Ken Tucker's Top 10 Favorite Albums Of 2016
Fresh Air's rock critic presents his playlist for 2016. It includes big pop stars, beloved cult stars and a couple of not-yet-stars.
Music Reviews
A Critic's Year-End 'Ghost File': Books, Movies And TV Shows He Didn't Review
Every year, Fresh Air critic John Powers is haunted by all the terrific things he didn't get a chance to talk about on air. As 2016 winds down, he "un-haunts" himself with these six recommendations.
Musgraves Mixes Melancholy And Melodies On 'A Very Kacey Christmas'
Musgraves' new holiday record features old classics and new novelty songs. Critic Ken Tucker calls it "the rare Christmas album that can be listened to closely ... with both pleasure and admiration."
Childish Gambino's New Album Is A Funky Left Turn
While he was working on Atlanta, Donald Glover was also gathering musicians for soul jam sessions. "Awaken, My Love!" is an album of '70s throwback sounds that feels thrillingly alive.
Singer Allyson Seconds Revitalizes Power-Pop On 'Little World'
The second album by the California-based singer features an optimism often associated with West Coast pop. Critic Ken Tucker says Little World creates an "alternate universe of the sunniest sounds."
'Morricone 60': An Orchestra-Infused Look At A 60-Year Career
Film composer Ennio Morricone, known for his use of harmonica and whistling on Western scores, has re-imagined his most popular sounds with help from the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.
6 Jazz Virtuosos Share The Stage In 'The Concert Of The Century'
Kevin Whitehead reviews a newly released recording of the '80 Montreal concert in which Dizzy Gillespie is joined by jazz legends Milt Jackson, Hank Jones, Ray Brown, James Moody and Philly Joe Jones.
Miranda Lambert Mixes Assertiveness With Vulnerability On Her New Record
Lambert's new release features 24 songs on 2 CDs. Critic Ken Tucker calls The Weight of These Wings a collection that "keeps on giving the deeper you get into it."
Mary Halvorson Leaves Some Room For Weirdness In 'Away With You'
Halvorson, a prolific jazz guitarist, plays with harmonies and melodies as she leads an eight-piece band on her new album. Critic Kevin Whitehead calls Away With You "richer than ever."
First Listen: Zao, 'The Well-Intentioned Virus'
For two decades, the band has maintained a mix of thoughtfulness and savagery unparalleled in metal. This is peak Zao, back with its most feral and fully realized offering in years.