logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2014
26m 5s

Heartbreak

Vulture
About this episode
Why do we love listening to heartbreak songs? What do songwriters do to emote such strong feelings? FEATURING Adele – Someone Like You Kacey Musgraves – I Miss You CeeLo Green – F*** You! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
Up next
Feb 24
Charli XCX’s "Wuthering Heights" fever dream
Emerald Fennell's new adaptation of Emily Brontë's 1847 gothic romance "Wuthering Heights" is the most talked-about film of the year. But for pop lovers, the soundtrack is the real event: Charli xcx, asked to write one song, ended up recording an entire album for the movie while ... Show More
48m 13s
Feb 17
Will Sinners do for blues what O Brother did for bluegrass?
It's the middle of award season, and Ryan Coogler's ode to the Black music canon Sinners has emerged as the Oscars frontrunner and the most nominated film in Academy Awards history. The love the movie has for the Delta blues is front and center, and begs the question: will the mo ... Show More
51m 4s
Feb 10
Jazz is A$AP Rocky’s secret weapon
A$AP Rocky’s latest album, Don’t Be Dumb, is a wild ride through a cacophony of sounds — punk, industrial, drum ‘n’ bass, indie rock, and of course, hip hop. But on one track, “Robbery,” he and the rising superstar Doechii sample the world of jazz, specifically Thelonious Monk’s ... Show More
35m 54s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2020
Songs of Comfort, with Taylor Swift, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow
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 
46m 38s
Mar 2024
The Joy of Music
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
4m 25s
Nov 2011
Why do breakup songs hurt so good?
<p>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).</p><p> </p> Learn more ... Show More
20m 6s
Aug 2020
Lianne La Havas's Bittersweet Memories
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
21 m
Jan 2021
Diane Warren: My Life in Songs
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
43m 56s
Nov 2021
Celine Dion—“My Heart Will Go On”
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 ... Show More
1h 9m
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
Apr 2021
Sappy Swifties Because Taylor's Songs Makes Our Tears Ricochet
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
32m 2s
Nov 2020
The Great Year-End Songs Debate
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
55m 41s
Sep 2021
Tori Amos — “Cornflake Girl”
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 fu ... Show More
57m 31s