Brittany Spano, Senior writer at Rolling Stone and adjunct instructor at NYU, shares her expertise on Rihanna's impact in pop music. The discussion dives into Rihanna's challenging upbringing and journey to fame, highlighting her reggae roots and the evolution that led to hits like 'Umbrella.' They also debate Jay-Z's guest verse, pondering its controversial status in his career. Spano and the host explore underrated tracks from Rihanna's discography and celebrate her lasting influence in shaping contemporary music.

Switched on Pop's Charlie Harding and Rolling Stone's Brittany Spanos debate whether the concept of the 'song of the summer' is fading. They discuss the history of this idea, the evolution of music trends, and the challenges faced by artists in the current industry landscape.

Brittany Spanos, a Rolling Stone contributor known for her keen insights, and Rob Sheffield, a seasoned writer at Rolling Stone, delve into the controversy surrounding Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show. They explore the unexpected reactions to his performance, highlighting the absence of his biggest hits and the artistic choices he made. The discussion covers his personal rivalries, the nuanced political messages, and the challenges of reaching a diverse audience. Humorously, they touch on pop culture speculations, making the conversation both enlightening and entertaining.

Join music writer Rob Sheffield, author of 'Heartbreak Is the National Anthem,' and Rolling Stone contributor Brittany Spanos as they dive into Taylor Swift's monumental influence on pop. They explore her journey from teenage songwriter to cultural icon, discussing how her guitar symbolizes empowerment. The duo also highlights Swift's unique approach to songwriting, the impactful release strategies behind her albums, and her ability to redefine female representation in the music industry, drawing parallels to legends like Bob Dylan.

Brittany Spanos, a Senior writer at Rolling Stone, joins Chris Stedman, a writer and host known for his insights on music, to dissect the concept of a 'flop' in pop music. They dive into Katy Perry's underwhelming '143', exploring how audience expectations and commercial performance affect reputations. The duo discusses how flops can lead to artistic growth, the shifting definitions shaped by digital culture, and how fans, particularly in the queer community, embrace these 'failures' with a sense of affection.

Brittany Spanos, a Rolling Stone writer known for her insightful music industry coverage, discusses the remarkable rise of pop star Chappell Roan. They explore Roan's journey from the Ozarks to stardom, highlighting her bold identity and unique sound. Spanos emphasizes why current controversies won't define Roan's career, mentioning the impact of her personal struggles and the evolving landscape of queer representation in music. The duo also dives into the challenges of sudden fame and the importance of authentic communication in today's media.

Two guests, Charlie Harding and Brittany Spanos, debate the existence of the song of the summer. They explore the evolution of the concept, summer music trends, and changing dynamics in the music industry. The podcast challenges the idea of a definitive 'Song of the Summer' in today's diverse music landscape.

Two Swifties, Brittany Spanos and Dr. Elly McCausland, discuss their college courses on Taylor Swift, diving into her music, business savvy, and the misconceptions surrounding her. They explore the parallels between Taylor's lyrics and literature, challenging stereotypes and reflecting on her impact. Tune in to hear about the backlash and culture surrounding Taylor Swift's work.

While music streaming platforms have exploded, many critics argue the status quo isn't working for artists. We're taking a deep dive into the music industry, exploring the relationship between artists, labels, fans and the internet. On this episode, we're joined by music journalists Brittany Spanos, senior staff writer at Rolling Stone, and Naima Cochrane, a music and culture journalist and a former record label executive at some of the industry’s biggest outlets.Binge all episodes early and ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App https://wondery.app.link/businesswars.Support us by supporting our sponsor!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join music journalist Tomás Mier, writer Brittany Spanos, and cultural critic Rob Sheffield as they dissect some of the most criticized songs, including 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Bitch.' They debate whether the 'worst songs' label still holds weight in a world dominated by TikTok's viral pressures. The trio also explores how live concert behavior has shifted post-pandemic and reflects on the evolving perception of music, revealing how once-derided tracks can transform into beloved favorites over time.