Explore every episode of the podcast Music Notes with Jess
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Music Media Review Teaser
18 Feb 2026
00:01:56
It's been about a month since I began hosting my new podcast Music Media Review! Interesting topics and guest co-hosts are scheduled soon, search and subscribe to stay updated.
The pages to my second podcast Music Media Review, are officially live! Subscribe wherever you stream Music Notes with Jess, and listen when the first episode will be posted. Thank you for your patience, 6 years, and going back to past episodes all this time!
Happy New Year! Here's the top 20 finishing our Top 40 Songs of 2025 playlist! Selections were based on listeners' downloads, mainstream attention, and my personal favorites. Share your opinions on our social media pages, and email.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
The themes for 2025's music gradually came along. There was so many great songs that came out, but people weren't frequently listening than usual. I've made my own observations and chose to rank tunes that left memorable effects on me. Here's what got picked for Top 40 Songs of 2025 (Part 1).
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
We've all been looking forward to the holidays this year as a state of mind. Having a huge amount of new music classics is definitely helping. I share 8 songs I'm admiring, and welcome 2 recommendations by another podcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/albumnerds/I've helped contributed recently. Listen, enjoy, and Merry Christmas!
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
A Charlie Brown Christmas' TV special and soundtrack turns 60 this season; the Peanuts franchise turned 75 in October! Pop culturally a classic, no official celebration has been set to celebrate the 60th anniversary. Sharing my personal memories, I flashback how A Charlie Brown Christmas came about in 1965, critique the album, and different spinoffs that evolved since.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
A new rock supergroup has formed. Reminiscent of '90s alternative rock, Howl Owl Howl is a combination of Hootie and the Blowfish, R.E.M., and The Black Crowes. Their debut single "My Cologne" came out Halloween, but was inspired by an unexpected popular singer. Find out who, why, and how in this new episode.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Olivia Dean's having quite the 2025. She's nominated Best New Artist for 2026's Grammys, just performed on SNL, and trending globally! Learn her timeline and how her music's fitting nicely among this year's music trends.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Country music fans, it's time for the 59th CMA Awards! The industry's gone through so much in 2025. Grand Ole Opry turned 100! The Grammys broke up 2026's country category in 2! MTV added country to the VMAs! Growing through these changes, I share my predictions who'd win CMA Awards' 11 categories ahead of 11/19's show! Check our social media links below viewing before-and-after results.
2025's added dictionary word of the year is... "6 7"? This social media term spreading its lingo online, in classrooms, and cultural language. Derived from a Tiktok song and NBA player's height, the definition 6 7 is a slang for maybe or so-so. Test your usage by listening to this episode's inspired playlist: popular music from 1967. Share on our social media below what you like, dislike, or feel six-seven!
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Leon Thomas is a contemporary R&B singer, who first got introduced as a teen actor. Music passion passed down from his family, and he's finally getting his name out this year as a solo artist. Learn the timeline, creative writing behind "Mutt", and how a recent Billboard ruling earned a "top-dog" achievement for Leon's career officially mainstream.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
[Listener discretion is strongly advised for mature explicit content.]
All season, fans have celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Despite its risque quirkiness, it's the longest theatrical movie played annually since. Learn the franchise's history then, and relived through 3 21st century reboots.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Ep. 314- Lady Gaga's "The Dead Dance" & Florence + The Machine's "Everybody Scream"
18 Oct 2025
00:16:30
Leading up to Halloween, two contemporary songs are likely to set the mood: Lady Gaga's "The Dead Dance", and Florence + The Machine's "Everybody Scream"! Both divas are theatrical entertainers, thrilling fans to have fun along with them. Learn the development stories about each in this episode.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Sound effects taken from Soundscape's Pottery Barn Halloween CD (2001).
Happy 40th Bruno Mars! He posted an AI birthday post, and is re-releasing a 15th anniversary vinyl edition of his 2010 debut album: Doo-Wop & Hooligans. Entertaining audiences his whole life, I honor 10 hits with my own personal memories in this top 10 countdown.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Fans will be remember 10/3/25 being Taylor Swift's 12th album launch day for The Life of a Showgirl! Recorded secretly a year ago, she was inspired to note personal growth inspired by her then boyfriend / now fiancèeTravis Kelce, and coping a constant spotlight on her career. Metaphorically composing about love, family, scrutiny, and fame, the tracks were co-produced by 2 different pros than her prior albums over a decade! Learn the significance how certain events were expressed, my review, and publicity plan Taylor will promote soon.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Ep. 311 - 'Buckingham Nicks' & Miley Cyrus' "Secrets"
27 Sep 2025
00:17:41
Bootleg record Buckingham Nicks, got re-issued this month since 1973's original release! Historically a climax for Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks' relationship, and invited to join classic rock band, Fleetwood Mac. They haven't been amicable since then, what gave the go-ahead to finally remaster their duo's debut recordings?
Second, Miley Cyrus has involved Fleetwood Mac alumni on her new single "Secrets". It's not her first affiliation with them. Find out who was the first, collaborated now, and whom the song is about.
Laufey's a young Icelandic/Asian jazz aficionado. Studying the music from her parents, she's kept the genre alive through self-compositions this decade. Fans are dazzled of her writing, singing, playing piano/guitar/cello! "Third time's the charm" for 3rd album A Matter of Time, topping jazz charts, and just crossed over #4 on Billboard's 200 albums chart. Brilliantly romanticizing a "timely" concept record. I share this young lady's music journey, review the tracks, and evaluate its popularity in this episode.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Fan Favorite Singles: "Like the Movies" debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live (2022)
MTV's going big for their 42nd Video Music Awards! Posting the nominations last month, Paramount enforced 2 big changes: syndicating the show on CBS, and added country to the ballot! How will fans and viewers vote? I "announce" predictions before the show airs in 10 of its categories. Check our podcast's social an hour before showtime (9/7, 7pm), and day after to see my results.
The '90s are calling like a dial-up modem. Summer 1995 had greats hits holding up 30 years later! While I reflect personal changes I experienced back then, I talk up these classic songs' pivotal messages and artists.
Ep. 306 - ROLE MODEL's "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out"
23 Aug 2025
00:13:41
We're used to seeing social media impact modern music, but lately artists have been testing audience reactions at their concerts. Tucker Pilsbury (aka ROLE MODEL) improvised a surprise cameo in February, trending one of his songs to become a viral sensation and growing 2025 indie hit. I discuss the fun 6-month success of "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out", and how his pseudonym's an admirable outlook staying so positive.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Weeks after his farewell performances at Birmingham England's Back to the Beginning Festival, rocker Ozzy Osbourne died 7/22 at 76. Rocking 60 years as a solo artist and his band Black Sabbath, he innovated heavy metal's imagery, concert entertainment, and media. Based on the songs I heard working classic rock radio, and favorites from fans, I countdown in this top 10.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
On 7/13/85, the most watched bi-coastal music festival was viewed by 2 billion, 150 countries, and 16 hours long! Without modern technology and for charity, Live Aid took place at London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's former JFK Stadium (now Wells Fargo Center). Brought up 40 years later of its extravagent gathering, learn how this telethon was covered back then, and acknowledged recently for its 40th anniversary: 7/13/25.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Happy 300th Music Notes with Jess! 6 years later, we've reached 300 episodes! I owe to our growing listeners base, family, friends, co-workers, and podcasting networking. Celebrate recap the topics discussed in the 200s, learning the updates what's occurred with them since then.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Support the show
The Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson died 6/11 from ailing illnesses. This is the first summer without him, and there's countless music to remember him by. Countdown and learn about these 10 fan favorite songs.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Most of 2025's pop scene has been dominated by LGTBQ+ females. Joining that list are Cuban folk singer Gigi Perez, and New Zealand's alternative artist Lorde. Expressing self-identity in different genres, I review each of their new albums: At the Beach, In Real Life, and Virgin.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Billy Joel's been entertaining classic rock and easy listening fans over 50 years. Getting ready to premiere HBO documentary And So It Goes, he sadly has to lie low for health reasons. For Fathers Day weekend, I countdown 10 fan favorite hits honoring his piano playing and songwriting skills.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Support the show
Folk music has surged an unexpected comeback in rock, country, and crossed over even more now in pop! Young modern singers Alex Warren and Myles Smith are making headlines with their catchy and powerful music. Learn how similar their songs, family backgrounds, and recent success are trending part of 2025's music scene.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
It's prom season, and our listeners have gone back hearing Episode 35's Prom 2020 Playlist I made during lockdown. That episode revolutionized this podcast's listenership, and still a favorite I've made to share with you all. In the mood for a sequel, here's what I came up with for 2025's featuring new tunes, recent throwbacks, and themes reflecting a prom's themes.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Support the show
Ep. 293 - Blake Shelton & Morgan Wallen's New Albums
24 May 2025
00:16:35
Recognized highly in modern country and various media, Blake Shelton and Morgan Wallen have returned with new albums this month. Both got a boost earning #1 country radio hits on Post Malone's crossover country album F-1 Trillion last summer. Multi-tasking on other big projects, I give my critiques of Blake's For Recreational Use Only, and Morgan's I'm the Problem.
British singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran has announced his next album and title theme for his next music era. Play is scheduled to come out 9/12, same week as MTV's VMAs! Until then, he's released two promo singles that we can expect through pop and acoustic compositions. Learn the music styles and stories behind "Azizam" & "Old Phone".
Lauren Alainaauditioned for American Idol in 2010, and ranked runner-up to Scotty McCreery in 2011. Both of them are the youngest top 2 in the show's history, and represented country after Carrie Underwood won in 2005! 15 years later, Lauren is happily married and expecting her first baby girl just in time for Mother's Day. Living a lot of tough moments in her family, I discuss through 4 of her songs in this maternity themed playlist where she can pass along the lessons to her newborn.
The first Academy of Country Music Awards was 4/2/66. 60 years later, the genre's having its finest decade honoring popular trending artists today. Before the ceremony's livestream airs 5/8 on Amazon Prime Video, I share my predictions who'd win 9 of its popular music categories: Music Event, Single, Song, Duo, Group, Male, Female, Album, and Entertainer. Listen, and check my ballot results on our social media pages.
Preparing for her 8th album CiCi coming out this summer, Ciara Harris is having a 6-year comeback with her new single "Ecstasy." She's been happily married to football player Russell Wilson since 2016, and expanding their family since then. "Ecstasy" is a sexy smooth R&B track that's also getting attention from its music video choreography. Ciara challenged fans to try is to try one of the moves with an everyday object, and it's motivated senior citizens to complete the exercise pose! Performing 20 years as a R&B/pop singer and dancer, I flashback 4 of her sexy hits that provides someting extra in each.
Since 2008, Record Store Day is an annual indie holiday to support record store sales and artists' albums. This year it fell on 4/12, and Post Malone is 2025's ambassador! I created this playlist to do with playing "records", and citing certain influences the artists sang about.
Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum) have been together almost 20 years as a group. Members Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley both announced they're expecting a new baby with their spouses! Dave Hayward also welcomed his third child last summer. This trio is one of my top 5 favorites bands, and I saw them 10 years ago while I was working in country radio. Reminiscing their diverse country/pop songs, I countdown 10 you're familiar with in this countdown.
Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Chappell Roan's the Grammys and https://www.mtv.com/vma/vote/best-new-artistMTV's reigning Best New Artist. Wearing her status proud in the music and queer community, her latest single has wearing various types of "hats." "The Giver" is a hard hitting anthem in love and a crossover country sound. Not departing from alternative/pop, learn the origins behind this hit single, and influences on 2025's first quarter trends.
At 79 years old, Dolly Parton's had a strong 2025 start to her 60 year epic career! She's got 2 new singles trending in both country and pop. She was invited on Sabrina Carpenter's "Please Please Please" remix, and "If You Hadn't Been There", mourns her husband Carl Dean who died 3/3/25. Staying her authentic self on both tracks, she's showing no signs of slowing down and welcoming the support even more now. Learn the true stories about these 2 Dolly-styled tunes.
Lady Gaga's new album Mayhem is a bold return to her dance/pop theatrics. Almost a year in the making, she's handled diverse music in between and with a special partner in its production. I provide my critique, and recap 6 months back how the music played into what's out now.
In 2025's movie awards season, 2 music films have been nominated: Broadway musicalWicked, and Bob Dylan's biopic A Complete Unknown. Based on books and 5 years in the making, both films have been well received and worth the wait by fans. I share my personal reviews and backstories in this episode.
Lola Young's been into music her whole life, and making a young debut crossover from the UK! "Messy" got some pickup on TikTok and has expanded into lot of opportunities over the last month! Learn how and Lola's background in this episode.
Six years after suddenly quitting The Voice, Maroon 5's frontman Adam Levine is back to do vocal coaching! Fans begged his return on social media, but why is it so significant now? Learn about Adam's highlights first time around, the real reason he was persuaded, and how it's resulting.