Podcast Summary: All Songs Considered – "The Contenders, Vol. 15: Wisp, Blonde Redhead, Sherelle, more"
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of NPR's flagship music discovery program, All Songs Considered, host Robin Hilton teams up with guest Brittney Luce from NPR's It's Been a Minute. Together, they delve into the latest musical contenders vying for a spot on their coveted 2025 best-of lists. Celebrating the show's 25th anniversary, the duo also reflects on past musical highlights and the evolving landscape of music across generations.
The Contenders: Updating the Best Songs List
Robin introduces the segment, explaining that "The Contenders" episodes are dedicated to updating their annual list of the year's best songs. These tracks are the ones they are passionately listening to and believe deserve recognition in the final rankings.
Cherelle and George Riley’s "Freaky (Just My Type)"
Brittney kicks off the discussion with her obsession over the song "Freaky (Just My Type)" by Cherelle and George Riley.
-
Brittney Luce (02:20): “It's like as soon as you hear it, I don't even. Someone used it as the background music on their Instagram slideshow.”
-
Robin Hilton (02:55): “The beat, like, right out the gate, instantly grabby, totally hooks you in. And then it is just this breathless ride to the end.”
Brittney elaborates on how the song’s high-energy tempo (150 BPM) aligns perfectly with her desire for upbeat music as the weather warms up. She highlights Sherrelle’s influence in the dance music scene, noting her mastery in creating fast-paced tracks that inspire movement.
- Brittney Luce (08:05): “Everything is really fast, which I love because... I'll start dancing. My husband has a bunch of videos of me on his phone dancing in the grocery store aisles.”
Robin appreciates the relentless pace of contemporary dance music, drawing parallels to societal stresses and the music serving as an outlet.
- Robin Hilton (09:23): “This feels like an appropriate reply [to the world's current state].”
Conclusion: They unanimously agree to add "Freaky (Just My Type)" to their contenders list for its infectious energy and relevance.
Blonde Redhead’s "Rest of Her Life Choir Version"
Robin shifts the focus to a more mellow yet profound track from the esteemed band Blonde Redhead.
- Robin Hilton (10:03): “Blonde Redhead... their new album is called The Shadow of the Guest. The cut I want to play is 'Rest of Her Life Choir Version'.”
He provides emotional context, explaining that the song was written by lead singer Kazu Makino for her beloved horse, Harry, after his passing. The collaboration with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus adds a layer of majesty and hopefulness to the piece.
- Robin Hilton (16:14): “The choir lends a bit more majesty to the song, a sense of awe and wonder... it's a real celebration of life.”
Brittney praises the unexpected yet perfect addition of children's voices, enhancing the song's emotional depth without overshadowing its original sentiment.
- Brittney Luce (15:54): “They add this real hopefulness to it. It feels like unexpected... it’s literally perfect.”
Conclusion: This rendition stands out as a beautifully balanced tribute to loss and celebration, making it a strong contender.
Natanya’s "Movie Star"
Brittney introduces a lively and fresh R&B track by UK artist Natanya, titled "Movie Star."
- Brittney Luce (19:45): “It's very light, fun, fizzy R&B.”
She connects the song's vibrant energy to her personal experiences, noting how it resonates with both younger and more mature audiences. The song's playful elements and British grit offer a refreshing take on contemporary R&B.
- Robin Hilton (25:50): “One of the things that [Natanya’s] song does well is the fake out... It’s great.”
Brittney highlights the song's seamless blend of American R&B influences with a distinctly British twist, making it a standout track.
- Brittney Luce (26:27): “That part feels very British... there's a little bit of tension.”
Conclusion: "Movie Star" captivates with its dynamic arrangement and cross-cultural appeal, securing its place among the top contenders.
Wisp’s "Save Me Now"
Robin presents a departure from the high-energy tracks, introducing Wisp, a rising star in the shoegaze genre.
- Robin Hilton (26:27): “It's a big, expansive, massive universe of sound. Very heavy guitars. Her voice is always floating so beautifully in the mix.”
Wisp's music is credited with sparking a shoegaze revival, blending traditional elements with a modern twist. "Save Me Now" stands out for its uplifting melodies amidst the genre's typically gloomy tones.
- Brittney Luce (31:01): “There are several levels of pickup. The melody has elements that feel very satisfying.”
Robin notes Wisp’s youthful energy (she’s 20) brings a fresh perspective to shoegaze, avoiding rehashing classic sounds while maintaining fidelity to the genre’s roots.
- Robin Hilton (31:36): “It feels like 20, 25. It doesn't feel like a rehash.”
Conclusion: Wisp’s innovative take on shoegaze, combined with the song’s emotional resonance, makes "Save Me Now" a compelling addition to the contenders list.
Ecafe featuring El Mundo Limon’s "Baba"
Concluding the music segment, Brittney shares a jazzy and lively track titled "Baba" by Ecafe in collaboration with El Mundo Limon.
- Brittney Luce (33:38): “It's lively, really fun, warm-blooded jazz. It feels fresh but also kind of reminds me of the kinds of things my dad would like.”
Robin appreciates the song's intricate arrangement and spirited vibe, likening it to Steely Dan’s sophisticated jazz influences.
- Robin Hilton (33:54): “Steely Dan jazz. Yeah, right.”
The collaboration brings together Argentine jazz elements and vibrant rhythms, creating a track that is both nostalgic and contemporary.
- Robin Hilton (34:12): “It's so good. So great.”
Conclusion: "Baba" offers a refreshing infusion of jazz with contemporary flair, making it a delightful contender for their best-of list.
Generational Reflections on Music Preferences
The conversation shifts to exploring how different generations perceive and engage with music, particularly regarding emotional expression.
- Robin Hilton (23:00): “Do young people... want to be sad or do they just like, oh, everything to feel good?”
Brittney provides insights into millennials and Gen Z’s differing relationships with music, suggesting that political and societal influences shape their musical preferences.
- Brittney Luce (23:46): “...smooth, happy music that was coming out of that generation, because they've had a lot of really big world forces shape their lives...”
Robin adds that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are more open about their feelings, using art as a means of emotional expression compared to the more reserved Gen X.
- Robin Hilton (25:30): “Gen Z and Gen Alpha young people, they're much more open about their feelings now.”
This dynamic highlights the evolving role of music as both a personal and collective emotional outlet across generations.
Celebrating 25 Years of All Songs Considered
Marking its 25th anniversary, All Songs Considered commemorates the milestone by revisiting their number one songs from each year over the past quarter-century.
- Robin Hilton (18:37): “It's our 25th anniversary. We've been doing this show for 25 years.”
Brittney reflects humorously on the longevity of the show compared to her personal experiences.
- Brittney Luce (18:48): “I've been alive... I think I've been driving for 25 years. That's amazing.”
Robin previews the upcoming segment where Stephen Thompson joins to discuss favorite tracks from 2019, setting the stage for a nostalgic deep dive.
Stephen Thompson Discusses 2019’s Musical Landscape
Stephen Thompson returns to analyze and reminisce about the standout tracks of 2019.
Billie Eilish’s "Bury a Friend"
- Stephen Thompson (38:02): “2019 was the year of Billie Eilish.”
He praises the song's impeccable production and its reflection of the unsettled times.
- Robin Hilton (39:53): “It is immaculately produced... a thread of unevenness. Unsettled.”
Tiny Ruins’ "School of Design"
Stephen highlights "School of Design" by Tiny Ruins, appreciating its evocative lyrics and immersive soundscapes.
- Robin Hilton (42:15): “They really put you in a very specific place and time. They're transporting.”
He commends the band’s ability to create transporting and picturesque musical experiences, making it a favorite from the decade.
Conclusion
As All Songs Considered celebrates a storied 25-year journey, this episode effectively balances the excitement of new musical discoveries with reflective nostalgia. From high-energy dance tracks to profound shoegaze melodies and lively jazz collaborations, Robin Hilton and Brittney Luce curate a diverse array of songs that resonate across different moods and generations. The addition of Stephen Thompson’s retrospective on 2019 further enriches the conversation, honoring the program’s legacy while looking forward to future musical explorations.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Brittney Luce (02:20): “It's like as soon as you hear it, I don't even. Someone used it as the background music on their Instagram slideshow.”
-
Robin Hilton (02:55): “The beat, like, right out the gate, instantly grabby, totally hooks you in. And then it is just this breathless ride to the end.”
-
Brittney Luce (08:05): “Everything is really fast, which I love because... I'll start dancing. My husband has a bunch of videos of me on his phone dancing in the grocery store aisles.”
-
Brittney Luce (15:54): “They add this real hopefulness to it. It feels like unexpected... it’s literally perfect.”
-
Robin Hilton (16:14): “The choir lends a bit more majesty to the song, a sense of awe and wonder... it's a real celebration of life.”
-
Robin Hilton (31:36): “It feels like 20, 25. It doesn't feel like a rehash.”
-
Brittney Luce (33:38): “It's lively, really fun, warm-blooded jazz. It feels fresh but also kind of reminds me of the kinds of things my dad would like.”
-
Robin Hilton (34:12): “It's so good. So great.”
Final Thoughts
For those who haven't tuned into this episode, "The Contenders, Vol. 15" offers a rich tapestry of musical insights, highlighting emerging artists and timeless tracks alike. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to All Songs Considered, this episode provides a comprehensive exploration of what makes music resonate deeply across different contexts and generations.