An NPR music critic's take on the Grammy nominees for best new artist
A review of the category ahead of the 2024 Grammys.
Music Features
For Dry January, we ask a music critic for great songs about not drinking
Plenty of songs celebrate drinking. But what about music that finds joy in — well, not drinking? Music critic Sasha Frere-Jones reflects upon a few songs that have been meaningful to his sobriety.
Truth, forgiveness: 'Swept Away' is a theatrical vessel for Avett Bros' music
With songs by the Avett Brothers, Swept Away follows four men fighting to survive a shipwreck. The musical is inspired by the true story in which men resort to cannibalism to survive.
People in prison explain what music means to them — and how they access it
Three people incarcerated at prisons across the U.S. spoke to NPR's Morning Edition about how music helps them reconnect with the past, endure the present and envision the future.
All Music Considered: My kids have the aux
The directors of All Things Considered are the ones in control of the music you hear on the program. NPR's Scott Detrow talks with director Jonas Adams about how his kids controlled some of his music choices this year.
Herlin Riley: master of drums in the cradle of jazz
With a long career playing among jazz and R&B greats, he remains one of the most in-demand drummers in New Orleans.
Jazz Night celebrates the lives we lost in 2023
This year, Jazz Night celebrates the lives of the artists we lost with a djembe tribute by Weedie Braimah.
In Memoriam 2023: The Musicians We Lost
When artists die, it can feel impossible to imagine a world without their musical guidance. Yet it's also a moment to celebrate — not just their impact on culture but also inside ourselves.
Island Man
Since his death at 96, tributes to the singer and activist have centered his legacies in the U.S. But it's impossible to grasp Belafonte's larger meaning without first understanding his island roots.
Peso Pluma tops the 2023 YouTube chart
Peso Pluma is YouTube's most viewed artist of the year in the U.S. The Mexican music phenom beat out Taylor Swift, Drake, YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Bad Bunny for the top spot.