Explore every episode of the podcast The Pop Pod
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Albums of 2024 | 14 Dec 2024 | 00:28:56 | |
Counting down what I think are the best albums of the year including Charli XCX 'Brat', Sabrina Carpenter 'Short N Sweet', Beyoncé 'Cowboy Carter' and more. | |||
| Best & Worst Songs of 2024 | 14 Dec 2024 | 00:27:53 | |
I'm counting down the best 20 songs of 2024 including Charli XCX, Beyoncé, JADE and many more. Plus, I'll take you through what I think were the worst songs of the year. | |||
| Brat Overrated? TTPD Over-hated? Responding to Your 2024 Controversial Music Opinions | 23 Dec 2024 | 00:23:08 | |
You always have plenty of opinions on music which I love so for this episode I asked you to submit some of your 2024 hot takes. Here I touch on everything from Brat's hype to Taylor Swift's continued to dominance and everything in between. | |||
| Lady Gaga Creates 'Mayhem' and BANKS Reveals Her Perfect Pop Song | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:16:57 | |
It's the first episode of The Pop Pod! Today, we're talking the seventh Lady Gaga album, 'Mayhem'. I'm answering your questions and talking about where it's predicted to land on the charts. I've also got BANKS in to tell me what her perfect pop song is. | |||
| Ranking the BLACKPINK Solo Albums and an Interview with Ravyn Lenae | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:20:51 | |
Today on the Pod Pod, I rank the three BLACKPINK solo albums so far and play my chat with Ravyn Lenae as her song 'Love Me Not' goes viral. We also hear Lady Gaga's acoustic version of 'Abracadabra' and Sabrina Carpenter's unexpected cover. | |||
| Responding To Controversial Pop Opinions + New Music Bop or Flop: Chappell Roan, JADE, Selena Gomez | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:21:51 | |
Should Taylor Swift return to Max Martin? Do all pop stars have Britney Spears to thank? I respond to some of your controversial pop opinions plus give my two cents on new releases from Chappell Roan, JADE, Selena Gomez and more. Listen To My New Music Friday Playlist | |||
| MARINA's 'Froot' Turns 10 and Lady Gaga Reveals the Song She Almost Cut From 'Mayhem' | 13 Mar 2025 | 00:12:53 | |
Today on The Pop Pod, we're celebrating 10 years of MARINA's third record, Froot'. Often considered her best album, it redefined her music-making process. On the news front, Gaga has revealed she almost didn't put a fan favorite on 'Mayhem' while Haim have dropped their first single in 5 years 'Relationships'. | |||
| Only The Good Stuff: Lady Gaga Album Ranking, The 5 Best Pop Stars Right Now + More | 22 Mar 2025 | 01:04:56 | |
Only the hits! If you missed episodes this week or would rather skip the headlines, here are all the deep dives I did on The Pop Pod. I talked about Chappell Roan and Selena Gomez plus ranked Lady Gaga albums and the most important pop stars right now. Email me voice notes: popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| Ranking Lady Gaga Albums + New Music Friday: Selena Gomez, MARINA, Doja Cat + More | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:27:44 | |
It's been over a week since Lady Gaga dropped 'Mayhem' so it's time to put it in the Gaga album ranking - a difficult but worthy task. I also Bop or Flop this week's new music from Selena Gomez to Jack Harlow and Doja Cat. Email me voice notes: popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| Reacting To Pop Albums You Think Are A 10/10 | 20 Mar 2025 | 00:28:32 | |
I asked you on social media to tell me what albums you think are actually a 10/10 but people are too scared to say it. I collected a bunch of them and today I react to everything from 'Britney Spears - Blackout' to 'Lady Gaga - ARTPOP'. We also talk about the top performing female musicians of the 21st century according to Billboard and preview a new Charli XCX-penned Selena Gomez song. Email me voice notes: popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| Ranking The 5 Most Important Pop Stars Right Now | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:20:31 | |
Every month on The Pop Pod, I am going to rank the 5 pop stars that I feel are defining pop music in that given moment. Today, I give you the first ranking of many. We've also got Rose Gray on the pod to chat about one of the best pop records of 2025 so far 'Louder Please'. Email me voice notes: popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| Does Selena Gomez Care About Being a Pop Star Anymore + Miley Cyrus Kickstarts New Era | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:19:17 | |
Selena Gomez is launching a new album with her partner Benny Blanco 'I Said I Love You First' but it feels like she's fallen from the top of the pop pyramid she had scaled in 2019. Plus, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Kali Uchis and The Weeknd have new music on the way. Email me voicenotes: popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| Should Chappell Roan Drop an Album This Year + 'We Belong Together' Turns 20 | 17 Mar 2025 | 00:15:05 | |
We kick off The Pop Pod for the week by discussing Chappell Roan and her next moves. 'The Giver' debuted strong over the weekend showing she has legs as a main pop girl but would a new album this year be the right move? We also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the classic Mariah Carey hit 'We Belong Together'. Email me voicenotes! popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| Is Sabrina Carpenter 'Short N' Sweet' The Best Pop Era Since '1989'? | 24 Mar 2025 | 00:13:23 | |
Today on The Pop Pod, we're discussing Sabrina Carpenter entering the history books by becoming the first album to lodge 4 number one records at pop radio since '1989' by Taylor Swift. Email me voice notes: popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| Ranking The Top 5 Albums of 2025 So Far... | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:23:57 | |
We're already at the quarter-way mark of 2025 so it's time to recap what we have gotten so far. From Lady Gaga to Bad Bunny, there have been so many top tier pop records and these are my favourites. On the horizon, I also chat new album announcements from Miley Cyrus and Ethel Cain. Today on The Pop Pod, we're discussing Sabrina Carpenter entering the history books by becoming the first album to lodge 4 number one records at pop radio since '1989' by Taylor Swift. Email me voice notes: popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| How Lana Del Rey Went From Outcast To The Most Influential In Pop Music | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:21:21 | |
Lana Del Rey is shaping the sound of today’s biggest artists—her influence is undeniable in recent albums from Selena Gomez and Tate McRae. But how did she go from one of the most criticized figures in pop to one of the most referenced? In this episode, we break down Lana’s evolution, her impact on modern pop music, and why her signature style is everywhere right now. Plus, we dive into major new music updates: Hit play to stay up to date with the latest in pop music! Email me voice notes: popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| Is The 'Eternal Sunshine' Deluxe Ariana Grande's Swan Song For Now? | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:21:53 | |
Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead is here, but is it her last album before she fully dives into acting? We break down the new era and what it could mean for her music career. Then, we look at other pop stars who’ve made the jump to Hollywood—who thrived, who flopped, and how it changed their place in music. Plus, it’s Bop or Flop time with fresh tracks from Kesha, Kali Uchis, Lucy Dacus, and more. And in the headlines: Lady Gaga is being sued by a surf company (???)—we unpack the drama. | |||
| 5 Years Ago Dua Lipa Turned Disaster Into A Dancefloor With 'Future Nostalgia' | 27 Mar 2025 | 00:25:07 | |
Five years ago, Dua Lipa dropped Future Nostalgia at the worst possible time—the start of a global lockdown. But instead of fading away, it became a quarantine anthem and one of the most iconic pop albums of the decade. In this episode, we break down how Dua turned uncertainty into a career-defining moment, reshaped modern pop, and cemented herself as a global superstar. 🔥 Plus, in pop music news: Email me voice notes: popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok Follow PopSamCam on Instagram Follow PopSamCam on YouTube | |||
| Only The Good Stuff: The Everlasting Influence of Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande Moving From Pop Star To Movie Star + More | 29 Mar 2025 | 01:12:05 | |
This is Only The Good Stuff where I give you just that, the highlights from the week. This is for those of you who don't want to keep up with the news on the daily episodes and would rather a big, long podcast to binge on. This week, I delved into the influence of Lana Del Rey, talked about pop stars who have gone into movies, celebrated 5 years of Dua Lipa's 'Future Nostalgia' and so much more. Follow and rate the podcast if you enjoy it! Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| Did Ariana Grande Make 'Eternal Sunshine' Better with the Deluxe? | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:16:25 | |
In this episode, we dive into Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine deluxe editions, breaking down the new tracks, the alternate versions, and whether they elevate the album. Plus, Doja Cat is teasing new music—what can we expect next from her? And we celebrate eight years of Rihanna’s Diamonds—a timeless anthem that still shines bright. Tune in for all the latest pop music news and hot takes! Email me voice notes: popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok Follow PopSamCam on Instagram Follow PopSamCam on YouTube | |||
| Does Miley Cyrus Have A Perfect Album In Her Discography? | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:32:28 | |
Miley Cyrus has begun rolling out her ninth album 'Something Beautiful' and it is really feeling like it could be her magnum opus. But, has she already made a classic album? I went through her whole discography to find out when she came closest to claiming that the title of a "pop bible". Follow and rate the podcast if you enjoy it! Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| I Talk To Lizzo + Ariana Grande Has A 'Brighter Days' Hit Emerging | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:15:35 | |
Lizzo is dropping into The Pop Pod today to discuss her new album 'Love In Real Life'. We chatted about how she's always had rock in her and I also asked her what she thinks the ultimate pop classic is. We also talk about The Beatles biopic and the rising chart success of Ariana Grande's 'Eternal Sunshine: Brighter Days Ahead'. Don't forget to subscribe if you're loving the pod. You can also send me voicenotes and messages at popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| A Year on was Cowboy Carter a Successful Era? + New Music Friday Bop or Flop: Miley Cyrus, Haim and more | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:25:27 | |
It's New Music Friday and we have plenty of new music to react to from Miley Cyrus, Ed Sheeran, Haim, The Marias and so many more. Plus, a year on from the release of Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter', was the era a success? It won Album of the Year and critical appraisal globally but it's already slipped from the Billboard 200. Listen to PopSamCam's New Music Friday playlist. Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| Reacting to Pop Albums You Think are a 10/10 (Again!): Lorde, Madonna, Gwen Stefani + More | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:27:24 | |
This week, I’m putting your 10/10 albums to the test! You sent in your picks—from Gwen Stefani to Dua Lipa to Lorde—and I’m giving my honest take. Plus, we’re celebrating one year of Charli XCX’s BRAT album cover (yes, just the cover—it’s that iconic). And finally, is Birds of a Feather already an all-time classic for Billie Eilish? Let’s discuss. Email me voice notes: popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| Do These Artists Have a Classic Album? Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Tate McRae and more | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:21:45 | |
I asked you to tell me artists that you think are great but haven't maxed out their potential in the album format yet and you delivered. On this episode, I respond to your takes addressing everyone from Ariana Grande to Taylor Swift. We also talk Coachella and the first day numbers for new music from Miley Cyrus and Ed Sheeran. Email me voice notes: popsamcam@theinterns.net Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| How Ariana Grande’s Classic ‘Into You’ Was Made + Is The Brat Era Over For Charli XCX? | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:20:44 | |
A special one today as we unpack Ariana Grande’s classic ‘Into You’ with songwriter Savan Kotecha. Kotecha worked on many Grande classics but this one in particular feels special and he told me how they meticulously created this song over a month long period. I also deliver my most played songs right now and talk about whether Charli XCX is about the bring the Brat era to an end.
Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| Bop Or Flop: New Lana Del Rey, Marina and More | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:16:48 | |
It's New Music Friday and I'm giving you my two cents on fresh releases by Lana Del Rey, Marina and many more. Plus, we have a teaser of new Lorde music and Charli XCX is teasing her new film 'The Moment'. It's a big Pop Pod! Tap in. Listen to PopSamCam's New Music Friday playlist. Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| My Review of Coachella 2025: Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, Jennie and More | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:21:08 | |
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. | |||
| Bop Or Flop: Addison Rae, Lana Del Rey and More | 18 Apr 2025 | 00:20:44 | |
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 New Music Friday playlist. Follow PopSamCam on TikTok | |||
| How Lorde Turned Her Stocks Around After 'Solar Power' | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:19:54 | |
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 TikTok | |||
| Is the Lana Del Rey Sound Stale? | 22 Apr 2025 | 00:31:10 | |
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 headlines, including a release date for new Lorde (01:28), another Charli XCX hit (03:42) and SZA's 'SOS record (05:00).Make sure you hit Subscribe if you like this content. Join the Discord:https://discord.gg/8uKPnWthTR | |||
| Bop or Flop: Lorde, Benson Boone, Kali Uchis & More | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:36:56 | |
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 – "Down To Be Wrong" Umru & Underscores – "Pop Life" Lady Gaga – "Disco Heaven" Lorde – "Secrets From A Girl (Who's Seen It All)" Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/8uKPnWthTR | |||
| Ranking Every Beyoncé Album From Worst to Best | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:42:11 | |
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 an artist. I’d love to hear your thoughts too — let me know your favorite and least favorite Beyoncé albums! Also in this episode:
🎶 Join the Pop Chat Discord to keep the pop music conversation going! https://discord.gg/8uKPnWthTR | |||
| Bonnie McKee Talks Writing Recession Pop Classics For Katy Perry, Britney Spears & More | 01 May 2025 | 00:43:01 | |
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 on the podcast today:
Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm | |||
| New Music Friday Bop or Flop: Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, Katseye & More | 02 May 2025 | 00:49:22 | |
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:
Here are the songs we cover in Bop or Flop:
Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Get your new music fix with PopSamCam’s New Music Friday: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=730499302a7346dc | |||
| Did 2024 Pop Albums By Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and More Age Well? | 06 May 2025 | 00:42:53 | |
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:
We also cover the latest headlines including:
Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm | |||
| I Heard The New Miley Cyrus Album 'Something Beautiful (First Impressions) | 08 May 2025 | 00:23:56 | |
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:
Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com | |||
| Bop or Flop: Miley Cyrus, Kali Uchis, Tyla and More | 09 May 2025 | 00:43:39 | |
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:
We also discuss the pop music headlines:
Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Listen to PopSamCam's New Music Friday playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=94e3de5245144ae1 | |||
| Hits That Shouldn’t Have Been and the Songs That Deserved Better: Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and More | 13 May 2025 | 00:32:08 | |
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 songs that could still bee hits if the stars align just right.In music news: Charli XCX reportedly shot a video for fan favourite “Party 4 U,” Lola Young is dropping “One Thing” this Friday, and "Supernatural" by Ariana Grande is having a surprise chart moment. Lorde’s “Ribs” is back on the Global Spotify chart (justice!), and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has broken another chart record.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm | |||
| This Album Changed Pop: Charli XCX - 'how i'm feeling now' | 15 May 2025 | 00:31:17 | |
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 that hit even harder with distance. I talk about the producers who helped shape it (A.G. Cook, BJ Burton, Danny L Harle), how it quietly reshaped pop music, and why “party 4 u” feels even more devastating now than it did in lockdown. I also cover the news headlines in pop:
Email voicenotes to thepoppod@popsamcam.com Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm | |||
| New Music Bop Or Flop: Tate McRae, Kesha, Laufey and More | 16 May 2025 | 00:48:35 | |
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 Music Friday lineup—did these tracks slay or flop? We’re rating:- Lola Young – One Thing- Morgan Wallen ft. Tate McRae – What I Want- Laufey – Tough Luck- Kesha – Boy Crazy- Little Simz – Young- MØ – Heartbreak- Chlose Qisha – The Boys- Noah Cyrus – I Saw The MountainsPlus, throwbacks from Rihanna and Charli XCX.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm | |||
| Who’s Taking Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammys? Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar Or...? | 20 May 2025 | 00:33:59 | |
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 momentum—and who might get snubbed. I also look at whether Charli’s remix album can break through, if Wicked could pull a Black Panther, and how artists like The Weeknd, Haim, and Lorde are staging their Grammy comebacks. Plus, I touch on potential releases from Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran, and more. Also in this episode: I cover some of the week’s biggest music headlines, including the newly revealed tracklist for Miley Cyrus’ Something Beautiful (dropping May 30), the Eurovision 2025 winner, and the viral chart takeover from Charli XCX and Ariana Grande. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com | |||
| This Album Changed Pop: Taylor Swift - 'Reputation' | 22 May 2025 | 00:37:56 | |
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. We explore the context behind the chaos, the record-breaking numbers, and the album’s lasting influence on image, identity, and reinvention in pop music.Plus, we cover the biggest pop headlines:- Lorde previews new single Man of the Year- Renée Rapp announces her next album- Kendrick Lamar breaks a major chart record- Addison Rae unveils the tracklist for her debut albumCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com | |||
| Where Is The Song of the Summer? Plus, Songs That Almost Ruin Classic Pop Albums | 27 May 2025 | 00:31:52 | |
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 landscape. Plus: I review Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour, and react to your picks for the biggest skips on classic pop albums. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com Follow @the.poppod on Instagram | |||
| This Album Changed Pop: Lorde - 'Melodrama' | 29 May 2025 | 00:36:11 | |
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 century. From her collaboration with Jack Antonoff to the album’s chart performance and lyrical brilliance, we unpack how Lorde turned heartbreak into high art — and how Melodrama reshaped the emotional blueprint of modern pop. | |||
| New Music Bop or Flop: Miley Cyrus, Lorde, Addison Rae and More | 30 May 2025 | 00:36:09 | |
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:
Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com | |||
| Reviewing Miley Cyrus' 'Something Beautiful' Track-By-Track | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:41:58 | |
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? And where does it sit in the pop landscape of 2025? Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com | |||
| This Album Changed Pop: Solange - 'True' + An Interview With Maren Morris | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:34:55 | |
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 infectious grooves. You’ll hear about the 1980s new wave and Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis-inspired sounds that shaped the EP, why “Losing You” was a pivotal moment in pop, and how Solange’s refusal to conform laid the groundwork for artists like FKA twigs, Kelela, and Christine and the Queens. Plus, I had the pleasure of talking to Maren Morris off the back of her 'Dreamsicle' album. You can hear that chat right here. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com | |||
| Ranking The Top 5 Most Important Pop Stars Right Now | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:53:31 | |
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 streaming stars, and what makes a pop star truly important in today’s landscape. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com | |||
| This Album Changed Pop: Paramore's 'RIOT!' With HTHAZE | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:57:18 | |
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 Taylor Swift’s Fearless-era fire. Whether you grew up screaming “That’s What You Get” or just discovered Misery Business on TikTok, this one’s for you. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com | |||