All Songs Considered

NPR Music editor Sheldon Pearce shares his insights on the latest music trends with host Robin Hilton. They dive into Brandi Carlile's electrifying stadium anthem, 'Church & State,' exploring its political punch and 80s rock nostalgia. The duo also discusses Hannah Francis's genre-defying track 'The Space Between,' showcasing its unique soundscapes. Additionally, they highlight Blood Orange's poignant 'The Last of England,' reflecting on themes of grief and identity. Expect an exciting mix of fresh sounds and heartfelt storytelling!

The hosts celebrate the return of guitar rock and rave about Courtney Barnett's energetic track, 'Pedestrian at Best.' Sufjan Stevens' 'Carrie & Lowell' is explored for its emotional depth, diving into themes of grief. Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp a Butterfly' earns praise for its ambitious storytelling, while Adele's 'Hello' is highlighted for its emotional resonance despite some critiques of her album. The cultural impact of Hamilton's cast recording is discussed, emphasizing its ability to bridge musical genres and attract diverse fans.

Ayana Contreras, a radio presenter from KUVO in Denver, joins to explore the latest music releases. They delve into Brandi Carlile's introspective new album, discussing her shift from collaboration to solitude. Miguel's 'Caos' is examined through the lens of his biracial roots and its dark, multilingual themes. The conversation highlights Tortoise's genre-blending return, Daniel Caesar's gospel-infused R&B, and Yazmin Lacey's vibrant fusion of styles. There's also a glance at artists like iLe and Hether, showcasing the rich variety of soundscapes this week.

Join the thrilling exploration of Stevie Wonder's timeless ballad! Discover how his 1972 track showcases artistic evolution, reflecting personal heartbreak and transformative experience. The hosts dive into Stevie's bold production choices, the emotional depth of the lyrics, and the role of synthesizers in reshaping his sound. They connect the song's themes to pop culture, including its significance in 'High Fidelity.' This deep analysis reveals why this classic remains a powerful statement of trust, hope, and vulnerability.

Dive into a vibrant world of Latin music! Discover the mesmerizing simplicity of Arath Herce's youthful songwriting and get enchanted by iLe's vocal dynamism in boleros. Explore TRISTAN!'s playful minimalist production that fuses eclectic sounds. Feel the rhythm of Venezonix's fusion of Afro-Latin percussion and electronic beats. Plus, celebrate Santa Marta's rich heritage with Bomba Estéreo and Carlos Vives's joyful tribute. It's a delightful exploration of new sounds and heartfelt stories!

Discover the ultimate Halloween music canon, featuring a spine-chilling mix of unsettling tracks and nostalgic classics. Phoebe Bridgers brings intimate horror with "Killer," while Fever Ray's eerie atmosphere sets the stage for chills. Sufjan Stevens delves into beautiful darkness with his haunting melodies. Relive childhood memories with the Goosebumps theme and Disneyland's chilling sounds. Alice Cooper serves up theatrical fun, and new spooky finds like Ethel Cain's work evoke American Gothic dread. It's a journey through all things haunting and autumnal!

A new synth-pop duo, Sylvan Esso, makes waves with their breakout track 'Coffee,' while Sturgill Simpson dives deep into cosmic themes in 'Turtles All the Way Down.' The hosts explore key 2014 releases, from Beyoncé's impactful self-titled album to Ty Segall's raw energy. They highlight standout indie tracks, including Chris Staples' emotional gems and FKA twigs' unique sound in 'Two Weeks.' The conversation is a nostalgic dive into a vibrant year of music that defined a generation.

Travis Holcombe, a KCRW DJ and music programmer from Los Angeles, joins Anamaria Sayre to dive into new music releases. They discuss Tame Impala's shift to house vibes in 'Deadbeat,' revealing self-critique in his songwriting. Silvana Estrada's emotionally rich 'Vendrán Suaves Lluvias' and Soulwax's accessible electronic pop in 'All Systems Are Lying' capture their interest. They also spotlight Meme del Real's genre-blending debut and Clarice Jensen's minimalist cello work, rounding off with quick picks like Nathy Peluso’s salsa EP.

In this engaging discussion, Mexican singer-songwriter Silvana Estrada shares insights from her stunning new album, Vendrán Suaves Lluvias. She opens up about her journey of self-producing the album, overcoming creative blocks, and how the grief from losing a close friend reshaped her perspective on life and music. Silvana also reflects on the Mexican relationship with death, emphasizing the importance of joy and gratitude. Her performance of 'Alma Mia' from her Tiny Desk concert showcases her emotional depth, further enriched by her admiration for Lhasa de Sela.

Join NPR Music contributor Dora Levite as she dives into this week’s must-listen tracks. They discuss Geese's explosive ‘Islands of Men’ and Juana Molina's glitchy single ‘Siestas ahí’, showing off her unique style. Listen as they explore Dijon's ‘Yamaha’, influenced by iconic artists, and the heartfelt quietude of Devin Shaffer's ‘All My Dreams Are Coming True’. Dora sheds light on Agriculture's captivating ‘Hallelujah’ and the resurgence of guitar rock with Alien Boy’s ‘Cold Air’. A vibrant musical journey awaits!