What does it take to really know a record? To overcome feeling alienated by a challenging album, it sometimes takes abandoning preconceived ideas of expertise and looking for something more personal.

December marks the 5th birthday for AirPods, the first truly wireless earbuds that led us to where we are now — with headphone jacks having vanished from pretty much every smartphone in the land.

The try-anything rapper and her soft-spoken but dedicated producer, who have developed a bond to match their intense work routine, share a preview of a new song that takes them into uncharted terrain.

From the harmonic intrigue of "My Little Love" to a track sampling the late pianist Erroll Garner, Adele's latest album is filled with subtle connections to jazz.

Morning Edition's Rachel Martin talks to Adele about her latest album and the growing pains of growing older.

Deep in the heart of Texas, the Kronos Quartet reflects on race relations and social unrest with At War with Ourselves – 400 Years of You, by composer Michael Abels and poet Nikky Finney.

The sapphic music label turns lesbian identity into a homogenous category.

The star who commands a planetary position in the galaxy of pop chronicles divorce and soul-searching recovery on an album that thrillingly redefines her artistry by bringing her gently down to earth.

Colombian singer-songwriter Victoria Sur has pursued a successful career for more than 20 years. Now, she's nominated for a Latin Grammy for her first children's music album, "Nanas Consentidoras."

Judges for the Tiny Desk Contest watched thousands of videos, and Weekend Edition is highlighting some of the standouts — this week: rapper Zhalarina's "Lala."

The growing discography made by the Griselda founder and the noir-inspired Kansas City producer reflect the way these two visionaries have aligned to create something singular.

Iconic jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter has completed a long-held dream, an opera based on the mythic Greek character Iphigenia, with help from singer and bassist Esperanza Spalding.

Santigold's debut album captures the New York dream of being a singular sensation above the masses. It inspired writer Dawnie Walton when she first moved there — and again when she needed a new start.

Beyoncé's former music director and bassist has a new children's album and book project, which she hopes will instill positivity in young listeners.

The mostly white country and folk music industries remain frustratingly difficult for Black musicians to enter. During one of Nashville's biggest events, one group envisioned a new pathway in.