The Pop Pod

It's time for another rankinig episode and this time we're turning our attention to Charli XCX who just returned with 'Rock Music'. For the past decade plus Charli has been a pop visionary, always operating ahead of the game and churning out some of the most thought-provoking pop music along the way. She's amassed an impressive discography that actually proved quite difficult to rank. That being said, there were 4 songs that really stood out. On this episode of The Pop Pod, Sam & Jono rank the best Charli XCX songs.Follow The Pop Pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.poppod/

Swedish duo Icona Pop are behind one of the most monumental club-pop songs of the 2010s 'I Love It' but since then they have kept the dancefloor alive. Icona Pop are best friends on and off the dancefloor and have spent their career crafting high-energy songs for the club that also go for maximum emotional effect.With a new album, 'Ritual' on the way, Icona Pop joined The Pop Pod to talk about Sweden's reputation for perfect pop as well as those who contribute from ABBA to Robyn. Plus we got into what makes a crying on the dancefloor song so good. Follow The Pop Pod on Instagram for more.

This week on The Pop Pod, Sam & Jono dig into exactly that question. We start with Confessions on a Dance Floor, the Madonna masterpiece that turns 21 this year and still sounds like the future, and we talk about what it means that she and producer Stuart Price are finally returning with a sequel, Confessions II, out this summer. From there we get into the records that have carried that torch in the years since: Robyn's Body Talk, Dua Lipa's Future Nostalgia, Charli XCX's Brat, and so much more.What separates a great dance album from an all-time one? Is it the sequencing, the production, the emotional honesty underneath all that euphoria? We get into all of it, with plenty of detours along the way.Follow us on Instagram.

Jessie Ware has spent the last six years quietly building one of the great runs in modern pop. From What's Your Pleasure? to That! Feels Good! and now her sixth album Superbloom, out this week, she's carved out a lane that's entirely her own: disco-inflected, deeply felt, and allergic to cheap shortcuts. Superbloom pushes deeper than its predecessors, trading pure escapism for something more grounded in real love, real relationships, and the fear of losing them, without sacrificing a single beat.This week on The Pop Pod, I sit down with Jessie to talk through the new album, the creative instincts that have guided her since What's Your Pleasure? changed everything, and the pop songs that have meant the most to her. We get into Chappell Roan, Robyn, Rihanna, and more: the records that defined what a perfect pop moment can be, and what Jessie thinks separates a good song from an unforgettable one.

Danny L Harle is one of pop music's most quietly essential figures. A founding member of the PC Music collective, the British producer and composer has spent over a decade reshaping what pop can sound like — from the euphoric maximalism of his early solo work to becoming the trusted hand behind some of the most acclaimed records of the last few years. He's the executive producer of both of Caroline Polachek's landmark albums, Pang and Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, co-produced Dua Lipa's Radical Optimism (including "Houdini"), and has worked with Charli XCX, Carly Rae Jepsen, PinkPantheress, Clairo, and Shygirl - among many others. His own debut album Harlecore arrived in 2021, and his follow-up Cerulean dropped earlier this year.This week on The Pop Pod, I sit down with Danny to talk through his collaborations, his new album and what he considers to be a pop classic.

Sam Duboff from Spotify joins The Pop Pod to break down this year's Loud & Clear report, Spotify's annual deep-dive into the economics of streaming. We get into what the numbers actually mean for artists in 2026 .We talk about the rise of the niche pop star: more than 1,500 artists crossed $1 million in Spotify royalties in 2025, and many of them aren't household names — and may never trend globally. It turns out you don't need a massive hit to build a massive career. We dig into what that means for how pop is fragmenting, and why devoted fanbases are now the most valuable currency in music.Success is being built through deep catalogue engagement, not viral moments - and that has real implications for how pop artists should be thinking about releases.

Robyn returned with Sexistential, her first album in eight years - nine hard-hitting tracks of pure melody and zero filler, picking up where Body Talk and Honey left off. No messing around. Just Robyn delivering straight-up emotion in the most direct way she knows how.Then there's RAYE, who exercised no such restraint. This Music May Contain Hope stretches over 70 minutes across 17 songs - orchestrals, narrative, Hans Zimmer, Al Green - an epic that dares you to sit with it.Sam is joined first by YouTuber HTHAZE to unpack This Music May Contain Hope. Then producer Jono, who caught Robyn live on release night, joins to dig into Sexistential.Don't forget to subscribe to The Pop Pod if you're enjoying the podcast.

Sam and Jono go deep on one of music's most overlooked arts — the album opener. Does it need to be a banger? A ballad? The lead single? A two-minute intro that sounds like a church service colliding with a rave? Turns out, the answer is all of the above, and none of the above.This week they break down Jono's four-type framework for what makes a great opener (dramatic, undeniable banger, sonic statement, or storytelling intro), why Sam thinks the first lyric does more heavy lifting than any production choice ever could, and what actually separates a great opener from a great closer.The Best Album Openers Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4nRg6D5VUmw8sqnxJxAJJE?si=10ce4ea359114775&pt=0e6ef5cacdc49c23c4dfbd9ec87cc361If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an episode. And if you want to support the show, leaving a review goes a long way. We read every single one.

Singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus joins us to talk about stepping back into her solo career after the phenomenon that was Boygenius - what changes, what stays the same, and why going it alone hits differently the second time around. We dig into the classic pop albums that wired her musical brain, delibarate on the perfect pop song, and talk about new music that may be coming soon.If you love The Pop Pod, hit subscribe. New episodes in your feeds on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Britney Spears has one of the greatest pop discographies of all time. This week on The Pop Pod, we're ranking her top 10 singles and making the case for where each one belongs.We get into which singles genuinely hold up, which ones are more nostalgia than quality, and why Britney's run from 1998 through the mid-2000s was almost impossible to touch. We also dig into the underrated tracks that deserved way more credit than they got and, we see if we agree on the #1 spot.Subscribe to The Pop Pod for weekly pop music deep dives, rankings, and takes worth arguing about.

2026 has been a bit of a weird year for albums so far. Big artists like Harry Styles, Bruno Mars and Charli XCX have dropped records but they have all been divisive. Meanwhile, great albums by smaller artists have been few and far between. On this episode, we bop or flop the most recent album drops.Discordhttps://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

Rihanna might be the greatest singles artist of the 21st century...at least that's the hypothesis I went into this episode with. I work chronologically through her singles to make sense of one of the most varied careers in pop music. What is your fave Rihanna single?Come and chat with us in the Discord:https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to:[email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

Harry Styles is gearing up for the release of a new album 'Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally' so we thought it was time to go through his past singles. Sam and Jono duke it out to come up with the best and worst Harry singles with a few major points of difference.Come and chat with us in the Discord:https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to:[email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

It is the morning after the Grammys and we are collecting our thoughts in the midst of the Grammys hangover. Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish and Olivia Dean took home the main awards but who were the real winners?Come and chat with us in the Discord:https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to:[email protected]’s New Music Friday Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

It is Grammys week, which means it's finally time to place bets on who is going to take home the awards. On this episode, we go through the main categories as well as the pop ones. We also review the new Harry Styles single 'Aperture'. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.poppod/Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected] PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

The Pop Pod is back! And we're counting down the albums that we are most looking forward to in 2026 from the ones that have actual release dates like Harry Styles' 'Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally' to the ones that are simply rumors like Lana Del Rey's 'Stove'. Rumours or not, we got into why 2026 could be a great year for music. Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.poppod/reels/?__d=1%2FPopSamCam’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

We have bopped or flopped pop music for the whole year and now it's time to nail it down to the projects that impressed us the most. From Addison Rae to Lady Gaga, we break down the high highs of 2025.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected] to my Best Songs of 2025 playlist: https://lnk.bio/thepoppod

This week, we're diving into the 2025 albums that critics are putting at the top of their lists. We break down the “Best of 2025” lists from NME, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and more, and look at which artists are dominating across publications — including Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Oklou, and Addison Rae, who are all emerging as the year’s most critically adored releases.Jono and I also reveal our Spotify Wrapped and talk about the deluxe edition of JADE's 'That's Showbiz Baby'.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a.

Pop in 2025 has been… a ride. In this episode, we break down the year that gave us conservative pop trends, breakout niche-class stars, and some of the strangest chart behaviour we’ve seen in years.I dive into why Pop felt so safe this year, the rise of artists operating completely on their own wavelength — Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress, JADE, and the wider Niche Class — and how R&B quietly became one of the most interesting genres again. Meanwhile, Rap had a tough run, but the lack of superstar domination meant new talent finally got to shine: Ravyn Lenae, Leon Thomas, SOMBR, Katseye and more all delivered some of the year’s strongest moments.

The Grammy nominations are finally here — and we have thoughts. This year’s field is led by Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga, and we’re diving straight into the biggest surprises, the snubs, and the categories that are going to be tough to call. We also get into Rosalía’s brand-new album, her first since MOTOMAMI. We talk through the sound, the visuals, the influence she's pulling from, and why this era feels like a full reset for pop music. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions: [email protected]’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a.

The Grammys are almost here — so it's time for my final nomination predictions. In this episode, I break down who I think will land the biggest nods across the General Field and Pop categories, from Album of the Year to Best Pop Vocal Album.I dive into the artists shaping this year’s race — including Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and more — and talk surprises, snubs, and the momentum behind each contender. Who’s a lock, who’s fighting for a spot, and who might shock us when nominations drop?Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a.

This week on Bop or Flop, we’re diving into new music from PinkPantheress, HAIM, Not For Radio and Demi Lovato.Are they bops or are they flops? Let’s find out.Songs discussed:PinkPantheress & Sugababes – Nice to Know YouPinkPantheress & Kylie Minogue – StatesideOklou feat. FKA twigs – viscusHAIM & Bon Iver – Tie You DownAmber Mark with Anderson .Paak – Don’t Remind MeNatanya – Meeting You Once (The End)Madison Beer – bittersweetNot for Radio – SwanAlemeda & Doechii – Beat A B!tch UpDemi Lovato – KissSay Now – SupermarketRose Gray – LotusCeleste – Time Will TellCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

Jono and I dive into Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl, sharing our first impressions track by track. We break down the standouts, the skips, and how the showgirl theme comes to life across the record. From best and worst songs to the big-picture vibe of the era, we’re unpacking it all.💬 Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm🎙️ Send voicenotes or questions: [email protected]🎵 PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

On this episode, I am ranking every Taylor Swift and Max Martin collaboration ahead of the release of The Life Of A Showgirl. From “I Knew You Were Troubl” to “Style” and “Blank Space,” we’re putting them all in order and debating which one takes the top spot.I’m also joined by upcoming artist Ally Solart, who talks about her debut EP Change Of Plans, the stories behind the songs, and what’s next for her.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

This week on Bop or Flop we go through new albums from Doja Cat, Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson and Mariah Carey. The songs include Doja Cat’s “Gorgeous,” Olivia Dean’s “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” Zara Larsson’s “Blue Moon,” and Mariah Carey with Anderson .Paak on “Play This Song.” We also cover Tate McRae, Florence + The Machine, 5 Seconds of Summer, Tame Impala, Magdalena Bay, Cardi B & Selena Gomez, Alessi Rose and FKA twigs.Songs included are:Doja Cat – GorgeousOlivia Dean – So Easy (To Fall In Love)Tate McRae – TIT FOR TATMariah Carey, Anderson .Paak – Play This SongFlorence + The Machine – One Of The Greats5 Seconds of Summer – NOT OKTame Impala – DraculaMagdalena Bay – Second SleepZara Larsson – Blue MoonCardi B, Selena Gomez – Pick It UpAlessi Rose – First Original ThoughtFKA twigs – Cheap HotelCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

We’re throwing it back this week on Bop or Flop! I’ve invited my friends Yan and Sara to help me sift through some iconic gems from the late 2000s and early 2010s. From Miley Cyrus’ Who Owns My Heart to Gwen Stefani’s Cool, Katy Perry’s Unconditionally, Kelly Clarkson’s I Do Not Hook Up, Metro Station’s Shake It, P!NK’s Raise Your Glass, Demi Lovato’s Heart Attack and so many more—are they still undeniable bops, or do they flop in 2025?

This week on Bop or Flop, we’re diving into some of the most exciting new drops in pop. RAYE returns with a powerhouse moment, Miley Cyrus teams up with Lindsey Buckingham for a surprising collab, and Lola Young delivers one of her boldest tracks yet. We break down whether these tracks are undeniable bops—or total flops. Plus, we get into fresh releases from Kali Uchis & Ravyn Lenae, JADE, Rose Gray, Demi Lovato, Carly Rae Jepsen, Madison Beer, and Amber Mark.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

The 2026 Grammys are almost here, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable years yet. In this episode, I go through the major popstars one by one and break down their chances at taking home gold. From Lady Gaga’s big return and Bad Bunny’s global dominance, to Tate McRae’s breakout run and Kendrick Lamar’s critical stronghold, I cover it all. Plus, I dive into Addison Rae and Sabrina Carpenter’s pop culture momentum, and whether Lorde can make a Grammys comeback.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

This week, I’m joined by triple j’s Abby Butler and The Hit Network’s Nic Kelly for a battle to crown the most criminally underrated artist in pop. From Zara Larsson to Caroline Polachek to Ravyn Lenae, we dig deep into why these artists deserve way more love — and fight it out to decide who’s truly the most slept-on star in music.🎧 Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm🎙️ Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]🎵 PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

It’s a huge week for pop — Lady Gaga is back with The Dead Dance from the Wednesday soundtrack, and Justin Bieber returns with his new single LOVE SONG. But are they bops or flops?Plus, I sit down with Mimi Webb ahead of the release of her second album Confessions next week to talk about the new era, her biggest inspirations, and her perfect pop song.We’re also breaking down the rest of this week’s biggest releases:Tame Impala – LoserLady Gaga – The Dead DanceCalvin Harris & Jessie Reyez – OceanLola Young – SPIDERSSG Lewis & Oliver Sim – Baby BlueThe Last Dinner Party – The Scythehemlocke springs – the beginning of the endLatto & Ice Spice – Gyattflowerovlove – I’m your firstNatanya – JezebelJustin Bieber – LOVE SONGCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions: [email protected]’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

Sabrina Carpenter is back with her brand new album Man’s Best Friend, just a year after Short n’ Sweet — but was it too soon? In this episode, I dive into everything you need to know about the record: whether she released it too quickly, its chances at next year’s Grammys, how it stacks up against her past work, and what it means for her place in the pop landscape right now.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

Sabrina Carpenter is back with her new album Man’s Best Friend. Can she strike gold twice in just over a year following Short N’ Sweet? We get into “Tears” and the rest of this week’s big releases, plus an interview with Audrey Hobert, who’s behind one of the best debut albums of the year.Also on the playlist this week:Florence + The Machine — “Everybody Scream”CMAT — “When a Good Man Cries”Hayley Williams — “Parachute”Blood Orange & Caroline Polachek — “The Train (King’s Cross)”The Kid LAROI, Hannah Jadagu, Eli, Medium Build, Skepta & Fred again..Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

This week, you sent in some spicy takes — and we’re diving right in. From questioning whether Taylor Swift would’ve hit the same heights without the pandemic, to calling Lana Del Rey boring, we’re tackling your most controversial opinions. We also debate the aesthetics of alternate album covers and discuss whether Britney Spears should ever release another album.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

This week on Bop or Flop, I'm getting into the new music drops and deciding what’s worth your streams. We’re talking sombr, Laufey, Wolf Alice, Mariah the Scientist, Royel Otis, Ava Max, Kid Cudi, ADÉLA, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Doja Cat’s brand-new track "Jealous Type."Here’s the full list of songs discussed:sombr – i wish i knew how to quit youLaufey – Mr. EclecticWolf Alice – Just Two GirlsMariah the Scientist – SacrificeRoyel Otis – who’s your boyfriendAva Max – Don’t Click PlayKid Cudi – Mr. MiracleADÉLA – SexOnTheBeatCarly Rae Jepsen – MoreDoja Cat – Jealous TypeCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

On this episode of The Pop Pod, I gaze ahead to the 2026 Grammys and try to predict who might land a Best New Artist nomination. Could it be Sombr, Addison Rae, Alex Warren, or Ravyn Lenae? I break down their chances and unpack what might make—or break—each contender.Later in the episode, I spotlight my personal favorite new artists right now and sit down with Audrey Hobert, Natanya, and Iyla for candid chats about their journeys, creative inspirations, and next moves.Artists featured in this episode:Audrey HobertRose GrayNatanyaEliIylaAlemedaHaute & FreddyChloe QishaRoniaEddie Benjamin🎧 Listen to the playlist: PopSamCam’s New Artist PicksCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

It’s a stacked week of new music, and we’re putting it all to the Bop or Flop test. We discuss Conan Gray’s “Caramel,” Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need,” and Zara Larsson’s “Crush,” plus I speak with Audrey Hobert about her new single “Thirst Trap.” We also check out tracks from Wolf Alice, Khalid, Steve Lacy, Maroon 5 with Lil Wayne, Amaarae, and Jenevieve.This is the full list discussed:Wolf Alice – White HorsesOlivia Dean – Man I NeedConan Gray – CaramelKhalid – in plain sightSteve Lacy – Nice ShoesZara Larsson – CrushAudrey Hobert – Thirst TrapMaroon 5 feat. Lil Wayne – Love Is LikeAmaarae – FineshytJenevieve – Hvn HighCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

On this week’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend Yan to dive deep into Ethel Cain’s Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You — unpacking its devastation, intimacy, and her complete lack of interest in chasing pop stardom. We explore whether it stands as a worthy successor to Preacher’s Daughter and what it reveals about her evolving artistry. Plus, we share our first thoughts on Taylor Swift’s freshly announced album The Life of a Showgirl and what it could mean for her next era.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

Taylor Swift has delivered over a decade of era-defining albums — but which one truly reigns supreme? In this episode, we’re ranking every Taylor record from debut to The Tortured Poets Department, looking at the music, the impact, and the moments that made each era unforgettable.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

It’s been five years since a wave of major albums defined the sound of 2020. In this episode, I’m revisiting the records that shaped that year—from Future Nostalgia to folklore, Chromatica to Punisher—to explore how they hold up today. Some still feel vital, others less so. Let’s find out which ones aged gracefully, and which are starting to show their cracks.Albums discussed:Dua Lipa – Future NostalgiaThe Weeknd – After HoursPhoebe Bridgers – PunisherTaylor Swift – folklore / evermoreFiona Apple – Fetch The Bolt CuttersMiley Cyrus – Plastic HeartsHAIM – Women in Music Pt. IIICharli XCX – how i’m feeling nowLady Gaga – ChromaticaJessie Ware – What’s Your Pleasure?Chloe x Halle – Ungodly HourHalsey – ManicRina Sawayama – SAWAYAMAJustin Bieber – ChangesAriana Grande – PositionsKaty Perry – SmileSelena Gomez – RareBad Bunny – YHLQMDLGKesha – High RoadMegan Thee Stallion – Good NewsCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

This week on Bop or Flop, we’re talking through new music from Renée Rapp, Hayley Williams, Chappell Roan, and more.Songs discussed:Renée Rapp – Kiss It Kiss ItHayley Williams – GlumChappell Roan – The SubwayDemi Lovato – FastBlusher – DON’T LOOK AT ME LIKE THATEddie Benjamin – DRIVINGRose Gray, Shygirl, Casey MQ – Everything Changes (But I Want You)Ella Boh – ur gfMaren Morris – runningSlayyyter – BEAT UP CHANEL$Mariah the Scientist, Kali Uchis – Is It a CrimeCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

Lana Del Rey’s discography is one of the most fascinating in modern pop—shifting from cinematic grandeur to stripped-back intimacy over the course of a decade. In this episode, I’m ranking all of her albums and reflecting on how her sound and storytelling have evolved. From the early impact of Born to Die to the quiet beauty of Ocean Blvd, this is a look at the highs, the (occasional) lows, and everything in between.Lana Del Rey’s discography is one of the most fascinating in modern pop—shifting from cinematic grandeur to stripped-back intimacy over the course of a decade. In this episode, I’m ranking all of her albums and reflecting on how her sound and storytelling have evolved. From the early impact of Born to Die to the quiet beauty of Ocean Blvd, this is a look at the highs, the lows, and everything in between.✨ Join the conversation: Discord Community🎙️ Send voicenotes or questions: [email protected]🎧 Follow the New Music Friday Playlist: PopSamCam on Spotify

This week, we’re diving into a fresh batch of new music—eleven songs, one verdict: bop or flop? Focus tracks include Tame Impala’s house-drenched return “End Of Summer,” Lola Young’s bold “d£aler,” and the genre-bending standout “12 to 12” from Sombr. Plus: new drops from Tyler, The Creator, Amaarae, CMAT, Confidence Man & JADE, Sam Smith, and more. One of the strongest weeks we’ve had all year—let’s get into it.Songs discussed:Tame Impala – End Of SummerLola Young – d£alerTyler, The Creator – Ring Ring RingConfidence Man & JADE – gossipTyla & Wizkid – DYNAMITECMAT – EURO-COUNTRYAmaarae – Girlie-Pop!Jenevieve – Cry­salisAudrey Hobert – Wet HairKim Petras – Freak ItSam Smith – To Be FreeSombr – 12 to 12Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

We're halfway through the year, but pop isn't done with us yet. In this episode, we preview the biggest and most intriguing albums still to come in 2025—from Renee Rapp's Bite Me to Mariah Carey's Here for It All. We talk pop comebacks, cult favorites, and wildcard releases including new records from Amaarae, Ethel Cain, Conan Gray, Laufey, Wolf Alice, Sabrina Carpenter, Cardi B, and more. It's shaping up to be a chaotic, genre-hopping second half—let’s get into it.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

This week on Bop Or Flop, we're wading through one of the most eclectic release weeks of the year. From Justin Bieber’s unexpected return to Danny L Harle and PinkPantheress teaming up for a high-BPM dream, the new music is coming at us fast—and we’ve got thoughts. We talk Blood Orange's stacked collab with Lorde and Caroline Polachek, FKA twigs’ “Perfectly,” the first taste of the EUSExUA deluxe, and Olivia Dean’s smooth new groove. Are you boppin' or floppin'?Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

What’s going to be the Song of the Summer? This year, it’s harder to tell than usual. There’s no clear frontrunner, and the usual markers—chart dominance, TikTok virality, radio play—aren’t pointing in one obvious direction. In this episode, I try to make sense of it all. I look at the current contenders, late entries, underrated picks, and a few tracks that seemed like they had a shot but lost steam along the way.Songs discussed include: Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” Ravyn Lenae’s “Love Me Not,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” Kendrick Lamar’s “Luther,” Justin Bieber’s “Daisies,” TYLA’s “IS IT,” and more.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]

We’re halfway through the year, and we’re counting down our personal top 5 songs of 2025 so far. From massive pop moments to low-key gems, this episode covers the tracks we haven’t stopped playing—with love for Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Lorde, FKA twigs, Olivia Dean and plenty more. We’ve also got some honourable mentions that just missed the cut.Hear more of our faves in the Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0yaSFOknQ9UjobvlsdTUo2?si=bf6267099566484cCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]

This week on Bop or Flop, we’re diving into Lorde’s new album Virgin and sharing our thoughts on the full project — with a spotlight on the track “Shapeshifter.”We’re also reviewing new music from across the pop world, including:Lorde – “Shapeshifter”Renee Rapp – “Mad”Kim Petras – “Polo”Kesha – “The One”Katseye – “Gameboy”Dove Cameron – “Romeo”Barbra Streisand – “One Heart One Voice”Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

In this episode, we’re diving deep into Carly Rae Jepsen’s E·MO·TION — the shimmering, synth-soaked album that redefined her career and helped reshape modern pop. Released in 2015 to modest commercial success but massive critical acclaim, E·MO·TION became a slow-burn cult favorite, influencing a generation of pop artists and listeners alike.We unpack the album’s legacy:✨ How it moved beyond Call Me Maybe and proved Carly as a master of pop craft🪩 Why it resonated so deeply with pop fans and music nerds🎛️ The production dream team (Dev Hynes, Ariel Rechtshaid, Rostam, etc.)💖 And why Run Away with Me still has the best sax riff of the decadeFrom the highs of Gimmie Love to the bonus track deep cuts, we’re celebrating one of the most beloved pop records of the 2010s — and asking the question: what makes E·MO·TION so timeless?Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa054

This week on The Pop Pod, we’re digging into a huge Friday drop led by Haim’s return, another track from Lorde, and a fiery new single from Cardi B. Plus, we’re talking SOPHIE’s posthumous release, a bold statement from Kesha, and plenty of exciting newcomers.Songs discussed:Haim – All Over MeLorde – HammerCardi B – Enough (Miami)Benson Boone – Mr Electric BlueJADE – Plastic BoxLola Young – Not Like That AnymoreCMAT – The Jamie Oliver Petrol StationKesha – ATTENTION!SOPHIE – OOHKATSEYE – GabrielaSombr – we never datedSam Fender – Rein Me InCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

On this episode, we're asking a big question: Why does pop music sound so safe right now? With artists like Alex Warren, Benson Boone, and Teddy Swims dominating the charts with piano ballads and stripped-back sincerity, it feels like we’ve shifted away from the chaotic brilliance of 2024 — Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter — and into a new era of emotional conservatism.So what happened? Is it industry fatigue? TikTok trends? Or does pop always swing back to something more familiar after a burst of innovation?We look back at the last time this happened (The Lumineers era, anyone?), explore how the cultural mood shapes what rises on the charts, and make the case that the game changers aren’t gone — they’re just waiting for the next wave.