NPR Music - You Must Hear This

FIRST LISTEN First Listen: Angélique Kidjo, 'Eve' The power of Kidjo's unflappable voice, the range of her emotional expression, the stellar, genre-bending musicians who back her and the infectious, activist energy that courses through her songs all transcend any native tongue. Stream the album

MUSIC INTERVIEWS Laura Jane Grace, Transgender Punk, On Life In Transition "I don't have to think," Laura Jane Grace says of performing as a woman: "I can just be and exist." Joined by guitarist James Bowman, the leader of the revered Florida punk band Against Me! speaks with NPR's Rachel Martin about how her recent transition is playing out in the music. Read this story

DECEPTIVE CADENCE Guess Who's Singing The National Anthem At The Super Bowl? We won't guess what her odds were, but it's superstar soprano Renee Fleming. Read this story

FIRST LISTEN First Listen: Dum Dum Girls, 'Too True' The band's third album splits the difference between the guitar-fueled rumble of a '60s basement and the synth-friendly shimmer of an '80s studio. But the additional polish never overwhelms the songwriting. Stream the album

ALL SONGS CONSIDERED New Mix: Real Estate, Actress, Wax Fang, More On this week's show, host Bob Boilen shares his latest, game-changing idea. It's called "The Sole Of A Band" and involves matching photos of footwear with a band's song. We've also got great new music, from the summery pop of Real Estate, to the haunting sounds of Actress. Hear the show