J Balvin's JOSE is on our shortlist for the best albums out on Sept. 10. VIVIIMAGE/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Music Lists Lists of top artists and top songs compiled by musicians, critics, and noted NPR hosts.
Music Lists
Tap into the peaceful mindset from days on the water. Kara Frame/NPR hide caption
Lord Huron's "Not Dead Yet" is featured in August's edition of Heavy Rotation. Anthony Wilson/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Top left, clockwise: PinkPantheress, Lucas Debargue, Lee Morgan, James Blake, Injury Reserve, Foxing. Courtesy of the artists hide caption
Mickey Guyton's roséwave playlist features Destiny's Child, Maren Morris, India.Arie and Tenille Townes. Bonnie Nichoalds/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Top left, clockwise: Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine, Canary Room, Billy Bragg, William Parker, IDK, WILLOW. Courtesy of the artists hide caption
Lace up and hit play. Kara Frame/NPR hide caption
Jazz artist Nate Smith performing in the Netherlands. Smith's song "Square Wheel" feat. Kokayi and Michael Mayo was one of Jazz Night's favorites of the first half of the year. Peter Van Breukelen/Redferns hide caption
BTS performs at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. John Shearer/Getty Images for dcp hide caption
Not sure if you want to hit the function or stay home? This one's for you. Kara Frame/NPR hide caption
Doja Cat and SZA's song "Kiss Me More" has been one of 2021's most inescapable tracks. Jamal Peters/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Jazz Night in America Monthly Mixtape NPR hide caption
Kurt Cobain of Nirvana by Michael Ochs Archives, Prince by Michael Ochs Archives, Amy Winehouse by Roger Kisby Getty Images hide caption
Musicians who made some of NPR Music's favorite songs of 2021 (so far) include (left to right) Silk Sonic, Cico P, Seinabo Sey, Petal Supply and Amber Mark. Courtesy of artists hide caption
Alt.Latino's Best Music of 2021 (So Far)
Whether you're a tote bag or Telfie babe, the spirit of roséwave lives in us all. Kara Frame/NPR hide caption
From left, Russell and Ron Mael, who record as Sparks, photographed in 1982 during the cover shoot for their album Angst In My Pants. Eric Blum/Getty Images hide caption
50 Years Of Sparks: The World Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Them
Kathy Foster is a mainstay in the Portland music scene, having been a bassist for The Thermals and now the drummer for local punks Hurry Up. Sam Gehrke/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
It's not a genre; it's a lifestyle. Kara Frame/NPR hide caption
Floating Room is featured as one of Oregon's up-and-coming artists to watch in 2021. Eirinn Lou Riggs/Courtesy of the artist hide caption