Popular Music

This year's song of the summer comes to you from 1985.

JetLAG bills itself as the largest festival of Russian, Slavic and East European musicians in the U.S. But its organizers almost canceled it this summer because of the war in Ukraine.

Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last week, many have turned to music to express the emotion that has overwhelmed them in this moment. We examine five songs and what they mean today.

Elida Lozano remembers her uncle, Gerald Thomas, who died of COVID-19 in December 2021. Thomas loved listening to music and encouraged Lozano to go to college.

What makes a song of the summer? And are there any early contenders for 2022? NPR Music's Stephen Thompson makes his predictions.

Though he's been a New Yorker for over a decade, Virelles remains preoccupied with the rich, rhythmically charged music of his native Cuba. His new album shows where he's been — and where he's going.

Watch a world premiere performance of choral songs built on texts from important Washington women, from Kamala Harris and Condoleezza Rice to Eleanor Roosevelt, Elena Kagan and Abigail Adams.

Ondara delivers a new sonic package that embraces both his intriguing voice and a unique accent that remains present when he sings.

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with NPR music critic Ann Powers and music scholar Shana Redmond about how old and new protest music reflects political moments, following the Supreme Court overturning Roe.

Ayupuka's turnt-up praise music feels equally at home in church aisles and on dance floors.