World Cafe Playlist for 07/06/2026

Allison Russell joins host Stephen Kallao

Allison Russell won her first Grammy for “Eve Was Black” A song from her sophomore solo album, The Returner. In our 2024 conversation, the Nashville singer-songwriter talks about why that record is focused on the present, what Americana means to her, and how her daughter challenged her to write some “bangers” on the record. With a new album on the way, we revisit our session with Allison Russell.

Listen to the session here.

Today’s Playlist

The Fugees “Killing Me Softly With His Song” The Score

Allison Russell “The Returner” The Returner

Allison Russell “Stay Right Here” The Returner

Stevie Wonder “Pastime Paradise” Songs in the Key of Life

Allison Russell “Demons” The Returner

Allison Russell “Snakelife” The Returner

Birds of Chicago “A Stray Goodbye” WC Recording

Counting Crows “Anna Begins” August and Everything After

Gillian Welch & David Rawlings “What We Had” Woodland

Slap Dragon “Already Won” Mission Statement

Peter Bjorn & John “Second Chance” WC Recording

Kevin Morby “100,000” Little Wide Open

Neko Case “Hold On, Hold On” Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

Hour Two

Mondo Cozmo “Plastic Soul” Plastic Soul

Alex Amen “California Blues” Sun of Amen

Goose “Madalena” Chain Yer Dragon

Noah Kahan “Stick Season” Stick Season

Kurt Vile “You don’t know cuz it’s my life” Philadelphia’s been good to me

Madi Diaz “Christine” Skin and Bone

Cate LeBon “Heaven Is No Feeling” Recorded Live for World Cafe

Brittany Howard “Stay High” Recorded Live for World Cafe

Westside Cowboy “Kick Stones (The Boys)” It Goes On

Oasis “Wonderwall” (What’s the Story) Morning Glory

Rhiannon Giddens “At The Purchaser’s Option” WC Recording

Steve Lacy “The Feeling” Oh Yeah?

The Lumineers “Brightside” Brightside

Jesse Welles “Wheel” Middle

Eurythmics “Here Comes the Rain Again” Touch