Rob celebrates pop icon Rihanna while looking back at her smash hit “Umbrella.” While combing through Rihanna’s expansive career, Rob also discusses whether Jay-Z’s guest verse on “Umbrella” is the worst of his career. Later, Brittany Spano joins the show to answer the difficult question of what song is Rihanna’s best, and much more.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Gue ... Show More
Jun 25
“Since U Been Gone”— Kelly Clarkson
Rob contemplates the art of making an ironic cover song sincere as he enters the dark realm of the 2000s hit TV show, ‘American Idol’. He follows the inevitable success of Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, who proves with her impossible-to-sing hit song, “Since U Been Gone,” that s ... Show More
1h 37m
Jun 18
“How to Save a Life”—The Fray
This week, Rob examines the hallowed art of employing songs within the soundtrack of a crucial TV scene to emotionally manipulate the viewing audience. Along the way, he evokes classic moments from ‘General Hospital’ , 'ER', and ‘Scrubs’ before ultimately expounding on the highly ... Show More
1h 27m
Feb 2025
The Umbrella Effect: How Rihanna’s Breakout Hit Changed Pop Music Forever
In 2007, a 19-year-old Barbadian pop singer released the lead single off her third album. By doing so, she didn't just give us a timeless, undeniable banger -- she changed the way pop music is made, and became the global superstar that we know Rihanna to be today. In this episode ... Show More
37m 24s
Apr 25
Only Girl in the World Edition Part 2
It’s been nearly a decade since Rihanna released a studio album—and fans and critics alike have wondered when, if ever, a follow-up to 2016’s Anti might arrive. Which is ironic, because in her heyday, Rihanna was the most productive hitmaker on the charts. Churning out at least o ... Show More
58m 10s
Mar 2020
Dua Lipa, Bob Dylan, Rosalía, PartyNextDoor & More
Billboard breaks down the biggest releases in the music world for the week of March 27, 2020, including drops from Dua Lipa, Bob Dylan, Rosalía, PartyNextDoor (featuring Rihanna), Pearl Jam, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24m 57s
Sep 2024
On Katy Perry & Doechii's 'I'm His, He's Mine,' There's Something in the (Crystal) Waters
On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are talking about Katy Perry's "I'm His, He's Mine," featuring Top Dawg singer/rapper Doechii on a fiery duet that made its live debut on Wednesday's MTV Video Music Awards. The song includes a prominent sample of Crystal Water ... Show More
31m 12s
Jun 19
How the 'Hit Girls' Shaped Our Current Pop Landscape. Plus, Where's Our Song of the Summer?
Nora discusses her new book, 'Hit Girls,' about how stars like Britney Spears and Beyoncé shaped our current pop landscape (1:00). Then she and Nathan talk about Sabrina Carpenter's new single "Manchild" and her forthcoming album 'Man's Best Friend' (22:49), before previewing the ... Show More
59m 37s
Mar 2023
Ice Spice, Chris Brown & THAT Hailey Bieber Drama!
Pop Off is BACK and this time Lewys is joined by his brand new co-host Isla Loba! This week, we talk about Ice Spice, who has been popping up on North West’s TikTok and could be collabing with Central Cee… And we discuss Avril Lavigne’s incredibly random relationship with Tyga, w ... Show More
32 m