Switched on Pop

Miley Cyrus is pushing artistic boundaries with her latest project, completely redefining her sound. Inspired by Pink Floyd, she’s exploring deeply existential themes in a concept album aimed at healing culture through music. The conversation touches on her jazz influences and surprising collaborations, showcasing a blend of shoegaze and minimalism. There’s also a deep dive into her evolution from pop sensation to avant-garde artist, with a focus on the emotional weight of her lyrics, particularly in tracks like 'End of the World' and 'Prelude.'

Chappell Roan’s Grammy performance reveals unexpected ties between country and 80s hair metal. Discover how glam rock aesthetics shape her country hit "The Giver." Intrigue unfolds as connections to AC/DC’s producer and Shania Twain illuminate the evolution of sound and identity within the genres. The discussion dives into how lyrical humor blends small-town life with contemporary themes, and examines the dazzling gender expressions rooted in both country and hair metal styles. A bold fusion emerges from this musical detective story!

Pete Townshend, the legendary guitarist and songwriter for The Who, shares the fascinating backstory of their iconic anthem 'My Generation.' Commissioned by six fans, the track captures the rebellious spirit of 1960s youth. Townshend reflects on the song's spontaneous lyrics, musical influences, and the societal pressures that shaped its creation. He also discusses its controversial reception, including the BBC ban, and how its message resonates in today's generational landscape, proving its legacy transcends time.

Lady Gaga's latest album captures her gothic essence while paying homage to her musical influences like Prince and Bowie. The conversation dives into the chaotic layers of tracks like 'Killa,' spotlighting falsetto and industrial sounds. The intriguing parallels between Gaga and Taylor Swift's works ignite discussions on potential collaborations. As they explore her evolution, listeners are treated to a celebration of Gaga's contributions to pop, alongside musings on the evolving landscape of music and the emergence of 'oligarch pop.'

When the song “Get Ur Freak On” hit radio in 2001, it set the world of popular music on fire. Missy Elliott and Timbaland’s first crossover hit sounded nothing like the chart-topping bluesy rock of Aerosmith or Lenny Kravitz, or the smooth R&B of Joe or Jagged Edge. It was a song that compelled you to dance - literally, with Missy issuing repeat commands to “get ur freak on” and encouraging crowds to gather ‘round in what we’ve only ever experienced as a hot slick mess of bodies, cheering and vibing as one pretzeling mass. But this song was years in the making. Timbaland and Missy had been hard at work on the sound for nearly a decade before “Get Ur Freak On” was heard by anyone.This week, in yet another segment of our Modern Classics miniseries, our guest host and former producer Megan Lubin shares the story of the sound that made “Get Ur Freak On” a pop music phenomenon, and transformed Timbaland into one of the most ubiquitous producers of the aughts.  Songs DiscussedMissy Elliott - Get Ur Freak OnTweet - Oops (Oh My)Jay-Z - Dirt off Your ShoulderJustin Timberlake - What Goes Around... Comes Around2Pac - Me Against The WorldTLC - CreepGinuwine - Pony Aaliyah - One in a MillionJay-Z ft. UGK - Big Pimpin’Jay-Z - Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)Justin Timberlake - Cry Me a RiverNelly Furtado - PromiscuousJustin Timberlake ft. T.I. - My LoveTimbaland ft. One Republic - ApologizeSports Car - Tate McRae Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the fascinating world of Imogen Heap as the hosts explore her groundbreaking track 'Hide and Seek.' Discover how a technical glitch led to a sonic breakthrough that shaped modern pop music. From the whimsical journey of the vocoder to the unexpected inspiration found in late-night sessions, the conversation highlights music's spontaneous artistry. Plus, see how the song's influence endures, from iconic samples to its vibrant presence in today's soundscape. A blend of nostalgia and innovation awaits!

Dive into the groundbreaking journey of Rihanna's iconic hit, 'Umbrella,' and discover how it altered the landscape of pop music. Explore the innovative production techniques and emotional depth that defined the track. Learn about the intense competition for the song and the key collaborations that brought it to life. Unpack the significance of GarageBand in modern music, showing how accessible technology reshapes creativity. This riveting story unveils how one song can change an artist's fate and influence an entire genre.

Tate McRae's music blends emotional depth with catchy beats, drawing on the nostalgia of 2000s pop. The conversation dissects her unique vocal style and strategic influences, with comparisons to pop legends like Britney Spears. She navigates themes of self-acceptance in her tracks, showcasing her growth as an artist. The hosts explore the significance of simplicity in pop, emphasizing the cultural implications of musical mimicry. As they delve into her journey from dancer to pop star, they highlight the importance of both refining and revolutionizing sound in today's music.

This discussion weaves through the nostalgic resurgence of trance music, examining its roots and impact on pop today. The team highlights FKA Twigs' innovative take on 'Eusexua,' exploring themes of love and consciousness. They delve into The Weeknd's 'Hurry Up Tomorrow,' unraveling its emotional journey through fame and isolation. Unique sounds and genre-blending techniques illustrate how both artists are reshaping the music landscape, making it an insightful exploration of contemporary pop and its connections to the past.

Liz Pelly, a music journalist and author of "Mood Machine," dives deep into Spotify's world. She reveals how the platform's algorithms and major label dominance shape the music we hear, often at the expense of artists' creativity. Pelly discusses Spotify’s evolution from a piracy response to a streaming giant, the illusion of endless choice, and the emotional impact of music in our lives. Through her insights, she challenges listeners to consider the personal cost of their perfect playlists.