Rolling Stone marks America’s 250th birthday with a 50-state playlist, choosing one defining song for each state that spans rock, hip-hop, country, and more. The editors highlight tracks by homegrown artists or songs that evoke a state through setting or reference, and include honorable mentions, creating a diverse musical map of the U.S.
Rolling Stone’s weekly Songs You Need to Know playlist spotlights Madonna’s retro Eighties-inspired surprise performance, Destin Conrad diving into reggae rhythms, and Rico Nasty linking with Kenneth Blume on a glittery new track, plus fresh cuts from Wolf Alice, Mary in the Junkyard, Sienna Spiro, Dinosaur Jr., Ken Carson and more.
Jon Batiste shares a candid, eclectic musical map of his life: his early loves (Strokin’ by Clarence Carter) and first purchases (Michael Jackson’s Dangerous, Björk Vespertine, Erykah Badu’s Mama’s Gun, Common’s Like Water for Chocolate); the track he can’t hear anymore after performing it countless times (Steely Dan’s Reelin’ in the Years); the life-changing tune he played at his grandmother’s funeral (When the Saints Go Marching In) and his desired funeral song (When the Saints Come Marching In); a provocative pick for romance (D’Angelo’s Untitled (How Does It Feel)); a tear-jerker (Bach’s Air on the G String); a guilty-pleasure shoutout to Amyl and the Sniffers’ Giddy Up; morning wake-ups include Coldplay’s Don’t Panic, Body and Soul by Art Tatum, and Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World; and a London festival residency at Koko, June 24–28 (tickets via Live Nation).
Spotify is expanding its Prompted Playlist beta to Premium listeners in the United States and Canada after testing in New Zealand in December 2025. The feature lets users describe what they want to hear in their own words—moods, moments, or cultural moments—and Spotify generates a playlist drawn from their listening history and current trends. Users can edit prompts, set daily or weekly refreshes, and receive one-line explanations for each track. The idea is a more intuitive, collaborative approach to discovery, with editors providing inspiration prompts; the rollout is in beta and may evolve with usage limits as Spotify learns from feedback.
The article highlights the 45 best Afropop songs of 2025, showcasing a diverse range of artists and styles across Africa and the diaspora, emphasizing innovation, tradition, and global influence in the genre.
Pitchfork's weekly playlist features a curated selection of new music from artists like Lone, Lala Lala, Mila Culpa, and more, highlighting tracks that staff are currently obsessed with, available on Apple Music and Spotify.
Spotify has launched a new feature allowing Premium users to add customizable transitions between tracks in playlists, enhancing the listening experience with options like fade, rise, or blend, and providing tools for precise editing and sharing, aiming to appeal to both casual listeners and playlist enthusiasts.
Billy Joel released a comprehensive seven-hour digital playlist featuring 155 tracks, including rare live recordings, demos, and early band material, alongside a documentary about his life. The playlist highlights his musical evolution from his early bands, The Hassles and Attila, to his solo career, showcasing lesser-known gems and iconic hits like 'Captain Jack' and 'Vienna.' The release offers fans a deep dive into his musical journey and unreleased performances, emphasizing his enduring influence and legacy.
In his final months, Brian Wilson, the legendary musician, maintained his humor, kindness, and love for music, sharing a playlist of his favorite songs and reflecting on his life and impact, despite facing health challenges and personal losses.
The article provides a curated list of the best songs of 2025 so far, highlighting diverse artists and genres, from Bad Bunny's salsa-infused tracks to Lorde's synth-pop return, showcasing a vibrant and eclectic music scene this year.
Britney Spears and Balenciaga launched a surprise collaboration featuring a 12-piece merchandise collection and a curated playlist, celebrating Spears' legacy and style, with prices ranging from $725 to $1,650, as part of Balenciaga's final collection under Demna.
A new list of the best songs of 2024 has been released, highlighting the top hits and must-listen tracks of the year. The update also includes a reminder about the revised Terms of Sale, Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy, encouraging users to review and agree to the changes.
Cristin Milioti created a playlist featuring artists like Rosalía, SZA, and Lana Del Rey to embody her character Sofia Falcone in "The Penguin." She describes these artists as having a mystical and powerful energy that helped her capture the essence of her character, who transitions from being restrained to liberated. Milioti is a fan of these musicians, noting their music's ability to evoke a sense of impending change and empowerment.
As millions prepare to witness the total solar eclipse on Monday, CNN has curated an eclipse-themed playlist featuring songs like "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles and "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler to accompany the celestial spectacle. The playlist spans various genres and includes reminders to wear protective eyewear and embrace the cosmic experience, with a nod to the next total solar eclipse in 2044.
St. Louis Public Radio has curated an eclipse-themed playlist featuring tracks like "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler, "Eclipse" by Pink Floyd, and "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden, perfect for accompanying your total solar eclipse watch party or viewing adventure. With only a few minutes of totality, the playlist offers a celestial soundtrack to enhance the eerie chill and sudden silence of the world during the eclipse.