New Music Friday: Brittany Howard and a new era of musical masters

Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce listen to the new albums out on Feb. 9 — including Brittany Howard's What Now — and find themselves wondering about the cultural value of virtuosity in 2024. Featured albums: 1. Brittany Howard, What Now 2. Joel Ross, nublues 3. Boldy James & Nicholas Craven, Penalty of Leadership (released Jan. 12) 4. Kali Malone, All Life Long 5. Sonic Youth, Walls Have Ears 6. Usher, Coming Home Other notable albums out Feb. 9: • Helado Negro, PHASOR • Chelsea Wolfe, She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She • Madi Diaz, Weird Faith • Declan McKenna, What Happened To The Beach? • Little Simz, Drop 7 EP • Shygirl, Club Shy EP • Kelela, RAVE:N, The Remixes • Mk.gee, Two Star & The Dream Police • Ducks Ltd., Harm's Way • David Nance & Mowed Sound, David Nance & Mowed Sound • Split System, Vol. 2 • The Telescopes, Growing Eyes Become String Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy