomez Sarmiento run down their favorite rele...

The Contenders, Vol. 11: Jason Mantzoukas

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Actor, comedian and music superfan Jason Mantzoukas joins us to update our running list of the year's best songs, with lots of crate-digging curiositi...

New Music Friday: The best albums out June 7

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Hazel Cills shepherd you through the many huge albums out today, including new records by Kaytranada, Charli XCX and...

Advice for graduates: Listeners share songs, lessons from high school

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Listeners share songs that take them back to the final days of high school, and the lessons they impart.Featured artists and songs:1. Baz Luhrmann: "E...

Jack Antonoff on surviving grief, regret and working out life's uncertainties

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The producer, singer and songwriter talks with Rachel Martin, host of NPR's new podcast Wild Card, about some of life's biggest questions.Learn more a...

New Music Friday: The best albums out May 31

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Lars Gotrich are your guides to this week's new releases.Featured albums:• Arooj Aftab, 'Night Reign'• Shaboozey, 'Wher...

The National Recording Registry's best Spanish language songs (and what it's missing)

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Library of Congress' National Recording Registry is more than just a collection of music and sound — it's a reflection of who we are as a countr...