Ten years ago the Australian artist Gotye asked New Zealand musician Kimbra to feature on his song “Somebody I Used To Know.” At the time Kimbra had no idea it was going to be a hit. No wonder—the song lacks the trappings of a conventional pop song. The chorus shows up late and it only repeats once in a track composed of an obscure Brazilian guitar sample an ... Show More
Aug 19
All roads lead to Pharrell: Tyler, Clipse, and Cardi
The conversation around the new music this summer has been a dour one. Some of the biggest songs in the country right now are downtempo stomp-clap anthems and wistful Cranberries pastiche. Even on this very show, Nate and Charlie have asked: where's the fun? As it turns out, the ... Show More
52m 36s
Aug 12
A brief history of terrible lyrics (with Sam Sanders)
Why do bad lyrics happen to good people? From "suckin' on a chili dog" to "making love to his tonic and gin," even the biggest hits from our favorite artists can feature lyrical turns that make us feel quizzical, offended, or even downright nauseated. With the help of Sam Sanders ... Show More
43m 5s
Aug 2023
Kylie Minogue: 4. She Hears It and She Knows
Join Scott Mills for the ultimate celebration of the UK’s best-loved pop star, who this year headlines Radio 2 in the Park on Sunday 17th September.All good things come to an end - unless you’re Kylie Minogue, apparently.In 2012, Kylie marked 25 years in the music industry. The A ... Show More
26m 17s
Jul 2020
Taylor Swift Loves Indie, Too
Last week, Taylor Swift surprised her fans with the announcement of the imminent release of a new 16-track album, entitled folklore. The National’s Aaron Dessner co-wrote or co-produced 11 of the songs, and it also features collaborations with Bon Iver and Jack Antonoff. “Most of ... Show More
24m 31s
Dec 2020
December 2nd - Taylor Swift's Clip of a Re-Recorded 'Love Story,' Britney Spears' Unreleased Single 'Swimming In The Stars' & New 'BTS Law' in South Korea
Britney Spears drops a previously unreleased single 'Swimming In The Stars' in celebration of her birthday, Taylor Swift gives us a preview of her re-recorded music in a new clip and BTS inspires a new law in South Korea. This is Billboard News Now, rounding out the top music sto ... Show More
3m 53s