Bob Boilen

On this week's All Songs Considered: Musicians face personal challenges, political uncertainty, the state of humanity — and rally.

Ásgeir's first album is owned by one in every 10 people in Iceland and became a huge hit worldwide. Hear the first song from his follow-up, which has an intriguing electronic sound.

The British band, which has made evolution and sonic adventurousness a part of its trademark since its iconic debut in 1977, will release its 15th album, Silver/Lead, on March 31.

We have new music from The Kinks' Ray Davies. This British songwriter's fascination with U.S. culture culminates in a new album with The Jayhawks called Americana.

Our first new mix of 2017 features songs that are both big and hopeful, and crushingly sad, from the politically charged music of Run The Jewels and Timber Timbre to the joyful bliss of Lowland Hum.

What begins as a bedtime story becomes a tale of what's wrong with a culture of violence. Watch as slam poet and hip-hop artist Watsky tackles a powerful issue in "Stick To Your Guns."

Enter by Jan. 29 for a chance to play your very own Tiny Desk concert at NPR in Washington, D.C.

The Wild Reeds honor the "holy experience of creativity" with a new song and a new album. Hear why more than 500,000 fans have watched the band's Tiny Desk Concert.

Every January, we hear some of the world's tastiest acts at a one-night showcase in Manhattan. From Korean folk songs spun into glam-rock glitter to blazing Cuban brass, this year was no exception.

Hear McCaslin, the saxophonist and bandleader whose group backed David Bowie on Blackstar, near the anniversary of that album's release. Selections include an instrumental take on Bowie's "Lazarus."

We have a candid interview with Julien Baker, a young singer of sad, thoughtful songs. Her new song, "Funeral Pyre," is being released on the storied independent label Matador Records.

Hear the spirited young singer-songwriter take on religion, poverty and politics, armed with just a guitar and some unrelenting hooks.

Here's a second chance to listen to inspiring conversations with veteran musicians like Paul McCartney and Jonny Greenwood, as well as newer visionaries like AURORA and Danny Brown.

The All Songs Considered and Tiny Desk host shares the songs set you up for a brilliant climax and an unforgettable chorus.

Watch Bon Iver play a full concert, including songs from 22, A Million, at Pioneer Works, a cavernous warehouse in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The onetime Public Image Ltd. drummer tells the story of how he wound up digging ditches for Bon Jovi's drummer in New Jersey. It's sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

The nine-piece, family-centered band returns to the NPR Music offices to fill the air with fake snow and real joy.

Some years these polls aren't even close, but this time it was a tight race for our listeners' top five most popular albums of 2016.

Hear an old voice from a new singer, accompanied by a visual ghost story shot against a barren landscape in Washington state.

Send us a video of you or your band playing an original song behind a desk of your choosing. You could win a chance to play your own Tiny Desk concert.