Podcast Summary: All Songs Considered – New Music Friday: The Best New Albums Out June 13, 2025

Release Date: June 13, 2025

In the June 13, 2025 episode of NPR’s flagship music podcast, All Songs Considered, hosts Stephen Thompson and Nate Chenen curate a vibrant selection of the week's best new album releases. From groundbreaking jazz compositions to innovative remix projects, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for music enthusiasts eager to explore the latest sounds across various genres.

Anastasia Inuke – Tether

The episode opens with an in-depth discussion about Anastasia Inuke’s debut album, Tether. Stephen Thompson introduces Anastasia as a rising star who has recently garnered attention through her role in Kendrick Lamar’s visually stunning music video for "Luther."

"If you don't hear Tracy Chapman listening to this record, you have spent a lot less time listening to Tracy Chapman than I have." (04:14) – Stephen Thompson

Nate Chenen emphasizes Anastasia’s magnetic vocal presence and the profound influences that shape her music. He draws parallels between her haunting melodies and the timeless influence of artists like Tracy Chapman, highlighting the album’s rich tapestry of folk, rock, jazz, and pop elements.

"She's just a really magnetic vocal presence... her phrasing and her sense of pace..." (06:12) – Nate Chenen

Anastasia’s Tether is praised for its ability to blend diverse genres seamlessly, offering listeners a balanced and transfixing experience. Her unique sound and compositional versatility suggest a promising future, with both hosts expressing confidence in her continued rise within the music industry.

Mary Halvorson – About Ghosts

Next, the conversation shifts to the acclaimed jazz guitarist Mary Halvorson and her latest album, About Ghosts. Recognized as one of the most decorated jazz guitarists, Mary Halvorson’s work is celebrated for its intricate improvisation and innovative compositions.

"This is just an unbelievable statement from one of my favorite artists." (08:17) – Nate Chenen

Stephen Thompson describes the album’s “busy quality,” noting the complex interplay between various instrumental voices that Halvorson masterfully orchestrates. The collaboration with exceptional improvisers like Patricia Brennan on vibraphone and Toma Fujiwara on drums enriches the album’s dynamic soundscape.

"Even with all those participants, there's still some space to breathe here." (11:14) – Stephen Thompson

Mary Halvorson’s About Ghosts stands out as a testament to her ability to create sophisticated and suspenseful music, where every track unfolds with unexpected twists and layers, maintaining a perfect balance between chaos and harmony.

Brandy Younger – Gat About Season

The hosts then delve into Brandy Younger’s new release, Gat About Season. Brandy, a prominent jazz harpist, elevates the harp’s role within the jazz and improvised music scenes, drawing inspiration from legendary figures like Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby.

"She is one of the most prominent harpists on the scene... a direct lineage and legacy being expressed here." (17:09) – Nate Chenen

Stephen Thompson highlights the album’s cinematic quality, with tracks that evoke sweeping emotional landscapes and intricate musical dialogues. The collaboration with alto saxophonist Josh Johnson adds a layer of warmth and spiritual depth to the compositions.

"It's just so beautifully balanced." (21:33) – Stephen Thompson

Gat About Season is lauded for its perfect balance between rhythmic propulsion and the harp’s shimmering textures, showcasing Brandy Younger’s mastery and her ability to blend traditional and contemporary sounds seamlessly.

Joe Armon Jones – All the Quiet Part Two

In an exploration of contemporary jazz, the hosts discuss Joe Armon Jones’s ambitious double-length album, All the Quiet Part Two. This release, part of a two-part series, incorporates elements of dub, soul, and funk, creating a rich, genre-blending soundscape.

"He's just a master of vibe... has been very influential..." (30:07) – Nate Chenen

Jones’s innovative use of old-school recording technology, such as reel-to-reel machines and spring plate reverbs, adds a nostalgic yet fresh dimension to his music. The album features collaborations with artists like spoken word artist Hack Baker and saxophonist Nubia Garcia, enhancing its eclectic and collaborative spirit.

"It's like a warped calliope... a strange little kind of hypnotic interlude." (29:21) – Stephen Thompson

All the Quiet Part Two is praised for its expert execution and the seamless integration of various musical styles, making it a standout release that showcases Jones’s visionary approach to jazz production.

The Cure – Mixes of A Lost World

Stephen Thompson turns the spotlight on The Cure’s latest project, Mixes of A Lost World, a remix album that reimagines tracks from their recent release, Songs of a Lost World. This ambitious project features three distinct remixes for each original track, offering a multifaceted exploration of The Cure’s music.

"Each one gets three very, very different remixes... Enhances my appreciation for the songwriting at the core of this project." (35:09) – Stephen Thompson

With contributions from renowned remix artists like Paul Oakenfold, Fortet, and Mogwai, the album provides a diverse range of interpretations, from orchestral expansions to dancefloor-ready beats. The Cure’s ability to maintain the emotional depth and bleak beauty of the originals while allowing remix artists to infuse their unique styles is highly commended.

"It's a legendary type of thing where you can just wander around." (35:22) – Nate Chenen

Mixes of A Lost World is celebrated for its expansive and exploratory nature, inviting listeners to experience The Cure’s music through multiple vibrant lenses.

Lightning Round: Other Favorites

In a rapid succession, Stephen and Nate highlight additional noteworthy releases releasing on June 13, 2025:

• AJ Tracy – Don't Die Before You're Dead: This UK rapper delivers an ambitious collection of songs that navigate the balance between personal legacy and family, featuring collaborations with Georgia Smith and Masterpiece.

• Theo Croker – Dream Manifest: A contemporary electro jazz album that blends hip hop and electronic music, inspired by Croker’s psychedelic experiences and showcasing a variety of rotating collaborators.

• Cosyfani Tutti – 2T: An avant-garde project from the experimental artist, filled with unconventional rhythms and unsettling ambient sounds.

• Terry Lynn Carrington & Christy Dashiell – We Insist 2025!: A tribute to Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln’s seminal work, reimagined with an R&B-adjacent sound that emphasizes activism and social justice.

• Ella Hanshaw – Black Book: A posthumous compilation of Ella Hanshaw’s country and Pentecostal gospel recordings, offering a heartfelt glimpse into her spiritual and personal reflections.

Best vs. Most Memorably Bad Songs

Adding a playful twist, the hosts engage in a segment comparing their favorite and most "memorably bad" songs of the week. Nate surprises listeners by choosing Neil Young’s “Let’s Roll Again” as his pick for a standout yet flawed track, highlighting its catchy yet offbeat take on the auto industry.

"It is bad in a very Neil Young way... if you love Neil Young, like, you gotta love all of him." (46:14) – Nate Chenen

Conversely, Stephen selects Anastasia’s “Take Care of Me” as his favorite, praising its catchy melody and Anastasia’s captivating vocal performance.

"It's such a showcase for that gorgeous voice..." (47:10) – Stephen Thompson

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Stephen and Nate express their excitement for the featured artists and the diverse musical landscapes explored in this week’s releases. They encourage listeners to engage with the new albums and anticipate future collaborations, especially looking forward to more from Anastasia Inuke.

"I expect to see a lot of track listings containing the words featuring Anastasia in the months and years to come." (47:10) – Stephen Thompson

The hosts sign off by thanking Nate Chenen for his insights and teasing the next episode's focus on the new album by Heim, in conversation with Raina Duras of WXPN in Philadelphia.

Final Takeaway

This episode of All Songs Considered offers a rich and engaging exploration of the latest music releases, providing listeners with detailed insights and thoughtful commentary. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, a fan of innovative remixes, or curious about emerging artists, this New Music Friday edition ensures you stay informed and inspired by the best new albums out on June 13, 2025.