NPR Music is reporting that its critic Ann Powers highlighted a significant volume of new music releases on July 24, 2026. Powers, who subbed for Stephen Thompson as host of the New Music Friday podcast, discussed prominent artists such as Charli xcx, Shania Twain and Tyla. She also used her newsletter to recommend numerous other albums she deemed equally worthy, spanning various genres and artists.
Among the new releases recommended by Powers are Alex Cameron's fifth album, "Late To Set," and Body Type's "Tally," which offers energetic feminist accounts. Charles Wesley Godwin released "Christian Name," a vulnerable exploration of faith and pain, while Girlsweetvoiced's "Lovesweet" features a sample cleared by Joni Mitchell. Other notable releases include Love Spells' "Love Is the Law," a restored collection of Ma Rainey's "Mother of the Blues: The Complete Paramount Recordings, 1923-1928," and Maya de Vitry's country music album "All My Faith." Nick Hakim's "I Can See" offers a soulful song suite, and Odor Eater's synth-pop duo released "But For Who?" The Punch Brothers' "The Unsung Adventures of the Punch Brothers" features violinist Brittany Haas, and "Sounds of Malawi, Vol. 1" showcases diverse African music.
NPR Music also reported on other developments, including Reba McEntire's new EP with a lead single co-written by Kellie Pickler. World Cafe's Stephen Kallao interviewed Avalon Emerson about her new album with The Charm, and WRTI's Nate Chinen spoke with jazz artist Steven Bernstein. Alt.Latino celebrated World Cup champions Spain with a discussion of their latest music. Recent Tiny Desk Concerts featured rap artist Vince Staples and country-soul duo The War and Treaty.
Orville Peck made his Grand Ole Opry debut, performing "I Will Always Love You" and "Dead of Night." His new album, "Mule," which details a challenging year, is set for a September release, with the single "Too Little, Too Late" already available. Other artists making Opry debuts include Chris Housman, Niall Horan, Switchfoot, Belles and Theo Lawrence. Songwriter Nick Carpenter, known as Medium Build, is also scheduled to debut at the Opry on Sept. 5, with his single "Home Depot" out now. Additionally, Oh Boy! Records will release an album of John Prine rarities in October to mark the 30th anniversary of his 1995 album "Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings," with the track "World Without Love" available.