In the late 1980s, the English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys dominated the U.K. pop charts and staged an invasion of the American charts. Years later, founding member Neil Tennant dubbed this streak of creative and commercial supremacy the group’s “imperial phase”—a term that eventually caught on among music critics and pop fans.
So, what does it take for an ... Show More
May 30
All Apologies Edition Part 2
The story of Nevermind, Nirvana’s genre-defining breakthrough, is a familiar one. Less well known is the saga of Billboard’s Modern Rock chart—and how college-rock staples of the 1980s like R.E.M. and The Cure gave way to heavier, more commercially dominant groups of the ‘90s lik ... Show More
1h 3m
May 23
This Moment in Music History for 05-23-2025
On May 23, 1969, The Who released their groundbreaking rock opera album, "Tommy." This concept album tells the story of a "deaf, dumb, and blind" boy named Tommy Walker, who experiences various trials and tribulations before ultimately finding enlightenment and becoming a messian ... Show More
1m 55s
Dec 2019
Welcome to The Opus - Season 6: The Clash's London Calling
Consequence of Sound and Sony are proud to present the sixth season of The Opus. Past seasons have explored the legacy of iconic albums by Bob Dylan (Blood on the Tracks), The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Electric Ladyland), Jeff Buckley (Grace), Willie Nelson (Red Headed Stranger), ... Show More
1m 35s
Feb 2024
The Star Spangled Banger!
Who is the biggest Diva of them all? The U.S. National Anthem, which borrows its melody from a historic British drinking song, has undergone enormous musical change in the hands of pop music vocalists. Famously, José Feliciano, Marvin Gaye and Whitney Houston each changed the mea ... Show More
53m 5s
May 27
"Bad Bunny's Meteoric Rise: Dominating the Charts and Redefining Latin Music's Global Impact"
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican music sensation, continues to make headlines and solidify his influence in the music industry. Recently, he achieved a significant milestone as he, along with Fuerza Regida, made chart history with Spanish-language albums claiming top spots. This marks ... Show More
1m 52s
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
Nov 2024
Will Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter & More Pop Stars Dominate 2025 Grammy Noms?
When the 2025 Grammy nominations are unveiled on Friday (Nov. 8), there's a world where the year's biggest pop stars dominate the storyline. Billboard awards editor Paul Grein has shared his final Big Four predictions ahead of Friday's announcement, and he thinks pop women will l ... Show More
45m 55s
May 28
This Moment in Music History for 05-28-2025
On May 28th in music history, one significant event took place in 1977 when the iconic British punk rock band Sex Pistols released their highly controversial single "God Save the Queen." The song, which was a scathing critique of the British monarchy and the state of the nation, ... Show More
1m 53s