Robin Hilton

Few artists can completely dismantle your heart, fill it with wonder and awe at the miracle of life, and put it back together quite like Madi Diaz.

The British folk-rock band shares world-weary anthems to growing older, weathering the innumerable blows of life and coming out on the other side, hopefully a little wiser.

The British act Jungle had a big hit with “Back on 74” — and its unforgettable dance video — in 2023. Now, the group is back with “Carry On,” a breezy, sun-dappled song about surviving a broken heart. We give it a spin to open the show, along with a study on optimism from one of José González’s best albums, a celestial ambient cut from throat singer Tanya Tagaq and more.NPR classical critic Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton as they update their running list of the year’s best songs.(00:00) Intro(01:03) Jungle: “Carry On” from ‘SUNSHINE’(07:42) Gabriel Kahane & Roomful of Teeth: “Not Even the Dead” from ‘Elevator Songs’(14:23) Quiet Light: “Self Tape” from ‘Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2’(23:34) Tanya Tagaq: “Imiq” from ‘Saputjiji’(31:13) José González: “Etyd” from ‘Against the Dying of the Light’(37:49) Giya Kancheli: “Middelheim” from ‘Kancheli: Ex contrario, Middelheim & Tsutisopeli’Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or whe

We talk with Beck about his gauzy new song, what he’s been up to since releasing his last album seven years ago, and what he (maybe?) has planned for the coming year.Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

Our latest mix of the best new tracks this week includes a massive eye-roll from Charli xcx, the first-ever solo music from Mike D of the Beastie Boys, another surprise drop from electronic music icons Boards of Canada, and more.NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton.Leave us a glowing review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgFeatured artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(01:18) Charli xcx: “Rock Music” (Single)(07:30) Starflyer 59: “I’m Disappointed” from Disappointed EP(12:22) Mike D: “Switch Up” (Single)(19:53) Black Swan Network: “The Shell” from The Early Music, Vol. 1(25:30) Hannah Cohen: “Golden Chain” (Single)(31:55) Boards of Canada: “Introit/Prophecy At 1420 MHz” from Inferno

Featuring new songs and beloved classics, the stadium-sized rock band shrinks down its outsized sound without losing any urgency or oomph.

We weigh the options and attempt to pick the one song that best captures the Millennial experience, from the dizzying highs of the dot-com boom, when anything seemed possible, to the post-9-11 bust, the "hope and change" of the Obama years, and prolonged period of generational disillusionment.NPR Music editors Hazel Cills and Sheldon Pearce join host Robin Hilton.A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org 

The best new tracks of the week include a raging, dance floor remix of Wet Leg’s “Catch These Fists,” a touch of vintage soul from rapper Vince Staples, Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien and more.NPR Music’s Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton.A good review helps! So, leave us one on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org  Featured artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(01:03) Wet Leg(07:05) Katia & Marielle Labèque(15:23) Balming Tiger(22:42) Wild Up(31:00) Vince Staples(36:06) Ed O’Brien

It's the midway point of 2026, and it's safe to say that when it comes to the best songs of the year, there's not really any consensus to be found. So we’ve assembled our personal Top 10 list of the most memorable songs to cross our paths, from the outlaw country of Charley Crockett to the glam rock of Friko, Lana Del Rey’s twisted ode to love, Vince Staples' "White Flag" and more.NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.Featured artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(01:38) Mandy, Indiana: “try saying”(05:09) Aldous Harding: “Coats”(09:28) Vince Staples: “White Flag”(14:25) Yebba: “Yellow Eyes”(18:04) Friko: “Seven Degrees”(22:01) Charley Crockett: “Kentucky Too Long”(26:03) Lana Del Rey: “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter”(32:07) Baby Rose: “Friends Again" (feat. Leon Thomas)(37:59) Mumford & Sons: “Rubber Band Man" (feat. Hozier)(42:58) Irreversible Entanglements: “Don’t Lose Your Head" (feat. MOTHERBOARD)Reviews help! Leave us one on Apple or Spotify wherever

On her stellar new single, “Switchblade,” beabadoobee shreds ‘90s style. The Rolling Stones have still got it on their latest album, Foreign Tongues. And Four Tet surprises us with a new “wingdings” project. We’ve got all that and more as we share our picks for the best new songs of the week.NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.Featured artists and songs:(00:00) Intro(01:20) beabadoobee: “Switchblade” (08:31) Bonobo & Arooj Aftab: “Fire on the Water”(15:09) The Rolling Stones: “Ringing Hollow” (25:31) L’rain: “borderline”(33:02) Four Tet: "track 3"(40:35) Ela Minus and Nick León: “espiral”Support the show with a review on Apple or Spotify wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org.