logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2021
35m 42s

The State of the Pop Union

Vulture
About this episode
From time to time, it is our constitutional duty to provide an update to the people on the current state of pop. What are the sounds? Who’s making the hits? What are they singing about? We take the musical temperature by consulting the charts, the platforms, and the people. MORE Cat Zhang’s review of PinkPantheress’ “Passion” Learn more about your ad choices ... Show More
Up next
Yesterday
Questionably Country
For the first time in history, five country songs were at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift and Stella Lefty all have songs that range from two-stepping hits to borderline Americana: what do these songs say about the state of country musi ... Show More
34m 57s
Aug 25
Phoebe Bridgers opens her Moleskine
Many of us keep a journal, but few of us are able to turn our unvarnished thoughts into cultural moments touching on love, death, and guitars quite like Phoebe Bridgers. Her new album Lost Weekend isn’t just throwing the pages of her personal life into song, it’s much more than t ... Show More
36m 27s
Aug 18
We have Confessions to make...
Madonna has returned this summer with Confessions II: an album full of huge hooks, pounding bass, and sincere emotion. It’s the queen of pop's first record in seven years, and serves as a sequel to her 2005 smash hit, Confessions on a Dance Floor. The record ties together threads ... Show More
39m 6s
Recommended Episodes
May 2021
Pink Has Us Looking Back at the History of Live Music on the Charts
On the new Pop Shop Podcast, we talk all about live albums and songs on the Billboard charts & what the future might hold for live recordings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 
29m 14s
Nov 2023
Popcast (Deluxe): Mailbag! The Beatles, Taylor Swift and More
Taking viewer and listener questions on hot topics in pop music. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts ... Show More
53m 50s
Jul 2016
Popcast: The Return of Pop-Punk and Emo
Pop music writers discuss Blink-182’s influence on modern pop-punk bands. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more ... Show More
31m 31s
Mar 2024
Tate McRae, Dua Lipa and the Fight to Be ‘Main Pop Girl’
A conversation about a title that emerged from stan communities, and how it’s played a role in pop singers’ careers. Guests: Vulture's Jason P. Frank and Rolling Stone's Larisha Paul. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe ... Show More
56m 57s
Mar 2020
What Music Should I Listen to in a Crisis?
Pop critics from around the country recommend pick-me-ups: Pharrell, the Pointer Sisters, Helado Negro and more. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-ac ... Show More
1h 5m
Feb 2023
Caroline Polachek: Desire, I Want To Turn Into You
Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk to Pitchfork Associate Editor Cat Zhang about the singer’s new album, a pop odyssey of the highest order. Read our review here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
30m 56s
Nov 2023
Popcast (Deluxe): Is the Pop Music Machine Stuck in Place?
With certain headliners hogging up space, where are the new stars? We checked in on recent hits from the radio, streaming services and TikTok. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https ... Show More
1h 7m
Dec 2015
Popcast: Best Songs of 2015
Music critics for The New York Times discuss their favorite songs. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcast ... Show More
33m 44s
Sep 2021
We All Want a Rihanna Album, But Does She Even Need to Make Music Anymore?
On the new Pop Shop Podcast, we discuss what might be next for the musician-turned-mogul -- and whether she has anything left to prove as a pop star. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 
26m 24s
May 2022
What makes Drake's 'God's Plan' a hit pop song
Attention to all the music lovers out there! All month, we're revisiting our best music episodes from It's Been a Minute. In this episode from February 2020, former host Sam Sanders is joined by Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding, co-hosts of the podcast Switched On Pop. They break d ... Show More
17m 43s