Music Reviews

Music & Culture

'Sonic Trickster' Miguel Blends Genres And Melodies On 'Wildheart'

9:48pm July 21, 2015

by Ken Tucker

Singer-songwriter Miguel mixes rock, pop, hip-hop, reggae and funk on his new album. Critic Ken Tucker says the musical slight-of-hand that results is "excitingly diverse and vivid."

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Music & Culture

Jason Isbell's 'Something More Than Free' Rings With The Promise of Joy

6:47pm July 14, 2015

by Ken Tucker

The former member of the Drive-by Truckers unleashes his storytelling skills in his new album, Something More Than Free. Rock critic Ken Tucker says Isbell's lyrics reward a close listen.

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Music & Culture

Duke Ellington's 'Plank Session' Offers Snapshots Of A Jazz Master At Work

3:09pm July 10, 2015

by Kevin Whitehead

In July 1970, Duke Ellington recorded two tunes engineered by Conny Plank. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says The Conny Plank Session, which is now on CD, is a window onto Ellington's working method.

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Music & Culture

Country's Kacey Musgraves Mixes Wit And Sincerity In 'Pageant Material'

6:11pm July 06, 2015

by Ken Tucker

The 26-year-old singer focuses on cleverly constructed lyrics — instead of rebellion — in her new record. Critic Ken Tucker says the singer falls short of creating a "sustained great album."

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Music & Culture

From Jazz To Latin To R&B, NPR Music's Favorite Albums Of 2015 So Far

6:31pm July 03, 2015

by Jacob Ganz

NPR's favorite albums of the year so far range from hip-hop to Latin music.

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Music & Culture

'BrotherLee Love' Offers A Fearless, Fresh Tribute To Trumpeter Lee Morgan

1:31pm June 29, 2015

by Kevin Whitehead

Terell Stafford and his quintet bring a warm and hefty tone to a tribute album honoring the late Philadelphia horn player Lee Morgan. Kevin Whitehead says the new album is risky — but successful.

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Music & Culture

Leon Bridges Offers Retro R&B With A Twist In 'Coming Home'

3:24pm June 25, 2015

by Ken Tucker

The Texas-raised singer connects to R&B music from the past — and challenges himself to give it an updated sound — in his new album. Critic Ken Tucker says Bridges' album packs an emotional punch.

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SOAK's debut album, Before We Forgot How To Dream, comes out June 2.

Music & Culture

Review: SOAK, 'Before We Forgot How To Dream'

10:25pm June 23, 2015

by Stephen Thompson

The Irish singer recorded her debut at 18, so it makes sense that it would chronicle youthful uncertainty. Throughout the album, her songs command attention by burrowing deep under the skin.

Music & Culture

Review: 'Covered,' Robert Glasper

8:56pm June 23, 2015

by Tom Moon

NPR's Tom Moon reviews the new album from pianist Robert Glasper, Covered.

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Music & Culture

Review: 'Amanecer,' Bomba Estereo

6:30pm June 15, 2015

The Colombian party band, Bomba Estereo, is out with their latest album, Amanecer. NPR reviewer Banning Eyre, senior editor at afropop.org, says it offers a friendly entrée into the realm of electronic dance music with folk roots.

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