NPR Music's 50 Favorite Albums Of 2015
Albums that we loved in 2015 swept us away, seduced us, reckoned with the politics that shape our moment or our nation and taught us something new about ourselves.
Music & Culture
All Songs +1: What Does It Mean To Be A Rock Star?
Professor, producer and drummer Martin Atkins wants to know what it takes to be a rock star in this ever-changing world.
Percussive Piano And Rollicking Swing Float Matthew Shipp's 'Conduct Of Jazz'
Shipp, a mainstay of New York's downtown free jazz scene, likes big blocky chords and loud piano sounds. Critic Kevin Whitehead says the new album by the Matthew Shipp trio is "heavy in a good way."
Songs We Love: The Revolutionary Army Of The Infant Jesus
"Before the Ending of the Day," a 7th century hymn turned into a droning prayer by the once-mysterious Liverpool music collective: "where music begins to delineate the contours of silence."
Kendrick Lamar And Taylor Swift Lead Grammy Nominations
Kendrick Lamar scored 11 nominations and Taylor Swift was nominated for seven awards, including album, song and record of the year. The Weeknd also received seven nominations.
At 60, Wayne Horvitz Is Protecting — And Expanding — His Musical Language
Horvitz is one of those musicians who does almost everything — from leading a small group of improvisers to conducting a big band, and from composing for symphony orchestra to running a nightclub.
Beyond Taylor Swift: Predicting The 2016 Grammys
Grammy nominations are announced Monday morning. NPR's Stephen Thompson offers a few predictions.
Babyface Remembers Slow Dancing, Old Crushes And His First Song
The R&B hitmaker picked up guitar in sixth grade, just in time for an early lesson in heartbreak. He speaks with Rachel Martin about his new album and what his late mother taught him about love.
An App That Helps You Scat Sing A La Ella Fitzgerald
Wanna be the next Ella Fitzgerald or Cab Calloway? As they say, there's an app for that. NPR's Rachel Martin tries out "ScatAbility" with vocal improv educator Michele Weir.
'An Object Of Pure Mathematics': Organist Cameron Carpenter On His Instrument
Carpenter performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. this week. Scott Simon speaks with the virtuoso musician about his latest tour.