New Music Friday: The best albums out Feb. 14

The British act Jungle had a big hit with “Back on 74” — and its unforgettable dance video — in 2023. Now, the group is back with “Carry On,” a breezy, sun-dappled song about surviving a broken heart. We give it a spin to open the show, along with a study on optimism from one of ...  Show more

Thundercat. Arlo Parks. Devotional belters from Dermot Kennedy. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee about their favorite albums out Friday, April 3. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.The ...  Show more

Celebrate Willie Nelson's 89th birthday with a podcast series behind his new album, ⁠⁠A Beautiful TIme⁠,⁠ featuring interviews with Willie Nelson's collaborators on the new album - producer Buddy Cannon, songwriter Rodney Crowell, band member Mickey Raphael, songwriter Jack Wesle ...  Show more

Dance Anthems with Sean Maynard is back this week with the second of two 'Best of 2024' specials! Loads of massive tunes you've heard right here on the show this year from the likes of  Dom Dolla, Casso, Adam Port, Calvin Harris, FISHER, Eats Everything, Mau P .. and a heap mo ...

D, A, C, G. Four chords, placed end to end, repeated over and over again.

On this episode, Kirk takes a deep dive into Sufjan Stevens's "Chicago," the centerpiece of his brilliant 2005 album Illinois. It's a towering construction supported by four chords, with bui ...

As sure as there are stars above you, Strong Songs will be here to deliver musical deep-dives straight into your eardrums. This week is no different, as Kirk picks apart Brian Wilson's chamber-pop masterpiece "God Only Knows."

The sleigh bells ring, the french horn solos ...