Heartbreak

Ten years ago, Maggie Rogers was a senior at NYU, scrambling to finish a song for a music production class she was close to failing. The guest critic that week happened to be Pharrell Williams. She played him "Alaska," a track she'd written in about fifteen minutes. It is a bit o ... Show More

Train is the kind of band that some people love to hate. Songs like "Meet Virginia" and "Hey Soul Sister" gave the band huge hits, and no small amount of snark. And then there's "Drops of Jupiter." Released in 2001, the song is almost impossible not to love, no matter how many ly ... Show More

Going for broke turned out to be the most honest thing Slayyyter ever made. After financial losses and a depressive episode that left her ready to quit music entirely, Slayyyter entered the studio planning to make one final album. In this conversation, she traces how that despera ... 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

<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

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 ... 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 fu ... Show More