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The best folk and roots music of the year, from quiet acoustic solo records to stomping shout-alongs, focused on community, elements of ancestry and stories that unite us.

The co-host of All Songs Considered shares his ten favorite records of 2015.

The host of All Songs Considered shares the albums he loved this year. Many of Bob Boilen's favorite albums of 2013 were danceable. Many were intimate. Some managed to be both at once.

2017 was a year of chronic whiplash, not only for the ceaseless horror show of news headlines, but for the overwhelming number of great albums and songs that were released.

If one defining thread ran through 2016's best albums, it was an air of mystery: a sense of myth, otherworldliness, storytelling ambition or multimedia wizardry.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has nominated a four-star general to take command of U.S. forces in Iraq. Gen. George W. Casey, Jr. would replace Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez. Colleagues say Casey has demonstrated the ability to work closely with U.S. diplomats, a skill that will be needed in Iraq when the U.S. embassy goes into business in July. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

It was a great year for lyricists, says All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen. His favorite albums of the year are proof of that richness.

These tunes from 2011 each exemplify how great singers and great songs fit together. Hear music featuring vocalists like Kurt Elling, Eliane Elias and Norah Jones.

Fractured grooves got the noise kids dancing and we went heavy on deconstructing tape loops in 2012.

Ke$ha's debut album has sold more than 150,000 copies in its first week. Here, the pop star talks about her success and tells the stories behind her songs.

Fresh Air's critic looks back on a fruitful year and lists his favorite music releases of 2011.

Republicans are favored to take control of the chamber thanks to a 2024 map of races that tilts disproportionately in the GOP’s favor. Here are the races to watch.

President Barack Obama's choice to lead the National Intelligence Council has withdrawn his agreement to serve in that position. Chas Freeman, a veteran diplomat, had come under fire for statements he has made in the past about China and Israel.

Thirteen nominations for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but no Best Picture nod for The Dark Knight: NPR's Bob Mondello talks to Michele Norris about today's Oscar surprises, disappointments and don't-misses.

From the inescapable "Call Me Maybe" to Fiona Apple's intricate word puzzles to the strikingly gorgeous return of Iris DeMent, the Fresh Air critic counts down his favorite albums and musical moments of the year.

Jason Isbell's Southeastern, Kanye West's Yeezus and an assortment of remarkable women dominated the Fresh Air critic's year in listening.

Carla Hall can't stand sardines. In fact, she hasn't eaten them since childhood. But sardines are nutritious, safe and sustainable, so we gave her a challenge: Make them tasty, too.

Commentator Bill Langworthy helps to get his nephew, Thomas, into a highly competitive Manhattan pre-school.

NPR Music's pop critic, Ann Powers, says each of her favorite albums of 2014 gave her new tools to cope with and learn from the world around her, even as that world crashed in from outside.

Across ambient, jazz, psychedelic and American Primitive styles, this year proved that the possibilities of the guitar continue to flourish.