Adam, Jack and Ryan Met, better known as AJR, started playing gigs on the streets of New York City. The sidewalk hustle taught them how to grab the attention of the least forgiving audience. Now on their fourth studio album, OK Orchestra, they’ve honed an ear-stopping sound that combines modern pop with broadway bombast.
Their platinum-certified single “Ban ... 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 2016
DNCE Talks New Album and ‘Dare to Suck’ Songwriting Rule, Plus Chart Chat About ‘Suicide Squad,’ No. 1 Soundtracks & More
DNCE’s Joe Jonas and Cole Whittle join the Pop Shop Podcast to discuss the group’s upcoming debut full-length album, their “dare to suck” rule regarding songwriting and aspirations of recording music while riding horses. (Yes, really!) Plus, Keith and Katie chat about No. 1 sound ... Show More
37m 18s
Jul 2020
Pop Smoke’s Legacy and the Sound of Brooklyn Drill
On February 19th, 2020, Pop Smoke’s life was tragically cut short, when he was shot and killed at the age of 20. At the time of his death, the rapper was a leading light of Brooklyn drill, the hyper-local scene that had quickly become the premier NYC hip-hop subgenre. With hits l ... Show More
25m 48s
Aug 2012
Earth Wind and Fire: Meet the Musicians
In the 1970s, Earth, Wind and Fire gave birth to a new brand of pop music—one that brought us hits like “Shining Star” and “September.” Their sound was steeped in jazz and R&B, and it bridged the gap that had often separated the musical tastes of black and white America. We’re pl ... Show More
42m 42s
Jan 2021
These Are the Good Times, Part 2
Hit Parade is back for non-Slate Plus listeners! Upcoming episodes will be split into two parts, released two weeks apart. For the full episode right now, sign up for Slate Plus and you'll also get The Bridge, our Trivia show and bonus deep dive into our subjects. slate.com/hitpa ... Show More
1h 23m
May 2020
After Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande’s ‘Rain On Me,’ Which Other Superstars Still Need to Team Up?
On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, the team discusses why -- in an era of wall-to-wall music collaborations -- Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande's "Rain On Me" has broken through the pop culture noise as an event record. Plus, the Pop Shoppers pontificate on what superstars they’d ... Show More
25m 41s
Mar 2022
Michael Bublé Talks Giving Fans a 'Fresh Take' on Familiar Favorites & Joyful Originals for 'Higher' Album
Michael Bublé joins the Billboard Pop Shop Podcast to discuss his new album "Higher," what it was like working with Paul McCartney and Ryan Tedder on the project, how Bublé’s son helped co-write the set’s title track and how he’s looking forward to taking the album on tour. Plus, ... Show More
35m 58s
Feb 2022
Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez & More: A History of Female Pop Stars Overlooked by Oscars
On the latest Pop Shop Podcast, we're taking a closer look at the pop divas who have been passed over by the Oscars throughout the years. Also on the show, we’ve got chart news about how the music of 'Encanto' continues to hold firm atop both the Billboard 200 albums chart and on ... Show More
36m 46s