Popcast
The Popcast is hosted by Jon Caramanica, a pop music critic for The New York Times. It covers the latest in popular music criticism, trends and news. Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp
Episodes
April 26, 2024 • 62 mins
Answering your questions about the sound and substance of the pop superstar’s double album, and the way fans and critics have responded to it. Guests: Caryn Ganz and Stereogum's Tom Breihan.
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April 24, 2024 • 80 mins
A discussion about the singer’s new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” Swift’s “imperial era,” the use of her rumored relationships and production choices.
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April 17, 2024 • 39 mins
Digging into “Only God Was Above Us,” an LP that’s both catchy and complex. Guest host: Jon Pareles. Guests: The New Yorker's Amanda Petrusich and Pitchfork's Matthew Strauss.
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April 17, 2024 • 79 mins
Breaking down the convoluted recent beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar (and Future, Metro Boomin, the Weeknd, ASAP Rocky, Rick Ross and more).
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April 9, 2024 • 67 mins
A conversation about how the pop superstar’s genre experiments explore race and power, and the implicit politics that come with them. Guests: Marcus K. Dowling and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd.
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April 3, 2024 • 83 mins
How conversation about very specific aspects of the new albums “Cowboy Carter” and “We Don’t Trust You” can obscure talk of their musical quality.
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March 27, 2024 • 104 mins
An in-depth interview with the Atlanta hip-hop and EDM legend, tracing his path through punk, skateboarding and crunk music on the way to this year’s Super Bowl.
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March 26, 2024 • 59 mins
His sixth solo album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” has been met with critical dismissal and weaker sales. Where can the onetime pop superstar turn next? Guests: Steven J. Horowitz and Joshunda Sanders.
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March 21, 2024 • 80 mins
Catching up on recent hit shows like “Love Is Blind,” “The Traitors” and “Survivor,” including how social media has added another layer of reality.
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March 14, 2024 • 66 mins
Discussing the quick ascent of the downtempo R&B singer 4batz, the new Ariana Grande album, “eternal sunshine,” music at the Oscars and more.
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March 13, 2024 • 56 mins
A conversation about a title that emerged from stan communities, and how it’s played a role in pop singers’ careers. Guests: Vulture's Jason P. Frank and Rolling Stone's Larisha Paul.
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March 6, 2024 • 74 mins
An interview with the Norwegian singer girl in red (Marie Ulven) about her second album, “I’m Doing It Again Baby!,” opening for Taylor Swift and more.
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February 28, 2024 • 51 mins
Once addictive and effective, TikTok is struggling with commercialization, a shifting relationship with the music industry and more.
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February 27, 2024 • 42 mins
A conversation about his loudest (and quieter) moments, and how patriotism has played into country music. Guest: David Cantwell.
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February 22, 2024 • 63 mins
Jennifer Lopez’s new film and album, “This Is Me … Now,” plus other confusing recent rollouts for pop stars including Dua Lipa, Justin Timberlake and Camila Cabello.
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February 21, 2024 • 34 mins
In 1988, “Fast Car” turned the singer-songwriter into a star. She was skeptical of the spotlight, and learning to wield her power. Guest: Steve Pond.
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February 15, 2024 • 69 mins
Recapping the Super Bowl halftime show, two new singles from Beyoncé, Ye’s “Vultures 1” album and more.
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February 8, 2024 • 51 mins
A conversation about his long career path through several generations of R&B, and what he might do on such a big stage. Guests: Thomas Hobbs and Danielle Amir Jackson.
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February 7, 2024 • 52 mins
Was this the year the awards got it correct? Guests: Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.
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January 31, 2024 • 67 mins
A breakdown of the major categories and most interesting competitions at the 66th annual awards on Sunday.
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