All Songs Considered: New Music Friday – The Best Albums Out June 20, 2025

Hosted by NPR's Stephen Thompson and Raina Duras from World Cafe in Philadelphia, this episode of "All Songs Considered" delves into the latest standout albums released on June 20, 2025. The hosts provide in-depth analyses, share personal insights, and highlight notable tracks, making this episode a must-listen for music enthusiasts eager to discover new sounds.

1. Haim – I Quit

Timestamp: [01:11] - [08:34]

Stephen Thompson kicks off the episode by spotlighting Haim's highly anticipated fourth album, "I Quit." Co-produced with Rostam Batmanglij, Haim's trio delivers a vibrant and freeing pop experience, marking their first release since 2020's "Women in Music Part 3."

• Themes & Reception:

  • The album centers on shedding toxicity and embracing positive change. "It's about leaving bad stuff behind, leaving bad relationships, shedding what doesn't bring you joy," Raina explains ([03:33]).
  • Stephen notes the album's potential as the "I Quit Summer," highlighting its ability to resonate widely with its upbeat and liberating messages ([02:24]).

• Notable Tracks:

  • "Relationships" ([04:11]): A catchy anthem expressing the paradox of being in love yet disliking the complexities of relationships.
    • Quote: “I'm in love but I can't stand effing relationships. Why do I have a guilty conscience?” ([05:02])
  • "Gone" ([05:48]): Opens the album with a sample from George Michael's "Freedom 90," setting a defiant and liberating tone.
    • Quote: “Before I leave on second thought, I change my mind... Now I'm free to finally packed my.” ([05:48])

• Production & Style:

  • Raina praises the album's fun and rock-inspired sound, contrasting it with the 90s grunge and Sad Diary entries.
  • The hosts discuss the "Rose Wave" genre, characterized by its summery, poppy vibes that are both sonically pleasing and emotionally resonant ([07:08]).

2. Hotline tnt – Raspberry Moon

Timestamp: [08:34] - [13:13]

Next, Stephen and Raina explore Hotline tnt's new release, "Raspberry Moon," under Jack White's Third Man label. This album pays homage to 90s shoegaze bands with its lush, guitar-driven sound.

• Musical Influences:

  • The album draws heavily from bands like Swerve Driver and Teenage Fanclub, emphasizing layered, booming guitars without the reliance on pedals ([09:56]).

• Themes & Impact:

  • Raina highlights how the album serves as an escape from the overwhelming noise of the modern world, offering a sense of nostalgia and emotional catharsis.
  • Stephen appreciates the balance between the wall-of-sound approach and individual rock song craftsmanship ([11:11]).

• Notable Tracks:

  • "Was I Wrong?" ([11:42]): Combines distortion with a twang, creating a unique auditory experience that echoes the essence of the 90s.
  • "Candle" ([41:56]): Described by Stephen as the record's standout track, it seamlessly blends big billowy guitars with memorable hooks.

3. Yaya Bae – Do It Afraid

Timestamp: [16:04] - [22:06]

Yaya Bae's "Do It Afraid" is celebrated for its dynamic range and emotional depth. The album transitions from chill R&B vibes to explosive dance tracks, showcasing her versatility.

• Musical Journey:

  • The first half is likened to a "summer hang" atmosphere, perfect for relaxed settings.
  • The latter half shifts to more energetic, genre-blending tracks that incorporate soul, jazz, and hip-hop elements ([17:21]).

• Themes & Messages:

  • The album encapsulates the journey of embracing fear and hardship as pathways to personal growth and happiness.
  • Raina connects Yaya Bae's positive outlook with Haim's "I Quit," noting a shared theme of overcoming challenges to emerge stronger ([19:44]).

• Notable Tracks:

  • "Dream Girl" ([17:12]): Transitions from a laid-back vibe to a Technicolor dance celebration, highlighting Yaya Bae's expansive musical toolkit.
  • "Merlot and Grigio" ([20:48]): Infuses Caribbean pop elements, adding a playful and eclectic flavor to the album.

4. Kelsey Walden – Every Ghost

Timestamp: [22:06] - [29:09]

Kelsey Walden's "Every Ghost" merges country and folk seamlessly, offering heartfelt storytelling imbued with warmth and empathy.

• Storytelling & Themes:

  • The album delves into personal struggles with addiction, generational trauma, and the journey toward self-improvement.
  • Raina compares Walden's narrative style to John Prine, appreciating her non-judgmental and relatable approach ([23:14]).

• Notable Tracks:

  • "Lost in My Idolin" ([24:42]): Addresses substance abuse with a balance of vulnerability and rawness.
    • Quote: “I'm the best and worst of my kin.” ([26:07])
  • "Tiger Lily" ([26:35]): A tribute to Walden's grandmother, blending heartfelt sentiment with authentic lyricism.

• Personal Insights:

  • Both hosts commend Walden's ability to handle heavy topics without sounding preachy, making her music deeply relatable and emotionally resonant ([25:58]).

5. SG Goodman – Planting by the Signs

Timestamp: [30:21] - [37:29]

SG Goodman's "Planting by the Signs" explores themes of grief, reconciliation, and the natural world's influence on personal growth. Recorded after reconciling with guitarist Matthew Rowan, the album serves as a tribute to her late mentor, Mike Harmony.

• Musical Style:

  • The album juxtaposes Goodman's gritty, lived-in vocals with ethereal, shimmering arrangements, creating an intoxicating and foggy late-night ambiance ([31:10]).

• Themes & Symbolism:

  • The practice of planting by moon signs serves as a metaphor for resisting the relentless pace of modern technology and embracing natural rhythms ([33:19]).
  • Tracks like "Snapping Turtle" tell poignant stories that reflect on humanity's responsibility to nature and personal experiences growing up ([35:19]).

• Notable Tracks:

  • "Snapping Turtle" ([35:19]): A narrative about protecting nature, embodying the album's larger environmental and personal responsibility themes.
  • "Fire Sign" ([36:25]): Captures Goodman's seeker spirit, blending personal introspection with universal quests ([36:52]).

6. Lightning Round: Additional Notable Albums

Timestamp: [37:29] - [43:56]

Stephen and Raina conclude the episode with a lightning round, highlighting additional noteworthy releases:

• Seven Davis Jr. – Don't Crash Out Challenge ([38:08]):

  • A diverse mix of funk, soul, dance, and trip-hop, characterized by its beat-driven explorations.
  • Stephen's Highlight: “I'm about to crash.”

• Meg Remy of US Girls – Scratch It ([38:24]):

  • Showcases Remy's vocal versatility and comfort within her music, drawing comparisons to Elo.
  • Raina's Insight: Remy’s range and playful style make the album a delightful listen.

• Matthew Shipp – The Cosmic Piano ([38:56]):

  • Following his critique of Andre 3000’s piano work, Shipp's solo piano album emphasizes the depth and craft of improvisational music.
  • Stephen's Commentary: Perfect timing, as the album embodies the essence of his earlier discussions on musical authenticity.

• Tropical F Storm – Fairyland Codex ([39:45]):

  • An Australian band delivering a sound reminiscent of Nick Cave with a fuzzed-out, menacing edge.
  • Raina's Comparison: “Sounds like Mario Kart music in the movie,” highlighting its playful yet eerie quality.

• Nathan Salzberg – IPSA Corpora ([40:37]):

  • A 40-minute instrumental acoustic guitar journey that marries meditation with rage, reflecting Salzberg's dual passions for history and music.

Conclusion

Stephen Thompson wraps up the episode by sharing his favorite tracks of the week, favoring Hotline tnt's "Candle." Raina complements this by highlighting SG Goodman's "Snapping Turtle," underscoring the episode's theme of powerful storytelling and emotional resonance in the featured albums.

Notable Closing Quotes:

• Stephen: “This is the album we didn't know we needed.” ([08:34])
• Raina: “I love to go drink wine in the park with my girlfriends at night and then ride our bikes.” ([07:50])

Thank you for joining Stephen Thompson and Raina Duras on this musical journey. Stay tuned for more insights and discoveries in the next episode of "All Songs Considered."

Produced by Simon Rettner and edited by Otis Hart. Executive Producer: Soraya Mohammed.