NPR Music

12/12/2025

Is this the best cover song of all time?

XPN fam, let us introduce your no. 1 song on the 885 Greatest Cover Songs... "All Along the Watchtower" by the late-great Jimi Hendrix!!!

Written by Bob Dylan and originally release in 1967, the folk tune was transformed by Hendrix in 1968 into a psychedelic rock epic, featuring groundbreaking guitar work, intense studio layering. Hendrix’s tribute to the Bob Dylan classic went on to become one of his highest-charting American singles.

Stay tuned post-countdown as Dan Reed plays back the Top Originals, then the fun continues with Amber Miller at 8 PM! THANK YOU for voting, listening and following along with us! We love you 💕

12/12/2025

Our critic described Nourished By Time's 'The Passionate Ones' as "a Whitney Houston song and a New Order song left in a slow cooker to simmer." It's one of our ALBUMS OF THE YEAR. Read more about it in the comments.

12/12/2025

Daniel Caesar's 'Son of Spergy' is one of our ALBUMS OF THE YEAR. Read why it rose to the top of Tiny Desk series producer Bobby Carter's list, via the link in the comments.

12/11/2025

WXPN’s 885 Greatest Cover Songs is complete! Check out their website to see the winner.

12/11/2025

Our favorite jazz album of 2025 comes from Mary Halvorson. It's titled 'About Ghosts,' and you should totally read about it via our ALBUMS OF THE YEAR link in the comments.

12/11/2025

NPR Music's No. 1 album of the year was Rosalía's 'LUX.' But wait, there's more! Read our list of ALBUMS OF THE YEAR via the link in the comments.

12/11/2025

Our BEST ALBUMS OF 2025 list includes a flamenco-inspired pop star from Spain: Queralt Lahoz and her album '9:30 PM.' If that's a new name to you, learn more about Lahoz via our list in the comments.

12/11/2025

Our favorite classical album from 2025 comes from Clarice Jensen. It's titled 'In holiday clothing, out of the great darkness,' and it's not just for classical fans. Learn more via our ALBUMS OF THE YEAR list in the comments.

12/11/2025

Another one of our ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: Top Dawg Entertainment producer Kal Banx's debut full-length album, 'RHODA.' Learn why it's worth your time via the link in the comments.

12/11/2025

Guitar wizard Gwenifer Raymond made one of our ALBUMS OF THE YEAR. Click the link in the comments to learn more about the Welsh musician and why the album rocks.

12/11/2025

Wednesday's 'Bleeds' is one of NPR Music's ALBUMS OF THE YEAR. Our pop critic Ann Powers explains why via the link in the comments.

12/11/2025

One of our ALBUMS OF THE YEAR is from the understated British rapper Dave. Read about 'The Boy Who Played The Harp' and the rest of our favorites via the link in the comments section.