Music Lists

American composer, conductor and pianist Leonard Bernstein, in 1970, at a London press conference.

Music & Culture

Got 'Mambo'? A Playlist For Leonard Bernstein Fanatics And First-Timers

12:00am August 24, 2018

by Tom Huizenga

Need to beef up on Leonard Bernstein? Hear the musical polymath's most delightful tunes, from West Side Story classics to surprises from Aretha Franklin, Tom Waits and Selena.

Music & Culture

Roségoth: 37 Pitch-Black Songs For Pink Covens

12:01pm August 22, 2018

by Lars Gotrich

Goth encompasses a spectrum of dark sounds, moods and fabrics. Zola Jesus, Siouxsie Sioux and Pale Waves put those leather pants to work on the dance floor.

Aretha Franklin, onstage at The Metropolitan Opera House on September 18, 2011.

Music & Culture

Aretha Franklin: Just Her And A Piano

12:39pm August 20, 2018

by Marc Silver

A small, sterling selection of the best stripped-down performances the Queen of Soul delivered in her later years.

Aretha Franklin sings with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann Center for Performing Arts in 2010.

Music & Culture

Aretha Franklin: The Deep Cuts

1:40pm August 16, 2018

by Sidney Madden

Staff members of NPR remember the Queen of Soul beyond her No. 1 hits. These are Aretha Franklin's most essential deep cuts.

Aretha Franklin performs during the Mandela Day: A Celebration Concert July 2009 in New York City.

Music & Culture

Aretha Franklin: In Memoriam Playlist

1:15pm August 16, 2018

by Lauren Onkey

It's clear why Franklin was the undisputed Queen of Soul. Enjoy a playlist of the singer's biggest hits in a career that spanned decades and defied genre rules.

Music & Culture

Encore Episode: Hallelujah! The Songs We Should Retire

5:00am August 14, 2018

by Bob Boilen

They are often beloved classics, or works of pure genius. And you never, ever need to hear them again. They are the songs that must be retired.

Queue Listen Now

Music & Culture

'C' Is For Compromise: 20 Songs For Sharing The Stereo With Your Kids

1:47pm August 08, 2018

by Jacob Ganz

Tiny pleasures abound for parents and kids listening together, whether it's The Everly Brothers' "Wake Up Little Susie," Phoenix's "Tuttifrutti" or the Ghostbusters theme song.

With "Satisfacción," Nicky Jam, Bad Bunny and Arcangel are proving to be the Puerto Rican trio that won't quit this summer.

Music & Culture

'Satisfacción' Guaranteed: Our Favorite Latin Songs This Week

7:00am August 08, 2018

This week, there's something new for every corner of the Latinternet as Nicky Jam, Bad Bunny and Arcangel drop yet another banger and Miguel blesses us with another Spanish-language track.

Just as rósewave encompasses a range of varietals, Boutique Fitness is meant to soundtrack an array of workouts.

Music & Culture

Boutique Fitness: 27 Songs For Sweating In Style

12:16pm August 01, 2018

by Lyndsey McKenna

Conquer spin class, Pilates or the treadmill with a soundtrack sequenced for your workout.

The women of Dominican electronic trio Mula make synth music that synthesizes their acoustic Caribbean musical heritage.

Music & Culture

Getting 'Triste' With Bryant Myers & Bad Bunny: Our Favorite Latin Songs This Week

7:01am August 01, 2018

This week, Bryant Myers and Bad Bunny dropped a sadboy jam, Dominican trio Mula made female Caribbean electro-pop, and Gilberto Rodriguez y Los Intocables premiere a new track for NPR Music.