Mackenzie Scott's fourth record, which came after a period of self-reflection and romantic pursuit, is fixated on desire. "I want people to understand that women can burn for each other," she says.

Katie Crutchfield's fifth album as Waxahatchee is full of clear-eyed self-reflection, with the distortion dialed down.

NPR Music staffers Marissa Lorusso and Tom Huizenga give out superlatives for the best moments in music this past year, including a single breath of operatic singing and an epic guitar solo.

The singer brought a sparkling pop-disco vibe and a lot of swagger to the sun-filled Tiny Desk.

Nandi Bushell's video has it all: style, timing and mind-melting screams. She absolutely crushes it.

Judging from its first single, the band's self-titled album — out in December — will be just as atmospheric and beautiful as fans have come to expect.

Beneath the veneer of provocation, Andrea Long Chu's book is surprisingly tender, aiming to care for a universal ache — the frayed knot of selfhood, desire and power.

Likewise comes out Jan. 31. Its first single brings empathy and courage to a nightmarish dream.

With the help of some powerful performances, let's just get it all out. It'll be fine.

Big Thief's second album of 2019, Two Hands, is out later this month. "Forgotten Eyes," the latest single, calls out for compassion.

Rosetta Tharpe was a huge star in her era and set the template for rock and roll. So why was she absent from popular consciousness after her death — and why did it take decades to revive her legacy?

Our list of the best albums out this week includes The Highwomen's self-titled release, R&B singer Mahalia's remarkable Love and Compromise, new Frankie Cosmos, MUNA, Lower Dens and more.

There's a copy of The Art of War, dancers, various weaponry: You know, at this point, typical Grimes stuff.

Our shortlist for the week's best new albums includes Lana Del Rey's odyssey-length adventure Norman F****** Rockwell, Sheryl Crow's final album, Threads, new Black Belt Eagle Scout and more.

We fill you in on how to shade your summer pink with unapologetically good pop music that is ready for any mood.

Notes On A Conditional Form comes out Feb. 21, 2020. On its first single, Matty Healy warns: "It's Monday morning and we've only got a thousand of them left."

Our playlist highlights each astrological sign's best and worst attributes, whether you're as meticulous as fellow Virgo Beyonce, moody as a Cancer (and Frank Ocean) or free-spirited as Bjork.

Full disclosure: Sad songs make up most of this week's All Songs Considered. But fans of Julien Baker or Japanese Breakfast will love the five new artists we share on this episode.

Foxing is at the forefront of an emo revival, heavily influenced by late-'90s and early 2000s groups like Sunny Day Real Estate and American Football.

This week's essential mix from All Songs Considered includes the honey-sludge pop of Haybaby, cathartic rock from the Shreveport band Seratones, dancer-turned singer-songwriter Jordan Moser and more.