Popcast
The New York Times • Music
The New York Times • Music
Popcast
The New York Times • Music
The New York Times • Music

About

The Popcast is hosted by Jon Caramanica, a pop music critic for The New York Times. It covers the latest in popular music criticism, trends and news. Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp

Episodes

  • Popcast (Deluxe): Taylor Swift’s ‘Tortured’ Era
    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.
  • Vampire Weekend’s New Album Goes Underground and All Over
    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.
  • Popcast (Deluxe): It’s Drake vs. Everybody … Who’s Winning?
    Breaking down the convoluted recent beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar (and Future, Metro Boomin, the Weeknd, ASAP Rocky, Rick Ross and more).
  • Beyoncé, ‘Cowboy Carter’ and Filling in History’s Gaps
    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.
  • Popcast (Deluxe): Listening to Beyoncé & Future (and the Discourse)
    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.
  • Lil Jon: The Popcast (Deluxe) Interview
    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.
  • The Justin Timberlake Conundrum
    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.
  • Popcast (Deluxe): Is Reality TV in a New Golden Age?
    Catching up on recent hit shows like “Love Is Blind,” “The Traitors” and “Survivor,” including how social media has added another layer of reality.
  • Popcast (Deluxe): What’s an Industry Plant Anyway? Plus: Ariana Grande
    Discussing the quick ascent of the downtempo R&B singer 4batz, the new Ariana Grande album, “eternal sunshine,” music at the Oscars and more.
  • Tate McRae, Dua Lipa and the Fight to Be ‘Main Pop Girl’
    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.
  • girl in red: The Popcast (Deluxe) Interview
    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.
  • Popcast (Deluxe): Is TikTok Done? 4 Crises Holding the App Back
    Once addictive and effective, TikTok is struggling with commercialization, a shifting relationship with the music industry and more.
  • Remembering Toby Keith and His Complexities
    A conversation about his loudest (and quieter) moments, and how patriotism has played into country music. Guest: David Cantwell.
  • Popcast (Deluxe): Pop Stars vs. the Attention Economy
    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.
  • Covering the Rise of Tracy Chapman
    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.
  • Popcast (Deluxe): Usher, Beyoncé and Ye Lead a Busy Week in Pop
    Recapping the Super Bowl halftime show, two new singles from Beyoncé, Ye’s “Vultures 1” album and more.
  • How Usher Arrived at the Super Bowl Halftime Show
    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.
  • 2024 Grammys, Dissected: Taylor, Miley, SZA, Tracy, Joni and More
    Was this the year the awards got it correct? Guests: Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.
  • Popcast (Deluxe): Will Taylor, SZA or Olivia Win Big at the Grammys?
    A breakdown of the major categories and most interesting competitions at the 66th annual awards on Sunday.
  • Popcast (Deluxe): Playboi Carti, Waxahatchee and 12 More to Watch
    A breakdown of new albums and songs for 2024 (and a handful of possible but dubious releases).