All Songs Considered: The Music of 'Sinners,' Hyper-Pop and More - The Contenders, Vol. 9

Released on April 29, 2025, NPR’s "All Songs Considered" hosts Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson delve into the evolving landscape of music and its intersection with cinema, explore the intricate layers of hyper-pop, and celebrate their 25th anniversary by reflecting on influential tracks from 2010.

1. The Surge of Horror Movies and Their Musical Underpinnings

Robin Hilton opens the episode by addressing a timely question: the unexpected proliferation of horror movies outside the traditional Halloween season. She cites films like "Woman in the Yard", "Stepsister", and the intriguingly titled "Robin", a horror movie centered around an evil robot doll.

Robin Hilton: "Why are there so many horror movies out right now? Have you seen this?"

Stephen Thompson concurs, noting the shift from seasonal traditions to a more constant influx of horror-themed content.

Stephen Thompson: "Normally you would have thought of them as a sort of Halloween tradition. And then, boom, you get a bunch of horror movies."

The conversation pivots to the movie "Sinners", a historical vampire horror set in the 1930s, directed by Ryan Coogler and featuring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles. The duo discusses how music, particularly blues, plays a pivotal role in the film’s narrative.

Stephen Thompson: "This movie centers blues music very heavily, and Miles Caton has a very, very soulful voice."

2. Exploring the Soundtrack of 'Sinners'

Miles Caton, a backup singer turned actor, introduces a transformative musical moment in "Sinners". His song, "I Lied to Youo," serves as a critical turning point without revealing spoilers.

Stephen Thompson shares insights into the song's blend of classic blues with modern elements:

Stephen Thompson: "Think of blues as, like, a source code for so much soul music all the way up through rap... Miles’s vocal performance is at the center of that thing as it churns outward in all directions."

Robin Hilton responds enthusiastically, highlighting the song's unique fusion:

Robin Hilton: "This totally stands on its own... it's such a powerful performance."

The discussion acknowledges Ludwig Goransson’s contribution to the film’s score, while Raphael Siddiq crafted the blues-infused songs, enriching the movie’s emotional depth.

3. Spotlight on Fox Warren and Their Narrative Song 'Yvonne'

Transitioning from film to individual artistry, Robin Hilton introduces Fox Warren’s latest track, "Yvonne," from their upcoming album "Two".

She shares a personal anecdote reflecting on the beauty found in everyday moments, paralleling the song's themes.

Robin Hilton: "Fox Warren has a new album coming out called Two. This song, 'Yvonne,' captures the essence of observing someone in pursuit of their dreams."

Stephen Thompson analyzes the song’s subtle storytelling:

Stephen Thompson: "The singer is at a remove from the subject... observing them, appreciating what is happening."

The harmonies and ambient sounds, including seagull recordings, enhance the song’s narrative of distant admiration and love.

4. Deep Dive into Hyper-Pop: An Anatomy of a Microgenre

As part of their 25th-anniversary celebration, Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson explore the intricate world of hyper-pop, guided by Stephen’s insightful piece titled "Anatomy of a Microgenre: Hyper Pop's Next Evolution."

Robin Hilton admits her initial struggle to connect with hyper-pop's chaotic and abrasive nature:

Robin Hilton: "I have a hard time connecting with it beyond sort of the surface of it."

Contrastingly, Stephen Thompson champions hyper-pop's DIY ethic and innovative soundscapes.

Stephen Thompson: "It's about the sounds and aesthetics of a time... Jane Remover is the pinnacle of what hyper pop can be."

The discussion highlights Jane Remover’s album "Revenge Seekers", particularly the track "Match Point," which epitomizes the genre's blend of glitchy textures and catchy hooks.

Robin Hilton: "I think in a lot of ways hyper pop is the most now sounding music being made... It feels like there's a detached quality to it."

Stephen Thompson echoes this sentiment, linking hyper-pop’s detachment to the online community’s influence.

Stephen Thompson: "There is a dissociation that is happening. You are at a natural remove from a lot of what you are experiencing."

5. Mal Blum’s 'I'm So Bored': A Melodic Exploration of Emotional Detachment

Shifting gears, Robin Hilton introduces Mal Blum’s new single, "I'm So Bored," from the album "The Villain." She praises Blum’s ability to infuse personality and nuanced emotions into seemingly simple melodies.

After a brief lyrical snippet, the hosts dissect the song's layers, uncovering themes of relationship strain and emotional numbness masked by upbeat tunes.

Robin Hilton: "It's a little playful, a little quirky, super melodic, super hooky. But there are some real hints of some darker things going on."

Stephen Thompson delves deeper into the duality presented in the lyrics, highlighting the facade of boredom as a coping mechanism for deeper relational issues.

Stephen Thompson: "There is a dejection that can be read as apathetic... yet the feeling that they arrive at is boredom."

6. Men I Trust’s Enchanting 'Land Keeper' from 'Equus Asinus'

Stephen Thompson features the Canadian indie group Men I Trust, focusing on their latest album "Equus Asinus" and the captivating track "Land Keeper."

He describes the song as "spellbinding" and "incandescent," noting its dream pop essence that draws listeners into a layered auditory experience.

Robin Hilton reflects on the song’s enchanting qualities, likening the atmosphere to a perfect, overcast day where the sun intermittently peeks through clouds.

Robin Hilton: "It's the kind of day where you could go with shorts or jeans... it is a vibe."

7. Celebrating 25 Years: Reflecting on 2010’s Influential Tracks

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson reminisce about their top songs from 2010, emphasizing personal connections and the music's impact during pivotal life moments.

Andy Schaff, contributing to the conversation, shares his selection:

Andy Schaff: "The album just bloomed like a sunflower and was full of optimism and possibility... it was the exact moment I needed after my divorce."

He lists influential tracks from that year, including works by The Antlers, Sufjan Stevens, and Sharon Van Etten, highlighting how these songs provided solace and reflection during challenging times.

Robin Hilton: "This is a great pick. And this is gonna be the second week in a row, which means the second year in a row where I picked something completely opposite of that."

The discussion underscores the diverse emotional landscapes that music can navigate, from euphoria to melancholy.

Conclusion

"All Songs Considered" seamlessly intertwines film, genre exploration, and personal storytelling, offering listeners a rich tapestry of musical discourse. From dissecting the soulful blues in "Sinners" to unraveling the complexities of hyper-pop and celebrating milestone memories, Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson provide an engaging and insightful journey through the sounds that shape our lives.

Notable Quotes:

• Robin Hilton [07:57]: "This guy's cooking, like, the first minute and a half or so of the song, you're like, all right, I'm totally down with this."
• Stephen Thompson [08:20]: "Miles is anchoring it right there. And you can feel the soul of it through all of its transformations."
• Robin Hilton [31:14]: "What a great last line. That is killer."
• Stephen Thompson [41:42]: "It's like seeing a light off in the distance, and you can see this light in the darkness."

For more insights and music discoveries, tune into NPR’s "All Songs Considered" and join Robin Hilton and the NPR Music family each week.