logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
1h 30m

“Umbrella”—Rihanna

The Ringer
About this episode
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
Up next
Aug 20
“A-Punk” — Vampire Weekend
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
1h 36m
Aug 13
"Grindin’"— The Clipse
This week, Rob explores the biblical complexities of brotherhood throughout popular song, and uses those musical examples to highlight this eternal dichotomy: Some days when you aren’t Abel, there is always Cain. This sentiment rings glaringly true as he dissects the career of Vi ... Show More
1h 24m
Aug 6
“Heavy Metal Drummer”—Wilco
In this week’s episode, Rob uses the blueprint he learned from all of his favorite rock band movies, like 'Dig!' and 'The Great Muppet Caper,' to better understand the self-proclaimed misunderstood band Wilco. He takes us through Jeff Tweedy’s journey, starting with Wilco’s prede ... Show More
1h 32m
Recommended Episodes
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
35m 24s
Apr 2025
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
55m 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
Aug 2021
Happy Birthday Madonna!
It's Madonna's birthday and we are throwing a party in her honor! Get together with Tony & Stefan and some special guests to pay homage to the Queen of Pop. We have a special birthday wish from Niki Haris & Donna De Lory and Madonna cover songs from: Ric'key Pageot and Dessy Di L ... Show More
39m 19s
Oct 23
'The Art of Loving' | Every Single Album: Olivia Dean
Nora and Nathan talk about Sabrina Carpenter pulling double-duty as the host of 'SNL' last week (1:00) and on the other side of the coast, Charli XCX popping up at Lorde's show to perform "Girl, so confusing" (11:28). Then, they talk about the sophomore album from British pop sta ... Show More
1h 18m
Sep 4
‘Man’s Best Friend’ | Every Single Album: Sabrina Carpenter
A year after ‘Short n' Sweet’, Nora and Nathan are back to break down Sabrina Carpenter’s seventh studio album, ‘Man’s Best Friend’! They decide whether "Manchild" was the song of the summer and share their thoughts on the band-like production team behind the album (00:42). They ... Show More
1h 19m
Feb 2025
All the Music News to Come Out of the Super Bowl
Nora and Nathan talk about everything music from the Super Bowl, including: Taylor Swift's time at the event and whether or not Travis Kelce might retire soon (1:21), Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance and how it compared to past halftime shows (30:00), and Lady Gaga's pre-gam ... Show More
56m 14s
Apr 2025
'Can't Be Tamed' | Every Single Album: Miley Cyrus
With 'Can't Be Tamed,' Miley Cyrus is yet again trying to break away from the Disney stronghold, but not quite able to do it. Nora and Nathan discuss her last album released under Disney. They talk about her biggest hit from this era, which isn't actually on this album (1:00); ho ... Show More
1h 9m
Mar 2024
Lip-Syncing
<p>This week, we discuss a slightly edgy subject... lip syncing! </p> <p>Join us as we chat about the history of lip-syncing throughout pop culture and attempt to understand why this topic gets folks so riled up!</p> <p><br></p> <p>Our socials: </p> <p>Instagram: @girlzwithfunpod ... Show More
1h 11m
Nov 13
New Music Corner: Rosalía, Katy Perry, Charli XCX, and Hillary Duff
Nora and Nathan talk about the groundbreaking new album 'Lux' from Rosalía (1:00) and why the obvious effort that went into this album is what makes it cool and interesting (20:16). Then they hit a few other new releases from Katy Perry (42:10), Charli XCX (55:23), and Hillary Du ... Show More
1h 10m