Switched on Pop

Discussing Beyoncé's venture into country music with new singles 'TEXAS HOLD 'EM' and '16 CARRIAGES', exploring their structures and inspirations. Producer Reanna Cruz interviews music journalist Taylor Crumpton about Beyoncé's cultural impact. Analyzing the blend of blues, early country music elements in the songs, and Beyoncé's representation in the country music genre.

CHROMEO, the Canadian Electro-Funk duo, challenges adult contemporary music norms with their latest album. The podcast discusses themes of maturity, sexiness, and insomnia coping mechanisms in their funky tunes. Explore the influence of Steely Dan on music and the importance of trust in relationships for longevity.

Listen as the hosts discuss the evolution of the U.S. National Anthem and how pop divas have put their own unique spin on it in iconic performances. Data journalists analyze pitch fluctuations and create a 'diva score' to quantify the extra-ness. They explore embellishments, text painting, surprising reinterpretations, and individualistic ethos in national anthem performances.

Brittany Howard, a powerful and versatile artist, discusses her new album 'What Now' and her creative evolution. Topics include her diverse musical style, personal growth, creative freedom, writing music during the pandemic, and gratitude. A must-listen for fans of Howard's unique artistry.

When it comes to musical theater, everyone has an opinion. And Bridger Winegar, host of the very funny podcast I Said No Gifts!, is no exception. In the paradoxical tradition of Bridger's podcast, Charlie and Nate have brought a series of gifts in the form of a sonic smorgasbord: a tour through musical theater's finest offerings, from Les Miserables to Spring Awakening.Check out Bridger's podcast I Said No Gifts! here.For more on movie musicals, check out this episode of Vox's Today Explained.Sign up for the Switched On Pop NewsletterSongs discussed: Brian Johnson, Gideon Glick, John Gallagher Jr., Jonathan B. Wright, Jonathan Groff, Skylar Astin – The Bitch Of Living – Original Broadway Cast Recording/2006 Duncan Sheik – Barely Breathing Thee Oh Sees – The Dream Liars – Mr Your On Fire Mr The Electric Prunes – I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) Ariana Grande – yes, and? Robyn – Call Your Girlfriend Randy Graff – I Dreamed a Dream Ali Stroker – I Cain't Say No Josh Groban, Annaleigh Ashford, Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd 2023 Broadway Company – My Friends Frank Sinatra – Send In The Clowns Billy Bragg, Wilco – California Stars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kali Uchis, known for her genre fusion, explores genres of the past and present on her latest album 'Orchídeas'. The podcast discusses her distinctive sound, the inclusion of the Bolero genre, and the incorporation of diverse regional sounds. It also explores the Bam Bam rhythm, the rise of Ama Piano, and Kali Uchis' ability to break down cultural divides through her music.

This podcast explores the musical nostalgia in today's pop music. It analyzes Lil Nas X's songs and his evolution as an artist. The podcast also discusses Ariana Grande's new single and her improvisational style. The hosts explore the connections between Lil Nas X, Ariana Grande, and Madonna's music, as well as the use of nostalgia in pop music. They also decode a mysterious vocal layer in Ariana Grande's song and discuss the trend of incorporating past elements in pop music.

Music specialist Joe Treble joins hosts Charlie and Nate to answer listener questions about missing harmonies in pop music, the versatility of 'Make Your Own Kind of Music,' the use of songs as memes and soundtracks, analyzing songs in film soundtracks, exploring the concept of email in a song from 1999, and listener appreciation.

The podcast explores the trend of sped-up remixes on platforms like TikTok and discusses their impact, including the resurgence of older songs. They also delve into historical precedents such as DJ Screw's chopped and screwed music and the influence of Jamaican dub music. The popularity of slowed and sped-up remixes in music is explored, including their influence from YouTube culture and the rise of the vaporwave micro genre. They discuss the genre of Chipmunks soul, nightcore, and the effects of listening to sped up and slowed down remixes on the body.

Chilly Gonzales, Grammy-winning pianist, discusses the surprising staying power of Wham's 'Last Christmas' and the song's resilient harmonies. They analyze the musical techniques in the song, exploring tension and resolution in the melody and emotional shifts. The podcast also explores contemporary songwriting, the problem with Christmas albums, and appreciation for Charlie Brown's Christmas record.