Welcome to New Music Friday, a feature of NPR Music’s podcast highlighting top album releases each week. Hosted by Stephen Thompson, the podcast offers music clips, context, and insightful commentary on the selected albums. It features contributions from members of the NPR Music Network, including this week’s guest, Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco.
Here’s a look at the standout albums we’ve spotlighted in this episode:
The Starting 5
- Olivia Rodrigo – you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love (Geffen)
RIYL: If you enjoy Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams, this album will resonate with you. - Pussy Riot – CYKA (Stem)
RIYL: Fans of Peaches and Mannequin Pussy should give this release a listen. - YHWH Nailgun – Magazine (4AD)
RIYL: Perfect for those who appreciate the sonic styles of Model/Actriz and Water From Your Eyes. - Hayley Kiyoko – girls like girls (the album) (One Riot)
RIYL: If Lorde or King Princess are on your playlist, you’ll find this engaging. - Six Sex – ULTRA (Dale Play)
RIYL: Arca and Charli XCX fans will connect with the energetic vibes here.
These albums are discussed in detail on the podcast, which you can stream via the NPR App, Apple, Spotify, or other platforms.
The Lightning Round
NPR Music staff recommend five additional albums deserving of attention:
- Kelsey Lu – So Help Me God (Dirty Hit)
- Ambrose Akinmusire & Mary Halvorson – Slo-Mo Neon Luminate Hoverings (Nonesuch)
- Diles Que No Me Maten – Escrito en Agua (Moonlight Activities)
- Horse Lords – Demand to Be Taken to Heaven Alive! (RVNG Intl.)
- Mon Laferte – Femme Fatale Vol. 2 (Sony)
Each of these selections showcases unique musical talent worth exploring further.
Dora’s Corner
Production assistant Dora Levite shares her picks for exceptional albums not featured on the main show:
- Anysia Kym & Tony Seltzer – Purity (Flips) (10K)
- Sports Boyfriend – Slice of Life (self-released)
- KatzPascale – ELEGY EP (SONIC GUCK)
The Long List
A breakdown of additional categories for music enthusiasts:
- Rap/Hip-Hop: Wiki – Ancient History (Wikset Enterprise), BabyChiefDoit – R.A.M.B.O (APG)
- Classical: Katia & Marielle Labèque – 55 (box set) (Deutsche Grammophon), Dustin O’Halloran – Lumière (Expanded) (Splinter)
- Country/Folk/Americana: Breakfield – Breakfield (Round), Koe Wetzel – The Night Champion (Columbia)
- Electronic/Out There: Sepehr – Fool’s Ovation (Kapsela), DJ Koze – Spiralen EP (Pampa)
- Global: Maria Isabel – Miss Me Much? (Sony), Danny Towers – Marina Money (Empire)
- Jazz: Ize Trio – Global Prayer (self-released), Ibrahim Maalouf – Trumpets of Michel-Ange II (Mister Ibe)
- Pop: Bebe Rexha – Dirty Blonde (EMPIRE), Tori Kelly – God Must Really Love Me (Epic)
- R&B/Soul: Infinity Song – Infinity Song (Roc Nation), BLXST – Labor of Love (Empire)
- Rock/Alt/Indie: Parent Teacher – Tricks for Meds (Wilbur & Moore), Spacey Jane – Exit Wounds (Concord)
Explore full-length features on NPR playlists on Spotify, Apple, or your preferred streaming service.
Join Stephen Thompson and guests weekly for enriching discussions and curated music selections.
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