The Pop Pod
Your ultimate guide to the world of pop. Hosted by music journalist and pop obsessive Sam Murphy (aka @PopSamCam), this podcast keeps you caught up on everything happening across the pop universe. From headline-making news and deep-dive album reviews to hot takes, artist interviews, and bold Grammy predictions, it’s all here. New episodes on Thursdays.
Episodes
Talking Pop Classics With Bebe Rexha
It is my pleasure to welcome to the podcast Bebe Rexha - a pop music titan who is responsible for some of the biggest hits of the last decade. Freshly independent and with a new record 'Dirty Blonde' in the bag, we talked about her journey to this point and her most cohesive album to date.As always, we also talked pop classics touching on everything from dancefloor bangers to Miley Cyrus.F
Going Track-By-Track On Olivia Rodrigo's 'you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love'
Olivia Rodrigo released her third album 'you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love' to AOTY allegations last week. I had to get Jono on the line to discuss. We went track-by-track through the songs and reviewed it along the way.
Talking Pop Classics With Madeon: Lady Gaga, Slayyyter, Porter Robinson and More
Madeon has long been one of the most exciting producers in the game. He broke through as a teenager with a pop music mash-up and turned that into a consistently evolving career. He’s collaborated with Porter Robinson, Lady Gaga and more recently Slayyyter and so he feels like the perfect person to join us to chat Pop Classics.This was such a pleasure for me personally. I’ve been a longtime fan of
Pop Classics With HorsegiirL: Kylie, Pop Maximalism and 'Nature Is Healing'
HorsegiirL is the first horse to ever appear on The Pop Pod but also one of the most fascinating. The German producer and DJ has transcended her meme-ish origins to become one of the most important figures in electronic music right now.In this episode, we talked about pop classics from Kylie to Usher but also what makes pop so fascinating. The ability to make the complex universally snackable.Hors
Ranking Ariana Grande Albums From 'Yours Truly' To 'Eternal Sunshine'
In July, Ariana Grande will release her eighth album ‘Petal’ so we thought it was the opportune time to roll out the definitive ranking of Ariana albums. From ‘Yours Truly’ to ‘Eternal Sunshine’, Ariana has one of the most interesting and personal discographies in pop music tracking personal triumphs and tragedies. We can update this ranking in July when ‘Petal’ finally arrives but for now, join P
Ranking The 10 Best Charli XCX Songs
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 t
Pop Classics With Icona Pop: Swedish Pop, Crying In The Club & Britney Spears
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 t
What Makes The Perfect Dance/Pop Album? Madonna, Dua Lipa, Charli XCX + 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
Pop Classics With Jessie Ware: 'Superbloom', Chappell Roan, Girls Aloud and More
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 somethin
Talking Pop Classics With Danny L Harle: Dua Lipa, Caroline Polachek, Eiffel 65 & More
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
The Rise of the Niche Pop Star, The Resurrection Of The Album & More Pop Trends w/ Spotify’s Sam Duboff
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 ne
Two Very Different Records Reviewed: Raye's 'This Music May Contain Hope' & Robyn 'Sexistential' w/ HTHAZE
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 - orc
What Are The Best Album Openers In Pop Music?
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, so
Lucy Dacus Joins The Pod To Talk Pop Classics and New Music
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 Po
Ranking Our Top 10 Britney Spears Singles
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 th
Our Verdict On Recent Albums By Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Charli XCX and More
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 questionsthepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam'
Retracing Rihanna's Career Through The Singles: From 'Pon De Replay' To 'Work'
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:thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCa
Ranking Every Harry Styles Single From 'Sign Of The Times' To 'Aperture'
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:thepoppod@popsamcam.comPop
Holly Humberstone Talks Pop Classics From Madonna To Lorde
I have been a fan of Holly Humberstone for years. I had her debut album ‘Paint My Bedroom Black’ on repeat and am fired up for the release fo her second album ‘Cruel World’ in April. She sat down with me on The Pop Pod to talk about her own music as well as the pop classics that have influenced her from Madonna and Prince to Lorde and Lana Del Rey. Let me know who you want on the podcast next!Come
2026 Grammys Recap: The Winner, The Snubs & The Surprises
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:thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam’s New Music Friday Playlist:https://open.spotif
2026 Grammy Winner Predictions + Harry Styles 'Aperture' Review
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 ques
The Most Anticipated Albums of 2026 from Beyoncé to Harry Styles
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/QEw9se
Best Songs & Albums of 2025
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: thepoppod@popsamcam.comListen to my Best Songs of 2025 playlist: https://lnk.bio/thepoppod
Reacting To The Pop Albums Of The Year According To The Critics: Rosalía, Bad Bunny, Addison Rae + More
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 Spot
Was 2025 Really A Bad Year For Pop Music? The Year In Review
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 bec
Reacting To The Grammy Nominations + Rosalía's 'Lux'
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
Final Grammy Nomination Predictions: Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny and More
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,
New Music Bop Or Flop: The PinkPantheress Remixes, Demi Lovato, Haim and More
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
First Impressions Of Taylor Swift's 'The Life Of A Showgirl'
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 question
Ranking The Best Taylor Swift & Max Martin Collaborations
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
New Music Bop Or Flop: Doja Cat, Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson + More
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 G
Throwback Bop or Flop: Miley Cyrus, Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry, Rihanna + More
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
New Music Bop Or Flop: Miley Cyrus, RAYE, Lola Young + More
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, Ros
Who Is Dominating The 2026 Grammys: Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter Or...
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 Sabrin
Finding The Most Underrated Pop Artist (With Abby Butler & Nic Kelly)
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/QEw9se7y
New Music Bop or Flop: Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber + More (And An Interview With Mimi Webb!)
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’
Sabrina Carpenter - Man's Best Friend: Too Soon? Too Boring? Too Dirty?
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 i
New Music Bop or Flop: Sabrina Carpenter, CMAT, Blood Orange + More
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
Responding To Controversial Opinions About Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Album Variations + More
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 Discor
New Music Bop or Flop: Doja Cat, Sombr, Laufey + More
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 Tw
Best New Artist Grammy Predictions + My Best New Artists of 2025
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
New Music Bop or Flop: Conan Gray, Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson + More
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 – Wh
Ethel Cain Leads Us Down A Path To Devastation On 'Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You' + TS12 Reaction
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
Every Taylor Swift Album Ranked From Worst To Best
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: thepoppod@popsamcam
Did These Albums Turning 5 Age Well? Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa + More
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 Nos
New Music Bop or Flop: Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp, Demi Lovato + More
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
Every Lana Del Rey Album Ranked
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 ev
New Music Bop Or Flop: Lola Young, Tame Impala, Sombr + More
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 yea
What Pop Albums Are There Still To Look Forward To In 2025?
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, a
New Music Bop or Flop: Justin Bieber, Conan Gray, FKA Twigs and More
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
Do We Have A Song of the Summer Yet?
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 st
The Best Songs of 2025 So Far...
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:/
New Music Bop or Flop: Lorde's 'Virgin', Kesha, Reneé Rapp, Kim Petras & More
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
This Album Changed Pop: Carly Rae Jepsen's 'Emotion'
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 M
New Music Bop Or Flop: Haim, Lorde, Cardi B, Benson Boone & More
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 Li
Pop Music Has Gone Conservative. How Did We Get Here?
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 happ
New Music Bop Or Flop: Sabrina Carpenter, Addison Rae, RAYE and More
We missed last week—but we’re making up for it with a double dose of new music on this week’s Bop or Flop. We’re catching up on all the standout (and questionable) releases from the past two Fridays, including Sabrina Carpenter’s biting new track "Manchild" and Mariah Carey’s dramatic return with "Type Dangerous." Plus, we break down Addison Rae’s emotional "Times Like The
This Album Changed Pop: Paramore's 'RIOT!' With HTHAZE
Paramore’s RIOT! is officially an adult, and to celebrate its 18th anniversary, I’m joined by YouTube music reactor HTHAZE to dive into why this album still slaps as hard as it did in 2007. We talk about the raw energy of Hayley Williams, how RIOT! opened the door for emotional pop-rock in the mainstream, and its massive influence on today’s artists—from Olivia Rodrigo’s angst-pop anthems to Taylo
Ranking The Top 5 Most Important Pop Stars Right Now
Today on The Pop Pod, I'm joined by Australian radio host and good friend Nic Kelly to break down the five pop stars who are defining the moment. From global icons like Billie Eilish to the unexpected rise of newcomers like Benson Boone, we debate who’s shaping the sound, setting the trends, and making the biggest impact in 2025. We also dig into Sabrina Carpenter’s power moves, the new era of
This Album Changed Pop: Solange - 'True' + An Interview With Maren Morris
In this episode, we dive deep into Solange’s True EP—an indie pop and R&B hybrid that quietly shifted the pop landscape in 2012. Created in close collaboration with Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), True wasn’t a chart hit, but it became a style and sound guide for a new wave of alt-pop artists.We explore how Solange and Dev built the record across five cities, blending emotional honesty with infectio
Reviewing Miley Cyrus' 'Something Beautiful' Track-By-Track
On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by producer Jono as we dive deep into Something Beautiful, Miley Cyrus’ latest album that’s already being tipped as a potential Album of the Year contender. We go track by track, unpacking the sonic shifts, lyrical honesty, and vocal powerhouse moments that define the record. Is this her most complete body of work yet? Has Miley finally found her sound? A
New Music Bop or Flop: Miley Cyrus, Lorde, Addison Rae and More
Today on The Pop Pod, we're back with another Bop or Flop episode and—as always—Producer Jono is here to break down the biggest new releases. We're discussing fresh drops from Miley Cyrus, Addison Rae, Lorde and more, as we decide what's a certified bop and what… isn’t.Songs discussed this week:Addison Rae – Fame Is A GunMiley Cyrus – Easy LoverLorde – Man Of The YearTate McRae – Just
This Album Changed Pop: Lorde - 'Melodrama'
In 2017, Lorde released Melodrama — a breakup album, a coming-of-age story, and a night at a house party all rolled into one. It marked a major turning point for her: a bold reinvention that swapped minimalism for emotional maximalism. In this episode, I dive into how Melodrama was made, what it meant emotionally and artistically, and why it’s one of the most influential pop records of the 21st ce
Where Is The Song of the Summer? Plus, Songs That Almost Ruin Classic Pop Albums
This week on The Pop Pod, I’m on the hunt for the elusive Song of the Summer — but where is it? From Alex Warren’s viral heat to Lady Gaga’s reanissance, Ravyn Lenae’s breakout to Bad Bunny’s latest drop, there are a few contenders, but it’s shaping up to be a much more melancholic summer than usual. I dive into why 2025 hasn't delivered an obvious contender yet and what that says about the pop la
This Album Changed Pop: Taylor Swift - 'Reputation'
In 2017, Taylor Swift didn’t just release an album—she orchestrated a full-scale reinvention. Reputation arrived in the wake of public backlash, celebrity feuds, and snake emojis, marking a bold pivot from polished pop princess to calculated antihero.In this episode, we break down how Reputation reshaped the pop landscape—from its icy, industrial sound to the unprecedented social media blackout. W
Who’s Taking Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammys? Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar Or...?
It’s (probably) way too early—but that’s never stopped us before. In this episode, I’m breaking down the frontrunners, dark horses, and long shots for the 2026 Grammy Award for Album of the Year. From Kendrick Lamar’s GNX and SZA’s LANA, to Lady Gaga’s chaotic Mayhem, Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, and the unexpected power duo of Elton John and Brandi Carlile, I’m diving into who’s got the mome
New Music Bop Or Flop: Tate McRae, Kesha, Laufey and More
We're digging into a big week of pop news: Lorde teases her upcoming "feral" album, Laufey announces her sophomore project A Matter of Time (produced by Spencer Stewart and Aaron Dessner), and Charli XCX gives fans the party 4 u video and a vinyl restock. Plus, Ravyn Lenae is climbing the global charts, and Calvin Harris scores a big gainer with “Blessings.”Then it’s onto the New Mus
This Album Changed Pop: Charli XCX - 'how i'm feeling now'
In 2020, Charli XCX gave herself just four weeks in lockdown to make a full album — and somehow created one of the most important pop records of the 21st century. how i’m feeling now is euphoric and sad, raw and ravey, intimate yet made for a crowd we couldn’t be in.In this episode, I unpack the album’s strange magic — the glitchy production, the club beats we danced to alone, and the heartbreak t
Hits That Shouldn’t Have Been and the Songs That Deserved Better: Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and More
On this episode, I’m diving into the pop singles that shouldn’t have been hits — and the deep cuts that deserved the spotlight instead. From Beyoncé to Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga to SZA, I'm calling out the pop crimes and imagining alternate timelines where justice was served. Why did “Halo” blow up but a song like "Boydguard" never got off the ground? Plus, I’m giving some love to the
Bop or Flop: Miley Cyrus, Kali Uchis, Tyla and More
It's New Music Friday which means it's time for Bop or Flop. Producer Jono is back to help me go through the best and worst of the week including new music from Miley Cyrus, Kali Uchis and Tyla. We also bring our throwbacks to the table for a heated discussion. Here are the songs we are Bop or Flop-ping:Miley Cyrus - More To LosePinkPantheress - IllegalKali Uchis - All I Can SayCalvin Harris - Ble
I Heard The New Miley Cyrus Album 'Something Beautiful (First Impressions)
This week, I was invited to listen to the new Miley Cyrus album ‘Something Beautiful’ and watch the accompanying film. I’m taking you behind the scenes on this episode, talking about the album that is still a couple of weeks from release. I go track-by-track through the record, talk about the most notable tracks and also answer some questions from your guys (05:30). I also cover the headlines:Riha
Did 2024 Pop Albums By Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and More Age Well?
Around this time last year, we were in a prosperous period for pop music. Over the space of just a couple months we got albums from some of the biggest pop artists in the game from Beyoncé to Taylor Swift. A year on though, some unexpected records have risen to the top while some hugely anticipated ones failed to deliver. On this episode, we reappraise these albums a year on. The album covered are
New Music Friday Bop or Flop: Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, Katseye & More
It’s New Music Friday and we have the fresh tunes at the ready to judge. Sam and producer Jono play Bop or Flop with new music from Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco, Ed Sheeran, Katseye, Ravyn Lenae and more. Plus, Sam talks about seeing Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’ show again in New York. We also cover the headlines:A new Miley Cyrus ballad on the wayThe F1 Movie Soundtrack lines up RAYE, Doja Cat, Ed Shee
Bonnie McKee Talks Writing Recession Pop Classics For Katy Perry, Britney Spears & More
Joining the podcast today, a songwriter and artist who has written 8 number one single - Bonnie Mckee. Bonnie was one of the main writers on Katy Perry’s ‘Teenage Dream’ album and went onto define the recession pop era with her delightfully escapist pop music. On The Pop Pod, she talks about being in rooms with Max Martin and Katy Perry plus watching her brand of pop music trend in and out. Also o
Ranking Every Beyoncé Album From Worst to Best
Beyoncé is truly one of the greatest album artists in pop music history. Since her debut with Dangerously In Love, she has consistently delivered era-defining records. With the Cowboy Carter tour about to kick off, I'm taking on the near-impossible task of ranking Beyoncé’s full discography from worst to best. From early classics to groundbreaking visual albums, we dive deep into her evolution as
Bop or Flop: Lorde, Benson Boone, Kali Uchis & More
It's New Music Friday which means it's time for a round of Bop or Flop. These are the songs that we are reviewing this week and we've also added two throwbacks to keep things interesting: Lorde – "What Was That"Benson Boone – "Mystical Magical"Zara Larsson – "Pretty Ugly"PinkPantheress – "Stateside"Kali Uchis – "ilysmih"HAIM – "Dow
Is the Lana Del Rey Sound Stale?
Lana Del Rey is gearing up to release her 10th album but some fans have been disapproving of most recent singles 'Henry, Come On' and 'Bluebird'. There have been critiques around her musical evolution which some feel has slowed since 2019's 'NFR'. Here (06:16), I argue that her sonic evolution has been greater than she gets credit for. I also talk about today's head
Bop Or Flop: Addison Rae, Lana Del Rey and More
It's New Music Friday which means it's time for Bop or Flop. This week Lana Del Rey has returned with the second single 'Bluebird off her forthcoming album while Addison Rae has delivered 'Headphones On'. There are also new releases from Maren Morris, Morgan Wallen and more.I also celebrate the 5th anniversary of Rina Sawayama's 'SAWAYAMA'.Listen to PopSamCam's
How Lorde Turned Her Stocks Around After 'Solar Power'
The third Lorde album 'Solar Power' was her most divisive to date. A sonic switch-up, it had more haters than any of her other albums which had me wondering how she was going to turn it around. Over the past few years, the climate for alternative pop stars has changed but Lorde has also made some important moves. Follow PopSamCam on TikTokFollow PopSamCam on Instagr
My Review of Coachella 2025: Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, Jennie and More
I spent the weekend at Coachella and today on The Pop Pod I give you the lowdown of the highlights (and some lowlights). I spend a lot of time touching on the Lady Gaga headline set and also talking about Charli XCX's 'Bratchella' moment. Tap in.
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