logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2025
43m 5s

A brief history of terrible lyrics (with...

Vulture
About this episode
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, brilliant host of The Sam Sanders Show, we plumb the depths of the worst pop l ... Show More
Up next
Oct 20
The rise of surrealist pop: KATSEYE and ADÉLA
The music of global girl group KATSEYE might be confusing on first listen. A less-generous read might consider their songs to be rudimentary: the lyrics are mostly nonsense, the instrumentals evoke lesser 2010s pop songs, and the aesthetic can’t decide whether it’s targeted to ch ... Show More
48m 36s
Oct 14
Why we need bad music
For the 500th(!) episode of Switched on Pop, Charlie and Nate try to answer the question that has stumped critics and philosophers since the dawn of sound: does bad music exist? Their quest to answer something so nebulous leads them through the annals of taste, and in the process ... Show More
1h 1m
Oct 6
Has Taylor Swift jumped the shark?
One year after the release of her twelfth studio album The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift is back with an encore. Specifically, The Encore, four tracks that have polarized critics and Swifties alike, from the country-esque number one hit “Patient Zero” to her ode to married Ohi ... Show More
47m 55s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2022
The Worst Songs of all Time
From "Blurred Lines" to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Bitch," we look at some of the worst songs ever - while also questioning whether we can really be sure of "worst songs" in 2022, when the canon and our own tastes are in a constant state of reevaluation. Plus, a look at how pressure ... Show More
56m 34s
Jul 2016
When Great Artists Make Terrible Songs
You can blame bad Eighties production or a certain white powder, but even the giants of rock and pop sometimes hit a bad note; we delve into the most ridiculously entertaining examples, from musical heroes like Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan and more. Plus: new music from Wilco and the P ... Show More
34m 36s
Dec 2022
The 50 Worst Decisions in Music History
From Britney Spears turning down "Umbrella" to Garth Brooks deciding to become "Chris Gaines," we look at the worst and most ridiculous music blunders of all time, with Andy Greene joining host Brian Hiatt to discuss his list Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices ... Show More
1h 36m
Aug 2020
From W.A.S.P. to "WAP" – The Weird History of Moral Panics Over Lyrics
We discuss how the conservative freakout over Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's new song is just the latest in a long series of lyrical controversies, with Brittany Spanos and Rob Sheffield joining host Brian Hiatt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoi ... Show More
43m 18s
Feb 2023
Genuinely Horrible Albums by Great Artists
From Prince to Neil Young to Madonna, we discuss – and argue about – Rolling Stone's picks for the worst albums by great artists, with the list's author, Andy Greene, joining host Brian Hiatt for the discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
1h 2m
Jun 2022
Shocking Song Lyrics That Went Over Our Heads | Ear Biscuits Ep. 338
Have you actually listened to the lyrics of your favorite songs and been shocked at what they actually mean? This week, Rhett and Link go through several songs they used to blast in their rooms as kids with a fresh set of ears, and realize that these songs aren’t as innocent as t ... Show More
1h 11m
Jul 2023
The Best and Worst Songs of the Summer
Features Editors Ryan Dombal and Jill Mapes break down the most replayable, effervescent, and annoying songs that are vying for our attention this season alongside Senior Writer Alphonse Pierre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
34m 42s
Oct 2022
Steve Lacy, Sam Smith & Kim Petras Make Some Big 'Bad' Moves in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10
On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are breaking down the massive moves on the Hot 100 for Steve Lacy's "Bad Habit" and Sam Smith & Kim Petras' "Unholy" and why these songs are especially notable. Oh, and we're taking a page from Gary Trust and talking about ever ... Show More
30m 36s