After nearly two decades of producing works by other musicians, including Kendrick Lamar and Vampire Weekend, the artist known as Dahi has just released his debut solo album. He describes it as “African Radiohead,” with kaleidoscopic soundscapes, intricate polyrhythms and a breathtaking list of collaborators. We open this week’s show with the song “How to Pray,” featuring both Kendrick Lamar and singer Amber Mark.Our other picks for the best new tracks of the week include Dominic Fike’s heady “Wallflower,” dancefloor beats from singer Jorja Smith, an 8-bit instrumental from composer Emily A. Sprague and more.NPR Music writer and editor Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgFeatured artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(02:00) Dahi, Kenrick Lamar & Amber Mark: “How To Pray”(10:08) OHMA: “Ever Expanding”(18:46) Dominic Fike: “Wallflower”(25:20) Jorja Smith: “I Lied, You Lied”(33:20) Emily A. Sprague: “Noon Liquid Ore”(41:50) Osamu Fukuzawa & IYAMAH: “Butterflies (feat. edbl)”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

Alabama Shakes. Mike D. Interpol. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Sean Carolan of WBJB in New Jersey about their favorite albums out Friday, August 28. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round. The Starting 5(03:37) Album No. 1- Mastodon, 'Marrow Deep'(08:56) Album No. 2- Mike D 5D, 'Thank You'(15:41) Album No. 3- Alabama Shakes, 'I Must Be Dreaming'(21:43) Album No. 4- Interpol, 'This Mirror Weighs a Ton'(27:47) Album No. 5- The Linda Lindas, 'Gotta Get Out'(33:37) The Lightning Round- Billy Strings, 'So Much For Goodbyes'- Elephant Stone, 'ASHA'- Tiny Habits, 'Keepers'- Saul Williams, 'Leap Life'- Liim, 'A Sunflower Garden In Harlem Is Hard To Find'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.orgCredits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Sean Carolan, WBJB Audio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Elle Mannion, Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Ann Powers and Rodney CarmichaelSupport 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

Latin identity has been at the core of Cypress Hill's music from the very beginning -- their 1991 track "Latin Lingo" gave voice to the Latin roots of hip hop with its funky Spanglish callouts. But it took the band thirty-five more years to make an album of original songs written in Spanish: 'Dios Bendiga,' which was just released. In this episode, Felix chats with the band -- B-Real, Sen Dog and Eric Bobo -- about the influences behind the album, and why this moment felt right to finally make it. Plus, a cameo from the band's longtime producer and turntablist, DJ Lord. This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.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

Dolly Parton was more than just a country music superstar. She was a songwriter for others, a philanthropist, a businesswoman, an actress and more. As a pop icon across seven decades, Parton sat down with a number of NPR hosts to tell the stories of her life and art. In this episode, NPR Music’s Ann Powers takes listeners through a number of those interviews to hear Parton tell her story, in her own words.Want more Dolly? Head to the NPR app’s music tab for a Dolly Parton playlist from our archives. Download the app at npr.org/gettheapp. And read Ann Powers’ remembrance of Dolly Parton here.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.This episode was produced by Otis Hart, Suraya Mohamed and Noah Caldwell. It was edited by Hazel Cills. Sonali Mehta is the executive director of NPR Music.Image courtesy of the Michael Ochs Archives.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

Is Sunday morning the best time for music? 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 your early hours. NPR Music’s Hazel Cills and Lars Gotrich join host Robin Hilton.Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgFeatured songs and artists:(00:00) Intro / Miles Davis: “So What”(02:32) Astrud Gilberto: “Once I Loved”(06:29) The Congos: “Fisherman”(08:48) Madredeus: “Três Ilusoses - Amargura”(13:02) Laurie Spiegel: “Patchwork”(17:03) BAD OPERATION: “Bagel Rooks”(20:10) Django Reinhardt: “Exactly Like You”(24:05) Tirzah: “Holding On”(28:13) Margo Guryan: “Sunday Morning”(33:32) Ishman Williams & the William Singers: “The Old Ship Zion”(37:42) Electrelane: “Gone Under Sea”(41:35) Woo: “Make Me Tea”(45:17) St. Germain: “So Flute”Note: A version of this episode originally ran in 2025.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

Brennan Wedl. Jorja Smith. Brandon Flowers. Host Stephen Thompson chats with Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, August 21. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.The Starting 5(01:23) Album No. 1- Brennan Wedl, 'Brennan Wedl'(08:34) Album No. 2- Squirrel Flower, 'Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going'(16:07) Album No. 3- Westside Cowboy, 'It Goes On'(22:45) Album No. 4- Brandon Flowers, 'THRASHER'(28:50) Album No. 5- Jorja Smith, 'What Are The Odds'(34:27) The Lightning Round- Rapsody, 'God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops'- OK Cowgirl, 'Rhinestone Cowgirl'- Elanor Moss, 'The Knife, The Needle'- Julia Holter, 'Materia'- The Cramps, 'Gravest Gravy'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.orgCredits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Celia Gregory, WNXPAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Elle Mannion, Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Ann Powers, Sheldon Pearce and Lars GotrichSupport 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

Mexico isn't the first place you think of as the cutting edge of experimental electronic music. But two new projects show that might be changing. LATIN MAFIA recently teamed up with British producer Fred again.. to make a bold new album featuring collaborators like Mabe Fratti and Lil Yachty. And the up-and-coming duo RØZ -- comprised of producers Manolo Cabrera and Hugo Lara -- just released their debut album, spinning a dazzling mix of hip hop, gospel and glitchy electronica. This week's episode also features a comically brilliant track from El David Aguilar, cumbia jam rockers Dos Santos, a cover from La Zorra Zapata, and a deep dive from Felix on the many interpretations of Consuela Velazquez's classic "Verdad Amarga."Artists and albums featured in this episode:(00:43) LATIN MAFIA & Fred again.., '9 months & 50 hours'(07:40) Dos Santos, 'Es Amor'(13:12) El David Aguilar, 'VIGENTE'(18:42) Miguel Zenón & Luis Perdomo, 'El Arte de Bolero, Vol. 3'(25:23) RØZ, 'SE ESTÁ HACIENDO TARDE'(29:11) La Zorra Zapata, 'I Love You Baby'This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.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

On this week’s show, Weezer gives the people what they want, plus a breathless “dirt dance” from saxophonist Colin Stetson and bagpiper Brìghde Chaimbeul, the scruffy cello-pop of yeemz, works by composer and vocalist Meredith Monk, electronic artist Jlin and more. NPR Music’s Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton as we share our picks for the best new songs of the week.Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgFeatured artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(00:51) Weezer: “C.E.O.”(08:24) Colin Stetson, Brìghde Chaimbeul: “Dirt dance”(18:16) slimdan: “Let’s Start A Cult!”(25:09) Phaedra Ensemble: “Phantom Strings” (Meredith Monk)(31:43) yeemz: “Brace for Impact” (single)(37:36) PUBLIQuartet: “Baobab” (Jlin)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

Phoebe Bridgers. Jungle. Hovvdy. It's a surprisingly stacked Summer Friday this week, and you can hear all about it with New Music Friday host Stephen Thompson and guest Samantha Hval from WMNF in Tampa, Fla. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer their personal picks in the lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Phoebe Bridgers'Lost Weekend' (Dead Oceans)(10:25) Jungle'Sunshine' (AWAL)(19:38) Hovvdy'Big World' (Arts & Crafts)(27:08) Sweeping Promises'You Say I Romanticize' (Sub Pop)(32:59) L'Rain'fata morgana' (Mexican Summer)(37:54) The Lightning Round• The Womack Sisters, s/t• Channel Tres 'Enigma POV'• Ayra Starr, 'Starr Girl'• Nina Winder-Lind, 'Wild Love'• Open Mike Eagle & Kenny Segal, 'DOOMED!'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Samantha Hval, WMNFAudio Producer: Suraya MohamedDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Elle Mannion, Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Sheldon Pearce, Ann Powers and Rodney Carmichael 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

Harry Styles just finished a 5-night run in Mexico City. You know who else had a 5-night run in Mexico City? Michael Jackson in 1993.Mainstream artists have a long history of being enticed by the energy of performing for a Latin American crowd … which means there’s also a long and less-known history of big pop stars making music for that audience.Did you know Michael Jackson has a Latin track? So does Madonna. A few actually.As early as the '50s, Nat King Cole experimented with Spanish and released an entire record, Cole Español, writing songs in partnership with legendary "Bésame Mucho" composer Consuelo Velásquez.This week’s Alt.Latino is a pop takeover. We’re mythbusting the idea that there’s only been one kind of crossover — from Latin to mainstream — and walking through a long history of mainstream wanting to go… Latin.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