All Songs Considered

Coco Jones. Samia. Fly Anakin. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Ayana Contreras from Denver public radio stations KUVO Jazz and The Drop to discuss the best new albums they heard this week.Featured albums:• Coco Jones, 'Why Not More' (Stream)• Samia, 'Bloodless' (Stream)• Emma-Jean Thackray, 'Weirdo' (Stream)• David Murray, 'Birdly Serenade' (Stream)• Fly Anakin, '(The) Forever Dream' (Stream)Check out our long list of albums out April 25 and sample more 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.To learn more about the Tiny Desk Contest artists you heard in this episode, check out Ayana Contreras' Top Shelf special on YouTube.CreditsHost: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Ayana Contreras, KUVO Jazz & The DropProducer: Simon RentnerEditor: Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedVice President, Music and Visuals: Keith JenkinsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The hosts dive into Natalia Lafourcade's new album, 'Cancionera,' celebrating her revival of traditional Mexican music. They discuss the emotional depth of her work and the evolution of other artists like Eladio Carrión, who blends R&B with cultural collaborations. A standout feature includes a unique project merging indigenous Brazilian sounds with contemporary influences. Young talent Santi Sack is spotlighted for his innovative music, while the contributions of women in Bay Area Latin music receive well-deserved recognition, highlighting diversity and cultural significance.

Listeners share their most emotionally impactful songs, with poignant stories highlighting music's power to connect us during tough times. The discussion touches on heartfelt tracks like SZA's 'Saturn' and Laura Marling's 'Child of Mine,' revealing themes of love, resilience, and nostalgia. A dive into Kendrick Lamar's 'Man at the Garden' sparks reflections on self-worth and the importance of personal fulfillment. The episode celebrates how music can evoke cherished memories, helping us navigate life's complexities.

Julien Baker & Torres. Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson. TV On The Radio's Tunde Adebimpe. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Brian Burns of North Carolina public radio station WUNC to the show to discuss the best albums out today.Featured Albums:• Torres & Julien Baker, 'Send a Prayer My Way' (Stream)• Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson, 'What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow' (Stream)• Tunde Adebimpe, 'Thee Black Boltz' (Stream)• BEIRUT, 'A Study of Losses' (Stream)• Sarah Siskind, 'Simplify' (Stream)Check out our long list of records out April 18 and sample more than 50 new albums in our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dive into the vibrant world of contemporary Latin music, featuring standout voices like Queralt Lahoz and Vanessa Zamora. Explore the genre-blending collaborations of musicians from diverse backgrounds, including a unique fusion of Puerto Rican bomba with modern sounds. Mon Laferte shines with her emotional hit 'Otra Noche de Llorar', while the innovative group BEATrio is set to redefine boundaries in music. This lively discussion celebrates the artistry that connects deeply with audiences across cultures.

Stereolab makes a thrilling comeback with new music after a 15-year hiatus, delivering empowering themes alongside catchy melodies. The exploration of Yeji's track highlights the distractions of social media and the quest for authenticity. Snuggle's evocative song 'Dust' reflects on love and loss, while feeble little horse's dynamic sound captures listeners' attention. Delving deeper, the podcast also revisits the impact of notable tracks from 2008, sparking playful debates about nostalgia and musical favorites.

Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee’s 88Nine shares her passion for new music and insights into the local scene. They dive into Bon Iver's transformative album 'SABLE, fABLE,' reflecting on themes of healing and community. Valerie June's creative flow and Gerald Clayton's emotional depth are also spotlighted. The unique sound of Real Lies' forthcoming album features innovative playback designs, while Kills Birds' 'Crave' EP explores heavy sounds tied to alienation and connection, showcasing a rich landscape of modern rock.

Joining the discussion is Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, an NPR reporter on the Culture Desk, who shares her firsthand experience of Bad Bunny's record-breaking Tiny Desk concert. They explore the electrifying atmosphere and cultural significance of the performance, highlighting its blend of reggaeton and traditional Puerto Rican sounds. Isabella explains how Bad Bunny fuses his music with themes of identity and heritage, tackling poignant political messages that resonate with fans. The conversation offers a rich insight into the artist's innovation and his profound connection with his audience.

Discover the soothing power of music with a lineup featuring Max Richter's heartfelt tribute to human rights and the ambient brilliance of Ryuichi Sakamoto. Dive into the emotional depths of avant-garde sounds with Leah Bertucci and unwind with Brazilian jazz from Wayne Shorter and Milton Nascimento. Reflect on love's strength during tough times and the rich interplay of melodies that uplift and connect us. This is a beautiful exploration of how music nurtures the soul and provides comfort amid chaos.

Zach McCormick, a music journalist from Minnesota Public Radio's The Current, joins the discussion to highlight new albums released on April 4. They dive into Craig Finn's introspective storytelling and explore the emotional depth of Momma's latest work. The conversation shifts to Lily Seabird's 'Trash Mountain,' which reflects her unique sound and personal themes. They also analyze the resilience in duendita's music and celebrate vibrant Australian guitar melodies, weaving through new sounds that connect to personal identity and hometown nostalgia.