Popcast

Picking the best edited track list for “The Tortured Poets Department” one week later and charting the recent rise of a pair of pop’s middle-class stars.

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.

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.

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.

Breaking down the convoluted recent beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar (and Future, Metro Boomin, the Weeknd, ASAP Rocky, Rick Ross and more).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Catching up on recent hit shows like “Love Is Blind,” “The Traitors” and “Survivor,” including how social media has added another layer of reality.

Discussing the quick ascent of the downtempo R&B singer 4batz, the new Ariana Grande album, “eternal sunshine,” music at the Oscars and more.

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.

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.

Once addictive and effective, TikTok is struggling with commercialization, a shifting relationship with the music industry and more.

A conversation about his loudest (and quieter) moments, and how patriotism has played into country music. Guest: David Cantwell.

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.

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.

Recapping the Super Bowl halftime show, two new singles from Beyoncé, Ye’s “Vultures 1” album and more.

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.

Was this the year the awards got it correct? Guests: Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.

A breakdown of the major categories and most interesting competitions at the 66th annual awards on Sunday.

A breakdown of new albums and songs for 2024 (and a handful of possible but dubious releases).

With the music website’s future uncertain, Ryan Schreiber and Chris Kaskie look back at its start.

A rundown of impressive recent releases and a look at who benefits (and suffers) when artists working outside formal jazz idioms are lumped into conversations about the genre. Guests: Marcus J. Moore and Giovanni Russonello.

Pop’s premier troll returns while one of its biggest voices turns her attention to gossip, and the first blockbuster rap album of the year arrives.

Plus: Barry Keoghan’s “Murder on the Dancefloor,” Jeremy Allen White’s stripped-down moment and Nathan Fielder’s “The Curse” wraps up.

Concerts paused during the height of the pandemic, and returned at full power in 2023. Our pop music editor saw a lot of them. Guest: Caryn Ganz

The touring business saw record revenue in 2023 and major tours made news, but fans still struggle with ticket prices and access — and political leaders are watching. Guest: Ben Sisario.

The comedian and podcaster known as the Kid Mero on the year in internet domination, including Ice Spice, Keith Lee, the Weeknd, Kai Cenat and more.

The most impactful tracks of the year come from different genres and generations — and not all of them are traditional songs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.

An emotional conversation with one of the year’s biggest breakout stars about turning his life around and transitioning from Southern rap to country hitmaking.

Our critics debate their year-end lists (and agree on SZA, Olivia Rodrigo and 100 gecs!) in a wrap-up of the year in LPs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.

Discussing the singer’s new concert film that documents the Renaissance World Tour, interspersed with behind-the-scenes looks at how it came to be.

A conversation about K-pop’s long march to American awareness, and the potential risks of that embrace. Guest: Kara.

Is it possible for rappers to age gracefully? Where are the new stars? A discussion on the state of the genre and where it may be heading.

The acclaimed rapper’s first solo album contains no rapping. What does this sharp creative turn reveal about its maker? Guests: GQ's Zach Baron, and Sadie Sartini Garner.

Taking viewer and listener questions on hot topics in pop music.

Dissecting the contenders for the 2024 Grammy Awards, including top nominations for SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, boygenius, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Jon Batiste. Plus: Nathan Fielder's "The Curse."

A conversation about the 22-year-old singer, songwriter and producer’s new album and the art of sampling. Guests: Kemi Alemoru and Lindsay Zoladz.

Breaking down Sofia Coppola’s new film, an impressionistic take on Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s relationship, plus: the surprising depth of a reality TV spinoff.

Revisiting the rustic mainstream sound of the early 2010s, the Vermont singer-songwriter has broken through with “Stick Season.” Guests: Vox's Rebecca Jennings and Billboard's Jason Lipshutz.

With certain headliners hogging up space, where are the new stars? We checked in on recent hits from the radio, streaming services and TikTok.

A conversation about the pop star’s evolution on his new album, “Something to Give Each Other,” and the ceilings he may still face as an openly gay male performer. Guests: Harry Tafoya and Shaad D’Souza.

Reacting to “The Woman in Me,” the new book by Spears, and Martin Scorsese’s latest film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone.

The rapper’s new album, “For All the Dogs,” has stirred debate about maturity and misogyny, and led to questions about the next phase of his career. Guests: The Ringer's Justin Charity and Pitchfork's Dylan Green.

A conversation about Swift’s concert film documenting her summer stadium sojourn. Plus: The new album “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana.”

A conversation about the history — and future — of album reviews in an increasingly fraught environment for music journalism and criticism.

A discussion about “For All the Dogs” and the fever-pitch online discourse around Drake, his career and his public persona. Plus: reality TV drama.

In a guest appearance, the country-pop singer discusses her recent decision to step back from country music because of Nashville’s poor track record of tolerance and diversity.

A conversation about the singer-songwriter’s post-politics approach to stardom, his dogged work ethic and his artistic coalition with fellow dissidents.

Breaking down Doja Cat’s surprising new album, “Scarlet,” plus: Swift’s foray into football and Hasan Minhaj’s fibs.

A conversation about how the musician, who died this month at 76, turned a way of life into a song — and that song back into a very profitable way of life. Guest: Jon Pareles

Plus: what it’s like in Sean Combs’s sauna.

A deep dive into whom the singer’s new songs might be about — and if it matters. Plus: Zach Bryan’s breakthrough and recent arrest.

The 20-year-old singer-songwriter returns with “Guts,” an album informed by the opportunities and costs of her rapid rise. Guests: Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz.

What we watched (and read!) this summer.

A conversation about Swift’s relationship to celebrity, the tour date as destination event and how fans dressed up for the show. Guests: Caryn Ganz, Vrinda Jagota and Josh Duboff.

Listener (and viewer!) questions on some recent releases, also including Renee Rapp, Earl Sweatshirt and Zach Bryan.

A conversation about how the concert relates to Beyoncé’s stadium show, the role of dance in Swift’s spectacular and more. Guests: Wesley Morris, Brian Seibert and Bandsplain's Yasi Salek.

The rapid rise of Oliver Anthony Music’s “Rich Men North of Richmond,” plus: the playful pop of the TikTok star Addison Rae.

One of jam’s most definitive bands is still attracting new recruits, and younger generations are finding comfort in its community. Guests: JamBase's Scott Bernstein; and Marc Tracy.

Tracks by Morgan Wallen, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and more have dominated this summer — or at least attempted to.

What can pop stars get away with? Plus: the deaths of Sinead O’Connor and Angus Cloud.

A conversation about her unlikely pop fame, complex relationship to stardom and powerful, signature music. Guests: Alfred Soto and Amanda Hess.

Peso Pluma, Ice Spice, Skrillex, 100 gecs and more.

After the country star’s “Try That in a Small Town” video was criticized as offensive, right-wing support sent the song to No. 2 on the singles chart. Guests: The Tennessean's Marcus K. Dowling; the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Amanda Marie Martinez

Plus: Violent J in our 50 Rappers, 50 Stories project, new songs and new snacks.

A look at how we assembled a sweeping collection of personal narratives, and the threads that tie them together. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Elena Bergeron and Keith Murphy.

Plus: Music from Troye Sivan and Militarie Gun (as performed by Post Malone).

Plus: Lil Uzi Vert’s new No. 1 “Pink Tape,” and Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City.”

How the Chicago rap veteran reinvented himself, and became a star largely in the shadows. Guest: Fake Shore Drive's Andrew Barber.

Plus: “Barbie” memes and the Grimace Shake attacks.

Up for discussion this week: “The Idol” approaches its finale, the conclusion of Kesha and Dr. Luke’s legal battle and more.

The global star’s single has become the soundtrack of Pride this year, opening fresh conversations about pop divas and their gay fans. Guest: Vulture's Jason P. Frank

What’s the role of global celebrity in high fashion? Why hasn’t hip-hop penetrated the charts this year? And what’s the snack of the week?

A conversation about how the singer-songwriter was received during her career peak, and how she is remaking her own music in her later years. Guest: Lindsay Zoladz.

Dissecting the recent wave of songs ‘by’ Drake and others, plus your questions about band reunions, a rundown of new songs and more.

You asked, we answered your questions about the weight of following a smash single and the persistence of genre. Guests: Jon Pareles, Joe Coscarelli, Lindsay Zoladz and Caryn Ganz.

Breaking down Ice Spice’s new feature on Swift’s “Karma” remix, the explosion in pop music documentaries and more.

Introducing a new weekly video show from the Popcast team that breaks down the essential pop culture story lines of the moment.

A 12-year-old Miguel song has re-entered the Billboard charts, demonstrating how the app reshapes listening habits. Guest: Billboard's Elias Leight.

A conversation about the British musician’s journey to her lush neo-disco manifesto “That! Feels Good!” Guests: Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz.

Do current protections account for how music is actually made now? Guest: Ben Sisario.

The elusive vocalist and producer performed his first shows last month. Do they mark the end of an arc, or a new beginning? Guests: Lindsay Zoladz and The New Yorker's Jia Tolentino.

A conversation about the genre's new wave of big-tent ambition, and the whimsical British artist at the heart of it. Guest: Foster Kamer.

Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce and Kacey Musgraves have reacted to breakups — and found freedom — in song. Guest: Marissa R. Moss.

How Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus’s side project has become a major part of their music — and their lore. Guests: Jon Pareles and Pitchfork's Cat Zhang.

The pop superstar is back on tour for the first time since 2018, performing grand stadium shows that spin a narrative from her 10-album catalog. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.

A conversation about the ubiquitous Bronx rapper’s rise, and her boosts from the meme universe. Guest: Rolling Stone's Jeff Ihaza.

As the country star’s new album earns the biggest debut of the year, a conversation about the nature of his fame and the scope of his reprimand for using a racial slur. Guest: The New Yorker's Kelefa Sanneh.

A conversation about the group’s impact and legacy as its music finally arrives on streaming services, just weeks after the death of one of its rappers, Dave Jolicoeur. Guests: Questlove and Joseph Patel.

The hitmaker has been named a creative director at Louis Vuitton, building another bridge between two worlds with decades of history. Guest: Complex's Aria Hughes.

A conversation about the singer and songwriter’s chart-topping “SOS,” and the different approach to star-making that brought her there. Guest: Danyel Smith.

A conversation about the hip-hop eccentric’s experiments, and the benefits (and perils) of collaborating outside an artist’s established genre. Guests: Jayson Buford and The Ringer's Justin Charity.

Does respect from music’s premier awards show still carry weight? Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.

Acts with growing profiles and unique personalities are taking increasingly different paths, as the genre’s globalization opens new doors. Guest: Tamar Herman.

The concert giant has long been the target of consumer complaints and artists’ ire. Recent incidents involving Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny have renewed focus on problems in the live marketplace. Guest: Ben Sisario.

As the genre experiences a creative renaissance, has it become quietly radical to re-embrace the past? Guests: Harmony Holiday and Giovanni Russonello.

With a blockbuster LP and a smash tour, the genre-melding superstar set a new bar for himself, and expanded the possibilities for Spanish-language pop worldwide. Guests: Billboard's Leila Cobo and The New York Times Magazine's Carina del Valle Schorske.