Podcast Summary: All Songs Considered – "New Music Friday: The Best Albums Out June 27"
Introduction
In the June 27, 2025, episode of NPR's flagship music program All Songs Considered, host Stephen Thompson teams up with Juan from KALW in the San Francisco Bay Area to delve into the latest releases in the music world. The episode, titled "New Music Friday," serves as a comprehensive guide to the standout albums released on that day, featuring in-depth discussions, notable insights, and personal reflections from the hosts.
Major Releases Discussed
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Bruce Springsteen – Tracks, the Lost Albums
The episode kicks off with excitement over Bruce Springsteen's monumental release, Tracks, the Lost Albums. Stephen Thompson highlights the significance of this box set, which comprises seven albums filled with over 70 unheard and unreleased songs spanning from 1983 to 2018.
"Today is a feast of Bruce Springsteeniana." (00:21)
Juan echoes this enthusiasm, emphasizing the joy fans will experience with such a treasure trove of new material from the iconic artist.
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Lorde – Virgin
Although Thompson and Juan did not have the opportunity to preview Lorde's latest work, Virgin, they provide a brief overview. The album marks Lorde's fourth studio effort and follows the subdued tones of her 2021 release, Solar Power. While Virgin has received mixed reviews, Lorde has promised a return to more energetic tracks, with early singles suggesting increased intensity.
"It's kind of an uncharacteristically subdued record. Got kind of mixed reviews." (01:35)
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Laura Stevenson – Late Great
The conversation then shifts to Laura Stevenson's new album, Late Great. Stephen Thompson praises Stevenson as "your favorite singer-songwriter's favorite singer-songwriter," noting her exceptional ability to blend furious rock elements with tender, emotive songwriting.
"She has such a gift for toggling between kind of furious rock and tender singer songwriterliness that still has tension and power." (03:02)
Juan adds that Stevenson's emotional transparency and vulnerability make the album particularly relatable, especially as it chronicles her journey through a breakup and motherhood during the pandemic.
"I love artists who just kind of lay it all on the table emotionally." (04:12)
Highlighting specific tracks, Thompson mentions how Stevenson's use of strings enhances the emotional depth of her songs, creating a professional-grade music therapy experience.
"This is somebody who is now a professional music therapist. She has made a record that functions as professional music therapy." (07:22)
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Adrian Quesada – Boleros Psychedelicos 2
Next, Adrian Quesada's Boleros Psychedelicos 2 garners significant attention. The album reimagines psychedelic boleros from Latin America’s late '60s and '70s, infused with contemporary hip-hop elements. Thompson appreciates the blend of timeless styles with modern flourishes, creating a soundscape that's both nostalgic and innovative.
"It's a great mix. And I think he really expanded on the concept in such a beautiful way." (10:06)
Juan praises the collaboration with guest artists like Angelica Garcia, whose vocals add dramatic flair to the intricate arrangements reminiscent of Juan Garcia Esquivel's maximalist sound.
"He collaborates so well, but he's also like, give me a second. Let me just hop on the guitar and do my thing and you guys will be good." (13:07)
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Madison McFerrin – Scorpio
Madison McFerrin’s Scorpio is celebrated for its eclectic mix of genres, including pop, R&B, soul, jazz, and gospel. Described by Thompson as "future soul," the album showcases McFerrin's versatility and deep musical heritage as part of the renowned McFerrin family.
"She describes her sound as future soul. And that really comes through." (17:02)
Juan highlights McFerrin's growth as a producer and songwriter, noting her ability to infuse uptempo, danceable beats into her heartfelt lyrics about personal experiences.
"I love the way she kind of handles it. Kind of a tongue in cheek style, but, you know, has a good outlook on it." (20:03)
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Duran Jones and the Indications – Flowers
Flowers by Duran Jones and the Indications is lauded as the perfect California west coast summertime record. The album seamlessly blends sparkly, mellow psychedelic vibes with confident, vintage-inspired sounds, maintaining a modern edge without feeling outdated.
"It's easy to hear a record like this and kind of let it just hang in the background because it's so extremely well crafted." (24:52)
Themes of growth and adulthood are woven throughout the album, with standout tracks like "Been So Long" offering upbeat rhythms and nostalgic melodies.
"I think it's a really delicate balance of doing a total nostalgia piece with trying to make something current." (24:44)
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Herbert and Momoko – Clay
The duo Herbert and Momoko delivers Clay, an album that impresses with its inventive use of found sounds and minimalist vocal performances. Stephen Thompson praises Matthew Herbert's mastery in transforming everyday noises into engaging musical textures, perfectly complemented by Momoko Gill’s expressive vocals.
"It's crazy... it just works so, so well." (28:38)
Juan notes the album's versatility, suitable for both dance floors and intimate headphone listening, making it an all-season masterpiece.
"It's perfect." (32:02)
Lightning Round: Additional Highlights
In the lightning round segment, Thompson and Juan briefly spotlight several other notable releases:
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Frankie Cosmos – Different Talking: Evolving from a DIY bedroom project to a full-fledged band, this sixth album features elaborate arrangements and collaborative magic from members like Katie von Schleicher.
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Dana and Alden – Speedo: A European jazz duo that defies easy genre classification, blending influences from Serge Gainsbourg to experimental sounds.
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Richa Campbell – Sunwise: A Celtic musician who uses small pipes to create soothing, experimental drones in collaboration with artists like Colin Stetson.
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Maki Music – Will Explain Choir Music, Volume One: Canadian artist Maki Music combines dreamy pop with elements of Brian Wilson-inspired harmonies and breakbeats.
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Tim Barnes – Lost Words & Noumena: Prolific drummer Tim Barnes explores wild, inventive sounds across two albums, reflecting his experiences with early-onset Alzheimer's.
Host Favorites
As the episode draws to a close, both hosts share their personal favorite tracks from the week’s releases. Juan is particularly enamored with Herbert and Momoko’s track "Need to Run", while Stephen gravitates towards Adrian Quesada's instrumental "El Diamante", each citing the songs' unique ability to resonate and linger in their minds.
"For me, it was the track need to Run. As soon as I heard it, I got the little, you know, hair on the neck and the arm..." (36:01)
"I'm just gonna pick a track that I'm just gonna vibe on all weekend. And that is our show for this week." (36:27)
Conclusion
The June 27th episode of All Songs Considered offers a rich and engaging exploration of the latest music releases, blending critical analysis with heartfelt appreciation. From legendary artists like Bruce Springsteen to innovative newcomers like Herbert and Momoko, Thompson and Juan provide listeners with a curated guide to the best music of the week, complete with insightful commentary and memorable quotes.
Whether you're seeking therapeutic melodies, nostalgic beats, or groundbreaking soundscapes, this episode serves as a valuable resource for discovering music that resonates on multiple levels.