NPR Music has unveiled the latest edition of its weekly list, "The Contenders, Vol. 16" where hosts Anamaria Artemisa Sayre, Lars Gotrich, and Robin Hilton present their top song recommendations for the current year. This week features an eclectic mix of tracks from various artists, showcasing a broad range of musical styles, from rock to folk.
- Caleb Landry Jones: "Hey Dawn" from Hey Gary, Hey Dawn - This track highlights Jones' vibrant rock sound with a unique twist, making it a standout in the current music landscape.
- Anglica Garcia: "El Que" from Gemelo - Garcia's dystopian grooves explore complex themes that resonate with contemporary listeners.
- Damien Jurado & The Fremont Abbeye: "Sheets ('24)" from Sheets ('24) - Jurado delivers a raw and emotional examination of infidelity through this compelling song.
- Laura Marling: "Patterns" from Patterns In Repeat - Marling continues to impress, intertwining poetic lyrics with her signature folk sound.
- Carlos Ares: "Cigarra" from Peregrino - Ares brings a global influence to his music, reminiscent of traditional Latin soundscapes.
- Melt-Banana: "Stopgap" from 3+5 - The band continues to push boundaries with their experimental punk sound, captivating audiences.
To explore more songs and hear the hosts discuss their choices, visit NPR's All Songs Considered section here.