

Alexis Petridis
The Guardian’s head rock and pop critic, with over 20 years of experience covering the music industry.
Best podcasts with Alexis Petridis
Ranked by the Snipd community

7 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 32min
From boom to backlash: has Taylor Swift lost her touch?
Laura Snapes, Deputy Music Editor at The Guardian, and Alexis Petridis, Chief Pop and Rock Critic, dive into the backlash surrounding Taylor Swift's latest album. They unpack the mixed critical reactions and explore controversial marketing tactics, like multiple vinyl variants criticized for exploiting superfans. The duo also critiques the album's musical quality, noting its derivative sounds. Finally, they discuss Swift's evolution as an industry powerhouse and speculate on her creative future, hinting at potential themes of marriage and motherhood.

Oct 24, 2024 • 32min
Liam Payne: the heady rise and tragic death of a One Direction star
In this engaging discussion, Alexis Petridis, a seasoned rock critic, and Oritse Williams from JLS delve into the life and struggles of Liam Payne. They highlight One Direction's rise despite the challenges of fame, emphasizing mental health battles that accompany celebrity status. The duo reflects on the emotional toll of public scrutiny and the urgent need for better mental health awareness in the industry. They also explore how music evokes nostalgia, creating lasting emotional connections with fans.


