Heartbreak

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

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

Every music critic seems to agree: 2025 has no true song of summer. Last August, Teddy Swims’s “Lose Control” dominated the charts. This year…Teddy Swims’s “Lose Control” dominates the charts. What’s going on? Why is there no new summer song to unite us in collective listening, a ... Show More

We discuss songs of solace in our current crisis, with some very special guests – including Taylor Swift – joining host Brian Hiatt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

Sam talks about how her relationship to music has changed over the years, and how mindfulness can help us step back from the emotional reactivity that music can spark. This means we can still enjoy our favorite songs without overwhelming feelings of longing or nostalgia. Learn mo ... Show More

Almost everyone has a breakup song -- but why? In this episode, Cristen and Caroline explain how we process emotional rejection as physical pain and why music has an analgesic effect. Tune in to learn more (including which breakup songs may be the best). Learn more about your ad- ... Show More

British singer/songwriter Lianne La Havas recently released her third album, a self-titled collection of songs about love, heartbreak, and independence. Pitchfork editor Puja Patel recently spoke with Lianne at home in London over video chat for Pitchfork’s Listening Club. They t ... Show More

The legendary songwriter, who's releasing her debut album later this year, shares stories from songs spanning her entire career, from "Rhythm of the Night" to "I Don't Want to Miss A Thing," with host Brian Hiatt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice ... Show More

Rob explores legendary Canadian vocalist Celine Dion’s blockbuster hit “My Heart Will Go On” by discussing her illustrious career, the sheer force she brings to every song, and the unapologetic attitude with which she approaches her music.This episode was originally produced as a ... Show More

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

What Taylor Swift songs make you emotional? Or... what Taylor Swift songs doesn't make Ana emotional? Yeah. We will be here for a while!Nick, Ana, Amy and Lacey share the songs that tug at their heart strings every single time! What songs make you sappy, Swifties? And which ones ... Show More

Building Pitchfork’s year-end lists of the best albums and songs is a lengthy and painstaking process, involving careful consideration of the 1,000-plus releases we review each year, and others we may have missed. We include innumerable factors in our decision-making, but sometim ... Show More

Rob explores singer-songwriter Tori Amos’s hit single “Cornflake Girl” by discussing her performing prowess, her unique artistry, and her tense relationship with the press.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the ful ... Show More