NPR Music Essentials archive

December 28, 2011 – NPR Music presents 12 titles ranging from album cover art to disco to Def Jam to metal to MTV.

December 27, 2011 – Hear the delectably scandalous, dance-floor-ready anthems of the year.

December 27, 2011 – Bob Boilen salutes his 15 favorite live concerts. What were your most memorable shows this year?

December 23, 2011 – These tunes each exemplify how great singers and great songs fit together. Jazz24

December 22, 2011 – Hear five songs that find a way to dance-music alchemy, with grooves that kill every time.

December 21, 2011 – Some of the most memorable recordings of 2011 were not just great songs. They were about something. WNYC

December 21, 2011 – WXPN's Bruce Warren recommends some of the best artists making use of the independent music site. WXPN

December 20, 2011 – Fresh Air's critic looks back on a fruitful year and lists his favorite music releases of 2011.

ListenPlaylist

December 19, 2011 – From boombox caroling to a loopy 'Sleigh Ride,' videos that sing out with classical holiday cheer.

December 19, 2011 – Each one gave us something to fall in love with this year, so we're passing the gift along to you.

December 19, 2011 – Pop right now is a mash-up of cosmopolitan dance beats and All-American ethnic and racial diversity.

December 16, 2011 – The Head and the Heart is one of many new folk groups that bend tradition while keeping it alive. FolkAlley

December 15, 2011 – Once contracted to big labels, orchestras are now releasing their own impressive recordings. WGBH

December 14, 2011 – Hear what happens when the natural male speaking voice turns to song in this baritone bonanza.

December 14, 2011 – Hear a mix of what the year sounded like to us — funny, joyful, heavy and always surprising.