Podcast Summary: All Songs Considered – "New Music Friday: The Best Albums Out July 11"

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Hosted by Stephen Thompson alongside guest Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville, NPR’s flagship music discovery program, All Songs Considered, delves into the latest and most anticipated album releases for the week of July 11, 2025. This episode, titled "New Music Friday: The Best Albums Out July 11," offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of diverse genres, artist reunions, and fresh sounds that are set to dominate the summer music scene.

1. Wet Leg – "Moisturizer"

Wet Leg, the Isle of Wight sensation known for their witty lyrics and infectious melodies, returns with their sophomore album, "Moisturizer." Stephen Thompson opens the discussion by highlighting the album’s release as one of the week's major highlights.

Stephen Thompson [02:28]: "Can you catch your medicine fall? Can you catch yourself when you fall?"

Celia Gregory praises the band’s evolution, noting the collaborative effort that extends beyond the primary songwriters, Hester and Rhian. She emphasizes the album’s ability to retain its catchy nature while offering greater lyrical and musical depth.

Celia Gregory [03:06]: "It's a whole band effort, and it really shines... a whole slate of love songs."

The hosts commend the album for its energetic and "horny" vibe, blending fun and swoony qualities seamlessly. Tracks like "Catch These Fists" and "Pillow Talk" showcase Wet Leg’s knack for creating vibrant, danceable anthems without sacrificing emotional resonance.

Stephen Thompson [04:36]: "You really get the sense that these songs are made to entertain them as well as us."

2. The Swell Season – "Forward"

After a 16-year hiatus, The Swell Season, comprising Glenn Hansard and Marketa Irglova, reunites with their new album, "Forward." The hosts delve into the duo’s storied past, including their acclaimed performance in the movie "Once."

Stephen Thompson [10:46]: "The Swell Season put out a couple of records. The last one was 'Strict Joy' in 2009."

Celia expresses her long-standing admiration for the band, tracing her fandom back to the movie and their subsequent work with The Frames.

Celia Gregory [11:01]: "I have to admit, because I was radicalized by the movie 'Once.'"

The album "Forward" is lauded for its reflective lyrics and harmonious blend, capturing the essence of Hansard and Irglova’s enduring chemistry. The hosts highlight tracks like "People We Used To Be" and "Everything I Ever Knew," which encapsulate the duo’s exploration of time, memory, and artistic collaboration.

Stephen Thompson [14:25]: "It feels like a beautiful coda to their story."

3. Clipse – "Let God Sort 'Em Out"

The legendary hip-hop duo Clipse makes a triumphant return with their first album in 16 years, "Let God Sort 'Em Out." Stephen and Celia discuss the significance of the brothers Pusha T and No Malice reuniting to produce a record that stays true to their roots while addressing contemporary themes.

Celia Gregory [19:04]: "They've been thoughtful about getting back together, not just a cash grab."

The album features an impressive array of collaborations, including a standout verse from Kendrick Lamar on "Chains and Whips," adding a fresh dynamic to Clipse’s signature sound. The hosts emphasize the album's introspective depth, particularly in tracks like "The Birds Don't Sing," which poignantly addresses personal loss.

Stephen Thompson [21:36]: "There's a rawness on the fly quality, deep well of emotions."

4. Alo Darlin – "Bright Nights"

Alo Darlin, known for their dreamy folk-pop vibes, releases "Bright Nights," their first album since 2014. The hosts appreciate the band’s ability to blend nostalgic sounds with modern sensibilities, creating music that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Celia Gregory [26:07]: "Earnest sounding music is really meeting the moment this summer."

Tracks like "Parenthood" showcase the band’s knack for crafting emotionally resonant songs wrapped in lush, melodic arrangements. The album is celebrated for its ability to evoke a sense of longing and joy simultaneously, making it a perfect summer listen.

Stephen Thompson [29:09]: "It feels like a perfect companion piece... a warm hug from a friend."

5. Burna Boy – "No Sign of Weakness"

Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Burna Boy drops his latest album, "No Sign of Weakness," featuring an eclectic mix of genres and high-profile collaborations. The album stands out for its seamless integration of Afrobeat with elements of reggae, soul, funk, and even country.

Stephen Thompson [34:02]: "Hit after hit after hit."

Highlighted tracks include "Change Your Mind" featuring Shaboozy, which promises to be a crossover sensation, and "Empty Chairs" with Mick Jagger, adding a rock legend’s flair to Burna Boy’s dynamic soundscape. The inclusion of Travis Scott on "Ta Ta Ta" bridges the gap between hip-hop and Afrobeat, enhancing the album’s broad appeal.

Celia Gregory [34:20]: "A crossover hit... blending his versatile vocals."

The hosts discuss the album’s immense commercial potential, attributing it to its nostalgic elements and wide range of featured artists that cater to diverse audiences.

Stephen Thompson [38:36]: "A sense of nostalgia provides more entry points for people to connect with it."

6. Lightning Round – Other Notable Albums

In a rapid-fire segment, Stephen and Celia highlight additional significant releases:

• Olafur Arnalds and Talos – "A Dawning"

  A poignant collaboration completed posthumously with the late Irish singer-songwriter Talos, resulting in a half-hour of melancholic yet beautiful compositions.

  Stephen Thompson [42:12]: "Such a compact, emotionally rich half hour of just beautiful, transporting music."

• Martha – "Standing Where It All Began"

  A retrospective collection of singles and B-sides from the Durham-based UK band, showcasing harmony-rich power pop and pop-punk influences.

  Celia Gregory [42:12]: "Harmony, rich power pop, pop punk... exactly my stuff."

• Open Mike Eagle – "Neighborhood Gods Unlimited"

  Known for his witty and high-concept approach, Open Mike Eagle delivers an album centered on childhood trauma, filled with insightful and intricate lyrics.

  Stephen Thompson [43:27]: "Childhood trauma at its core... it's worth it."

• Petey USA – "The Yips"

  Former social media star Petey USA transitions into vulnerable emo rock, featuring production from Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie fame.

  Celia Gregory [44:30]: "Vulnerable, hard on your sleeve emo rock and I don't hate it."

• Tony Njoku – "All Our Knives Are Always Sharp"

  A genre-blending opus from British-Nigerian artist Tony Njoku, incorporating psychedelia, neoclassical elements, and collaborations with artists like Ghost Poet and Tricky.

  Stephen Thompson [37:53]: "Prismatic. It's expansive, stuffed with sonic ideas and grand emotion."

7. Hosts' Favorite Tracks and Reflections

Celia and Stephen share their personal favorite tracks from the featured albums. Celia expresses a special fondness for The Swell Season’s "The Great Weight," noting its unexpected depth and lyrical maturity.

Celia Gregory [46:33]: "The sneaky little F bomb... it's gorgeous."

Stephen highlights Olafur Arnalds and Talos's "West Cork 12 February" for its atmospheric beauty that “just made my heart swell.”

Stephen Thompson [47:11]: "Such a beautiful atmospheric quality... made my heart swell."

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the theme of musical reunions and the importance of continuity in an artist’s journey. They encourage listeners to explore the rich array of new releases, emphasizing the diverse emotions and stories encapsulated within each album. The episode closes with a teaser for upcoming discussions on future releases, ensuring that listeners stay tuned for more in-depth music explorations.

Stephen Thompson [48:26]: "We are going to keep bringing you back again and again... treat yourself to lots of great music."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and notable quotes from the "New Music Friday: The Best Albums Out July 11" episode of All Songs Considered. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this overview offers a comprehensive look at the hottest new releases and the vibrant conversations surrounding them.