Ann Powers
Stories
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What are the greatest videos of MTV’s golden era?
Reports from late last year about the demise of MTV were overstated; but it got us thinking about the network’s legacy and most memorable moments. So, on this episode, we remember the best of MTV with a list of our top 20 videos from its golden era.If you’re listening on Spotify, tell us your favorite classic music video in the episode’s comments. You can support the show by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Or just tell a friend!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org
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It's been a great year for music. Here are some of NPR's favorite songs of 2025
From a song by a certified superstar that came out in the very first week of January to breakthroughs from lesser-known indie acts, here are selections from NPR Music's list of the best songs of 2025.
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The best albums of 2025
Pop critic Ann Powers shares a handful the albums on NPR Music's list of the best of the year, including the one album that nearly the entire team agreed on.
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Love songs are weird right now
The biggest song of 2025 is a straightforward ode to marriage, but the charts and algorithms are filled with love songs expressing something messier.
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What we lose in the gamification of music
Music shouldn't be treated like a game to master — it should be treated like something that affects and potentially changes you.
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Why the world needs a pop-punk Superman
In the latest Superman film, Lois Lane and Clark Kent have a fight about what's more punk: edginess or kindness. The fate of something more than the mosh pit hangs in the balance.
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Brian Wilson, the troubled genius behind The Beach Boys, has died at age 82
The Beach Boys' co-founder, songwriter and producer transformed pop music into high art, and became America's answer to The Beatles' Lennon and McCartney in the process.
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Gen Z conquers the Grammys
Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar won the night's biggest awards, but the real takeaway from the Grammys is that a wave of younger stars has arrived on the pop scene, fully prepared to own the spotlight.
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NPR Music talks about new albums from Sturgill Simpson and Cassandra Jenkins
It's been a busy week for new music. NPR's Music team discusses new albums by Sturgill Simpson, Cassandra Jenkins and more.
