Welcome to your all-in-one destination for every NPR Music podcast. We break down the best new albums to hit streaming each week on New Music Friday; we share the latest songs worthy of your playlists on All Songs Considered; there’s off-the-rails conversations (and chisme!) about Latin music on Alt.Latino. The NPR Music channel is your hub for new records, iconic artists and cult heroes, free of algorithms and full of surprises. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org . You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for NPR Music.
Death never stopped the Grateful Dead before. Since Jerry Garcia's death in 1995, a sprawling collection of musicians and fans across generations have kept the band’s legacy alive in different ways. But without members Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, Deadheads are experiencing their first summer where there’s no clear inheritor of the Grateful Dead’s mantle. Where does the music, and the dedicated community that has grown up around it, go from here? NPR Music's resident Deadheads Felix Contreras and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento took a cue from the Dead itself: They hit the road, interviewing musicians, fans and archivists to learn how the band and its fans built a legacy that has spanned generations, and to find out what's next. For more podcast episodes and stories about the future of the Grateful Dead, check out our series Dead After Death . This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. It was edited by Jacob Ganz and Hazel Cills. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. Our executive director is Sonali Mehta. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
The Durutti Column. Arca. MOLIY. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Olive Kimoto of member station KCRW in Los Angeles about their favorite albums out Friday, July 31. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (01:34) Album No. 1 - The Durutti Column, 'Renascent' (08:49) Album No. 2 - Arca, 'XXXXX' (17:20) Album No. 3 - DOMi & JD Beck, 'WHO ASKED?' (22:17) Album No. 4 - Shearwater, 'The New World' (29:13) Album No. 5 - MOLIY, 'BADDIES (34:52) The Lightning Round - Shaboozey, 'The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales' - Perfect Person, 'Some Kind of Life' EP - Wyatt Flores, 'Scared of Heights' - Family Stereo, 'The Thread' - Ed Askew, 'The Final Painting' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org . Credits Host: Stephen Thompson Guest: Olive Kimoto, KCRW Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion Special thanks to Lars Gotrich, Felix Contreras and Ann Powers Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Bill Evans might not be techno. But in this week's episode, the slow-building angst and tension of electronic producer Debit's new music reminded Ana of the beloved jazz piano master. And that kind of genre cross-pollination is everywhere in this week's showcase of new music: Brazilian field recordings remixed for the club, multiple reinterpretations of the Cuban guaguancó, and Spanish producers channeling -- as Ana puts it -- "experimental Boricua stuff." Featured artists and albums: (00:45) Various Artists, 'Candomblé: Sacred Rhythms in Brazil' (04:24) Ítallo, 'CATATAU' (11:25) Debit, 'Potpourri' (16:41) Calequi y Las Panteras, 'TRES' (21:07) Carolina Oliveros, 'Oye Camina' (24:35) BLAYA, 'Your lesbian neighbour is playing music next door' This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest places, if you look at it right. And if you get confused, just listen to the music play. This week, resident Deadheads Isabella Gomez Sarmiento and Felix Contreras help host Robin Hilton hear what he’s been missing in the music of the Grateful Dead. Are you a Deadhead? Share your memories about the Grateful Dead and we may include them in a big series about the band we're launching Aug. 1. Support the show with a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured songs: (00:00) Intro and “King Solomon’s Marbles” (08:54) “China Cat Sunflower / I Know You Rider” Alpine Valley, WI 7.17.89 (11:03) “Help On the Way / Slipknot / Franklin’s Tower” (16:39) “Ripple” (23:34) “Morning Dew (Europe ‘72)” (26:17) “I Shall Be Released (Live)” (30:05) “Black Muddy River” (31:34) “One More Saturday Night” (32:09) “Sunrise” (33:21) “Shady Grove” (39:14) “Birdsong” (41:45) “Uncle John’s Band” See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Charli xcx. Tyla. Shania Twain. Guest host Ann Powers chats with Nastia Voynovskaya of member station KQED in San Francisco about their favorite albums out Friday, July 24. Plus, some NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (02:06) Album No. 1 - Charli xcx, 'Music, Fashion, Film' (08:16) Album No. 2 - Willow, 'The Thread' (14:59) Album No. 3 - Tyla, 'A*Pop' (20:39) Album No. 4 - Shania Twain, 'Little Miss Twain' (27:50) Album No. 5 - Portraits Of Tracy: 'Q: From Where Do Our Primal Instincts Originate? A: MTV!' (33:23) The Lightning Round - Creekbed Carter Hogan, 'PEASANTS REVOLT!' - Rico Nasty, 'RX' - Amy Shark, 'soft pop' - Josaleigh Pollett, 'If I Let It Quiet' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org . Credits Host: Ann Powers Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion, Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Stephen Thompson and Lars Gotrich See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
We'll take any excuse to talk about the insane quality of music coming out of Spain these days. This week, we got one: Spain defeated Argentina on Sunday to win the 2026 World Cup Final. So, this episode is a celebration of the multitude of music scenes across Spain that we can't get enough of. Catch boundary-pushing electronic and hip hop producers in Madrid, indie rockers and songwriters in Barcelona, and some old favorites whose voices never stop (looking at you, Buika!). Artists featured in this episode: (01:22) C. Tangana (04:19) Ralphie Choo (06:28) Mora (10:10) Bikôkô (13:52) Buika (16:04) Repion (20:42) Lucia Fumero (23:12) Maestro Espada This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
We share our picks for the best new tracks out now, including the laid-back dystopia of Sylvan Esso’s “Concrete Glen,” an acoustic take on Phoebe Bridgers’ “Lost Boys,” the glitched-out chaos of feeble little horse and more. NPR Music’s Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton. Support the show with a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (01:28) Sylvan Esso: “Concrete Glen” (07:49) feeble little horse: “DMT” (14:07) Phoebe Bridgers: “Lost Boys (acoustic)” (22:15) Snõõper: “RECESS” (26:50) The Olivia Tremor Control: “Garden of Light” (33:53) @: “Autosmile” See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Gracie Abrams. Nia Archives. Steve Lacy. On a release day full of catchy earworms, host Stephen Thompson chats with Tshego Letsoalo of KALW in San Francisco about their favorite albums out Friday, July 17. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (00:58) Album No. 1 - Gracie Abrams, 'Daughter from Hell' (08:13) Album No. 2 - Steve Lacy, 'Oh Yeah?' (16:38) Album No. 3 - Nia Archives, 'Emotional Junglist' (22:27) Album No. 4 - Lido Pimienta, 'Caribenya' (28:04) Album No. 5 - Swapmeet, 'Mount Zero' (33:13) The Lightning Round - Catherine Moan, 'CM Ultra' - Helado Tropical, 'Helado Tropical' - Orquesta Akokán, 'América!' - Nao Yoshioka, 'Self' - Quicksand, 'Bring On The Psychics' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org Credits: Host: Stephen Thompson Guest: Tshego Letsoalo, KALW Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Elle Mannion, Otis Hart Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Felix Contreras, Lars Gotrich and Ann Powers See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
With last week's best-of show behind us, we've got a clean slate to dive into our favorite new music kicking off the second half of the year. Felix brings a batch of country tracks, while Ana -- to absolutely no one's surprise -- continues her exploration of Brazil's endless supply of captivating music. Catch a mesmerizing indie-ambient album from João Carvalho, some posthumous crooning from Raul Malo, the twangy return of Oklahoma's rising star Wyatt Flores, and much more. Artists and albums featured in this episode: (01:13) Cruz Contreras & The Black Lillies, 'Gold and Roses (Live)' (06:15) João Carvalho, 'Uma Festa no Centro do Vazio' (13:02) Raul Malo, 'Bella Ciao: Raul Malo Live In Nashville' (17:14) Rincon Sapiência, 'Um Corpo Preto' (24:13) Wyatt Flores, 'Scared of Heights' (27:50) Cupido, 'Maldito Cupido' This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
On her stellar new single, “Switchblade,” beabadoobee shreds ‘90s style. The Rolling Stones have still got it on their latest album, Foreign Tongues . And Four Tet surprises us with a new “wingdings” project. We’ve got all that and more as we share our picks for the best new songs of the week. NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton. Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (01:20) beabadoobee: “Switchblade” (08:31) Bonobo & Arooj Aftab: “Fire on the Water” (15:09) The Rolling Stones: “Ringing Hollow” (25:31) L’rain: “borderline” (33:02) Four Tet: "track 3" (40:35) Ela Minus and Nick León: “espiral” Support the show with a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Jack White. Baby Rose. Suki Waterhouse. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Maggie Brennan of WCBE in Ohio about their favorite albums out Friday, July 10. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (02:00) Album No. 1 - Jack White, 'Frozen Charlotte' (07:28) Album No. 2 - Baby Rose, 'YEARNALISM' (15:23) Album No. 3 - Suki Waterhouse, 'Loveland' (22:17) Album No. 4 - Allison Russell, 'In the Hour of Chaos' (28:22) Album No. 5 - Houndmouth, 'Lordy' (32:46) The Lightning Round - Bella Kay, 'My Reckless Abandon' - Luluc, 'Sweet Thief' - The Temper Trap, 'Sungazer' - Kelela, 'new avatar' - Tracey Nelson, 'Hercules' - Ultra Lights, 'Pleasure's All Yours' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org Credits: Host: Stephen Thompson Guest: Maggie Brennan, WCBE Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Daoud Tyler-Ameen, Elle Mannion, Otis Hart Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Sheldon Pearce and Lars Gotrich See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
It’s that time of the year again: a mix between Christmas and Halloween for me and Felix. We gift you our best album picks of the year so far — and there’s nothing spookier for us than having to choose. So here it is, the music we’ve loved and listened to the most in the first half of 2026, some of the best (in our opinion) from all of Latin America and its diaspora. — Anamaria Sayre Artist and albums featured in this episode: (02:15) Trueno - 'TURR4ZO' (07:06) Jonathan Suazo - 'Ricano Vol. 2: Fruto de mi Corazón' (11:16) Broke Carrey - 'HIJO DEL PAÍS' (15:48) X Alfonso - 'AIRE' (22:28) Silvia Pérez Cruz - 'Oral_Abisal' (29:30) Nuevos Rios - 'Nuevos Rios' (32:17) Criolo, Amaro Freitas & Dino d'Santiago - 'CRIOLO, AMARO E DINO' (37:33) Sofia Rei - 'Antónima' This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Roséwave is a feeling more than a singular sound or genre. It’s the kind of sweetness and sadness that underscores the long, languid days of summer. Long drives with old friends, watching your kids at the pool, backyard barbecues while the sun slowly sets. On this episode we share a mix of songs that offer the perfect soundtrack for your roséwave days and nights, from Linda Ronstadt’s “How Do I Make You” and Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t That Peculiar,” to Katie Gavin’s “Aftertaste,” Waxahatchee’s “Much Ado About Nothing” and more. NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich and contributor Marissa Lorusso join host Robin Hilton. (00:00) Intro and “Summertime, Summertime” by The Jamies (01:57) Wednesday: "Elderberry Wine" (04:34) The Lijadu Sisters: "Come on Home" (07:35) Katie Gavin: "Aftertaste” (12:17) Marvin Gaye: "Ain't That Peculiar" (15:46) Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra: “Gayane Ballet Suite: Adagio” (17:02) Haku.: "Looking Through My Subtle Double Eyelids" (19:46) Labi Siffre: "My Song" (22:45) Azymuth: "Faça de Conta" (25:09) Waxahatchee: "Much Ado About Nothing" (27:35) Linda Ronstadt: "How Do I Make You" (30:29) Addison Rae: "Diet Pepsi," from 'Addison' (34:56) Amerie: "Why Don't We Fall in Love" Reviews help! Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Note: A version of this episode originally ran in July 2025. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
On a special mid-year episode of New Music Friday, host Stephen Thompson and a lineup of NPR Music writers and critics reflect on their favorite albums of the year so far. Albums featured in this episode: (01:14) Album No. 1 - Noah Kahan, 'The Great Divide' (07:16) Album No. 2 - underscores, 'U' (14:00) Album No. 3 - Cécile McLorin Salvant, 'With Every Breath I Take' (20:13) Album No. 4 - Neurosis, 'An Undying Love For A Burning World' (27:18) Album No. 5 - Tiffany Day, 'HALO' (33:46) Album No. 6 - Metropolis Ensemble, Erik Hall & Sandbox Percussion, 'Canto Ostinato' Credits: Host: Stephen Thompson Guests: Hazel Cills, Ann Powers, Lars Gotrich, Sheldon Pearce, Tom Huizenga Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
The origin story of The Postal Service is as simple (and twee) as they come: An electronic music producer (Jimmy Tamborello) and an indie rock singer-songwriter (Ben Gibbard) decide to collaborate on a few songs, sending each other music via snail mail. But The Postal Service’s only album, Give Up , eventually went platinum, and the band is selling out arenas decades later. It’s a record that seems to have captured how rapid advances in technology would change how we communicate and even love, bridging the distances that separate us. This week, NPR Music critic Ann Powers and editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen discuss lead single “Such Great Heights” by The Postal Service, from 2003. This NPR Music podcast series with Ann and Daoud is usually just for NPR+ supporters. To listen to the rest of the episodes in the series and support public media, sign up for NPR+ at plus.npr.org . Follow NPR Music coverage and the Tiny Desk Concerts at npr.org/music See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
On this week’s Alt.Latino, Anamaria and I both gush about 'Femme Fatale Vol. 2,' the new album from Chilean-Mexican singer Mon Laferte, who is on one of the more amazing creative streaks I've witnessed in a while. Also, Ana and I sometimes unintentionally align when picking new music for the show, and that took place this week with a couple of Brazilian highlights: I chose an artist who records as MOMO., while Ana brought in music from São Paulo-based artist Tijolo. Also this week, Chicago-based artist Sparklmami and an EP from Texan-Mexican singer Iveth Luna that got me thinking about the world of Spanish-language Christian music. — Felix Contreras Artists & albums featured in this episode: (01:31) Sparklmami, 'in this body' (06:36) The Animeros, '¡Qué Bárbaro!' (09:51) Mon Laferte, 'Femme Fatale Vol. 2' (16:47) Iveth Luna, 'Making Ways' (21:34) Tijolo, 'Y' (25:37) MOMO., 'Tum Tum Tum' This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Otis Hart. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
It's the midway point of 2026, and it's safe to say that when it comes to the best songs of the year, there's not really any consensus to be found. So we’ve assembled our personal Top 10 list of the most memorable songs to cross our paths, from the outlaw country of Charley Crockett to the glam rock of Friko, Lana Del Rey’s twisted ode to love, Vince Staples' "White Flag" and more. NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton. Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (01:38) Mandy, Indiana: “try saying” (05:09) Aldous Harding: “Coats” (09:28) Vince Staples: “White Flag” (14:25) Yebba: “Yellow Eyes” (18:04) Friko: “Seven Degrees” (22:01) Charley Crockett: “Kentucky Too Long” (26:03) Lana Del Rey: “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” (32:07) Baby Rose: “Friends Again" (feat. Leon Thomas) (37:59) Mumford & Sons: “Rubber Band Man" (feat. Hozier) (42:58) Irreversible Entanglements: “Don’t Lose Your Head" (feat. MOTHERBOARD) Reviews help! Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Beth Orton. Chanel Beads. Cécile McLorin Salvant. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Ayana Contreras from KUVO in Denver about their favorite new albums out Friday, June 26. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5 (00:00) Introduction - Roberta Flack, 'The Montreux Years' (02:01) Album No. 1 - Cécile McLorin Salvant, 'With Every Breath I Take' (09:11) Album No. 2 - Ibeyi, 'Offering' (15:57) Album No. 3 - Chanel Beads, 'Your Day Will Come' (21:52) Album No. 4 - Beth Orton, 'The Ground Above' (28:34) Album No.5 - ALIA, 'Where the Echoes Bloom' (33:59) The Lightning Round - Andrew Sa, 'American Rough' - Tasha, 'You Are Spring!' - Madeon, 'Victory' - Rodney Crowell, 'Then Again' - Downtown Boys, 'Public Luxury' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org . Credits: Host: Stephen Thompson Guest: Ayana Contreras, KUVO Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Lars Gotrich and Ann Powers See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
This week's episode is a musical time machine. In the late 1960s, the band Zapata sprang out of a street gang in northwest Washington, D.C., with a sound that combined a variety of contemporary styles: Afro-Caribbean rhythms, soul jazz and the golden era of American R&B. The mixture worked. For a few years, Zapata opened for an astonishing number of A-list acts passing through the city, like Miles Davis, Sly and the Family Stone, Herbie Hancock and The Isley Brothers. But the band would break up in 1974, and for years their recorded material was believed to be lost. Now, surviving member Pepe Gonzalez has restored a cassette tape of Zapata's music from 1971, and is releasing it for the first time. In this episode, Felix chats with Gonzalez about the origins of the band, and how they tried to unify the Black and Hispanic musical scenes in the city at the time. The podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Otis Hart. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
We share our picks for the best new tracks of the week, including Mitski’s surprising cover of One Direction’s “Fireproof.” But first, we remember Beck’s still mind-blowing Odelay , which just celebrated its 30th anniversary. NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton. Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Beck’s Odelay at 30 (03:39) Perennial: “What’s New On The Beat Scene” (08:55) Mitski: “Fireproof” (13:50) Sarah Davachi: “Songs of the Smile’s Fig: III. Follies” (21:56) Shearwater: “Daydream Unbeliever” (32:33) Sleep: “Have Spacesuit Will Travel” (41:39) L’Rain: “soulless cycle” Reviews help! Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
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