All Songs Considered: New Music Friday – The Best Albums Out Aug. 1, 2025

Released on August 1, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of NPR's flagship music discovery program, All Songs Considered, host Stephen Thompson teams up with Liz Warner from Detroit's WDET to delve into the freshest music releases of the week. From surprising drops by established artists to debut albums that push creative boundaries, Stephen and Liz guide listeners through an eclectic mix of sounds and stories that define August 1, 2025, in the music world.

Featured Albums

1. Hayley Williams – New Album Release

   Stephen Thompson (00:36):

   "On Monday, Hayley Williams dropped 17 new songs in an unusual fashion... It turns out there is a new Hayley Williams album out today."

   Hayley Williams, renowned for her role in Paramore, made headlines by releasing 17 new tracks via passcodes from her hair dye company, Good Dye Young. These cryptically distributed songs have now been compiled into her latest album, marking a significant and unexpected addition to her discography.

2. Emily Hines – These Days

   Liz Warner (02:37):

   "Emily Hines is a songwriter who came from Ohio, rural Ohio... it sounds like you're just being wrapped in a blanket throughout the whole thing."

   Emily Hines' debut album, These Days, offers a harmonious blend of commercial and experimental sounds. Described as sitting between the balladry of Norah Jones and the experimental nuances of Kath Bloom, the album features seven meticulously crafted songs. Tracks like "UFO" and "All of Our Friends" showcase her ability to intertwine personal narratives with captivating melodies, creating a record that's both comforting and introspective.

   Stephen Thompson (07:00):

   "This is a record that I'm gonna come back to again and again over the course of this year. I just think it's such a gift."

3. Mal Devisa – Palimpsessa

   Stephen Thompson (09:20):

   "Maldivesa is the work of an artist named Deja Carr... an anthology and an introduction for the unfamiliar."

   Deja Carr's Palimpsessa is an extensive collection boasting 29 tracks over 88 minutes, blending hip hop, rock, jazz, funk, and spoken word. The title alludes to the concept of a palimpsest, reflecting Carr's process of reworking older material into something fresh and innovative. Highlights include the ferocious "Next Stop" and the soulful "Skylines Arms Reach Out," demonstrating her versatility and depth as an artist.

   Liz Warner (11:27):

   "You really hear the sparseness, but then you hear it fill up with this beautiful synergy that happens throughout."

4. The Armed – The Future Is Here and Everything Needs to Be Destroyed

   Liz Warner (18:58):

   "Play is the first song on the record... it just really hits you over the head."

   The Armed's latest offering is a bold statement on modern American life, characterized by intense energy and thought-provoking themes. Tracks like "Broken Mirror" and "Local Millionaire" blend hardcore punk vibes with melodic hooks, while collaborations with Kara Drolshagen add layers of complexity. The album culminates in "Heathen," a shoegaze-infused epic that showcases their sonic versatility.

   Stephen Thompson (23:14):

   "It's a bold record... it's a reminder that as heavy as this band can get,... they're really capable with texture."

5. Kamen Gilmore – Black Gate

   Stephen Thompson (26:31):

   "Kamen Gilmour... his first album and it's pretty brief. It's seven tracks in, like 23 minutes."

   Kamen Gilmore's Black Gate marks his solo debut, featuring a collaboration with cellist Kate Ellis and harpist Lavinia Meyer. The album navigates neoclassical landscapes infused with contemporary electronic elements, offering a serene yet dynamic listening experience. Tracks seamlessly transition through varying moods, highlighting Gilmore's compositional prowess.

   Liz Warner (30:48):

   "The arrangement section is incredible. It's almost like Brian Wilson levels of composition with what he puts together."

6. Susumu Yokota – Skin Tone Edition, Volume 1

   Stephen Thompson (32:15):

   "Susumu Yokota was a really important and influential musician based out of Japan... over time."

   Commemorating the 10th anniversary of his passing, Susumu Yokota's Skin Tone Edition, Volume 1 compiles seven of his influential albums released on the Skin Tone label. This box set highlights Yokota's evolution in ambient and electronic music, drawing comparisons to legends like Aphex Twin. The collection offers both a historical perspective and a deep dive into his innovative soundscapes.

   Liz Warner (34:33):

   "You see this expansion of spaces... it's almost like Brian Wilson levels of composition."

Lightning Round: Other Noteworthy Releases

1. Buddy Guy – Ain't Done with the Blues

   A fiery electric blues collection celebrating Buddy Guy's illustrious career, coinciding with his 89th birthday.

2. Heat Miser – Mike City Sun

   Celebrating the 30th anniversary remaster of Mike City Sons, featuring early works of Elliott Smith with a band setting that offers a nostalgic yet fresh listening experience.

3. Rene Najera – Painted Life

   An exploration of liquid electronica by Jared Kerrigan's alter ego, featuring free-flowing and propulsive sounds that create a seamless auditory experience.

4. Hieroglyphic Being – The Sound of Something Ending

   Chicago-based artist Hieroglyphic Being delivers cosmic vibes with a blend of ambient and experimental sounds, influenced by collaborations with figures like Marshall Allen of the Sun Ra Orchestra.

5. Spafford Campbell – Tomorrow Heaven

   A collaboration between fiddler Owen Spafford and guitarist Lewis Campbell, merging chamber music with post-rock, jazz, and folk elements to create a nuanced and emotionally resonant soundscape.

Insights and Conclusions

Liz Warner (42:05):

"I really love that observation... everything is going to feel." "One song that exemplifies the week... 'Can We Go Back?' by Pink Butter featuring T3 of Slum Village."

Throughout the episode, Stephen and Liz emphasize the diversity and creativity present in the latest music releases. From the introspective melodies of Emily Hines to the aggressive intensity of The Armed, and the intricate compositions of Kamen Gilmore, the week's offerings cater to a wide array of musical tastes. Their favorites highlight the personal connections and standout moments that make these albums memorable.

Stephen Thompson (42:59):

"I just think it's such a gift. And she was just a total discovery for me. I can't wait to hear more of her music."

Both hosts express enthusiasm for the discoveries made during the episode, particularly celebrating emerging artists who bring fresh perspectives and sounds to the music landscape.

Conclusion

This week's All Songs Considered episode serves as a comprehensive guide to the best new music released on August 1, 2025. With insightful discussions, in-depth album analyses, and a celebration of both established and emerging artists, Stephen Thompson and Liz Warner provide listeners with a rich and engaging exploration of the current music scene. Whether you're seeking the comforting melodies of These Days or the intense rhythms of The Future Is Here and Everything Needs to Be Destroyed, there's something for every music lover to discover and enjoy.

Notable Quotes

• Emily Hines' Record Description (02:00):

  "It really, I think, is a great way to describe this whole record because it sounds like you're just being wrapped in a blanket throughout the whole thing."

• Mal Devisa on Her Versatility (11:27):

  "You really hear the sparseness, but then you hear it fill up with this beautiful synergy that happens throughout."

• The Armed on Album Depth (25:30):

  "It's not all hammers, you know, some of it is chisels, some of it is brushes."

• Kamen Gilmore on Musical Journey (30:48):

  "The arrangement section is incredible. It's almost like Brian Wilson levels of composition with what he puts together."

• Final Favorite Highlight (42:05):

  "I really love that observation... I'm gonna go with one, mostly one. Cayman Gilmore. MVE3, I think, is exquisitely beautiful."

Production Credits

• Producer: Noah Caldwell
• Editor: Otis Hart
• Executive Producer: Soraya Muhammad

For those seeking to stay updated with the latest in music, this episode of All Songs Considered offers invaluable insights and recommendations. Be sure to tune in next week as Stephen and Liz continue their journey through new musical landscapes.