New Music Friday: The best albums out March 13
- Posted on March 13, 2026
- By NPR
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New Music Friday: The best albums out March 13

James Blake. Kim Gordon. Sturgill Simpson's country-funk alter ego. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Amelia Mason from WBUR in Boston about their favorite albums out Friday, March 13. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Introduction & Oscars predictions(02:15) Johnny Blue Skies & The Dark Clouds, 'Mutiny After Midnight'(08:50) James Blake, 'Trying Times'(17:04) Anjimile, 'You're Free To Go'(22:53) Kim Gordon, 'Play Me'(27:52) Blessing Jolie, '20nothing'(35:15) The Lightning Round- Morgan Nagler, 'I've Got Nothing To Lose, and I'm Losing It'- Tinariwen, 'Hoggar'- Jorge Drexler, 'Taracá'- The Tallis Scholars, 'Nico Muhly: No Resting Place'- Fugazi, 'Albini Sessions'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.Credits: Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Amelia Mason, WBURAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Otis Hart, Elle MannionExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Felix Contreras, Tom Huizenga and Lars Gotrich