The Pop Pod

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...

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:...

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...

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 Cal...

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 Me Lorde – Hammer Cardi B – Enough (Miami) Benson Boone – Mr Electric Blue JADE – Plastic Box Lola Young...

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 hap...

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 Th...

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...

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...

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 infecti...

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...

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 Gun Miley Cyrus – Easy Lover Lorde – Man Of The Year Tate McRae –...

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...

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 l...

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....

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 m...

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...

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...

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...

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 Lose PinkPantheress - Illegal Kali Uchis - All I Can Say Calvin Harris -...

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: Ri...

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...

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 way The F1 Movie Soundtrack lines up RAYE, Doja Cat, Ed S...

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...

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...