Stephen Thompson

SCOTT DETROW, HOST: The '80s are back - on this week's pop charts, at least. The 1980s were a huge decade for Madonna, for Michael Jackson, for Bruce Springsteen, for Journey. And this week, they are all back on the charts. Here is NPR Music's Stephen Tho... See more

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson reports on Madonna, Springsteen and Journey's return to the charts. Copyright 2026 NPR NPR Music's Stephen Thompson reports on Madonna, Springsteen and Journey's return to the charts. Copyright 2026 NPR Congress has eliminated... See more

New Music Friday: The best albums out July 17 Welcome to New Music Friday, NPR Music's podcast dedicated to sharing the best albums out each week. We listen to dozens of new releases in advance, identify the ones we think you need to hear, and highlight o... See more

The best albums of 2026 (so far) Welcome to New Music Friday, NPR Music's podcast dedicated to sharing the best albums out each week. Normally, we listen to dozens of new releases in advance and identify the ones we think you need to hear in a brisk mix o... See more

America turns 250 this year. So for this special birthday, we discuss our picks for what pieces of pop culture best depict the American dream, including The Wire, Apollo 13, Grey Gardens, and the spiritual successor to Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car." Stephen ... See more