Song Vs. Song

SPOOKY SEASON! What's the most witchy song, or at least the witchiest song not by Stevie Nicks, definitive hippie Donovan's "Season of the Witch" or definitive non-hippies The Eagles' "Witchy Woman"? Song vs. Song Patreon here! Please donate, we need you.And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Song vs. Song enters the Michael McDonald-iverse! It's Yacht vs. Yacht as we take on two of the smoothest white-boy tracks of the '70s, but will the kings of snark Steely Dan win with "Peg," or will the Doobie Brothers take them down a peg with "What a Fool Believes"? And much thanks to super Dan fan Altamira to help us figure this one out, check out her music here! Song vs. Song Patreon here! Please donate, we need you.And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The VMAs are now a zombie I.P. that only exists to give tribute to the old and dead, and has never felt more like an afterthought. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They were two of the biggest one-hit wonders of the mid-2010s, but do these vaguely throwback-y pop rock songs hold up, and which does it better? Pitchfork's Molly Mary O'Brien joins us to help us take sides between Walk the Moon's "Shut Up and Dance" and DNCE's "Cake by the Ocean"!Song vs. Song Patreon here! Please donate, we need you.And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're back and we're taking a hit of the bad acid as we head back to the '60s and cover two towering hippie classics with suspiciously similar names! But which of the two tracks will get us to Wonderland, will we follow the "White Rabbit" with Jefferson Airplane or will we get locked in the "White Room" with Cream? Special thanks to the Ween of American Rock Critcs Steven Hyden, check out his new book "Is This It: The Never-Ending Rise and Fall of The Strokes (And Rock 'n' Roll)" here! Song vs. Song Patreon here! Please donate, we need you.And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While we are on break, a little taste of our bonus episodes on Patreon! And much thanks to Dan Olson for helping untangle the attempted, only partially successful Jim Henson reboot "The Muppets" from 2011! Song vs. Song Patreon here! Please donate, we need youAnd as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two of the biggest international pop stars of the '80s and '90s ascended into world-conquering dance divas in the '00s, but which will shall reign supreme, Madonna's "Hung Up" or Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out of My Head"? Billboard's Jason Lipshutz joins us to help get us less hung up.Song vs. Song Patreon here! Please donate, we need you.And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two guys from the suburbs of NYC loved old doo-wop and '60s girl groups! Which bridge-and-tunnel legend's catchiest song is the better classic pop song, Bruce Springsteen's "Hungry Heart" or Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl"?Song vs. Song Patreon here! Please donate, we need you.And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teen movies of the '90s needed a cute little twee song for teenagers to kiss to, but which was the most romantic of the two? Todd and Lina argue between "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer and "Lovefool" by the Cardigans!Song vs. Song Patreon here! Please donate, we need you.And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two of the finest and most devastating kiss-off tracks of the '70s, the songs that basically created the Main Pop Girl era five decades ahead of time, but which of these is the most heartbreakingly brutal burns of the '70s, "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac or "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon?Song vs. Song Patreon here! Please donate, we need you.And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the pandemic and the dance floors are all closed but disco lives on! We invite Main Pod Girl's AJ Marks into the studio to help us debate which is the finest of the 2020 dance songs with the problematic optional guest rapper, Doja Cat's "Say So" (ft. Nicki Minaj) or Dua Lipa's "Levitating" (ft. DaBaby)! Song vs. Song Patreon here! Please donate, we need you.And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the mid-'80s and two bands have figured out that what people want is British guys giving commands in two-note chanting choruses. Which is the best more-chorus-than-song song of the mid-'80s, "Shout" by Tears for Fears or "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood? Thank you to special guest Justin Lewis, check out his great book "Into the Groove: The 1980s: The Ultimate Decade in Music History" which you can pre-order in the US here or buy in the UK here! Song vs. Song Patreon here! Please donate, we need you. And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If there's one thing we liked in rock in the 2000s, it was the '90s, and those who managed to survive it. But which band starring former members of grunge bands really made the '00s RAWK and feel emotions. Well we've got pod best friend and '00s rock expert Pat Finnerty to help us decode this mess and help us decide which is THE BEST THE BEST THE BEST between Foo Fighters' "Best of You" and Audioslave's "Best of You"! And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is the best metal song of 1980???? Is Lemmy God? Is he better than the Metal God Rob Halford? Is there a better song to wash your dog to??? Put on your studded metal because we're debating "Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest vs. "Ace of Spades" by Motörhead!And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dale! Party rock is in the house tonight! The year is 2011 and nothing will ever feel bad ever again! But someone in the non-stop party has to be the party king so we're debating the best song about having a good time because we might not have tomorrow. Who will reign supreme, "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO or "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull?And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two of the greatest, mumbliest songwriters of the '60s decide to write sweet love songs! But only one can succeed between Dylan and Lou Reed, and we've brought star of "Disney's The Kid" and "The Santa Clause" 2 and 3 Spencer Breslin to help us decide which of the rambly hipsters makes the prettier tribute to love, Bob Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay" or the Velvet Underground's "Sweet Jane"?And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To make up for a minor scheduling snafu, we are unlocking the vault and releasing one of our bonus episodes! We invite Wicked megafan Sarah Z into the studio to talk about the two movies and whether they fix or worsen one of the most popular musicals of all time See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let us pick the best neo-glam rock song of the mid-00s! Who shall win, the faux-Queen belting of Mika's "Grace Kelly" or the Elton John-approved disco of the Scissor Sisters' "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'"?And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2026! Not as good as last year's Grammys, but what could be? So how did everyone do, and can this trend keep up? Also: Fuck ICE? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the mid-1960s, two bands thought, what if rock and roll could be ART?? And so we got two masterpieces, but only one can stand as the greatest of all time, so who made the greatest rock mini-symphony of all time, And as always — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's 2026 and we're doing our real 2025 in review, with double the Rae. Which of the two dancing hot girl pop stars is gonna be the one to lead us into the new year, do you prefer Tate McRae's "sports car" or Addison Rae's "Fame is a Gun"?And as we say in every one of these GPS podcast posts — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They were the biggest songs of 2025 and unfortunately they were from 2024 but they just wouldn't go away, so much so that we had to use our 2025 in review year-end podcast to talk about them! Which overplayed song of the year AND the year before made you do backflips and/or lose control, Benson Boone's "Beautiful Things" or Teddy Swims's "Lose Control"?And if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Once upon a time there were no songs about being lonely at Christmas. And then, two early rock-and-roll legends, the King of Rock and Roll Elvis, and lifelong backup singer Darlene Love (overshadowed by megaproducer Phil Spector) released two songs to hit the hearts of people missing their baby on Christmas Day. But only one can rip open our hearts like so much discarded wrapping paper, so we must argueThank you to Chris Della Riva, and check out his new book Uncharted Territory wherever books are sold! https://bio.site/uncharted_territoryIf you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The two great "justice for" pop songs of the 2010s. The two songs that created the lane of popheads' cult heroes that dominates the forums. But only one can stand supreme so which one shall rule, Robyn's "Dancing on My Own" or Carly Rae Jepsen's "Run Away with Me"?And if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did y'all see that Lilith Fair documentary on Hulu? We did, and we have thoughts about two of its biggest stars -- or at least, the two who will always be associated with Lilith Fair first and foremost. But who shall be the victor? Is it Paula Cole's sad-marriage lament "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?", or will it go to Shawn Colvin's "Sunny Came Home" with a vengeance?And if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aooooooooo... there goes Godzilla? We're adding songs about monsters to the ol' Halloween party playlist and we need to know which of the late '70s weirdos is going on there first? Do we admire the perfect hair and tailoring of Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" or do we go scream "My god!" as we get looked down upon by Blue Öyster Cult's "Godzilla"?And if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When did country music get so dumb? We've pinpointed it down to two points along the path that changed country music forever, and we've invited physics expert and '90s country fan Dr. Angela Collier to help us decide which of the proto-bro country songs actually holds up, "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy" by Kenny Chesney or "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" by Big & Rich!And if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the year 2000, mom is taking you to soccer practice and the radio station is playing two quasi-rock adult contemporary songs over and over and over again! But which minivan rock song of Y2K still holds a dear place in our hearts, 3 Doors Down's "Kryptonite" or Lifehouse's "Hanging by a Moment"?And if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Song vs. Song is back from our unscheduled hiatus!! We finally cover two songs you might not know but your favorite artists definitely know and probably covered at one point. What is the best celestial and vaguely Celtic college rock song of the '80s, The Waterboys' "The Whole of the Moon" or The Church's "Under the Milky Way"? if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights:Transgender Law CenterTrans LifelineDestination TomorrowGender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMeAlso, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We keep saying this is the worst VMAs ever, and we're always right. This year hit new lows of being both irrelevant and unwatchable, thank god for Sabrina. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Todd and Lina wind down their break, a special Bonus Episode released from the vault! Enjoy the greatness of Josie and the Pussycats! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While we take our break, a little taste of what you can get on our Patreon! We invited Big Joel to do one of our special Patreon bonus episodes, this time about the High School Musical trilogy! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our follow-up to last year's "Espresso" vs. "HOT TO GO!" episode! How are the two big pop starlets of 2024 faring in 2025? We debate the weird reactions and rollouts of Sabrina Carpenter's "Manchild" vs. Chappell Roan's "The Giver"! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

America loves hip-hop/country mashups that top the charts for 19 weeks! One was a TikTok fluke that changed the culture, one a legitimate country song from an outsider who rode a Beyonce cosign into Nashville, but which is better, Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" vs. Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It is time to revisit one of the most storied rap beefs of all time! Between Pac vs. Biggie and Kendrick vs. Drake, we had Jay-Z vs. Nas, an absolutely vicious rap battle that seems almost quaint now. This was already debated to death in 2001 but we're going to relitigate it, so who actually had the best diss, Jay-Z's "Takeover" or Nas's "Ether"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two of the greatest soul songs -- heck, maybe *the* two greatest soul songs -- of the '70s??! And they both begin with the word "let's"? Well this is a matchup we have to do, so let's vote now, which preacher's son made the better classic lovemaking song, Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" or Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Winehouse and Adele. Two of the greatest vocalists who ever lived who also both happen to be British white girls. And they absolutely tore your guts out with the saddest song in their respective catalogs. So who did it better, Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" or Adele's "Someone Like You"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you listened to the radio in the late '90s, two rock bands had songs about driving and losing loved ones, and seemed to disappear immediately once the '90s ended. And we have Niko Stratis, author of "The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman," to help up choose the best! What's the greatest adult alternative song of the late '90s, "One Headlight" by The Wallflowers or "The Way" by Fastball? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get ready to feel the pulse and ride the wave because we're doing our EDM megahit matchup. But which of the biggest hits of 2013 from Swedish megastars drops the beat hardest, Avicii's "Wake Me Up" or Swedish House Mafia's "Don't You Worry Child"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Strike a pose! Two of the biggest pop divas have a message for the world, but do we unite for Janet or do we move to the music for Madonna? Only one pop diva can be the biggest star of 1990, so let us debate which it is, is it Madonna's "Vogue" or Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The second-wave of grunge arrives, and "What Makes This Song Stink"'s Pat Finnerty is here to explain if they stink! Bush were considered the poor man's Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots were the poor man's Pearl Jam, but has time shifted people's opinions? Let us decide if these songs stink as we debate Bush's "Machinehead" vs. STP's "Interstate Love Song"!!! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

THE EPIC MATCHUP. THE KING OF POP, vs. THE PURPLE ONE. Only one can be the reigning royalty, the titan of pop music of all time. So we are finally hashing it out for ever, WHO'S BAD, Michael Jackson or Prince, and whose biggest hit will reign supreme over the entirety of music, "Billie Jean" or "When Doves Cry"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the 2010s, a teenage girl songwriter came out of nowhere to completely redefine cool for the decade, upend the pop landscape and inspire legions of imitators. Twice. But only one of them can reign, so which teen anthem of the decade overwhelms you more with its effortless above-it-all teenage-ness, "Royals" by Lorde or "bad guy" by Billie Eilish? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're as shocked as you are, but the 2025 Grammys were actually worth watching this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Remember when God was cool? In the early '70s, we had one legend and one nobody storm the charts about the greatness of the higher power, and we're going to see how gave glory to the Lord better? What's the better hippie-dippy religious song, George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" or Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the meme songs of the early 2010s, made by people we look at very differently now! Did they deserve the derision they got? We dive into the agony and ecstasy of Rebecca Black's "Friday" vs. Insane Clown Posse's "Miracles"! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The two biggest pop girls of 2024 face off!! E-S-P-R-E-S-S-O, is it better than Hot To Go? Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" vs. Chappell Roan's "HOT TO GO!", who will win? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let's turn up the heat for Christmas. If you want something sultry and/or problematic for Christmas, there's only two songs available to you so pick your favorite, "Santa Baby" or "Baby It's Cold Outside"! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Song vs. Song has announced the podcast's official political stance: Down with The Man! And we have two great late '80s hip-hop songs to help us take down the establishment, but which makes us angrier, N.W.A.'s "Fuck the Police" or Public Enemy's "Fight the Power"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lina takes over the pod and gives us our first open-ended poll!! So it's time to determine -- what is the best rain song??? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a vaguely-haunted episode about classic rock epics from 1976! Which is the better dark and spooky song with triple-backed guitars, Eagles' "Hotel California" or Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've got rhythm, we've got music, we've got our first Broadway showtunes episode, and we're tackling the two weepiest showstoppers of the '80s, so which is the biggest blockbuster heartbreaker of the Great White Way, "Memory" from "Cats" or "I Dreamed a Dream" from "Les Miz"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our annual look at the VMAs, and they're weirder than ever but were they actually kind of good? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've seen fire, rain, and clouds. From both sides even! But it is time to decide the most heartbreaking acoustic song from the singer-songwriter movement, so what helps us reflect more, Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" or James Taylor's "Fire and Rain"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's 1993 and Alternative Rock cares. But what soothes your hurting Gen-X soul more, R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts" or Soul Asylum's "Runaway Train"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hard rock with synthesizers??? We're going to light up the '80s with some anthemic hair metal but whose shall reign supreme, "Jump" by Van Halen or "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have some of the fiercest, growliest songs of the '60s for you today! Which is the greatest songs that isn't about the Vietnam War but basically is, "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival or "All Along the Watchtower" by the Jimi Hendrix Experience? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WAKE UP! Because we're about to get down with the nu-metal and figure out our favorite wacky metal song of the early ''00s, System of a Down's "Chop Suey!" vs. Disturbed's "Down with the Sickness"! And fittingly for this crazy-ass moment in nu-metal, we've got Holiday Kirk in the episode to help us out! Open up this podcast and let it flow into you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the 2000s, despite some resistance, the alt-rock stations finally discovered hip-hop, or at least something resembling it. But which was the superior UK hip-hop inflected alt-rock song, the Gorillaz' "Feel Good Inc." or M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let 'em say we're crazy, but we're gonna do another movie theme poll. Yes, I swear, it's the truth. This time we're heading off to the magical year of 1987, when mannequins came to life and no one put baby in a corner. But only one can see off our end credits, so which one will it be, Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes' "(I've Had) the Time of My Life" or Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The world is too depressing, let's do some happy-go-lucky '60s sunshine pop love songs! Or are they? Which is your favorite over-covered golden oldie from 1967, Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" or The Turtles' "Happy Together"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes gangstas have happy, pleasant stories! They take cars full of girls to the Eastside Motel, and they don't even have to use their AK. Back up, back up, 'cause it's on, which story about being a smooth gangsta hits the spot for you, Ice Cube's "It Was a Good Day" or Warren G and Nate Dogg's "Regulate"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shawty! The year is 2007, and the twin juggernauts of Akon and T-Pain are running the charts! But can Akon's reedy tenor match T-Pain's autotuned bliss? Which is the better signature tune with the bad rap verse, "Smack That" by Akon or "Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin')" by T-Pain? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The dawn of '90s alternative rock, in the late '80s! Jael Holzman of punk band Ekko Astral joins us to argue about which abrasive college rock anthem stands up higher in hindsight, is it Sonic Youth's "Teen Age Riot" or The Pixies' "Where Is My Mind?" See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a new millennium and we're looking for THE NEW ROCK. And two fantastic garage rock bands have arrived to SAVE ROCK (or not). Which of the two big breakthrough singles of THE NEW ROCK is our favorite, "Last Nite" by The Strokes or "Fell in Love with a Girl" by The White Stripes? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes girls kiss girls, and they write songs about it, and we have feelings about it! Who did the better "I Kissed a Girl," Jill Sobule or Katy Perry? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We do love our country music women getting revenge on men, don't we, whether they're destroying beloved cars or actively taking lives! We invite "Don't Rock the Inbox" writer Natalie Weiner to help us answer who does female justice better, The Chicks with "Goodbye Earl" or Carrie Underwood with "Before He Cheats"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How much praise does one woman need?? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two pop princesses blitzed the charts in 1999, and they would always be compared even though their paths quickly diverged. There's no chance that the iconic "Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears could be upset by Christina Aguilera's "Genie in a Bottle," could there? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the early '80s and shockingly some of the first big rap songs were by white new wave bands. But which is the best of the two big new wave hip-hop (?) hits, "Rapture" by Blondie or "Genius of Love" by Tom Tom Club? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It turns out they do still make Christmas hits! Two big pop divas have conquered the holiday airwaves in the past ten years with Yuletide jams, but which is the best, Ariana Grande's "Santa Tell Me" or Kelly Clarkson's "Underneath the Tree"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The greatest (non-Beatles) British invasion songs of 1965! Is there anything left to say about these towering monoliths of rock? And which is actually better? Is it The Rolling Stones's "Satisfaction" or The Who's "My Generation"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's 2006 and two of the biggest pop songs of the year are from two couples dancing and maybe even doing more than that (but it's not likely). Which is the best flirty duet of 2006, Nelly Furtado ft. Timbaland's "Promiscuous" or Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean's "Hips Don't Lie"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is there anything we love more here at Song vs. Song than '90s alt-rock? Probably not! So now we must debate two of the biggest mid-'90s hits, from the so-called nicest guy in rock vs. the least sympathetic! But does that matter? Who will win, the Foo Fighters' "My Hero" or the Smashing Pumpkins' "Bullet with Butterly Wings"? Please welcome back Joe Kwaczala and check out his new album "Funny Songs & Sketches"! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

White people... rapping?? Comedy gold every time, and in the '00s, two different comedy acts reached new heights with this joke, but only one can be the kings of Caucasian comedy rap, so who reigns supreme? The man myth and legend Weird Al Yankovic with "White and Nerdy" or SNL upstarts The Lonely Island with "I'm on a Boat"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The mid-'90s were a sadder time than you remember! For weeks and weeks and weeks, two songs conquered the charts with insanely long runs at #1, and now no one even seems to remember them! Which is the better grief song of the decade, Elton John's "Candle in the Wind 1997" or Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men's "One Sweet Day"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As always, we watch the MTV Video Music Awards, an event that these days seems to exist solely to promote Taylor Swift. Everyone loves Taylor Swift! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two of the greatest riffs of all time! And they both have songs attached to them! What is the better killer '70s hard rock standard, Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" or Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There was once a great movie, "The Producers"! It was made into a successful Broadway musical! And then it was turned into a terrible movie! A convoluted path that gives us this bonus episode. If you want more like it, check out our Patreon at patreon.com/songvssong and donate a couple dollars! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While the pod is on vacation, we're unlocking a bonus episode just for you! It's "The Muppet Movie," yayyyyy! If you want to hear more great episodes like this, check out our Patreon and donate us some money and you can hear them all! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's our annual "Songs from This Year" episode! For some reason in the middle of the year instead of the end! And for this terrible year we have two of the biggest pop stars in the world dealing with their exes. Which is the best #1 hit of 2023, "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus or "Vampire" by Olivia Rodrigo? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pickitup pickitup pickitup pickitup. I mean, seriously, pick up your plaid fedora and matching pants because we have a ska matchup! And boy, did those ska bands like covers. So we have two ska covers songs to pit against each other today, which is the best, Save Ferris's "Come on Eileen" or Reel Big Fish's "Take on Me"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the '80s and we love America! Or do we? Two of our all-time greatest rockers have thoughts about the ways the good old United States has let us down, but which one hits harder, Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" or Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The '90s pop explosion begins! And it begins with complete nonsense!! The dour grungy world of the '90s was suddenly full of mmmbopadubadops and zigazigahs. But only one could be the greatest pop song of 1997 so which will it be?? "Wannabe" by The Spice Girls or "MMMBop" by Hanson? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oi! It's the late '70s and we're sticking it to Buckingham Palace! Which legendary punk anthem ruffles feathers and makes monocles drop into the River Thames better, the Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK" or The Clash's "London Calling"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They're two of the biggest gangsta hits of all time. But who is more of a gangsta? Is it Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg's "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" or Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It turns out the art-rockers of the '80s could make big pop songs too! What's the best new wave crossover MTV jam, Talking Heads' "Burning Down the House" or Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're keeping it real in the 2000s and we're not letting our fame and success change us, but which pop diva pulls it off better, "Jenny from the Block" by Jennifer Lopez or "Glamorous" by Fergie?

Here we go! We're cold kickin' it live with some '80s hip-hop, and I think it's very vital that we decide who's the best at rockin' the mic! Does Run-DMC show us that "It's Tricky"? Or are rockin' this party eight days a week with the Beastie Boys' "No Sleep Till Brooklyn"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oh, it's one of those episodes! In the early '00s two mega-popular bands were derided as the worst bands alive, but are Todd and Lina going to keep beating that dead horse? We argue what's the best buttrock song, Creed's "With Arms Wide Open" or Nickelback's "How You Remind Me"! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

She's a brick.... freak. She's super freaky! Well, we've decided that she can only be one of two things, so we're going to tackle the subtle differences between '70s funk and '80s funk and decide between The Commodores' "Brick House" and Rick James's "Super Freak"!

OUR ONE HUNDREDTH NUMBERED EPISODE!! How have we gotten this far? We don't know, but we're going to celebrate it with a jumbo-sized podcast about two songs that are near and dear to our hearts, the alternative teen angst songs that changed the lives of so many '90s kids, especially us. What is the great alt-rock game-changer of the decade, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana or "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails?  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Literally the only reason for this Grammy ceremony to exist was to finally give Beyonce one of the big awards, and they screwed it up again! It's the Grammys, everyone!  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The great new wave pioneers of 1980! The unexpected crossover smash hits that proved that the record buyers of the '80s might like this "synth-pop" thing! But only one can be crowned champion, so which will it be, Devo's "Whip It" or Gary Numan's "Cars"?  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Battle of the overwrought inescapable diva ballads from blockbuster '90s movies! Does Celine Dion's titanic smash big enough to overcome Whitney Houston's era-defining hit from "The Bodyguard"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the battle of the '60s legends and their shameful late '80s sellout hits! Is former Beatle George Harrison's obnoxious "Got My Mind Set on You" the better song or is it a Brian Wilson-less Beach Boys and their irritating soundtrack smash "Kokomo"?   iTunes description: It's the battle of the '60s legends and their shameful late '80s sellout hits! Is former Beatle George Harrison's obnoxious "Got My Mind Set on You" the better song or is it a Brian Wilson-less Beach Boys and their irritating soundtrack smash "Kokomo"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Todd and Dany break down the annual nearly-awardless award ceremony of the 2019 Grammys!  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Todd and Dany debate: Which of these R&B mega-hits was the song of the 2000s?? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the battle of the windswept '80s tributes to foreign continents! Will Toto or Men at Work reign supreme? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.