Music Media Review
Jessica Ann Catena hosts a podcast that critiques the latest headlines in modern music each week. The show offers analysis and commentary on current music news and trends. Listeners can support the podcast through Spreaker.
Episodes
Miranda Lambert's 'Crisco' (Review) (Ep. 37)
Miranda Lambert's 10th new solo album glistens a restored music era. Crisco mixes country and disco! We've seen yacht rock make waves, will "crisco" add more grease to the music melting pot? I research country-disco's origin, provide my album critique, and its specialty work. Like a vinyl record and disco ball, give this episode a spin! Miranda Lambert discographyCrisco YouTube channel videosACMs'
Lenny Kravitz Top 10 (Ep. 36)
Twice this year, I missed seeing Lenny Kravitz live. Until I'm given another chance, I read his 2020 memoir Let Love Rule, and bought his new Ken doll! Worshipping an amazing biography and music, I recommend these 10 songs in this countdown. Playlist:10. “Thinking of You” (1998)9. “Ride” (2018)8. “Stand” (2014)7. “TK421” (2023) (Explicit)6. “Let Love Rule” (1989)5. “American Woman” (1999)4. “Human
VMAs 2026 Predictions (Ep. 35)
MTV's gone many changes in its 45 network years, The 43rd VMAs will be no exception. Tons of tribute and category choices are aiming to please diverse demographics. Before the show airs, I analyze 10 popular categories to predict whom may win. Check our social media links below to view my ballot an hour "before" showtime, and results night "after". VMAs full ballot Recap episodes: Music Media Revi
Brandon Flowers 'THRASHER' (Review) (Ep. 34)
For 25 years, Brandon Flowers has sung lead in The Killers' alternative band. Recently, he released a personal solo album flipping a completely different genre. THRASHER delves his family background in Americana styled music. Find out why he set to try this genre, The Killers' origin, and the record's debut standings. Brandon playing Oasis with his son. Newport Folk Festival 2026Tour ScheduleThe K
Beyoncé 'B'Day' 20th Anniversary (Ep. 33)
Happy belated b-day to Beyoncé, and second album B'Day! She released a third version on 9/4/26, her actual birthday and its exact 20th anniversary. Current single "Morning Dew (Donk)" was an announced bonus track, but much more got added. I review all 3 editions providing historical and music contexts for each. Ellen Degeneres Show episode: 9/5/06 - interview, "Deja Vu", "Irreplaceable"B'Day: Del
Freddie Mercury 80th Tribute (Ep. 32)
Freddie Mercury epitomized classic rock as Queen's enthusiastic frontman! Recording almost 2 decades worth of music came to a heartbreaking when he died of AIDS 11/24/91. Freddie would've turned 80 September 5th, and every Labor Day weekend his fan club host celebratory birthday events to keeping his memory alive. Raised a lifelong Queen fan, I devote this tribute episode with exclusive memories I
Benson Boone's "The Time of My Life" (Ep. 31)
Benson Boone's an indie-artist who temporarily used American Idol's platform, then topped globally with 2024 power ballad "Beautiful Things". A possible third album is in the works, but not until correcting some realities that occurred during his second one from 2025. Find out why and how "The Time of My Life"'s current single is a good lesson dealing with the price of fame. Quitting American Idol
Hayden Panetierre's 'Nashville' Playlists (Ep. 30)
Actress Hayden Panetierre tragically lost her life 8/16/26, 5 days before turning 37. Devastating the entertainment industry and fans, her music is trending from country primetime drama Nashville. I've watched the whole series real time, and blogged an article when I worked in radio. Recap Hayden's character Juliette Barnes and listen back to her great singing voice in this special episode tribute
Whitney Houston Top 10 (Ep. 29)
Mattel designed a new celebrity Barbie doll to their toy collection: Whitney Houston! The product unveiled 8/9, which was her birthday. Her 2012 gone-too-soon death horribly upset fans and the music industry. 2 posthoumous biopics adapted Whitney's biography, and she remains acclaimed as one of the greatest singers of all time. Saluting a 25-year singing career, I countdown 10 hits remembering her
ROLE MODEL - From 'Sally' to 'Chuck Timely' (Ep. 28)
Independent singer Tucker Pilsbury improvised a live guest concert appearance a year ago, starting a fun gimmick at his ROLE MODEL shows. Transforming "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out"'s morning after story, celebrities and fans became surprise pop-ups for audiences hyping up a #1 viral song! Ending 'Sally''s ride when 2025 did, a new acquaintance emerged for new album Chuck Timely & The Hourgla
Shania Twain Top 10 (Ep. 27)
For 3 decades, Shania Twain's music broke ground out of Canada, sonically shifting modern country, and adult contemporary. Surviving family hardships, she's ready expressing her thoughts on new album Little Miss Twain. Lyrically looking back, I curated a top 10 countdown reflecting the life events from these hits I recommended. 10. “Giddy Up!” (2023)9. “Life’s About to Get Good” (2017)8. “From Thi
Sienna Spiro Biography (Ep. 26)
Sienna Spiro is a young jazz/pop prodigy. Her etiquette and vocals depict generations back, predicting Best New Artist nominations, and new album Visitor for upcoming award shows. I tell Sienna’s biography, and review her new music shaping mainstream stardom.Singles: "You Stole The Show", "Die On This Hill", "The Visitor", "Great Expectation"The Devil Wears Prada 2 Soundtrack; "Material Lover" To
World Cup 2026 Songs (Ep. 25)
World Cup 2026 has fully taken over a summer we won't forget. The games, tourism, and teams spirit have crafted global unity. Another area FIFA's excelling in is music. Licensed songs were released to promote the coverage, so have some retro hits fans turned to cheering on nations. My endgoal in this episode is tying in 2026's World Cup theme song by an artist who's sang for them 4 times, review O
Madonna's 'Confessions II' (Review) (Ep. 24)
While America celebrated its 250th Independence Day, Madonna put out 15th album Confessions II! It musically reboots a past album, but candidly expressing more than we've heard personally from her. I recap Madonna's discography and compare Confessions II 's quality to 2005's Confessions on a Dance Floor's record. Celebration - 2009 compilationConfessions II - The FilmCoachella 2026 feat Sabrina Ca
Bicentennial Party Playlist (July 4, 1976) (Ep. 23)
Happy 4th of July 250! Celebrating this milestone Independence Day weekend, let's flashback the last time U.S. did from bicentennial's weekend: July 4, 1976. I picked 10 songs from that weekend's top 40 of the Hot 100, curating a perfect party playlist for you to enjoy. Bicentennial Playlist:“A Fifth of Beethoven” - Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band“Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Suc
Justin Bieber's "Speed Demon" (Ep. 22)
What will be 2026's Song of the Summer? My theory is Justin Bieber's "Speed Demon". This song has come out of nowhere, and isn't from 2026! Find out what led this tune zooming through radio charts, and how its origin is defying odds the music industry didn't see coming. Justin Bieber's YouTube ChannelSWAG, SWAG II, (2025)"Yukon" at 2026 GrammysCoachella (Weekend 1) - 4/11/26; SetlistCoachella (Wee
Keith Urban's New Yacht Rock Album (Ep. 21)
Kicking off Summer 2026 and Fathers Day weekend, Keith Urban recorded yacht rock cover album flow state. Rock journalist, podcast host, and a great friend from my radio days Eric Senich, co-hosts this track-by-track review. Yacht Rock links: Yacht or Nacht, Masterclass' Yacht Rock article, Sirius/XM's Yacht Rock channels, Amazon Music, Pandora, Yacht Rock Revue, Yacht Rock web series Eric Senich's
Toy Story Movies Theme Songs (Ep. 20)
Disney/Pixar are making movie and music history. Spanning over 30 years, Toy Story 5 will be released in theaters June 19th, and Taylor Swift composed the new movie theme! Reliving this childhood franchise, recap the movies and themes songs in this episode. Films: Toy Story (1995), Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010), Toy Story 4 (2019)Toy Story 30 Years & Beyond - 20/20 SpecialToy Story 5'
Foo Fighters & Violet Grohl's Albums (Ep. 19)
Rock is having big viral moments, including a father and daughter releasing albums spring 2026. Foo Fighters put out their 12th album Your Favorite Toy, and Violet Grohl (eldest daughter of frontman Dave Grohl) reawakens '90s punk/grunge in Be Sweet to Me. I review both albums, tying personal effects curating the new songs. Your Favorite Toy's YouTube playlistThe Hannukah Sessions (2020-2022)Viol
Kacey Musgraves 'Middle of Nowhere' (Review) (Ep. 18)
Younger country singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves is back with a new album guiding herself through life. Her 7th album Middle of Nowhere came out May 1st, combining songwriters she's worked on her past albums playing country, folk, and alternative. Collectively, the record fits in her discography with guest vocalists and Tejano instrumentation. I give my track-by-track review as a dedicated fan. I
Janet Jackson Top 10 Hits (Ep. 17)
My favorite singer Janet Jackson turned 60 on May 16th! Fans are admiring the private stance she opted out of her late brother's Michael Jackson's current biopic Michael, re-discovering her terrific music! The Jacksons threw Janet a big party to celebrate, and The Grammys inducted one of her songs in their Hall of Fame. As a fan, I'll share my wide admiration of her and content to check out her am
ACM Awards 2026 Predictions (Ep. 16)
The 61st ACM Awards return May 17th 8pm/e on Amazon Prime Video, Twitch, and national country radio simulcasts. Despite the 60th ceremony taking place last year, celebs and fans weren't pleased with the turnout. This caused ACM to make internal changes, and diversify 2026's ballot. Before its televised broadcast, I predict how 9 of the awards will result: Music Event of the Year, Song of the Year,
Lady Gaga & Doechii's "RUNWAY" (Ep. 15)
The Devil Wears Prada's loosely based on author Lauren Weisberger's experience working at Vogue. 20th Century Fox adapted her 2003 book in 2006's film. Covering fashion, business, relationships, and social life, the movie changed pop culture and now the sequel is 20 years later. Female driven musically and societal, The Devil Wears Prada 2 's hitting nerves in fashion, magazine, and print media in
Noah Kahan's 'Out of Body' & 'The Great Divide' Album' (Ep. 14)
Noah Kahan's an authentic modern folk singer, reawakened over the response fans feel through his music. Emotionally overcoming mental health struggles, he's ready to move on positively with his Vermont family backing him up. Two new projects presenting his stories are Netflix documentary Noah Kahan: Out of Body, and deluxe album The Great Divide: The Last Of The Bugs. Following up from episode 8's
'Michael' Jackson Biopic Review (Ep. 13)
Two postponements and 3 years later, later Michael Jackson has a new biopic! Released after his 2009 death, Universal Pictures / Lionsgate took a unique direction constructing its script and casting. Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson stars and resembles his late uncle! I input my review how the movie timelines and compare it to other existing media sharing similar qualities. MJ The Musical The Jacks
ARTEMIS II Themed Playlist (Ep. 12)
ARTEMIS II is NASA's latest successful moon voyage. The whole world welcomed the positive distraction, and uniting peacefully. A highlight for space travel and 2026, I was inspired curating this themed playlist adding in the fun. ARTEMIS II Wake Up PlaylistEpisode Playlist:“Space Oddity” - David Bowie (1969)“Fly Me to the Moon” - Frank Sinatra (1967)“Man on the Moon” - R.E.M. (1992)“Rocket Man” -
Ella Langley's 'Dandelion' (Review) - (Ep. 11)
Four promo singles later, Ella Langley's Dandelion album is out! Her humble growth inspired its conception, especially with current country/pop #1 "Choosin' Texas". Will the record withstand same longevity like the top hit? I overview the singles' beforehand success, then summarize rest of the tracks' themes. I recommend hearing Episode 4 and Episode 6 to preview this new one. Dandelion's promo si
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Hillel, Anthony, & Flea (Ep. 10)
Red Hot Chili Peppers are one on my favorite and greatest rock bands of all time! Their zany music has lasted 4 decades, now the lineup is ready to share stories in 2 new projects. The Rise of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hileel, and Flea's first album Honora. As a dedicated fan, I give my review of both works in this episode. Interviews: Zane Lowe Show, Tonight Show, Finding Your Roots:
Miley Cyrus Top 10 (Ep. 9)
Celebrating the 20th anniversary since Disney Channel aired Hannah Montana, Disney+ filmed a reunion documentary, and iHeartRadio Music Awards gave Miley Cyrus an Innovator award. Growing up publicly and personally, she's lucky maintaining self-control living a wild life, and shaping her pop music career. Looking back, I countdown 10 solo hits I recommend. Miley Cyrus Top 10:10. “II Most Wanted” -
Noah Kahan's "The Great Divide" (Ep. 8)
Noah Kahan is a contemporary folk singer, sharing mental health issues through his music. He aims it'll help others like him, and established a non-profit to help others like him. With his upcoming album The Great Divide, the title track voices his growth, and so will a Netflix documentary looking into his private life. Inspiring resilience just in time for spring's beginnings, I give my review of
Harry Styles Music & Concerts (Ep. 7)
We've watched Harry Styles grow up publicly and musically for 15 years. From UK's The X Factor, One Direction, and a solo global pop artist! To review his 4th album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, I interviewed Seeing Them Live's podcast host Charles Zona, and his teenage daughter. They share great stories as Harry's biggest fans, and seeing his concerts! Harry's promo cameos: 2026 Grammys
Megan Moroney's 'Cloud 9' (Review) (Ep. 6)
2026's music is off to a country start. Megan Moroney's 3rd album 'Cloud 9' debuted #1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums, and 200 simultaneously! It's record breaking for her career, and coinciding with Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" back to Hot 100 top spot! What could've made 'Cloud 9's "3rd time the charm" luck? Music, fans, or marketing? I analyze the facts and let you decide in this episode.
Bruno Mars' 'The Romantic' (Review) (Ep. 5)
Breaking a 10-year solo hiatus, Bruno Mars just released his new album The Romantic! Recapping his 15+ years music career, we explore the different styles he's composed and sang. Hear my critique comparisons of Bruno's discography, and his other 2026 plans. Romantic Radio - synopsis and rerun scheduleiHeartRadio's Love Songs ChannelPromo short video/ livestream clipMentioned Media:R&B groups:
Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" (Ep. 4)
Billboard history has been made so soon on 2026's charts. An astonishing one is by modern country singer, Ella Langley. Her song "Choosin' Texas" spanned over late 2025, recently hit #1 on the Hot 100! Aside from this crossover success, this track has set records for recent country songs, and broke a milestone streak since a famous female earned her #1 topping the Hot 100 and Hot Country. In this
2016 Love Songs Playlist (Ep. 3)
Happy Valentine's Day! Music exchanges are popular amongst our loved ones, a popular theme trending since New Years' is the year 2016! So much music and pop culture from then, remain topical in 2026! Its nostalgia is cheering up globally, let's time warp replaying our favorite 2016 love songs for Valentine's Day. (I've listed other obscure cuts I enjoy below.). 2016 Love Songs Playlist:“Make Me Li
Super Bowl Latin Halftime Shows (Ep. 2)
Super Bowl LX (60) is upon us! There's divide Bad Bunny doing the Halftime Show, but he's not the first Latin artist to do so and was invited back a second time. I recap prior broadcasts when Latin singers performed Super Bowl Halftime Shows, and other programming NFL's partnering with celebrities.Super Bowl Latin Halftime Show Performers:XXVI: (1992) - Gloria EstefanXXXIII: (1999) - Gloria Estefa
Grammys 2026 Predictions (Ep. 1.)
What better way to begin a new podcast, talking about the upcoming Grammys! The 68th ceremony is airing 2/1 on CBS and Paramount+ for a final airing. ABC acquired the rights starting 2027-2037. Will pop culture influence winning results? I analyze 6 categories trending 2025's music scene. Hear my virtual ballot, then view before and after the show on our social media pages.Grammys pre-show will a
Music Media Review Intro (Trailer)
Welcome, I'm Jess. After hosting Music Notes with Jess for 6 years, I'm restarting a second podcasting chapter. Keeping up with modern music's rapid industry, I'll share my weekly opinions about all kinds of media: songs, TV, movies, holidays, make playlists, tributes, and celebrations. Theme Song: "Gym Track (2026 Remix)", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://
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