Music Reviews

Arcadi Volodos devotes his new album to the music of Brahms.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Arcadi Volodos, 'Intermezzo In A, Op. 118, No. 2'

8:30am June 16, 2017

by Tom Huizenga

The Russian pianist, known for his fiery technique, scales back to let his instrument sing sweetly in an autumnal miniature from late in the career of Johannes Brahms.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Cordovas, 'I'm The One Who Needs You Tonight'

1:04pm June 15, 2017

by Benjamin Naddaff-Hafrey

The country-rock band is committed to the sound of brotherhood — a few voices sharing a feeling. Nowhere is that clearer than on this tender ballad.

Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer's Not Dark Yet comes out Aug. 18.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer, 'Not Dark Yet'

10:00am June 15, 2017

by Ann Powers

For years the sisters have promised to collaborate on a full-length release; finally, it's happened, and Dylan is one of the lucky beneficiaries of their attention.

Chelsea Wolfe's new album, Hiss Spun, comes out Sept. 22.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Chelsea Wolfe, '16 Psyche'

10:14am June 14, 2017

by Paula Mejia

In the metallic first single from Hiss Spun, out Sept. 22, Wolfe is at her most commanding and climactic yet.

Solána Rowe, aka SZA, released one of 2017's most anticipated albums on Friday.

Music & Culture

Taking 'Ctrl': Why SZA's New Album Means So Much

9:35am June 14, 2017

The Top Dawg singer's new album is as dreamy as we all hoped it would be. Code Switch and NPR Music tapped in a few members of the NPR fam to chat with us about how SZA and Ctrl resonates with them.

The Mexico City-based Chilean vocalist Mon Laferte heats up the summer with "Amárrame."

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Mon Laferte, 'Amárrame (Feat. Juanes)'

9:43pm June 13, 2017

by Marisa Arbona-Ruiz

The chemistry between the Mexico City-based Chilean vocalist and her duet partner, paired with a slinky cumbia bass line, makes this song hard to resist.

Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band's new album, Dreaming In The Non-Dream, comes out Aug. 25.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band, 'Dreaming In The Non-Dream'

10:00am June 13, 2017

by Laura Snapes

The 16-minute track manages to be concise and lean, almost speeding on an empty tank through a tireless groove that solders dusty Ohio punk to krautrock's soothing repetitions.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart's new album, The Echo Of Pleasure, comes out July 14.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, 'When I Dance With You'

10:58am June 12, 2017

by Maria Sherman

Love in pop music is often painted in grandiose gestures, but sometimes it feels truest in just feeling "OK."

Jason Isbell's new album, The Nashville Sound, is out June 16.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, 'The Nashville Sound'

5:00am June 12, 2017

by Jewly Hight

With eyes clear and nerves jangled, Isbell wrestles with unpleasant social and political realities on his sixth studio album.

Beth Ditto's new album, Fake Sugar, is out June 16.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Beth Ditto, 'Fake Sugar'

5:00am June 12, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

The Gossip singer's solo debut recasts her as a versatile, pop-minded rock star who can still shake the rafters with her voice when the moment calls for it.