All Songs Considered

Explore the energetic club sounds of Tame Impala in their new single "Dracula," blending rave influences with euphoric vibes. Discover Gabriel Jacoby's infectious funk in "The One" and delve into Dominic Fike's fragmented storytelling through his mixtape "Rocket." NewDad's dramatic "Misery" merges shoegaze with explosive emotion, while Madi Diaz's "Heavy Metal" tackles family themes with powerful wordplay. Amber Mark's R&B single "Too Much" highlights her innovative approach to the genre, creating a captivating lineup of contemporary sounds.

Dive into a nostalgic look back at 2011's hottest tracks. Discover how Rihanna's 'We Found Love' reignited mainstream pop for many. Relive the timeless appeal of Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used to Know' and its lasting cultural impact. Explore the heartfelt collaboration of King Creosote and Jon Hopkins in 'Diamond Mine.' Adele's powerful Tiny Desk performance steals the spotlight, showcasing her breakthrough year. Plus, highlights from folk legends like The Decemberists add depth to the musical landscape.

Evan Miller, assistant music director and host at WYSO in Ohio, joins to dive into the latest album releases. They discuss Neko Case's earthy return after eight years and Jeff Tweedy's ambitious triple album, complete with 30 tracks. The emotional rawness of Amanda Shires' divorce album is a highlight, alongside Robert Plant’s exploration of American roots. Cate Le Bon’s unique take on heartbreak and a lightning round of other notable releases round out a rich conversation filled with music insights.

Join a lively exploration of vibrant new music as the hosts dive into the cultural richness of artists from Spain and the Dominican Republic. Discover Making Movies' cinematic track, 'La Marea,' and Teo Planell's debut album that showcases emotional depth. Enjoy the fusion of honky-tonk and conjunto with Ramona and the Holy Smokes. Hear about Lorea’s meticulous production style, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba's homage to Latin music legends. Plus, dance to the upbeat sounds of Dominican duo Martox. There's a fresh tune for everyone!

Jeff Tweedy, the frontman of Wilco and an acclaimed songwriter, shares insights about his new triple solo album, Twilight Override. He explores themes of life, loss, and joy, emphasizing how music helps articulate what words often cannot. Tweedy touches on the emotional weight of songs like 'One Tiny Flower,' reflecting on mortality and childhood fears. He also discusses revisiting his youth through 'Parking Lot' and finding beauty in small moments. Ultimately, he champions the pursuit of joy amidst life's challenges.

It was a year of both soaring euphoria and quiet calm, with lots of sonic adventures.Note: This is a recurring feature in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary. A shorter version of this episode ran earlier in the year.Tell us what you think: allsongs@npr.orgShare this show with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Kyle Meredith, a radio host and music journalist from WFPK in Louisville, joins to discuss the best new albums out on September 19. They dive into Joan Shelley's calming 'Real Warmth' and Lola Young's bold, empowering 'I'm Only F****** Myself.' The conversation highlights Sarah McLachlan's unexpected return with 'Better Broken' and the unique sounds of Wednesday's 'Bleeds.' The duo also shares rapid-fire recommendations, including tracks from Nine Inch Nails and Joy Crookes, offering a fresh take on this week’s music scene.

Samantha Hernandez, a passionate Bad Bunny fan who traveled from New Jersey to Puerto Rico for the shows, shares insights on the artist's profound impact on the island. She discusses how Bad Bunny's concerts have fostered a sense of unity and cultural pride among attendees. The conversation also delves into the economic boost the residency has provided, as well as the complexities of Puerto Rican identity that Bad Bunny's music highlights. Their dialogue weaves personal anecdotes that celebrate the transformative power of music in shaping community connections.

Kiana Faircloth, a jazz expert and festival host known for her podcast "Jazz Beyond Tradition," joins the conversation to explore captivating new tracks. They dive into The Beths’ relatable disillusionment in "No Joy" and Dustin O’Halloran’s calming composition "Gold." The nostalgic themes in Darstar Tucker's rendition of "Pure Imagination" evoke childhood wonder. They also discuss Nicholas Payton’s collaboration with Esperanza Spalding, weaving melodies that resonate with emotional depth. Plus, humor shines through in the playful banter about the band Grumpy.

Take a nostalgic journey through the unforgettable hits of 2009. The hosts share personal stories that connect life moments to their favorite songs, revealing how music can shape memories. Highlights include powerful reflections on emotional struggles, standout albums like 'Now We Can See,' and the storytelling depth of that year's music. A notable evolution in Sharon Van Etten's style is discussed, alongside the heartfelt impact of tracks like 'I'm a Pilot.' It's a tribute to the emotional landscape and musical essence of a defining year.