Sharon Van Etten

U.K. rapper AJ Tracey. His sophomore full-length, Flu Game, is on our shortlist of the best albums out on April 16. Michael O'Donnel/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

All Songs Considered hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton rented a cabin in the woods for a special holiday party, with Kishi Bashi, Dan Deacon, Carrie Brownstein, and more as guests. Mike Brinson/Getty Images hide caption

Top row left to right: Palehound, Soccer Mommy, Jay Som; Bottom row left to right: Caroline Spence, Joseph Shabason, Lucy Dacus Courtesy of the artists hide caption

Clockwise from upper left: Lana Del Rey, Lizzo, Carly Rae Jepsen, FKA Twigs, The National, Brittany Howard Courtesy of the artists hide caption

Clockwise from upper left: Burna Boy, Big Thief, Lizzo, Tyler, The Creator, Billie Eilish, Better Oblivion Community Center Courtesy of the artists hide caption

Sharon Van Etten inside the World Cafe Performance Studio Rachel Del Sordo/WXPN hide caption

After taking a break to go back to school, do some acting and become a mom, Sharon Van Etten has just released her first new album in five years. Ryan Pfluger/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

"They're still love songs. They're still melodically driven," Sharon Van Etten says. "I just feel like I sing with a different kind of force." Ryan Pfluger/Courtesy of the artist hide caption