logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2020
33m 24s

"Happy Birthday" is the Worst (with Anne...

Vulture
About this episode
With Nate’s birthday around the corner, it’s time to admit that our go-to birthday song is actually the worst to sing to someone. There are reasons both musicological and cultural why this wooden celebratory number needs to go, ranging from funereal rhythms to Wagnerian opera to the Wizard of Oz. Tune in to uncover the horror of “Happy Birthday” and consider ... Show More
Up next
Oct 20
The rise of surrealist pop: KATSEYE and ADÉLA
The music of global girl group KATSEYE might be confusing on first listen. A less-generous read might consider their songs to be rudimentary: the lyrics are mostly nonsense, the instrumentals evoke lesser 2010s pop songs, and the aesthetic can’t decide whether it’s targeted to ch ... Show More
48m 36s
Oct 14
Why we need bad music
For the 500th(!) episode of Switched on Pop, Charlie and Nate try to answer the question that has stumped critics and philosophers since the dawn of sound: does bad music exist? Their quest to answer something so nebulous leads them through the annals of taste, and in the process ... Show More
1h 1m
Oct 6
Has Taylor Swift jumped the shark?
One year after the release of her twelfth studio album The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift is back with an encore. Specifically, The Encore, four tracks that have polarized critics and Swifties alike, from the country-esque number one hit “Patient Zero” to her ode to married Ohi ... Show More
47m 55s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2022
The Worst Songs of all Time
From "Blurred Lines" to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Bitch," we look at some of the worst songs ever - while also questioning whether we can really be sure of "worst songs" in 2022, when the canon and our own tastes are in a constant state of reevaluation. Plus, a look at how pressure ... Show More
56m 34s
Dec 2022
The 50 Worst Decisions in Music History
From Britney Spears turning down "Umbrella" to Garth Brooks deciding to become "Chris Gaines," we look at the worst and most ridiculous music blunders of all time, with Andy Greene joining host Brian Hiatt to discuss his list Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices ... Show More
1h 36m
Oct 2024
Top 10 Most Overhated Songs of All-Time
tail spinning
46m 23s
Jul 2022
'We Built This City' by Starship
This song was slandered as “The Worst Song of the 80s”. Why?? It rocks! But as Andrew and Evan get way way into, it also sucks in unique and exciting and dumb ways. An absolutely devastating ep, with crucial insights into: what is hoopla; pre-boomer boomer attitudes, why you alwa ... Show More
1h 1m
Feb 2023
Genuinely Horrible Albums by Great Artists
From Prince to Neil Young to Madonna, we discuss – and argue about – Rolling Stone's picks for the worst albums by great artists, with the list's author, Andy Greene, joining host Brian Hiatt for the discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
1h 2m
Jul 2024
Top 10 Worst Rap Songs of 2024 So Far
tail spinning
28m 39s
Jul 2016
When Great Artists Make Terrible Songs
You can blame bad Eighties production or a certain white powder, but even the giants of rock and pop sometimes hit a bad note; we delve into the most ridiculously entertaining examples, from musical heroes like Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan and more. Plus: new music from Wilco and the P ... Show More
34m 36s
Dec 2023
“What’s Up”—4 Non Blondes
Rob indulges in outright negativity when focusing on some of the worst songs of the '90s before turning his attention 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up,” voted one of the worst songs of the '90s by Rolling Stone. Later, Rob is joined by journalist and host of ‘Fine Beats and Cheeses’ Les ... Show More
1h 32m