Stephen Thompson

Stories

• The pop charts this week are influenced by the Grammys

  The Grammy Awards show is influencing people's listening habits this week.

  Feb 12, 2026 at 1:47 pm

• Metal band Megadeth and Harry Styles each hit No. 1 this week on the Billboard Charts

  NPR Music's Stephen Thompson reports on new music shaping the charts.

  Feb 05, 2026 at 1:41 pm

• What to watch for at the 2026 Grammy Awards

  From Lady Gaga to Kendrick Lamar, we hear about the nominees for this year's Grammy awards.

  Feb 01, 2026 at 5:05 am

• This week 3 new albums fight for the No.1 spot on the Billboard charts

  This week on the Billboard 200 albums chart, three albums landed within striking distance of the number-one spot. And a cult favorite has hit the Hot 100 more than 30 years.

  Jan 29, 2026 at 1:51 pm
• 

  What are the greatest videos of MTV’s golden era?

  Reports from late last year about the demise of MTV were overstated; but it got us thinking about the network’s legacy and most memorable moments. So, on this episode, we remember the best of MTV with a list of our top 20 videos from its golden era.If you’re listening on Spotify, tell us your favorite classic music video in the episode’s comments. You can support the show by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Or just tell a friend!Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org

  Jan 20, 2026 at 12:00 am

• Old and new faces reach the Billboard Hot 100 charts

  After a rush of holiday-themed music, a sweep of new pop songs move up the chart.

  Jan 07, 2026 at 2:58 pm

• Pop Culture Happy Hour celebrates 15 years

  2010 ushered in a number of long-lasting changes to the pop culture landscape, including NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour Podcast.

  Dec 21, 2025 at 5:10 am

• The quiet pull of introspective songs as temperatures fall

  When temperatures drop, why do many listeners find themselves gravitating toward more introspective, emotionally resonant songs?

  Dec 20, 2025 at 2:36 pm

• Ho, Ho, Nope: The Christmas songs that make us cringe

  What are the most unbearable Christmas songs? We offer a few of the many, many options.

  Dec 18, 2025 at 1:44 am

• Christmas season arrives on the pop charts

  The calendar has turned to December, and jingle bells have arrived at the top of the charts, led, as usual, by Mariah, Wham and Brenda Lee.

  Dec 05, 2025 at 2:12 pm