Episodes
Pop’s premier troll returns while one of its biggest voices turns her attention to gossip, and the first blockbuster rap album of the year arrives.
Published 01/17/24
Plus: Barry Keoghan’s “Murder on the Dancefloor,” Jeremy Allen White’s stripped-down moment and Nathan Fielder’s “The Curse” wraps up.
Published 01/11/24
Concerts paused during the height of the pandemic, and returned at full power in 2023. Our pop music editor saw a lot of them. Guest: Caryn Ganz
Published 01/10/24
The touring business saw record revenue in 2023 and major tours made news, but fans still struggle with ticket prices and access — and political leaders are watching. Guest: Ben Sisario.
Published 12/23/23
The comedian and podcaster known as the Kid Mero on the year in internet domination, including Ice Spice, Keith Lee, the Weeknd, Kai Cenat and more.
Published 12/20/23
The most impactful tracks of the year come from different genres and generations — and not all of them are traditional songs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.
Published 12/15/23
An emotional conversation with one of the year’s biggest breakout stars about turning his life around and transitioning from Southern rap to country hitmaking.
Published 12/13/23
Our critics debate their year-end lists (and agree on SZA, Olivia Rodrigo and 100 gecs!) in a wrap-up of the year in LPs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.
Published 12/09/23
Discussing the singer’s new concert film that documents the Renaissance World Tour, interspersed with behind-the-scenes looks at how it came to be.
Published 12/06/23
A conversation about K-pop’s long march to American awareness, and the potential risks of that embrace. Guest: Kara.
Published 12/01/23
Is it possible for rappers to age gracefully? Where are the new stars? A discussion on the state of the genre and where it may be heading.
Published 11/29/23
The acclaimed rapper’s first solo album contains no rapping. What does this sharp creative turn reveal about its maker? Guests: GQ's Zach Baron, and Sadie Sartini Garner.
Published 11/25/23
Taking viewer and listener questions on hot topics in pop music.
Published 11/22/23
Dissecting the contenders for the 2024 Grammy Awards, including top nominations for SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, boygenius, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Jon Batiste. Plus: Nathan Fielder's "The Curse."
Published 11/15/23
A conversation about the 22-year-old singer, songwriter and producer’s new album and the art of sampling. Guests: Kemi Alemoru and Lindsay Zoladz.
Published 11/10/23
Breaking down Sofia Coppola’s new film, an impressionistic take on Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s relationship, plus: the surprising depth of a reality TV spinoff.
Published 11/08/23
Revisiting the rustic mainstream sound of the early 2010s, the Vermont singer-songwriter has broken through with “Stick Season.” Guests: Vox's Rebecca Jennings and Billboard's Jason Lipshutz.
Published 11/03/23
With certain headliners hogging up space, where are the new stars? We checked in on recent hits from the radio, streaming services and TikTok.
Published 11/01/23
A conversation about the pop star’s evolution on his new album, “Something to Give Each Other,” and the ceilings he may still face as an openly gay male performer. Guests: Harry Tafoya and Shaad D’Souza.
Published 10/27/23
Reacting to “The Woman in Me,” the new book by Spears, and Martin Scorsese’s latest film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone.
Published 10/25/23
The rapper’s new album, “For All the Dogs,” has stirred debate about maturity and misogyny, and led to questions about the next phase of his career. Guests: The Ringer's Justin Charity and Pitchfork's Dylan Green.
Published 10/20/23
A conversation about Swift’s concert film documenting her summer stadium sojourn. Plus: The new album “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana.”
Published 10/18/23
A conversation about the history — and future — of album reviews in an increasingly fraught environment for music journalism and criticism.
Published 10/12/23
A discussion about “For All the Dogs” and the fever-pitch online discourse around Drake, his career and his public persona. Plus: reality TV drama.
Published 10/11/23
In a guest appearance, the country-pop singer discusses her recent decision to step back from country music because of Nashville’s poor track record of tolerance and diversity.
Published 10/04/23