How does a good pop song end? With a bang, right? As it turns out, explosive endings are kinda over. Songwriters are instead opting to end with a final dropout. Even the biggest pop anthems close with a quiet final moment. In this musical short, Nate, our resident musicologist, offers some theories as to why. FEATURING Taylor Swift – Blank Space One Republic ... Show More
Aug 19
All roads lead to Pharrell: Tyler, Clipse, and Cardi
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
52m 36s
Aug 12
A brief history of terrible lyrics (with Sam Sanders)
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
43m 5s
Mar 2020
Katy Perry’s “Never Worn White,” New Dixie Chicks & More
Billboard breaks down the biggest releases in the music world for the week of March 6, 2020, including drops from Katy Perry, Dixie Chicks, Megan Thee Stallion, Bad Bunny, Demi Lovato, Jhené Aiko, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
25m 30s
Mar 2021
'Red' | Every Single Album: Taylor Swift
The beat dropped on "I Knew You Were Trouble" and everything changed, Taylor Swift had gone pop. Nathan and Nora break down Taylor's fourth album, 'Red,' and her transition from country to pop. They discuss Max Martin's influence on the album, the importance of songs like "All To ... Show More
1h 12m
Aug 2020
Songs of the Summer of Our Discontent
By this time of year, there’s usually consensus around what the “Song of the Summer” is. But 2020 isn’t like any other summer in so many ways, including the pop charts. The Billboard Hot 100 has been all over the place for the past several months, with a new artist rising to the ... Show More
30m 4s
Oct 2020
100 gecs and the Mystery of Hyperpop
What is hyperpop? A movement? A meaningless label? A Spotify playlist? Whatever the answer, it surely has something to do with 100 gecs, the duo of Laura Les and Dylan Brady, whose songs sometimes sound like the last three decades of popular music happening all at once. On this e ... Show More
40m 42s