What made summer jams of the aughties like Nelly's "Hot in Herre" and Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" so hot? The answer: big, sweaty, doses of harmonic tension. Specifically, each track relies on the Baroque technique of the ground bass. Wait, we mean: the Baroque technique of PEDAL POINT! When the chords in these songs don't match up with their bass notes, ... Show More
Today
How does one violinist end up on every hit song?
You've heard those shimmering disco strings in Miley Cyrus's "Flowers," the cinematic arrangements on Phoebe Bridgers' Punisher, and the orchestral flourishes across Taylor Swift's catalog, but you probably didn't know they're all the work of one person: Rob Moose. The violinist ... Show More
51m 35s
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
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
Feb 2021
Adele
This week, we’re talking about the biggest artist of the 21st Century, Adele! If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share with your friends! Check us out in Patreon to support our channel: https://www.patreon.com/goodmusicpodcast Also, click on this li ... Show More
2h 35m
Jul 2020
July 10th - New Music Friday: Juice WRLD, Katy Perry, Halsey, Summer Walker, Kid Cudi & Eminem
The first posthumous album 'Legends Never Die' from Juice WRLD has arrived. Plus, Summer Walker is back with her sultry EP, 'Life on Earth,' and Katy Perry has gifted us with the title track to her upcoming album "Smile." This is Billboard News Now, rounding out the top music dro ... Show More
3m 10s
Aug 2018
Song of the Summer 2018: Drake, Cardi B, Under the Radar Picks & More
With summer 2018 nearing its close (sorry!) and Drake taking the lead from Cardi B's "I Like It" for Song of the Summer with the viral challenge-assisted "In My Feelings," the Must-Hear Music podcast crew is looking back at the top contenders and challengers for the title of this ... Show More
34m 39s