Sylvan Esso rewrites the ‘Rules’ while Pale Waves make themselves wanted.

Lee Bains + the Glory Fires take listeners to the Deep South, and The Dead Tongues shake off the “Dust.”

Maggie Rogers calls listeners to “Surrender,” and Joe Pug writes the hymns I need to hear.

Ben Harper keeps his musical line going, and Dawes exercises the head and the heart.

Nick Cave writes faithful Psalms, and Steve Lacy follows in Wonder-ful footsteps.

Rhett Miller returns with a “Misfit” tune, and Annie Proulx takes us to Wyoming.

Regina Spektor teaches a graduate course in “Loveology,” and poet Maggie Smith does the work of heart mending.

Soccer Mommy makes a “forever” kind of album, and Damien Jurado quietly makes miracles.

Bartees Strange organically sources great music, and Barry Lopez takes readers on one last adventure.

Andrew Bird shares his “Problems,” and the great Mary Karr delivers the heat.