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The former American Idol winner has just released her fifth album, Stronger. Rock critic Ken Tucker says the record doesn't contain Clarkson's strongest material, but still shows off her powerful vocal cords.

The singer's video for "Lake Tahoe" shines with a quiet, stark elegance.

Were the 1980s the worst years for music? NPR listeners seem to think so, according to the results of our poll. When asked to pick the best year for music, nearly everyone skipped the '80s entirely.

We've got a Brian Eno and David Byrne sneak preview. Also, Lee "Scratch" Perry and Andrew W.K., Van Dyke Parks and Inara George, Earlimart, The Avett Brothers and more.

Is there music you know you should love, but for whatever reason just don't? For Bob Boilen, Green Day is one of those acts. Also on the show, Sunset Rubdown, Danger Mouse, Allen Toussaint and more.

Springsteen's return to pop production, and the E Street Band, on his 2007 album Magic left the singer wanting more. Immediately after the disc's completion, he decided to keep writing and recording. In the first week after Magic, he wrote several songs that form the beginning of Working on a Dream, streaming now in its entirety on NPR Music.

This year, Merge Records, home to artists such as M. Ward, Neutral Milk Hotel, Spoon, The Magnetic Fields, and many more, celebrates its 20th anniversary. Mac McCaughn and Laura Ballance started the label in 1989, in Chapel Hill, NC. In the beginning they sold homemade cassette tapes from local record stores. If they made 50 sales, they were ecstatic. But today, Merge Records is one of the most revered labels in the business, with a large roster of remarkable talent.

Tucker Martine is a composer, a musician and one of the most sought-after producers in the business. On this edition of All Songs Considered, Martine shares music from some of his favorite artists.

On this edition of All Songs Considered we've got an unusual new project from Victoria Bergsman.

On this edition of All Songs Considered: ApSci, The Phenomenal Handclap Band, new music from Moby, Choir of Young Believers, Lightning Dust, and a remarkable new box set from Neil Young.