NPR Music critics reflect on the lyrics that captured the year's mood, sparked emotions and stayed with them long after the music stopped.

Have you ever heard a song that felt like it was speaking directly to your soul? “Nutshell” by Alice in Chains does precisely ...

Nick Cave explains how he wrote the theme song to the Joel Edgerton film "Train Dreams" in his sleep while on vacation in ...

Pauel listened, and now his four-piece blues band, Rino, will represent Arizona at the 2026 International Blues Challenge in ...

Amy Grant talks to us about her new song, which recalls the Woodstock era and asks us to contemplate "unrest." ...

Get New Year's songs from global traditions. Perfect tracks for countdown, dancing, and reflection. Build your celebration ...

Back in 2021, Hannah’s love of all things nerdy collided with her passion for writing — and she hasn’t stopped since. She ...

Now Hear This is a monthly A&R column that provides you with exciting new sounds we discovered through the innovative new ...

In response to feedback from the American Songwriter Community, the judges were asked to share some insights into their winner selections.

Chris Nelson scored 1st place in the Session One 2026 American Songwriter Lyric Contest for his song “Heaven Ain’t The First Place.” American Songwriter caught up with him to get the scoop on the ...

Why people search lyrics meaning December 2025. Winter changes how we hear songs. Cognitive openness and seasonal ...

Geezer Butler reveals Black Sabbath recorded multiple songs in 2001, but abandoned them — including "Scary Dreams".