EPISODE #54

“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever,” the new track from Zayn and Taylor Swift, finds two members of the pop pantheon joining forces with producer Jack Antonoff to craft an inexorable hit song. But this duet—between a former One Direction heartthrob aiming to avert the sophomore slump and a megastar returning to the limelight—is far from triumphant. Instead, “Forever” delves into themes of loss and separation—emotions in turn embedded in the very structure and melody of this most unusual duet.

Later, Charlie and Nate discuss what upcoming Grammy nominations have them most excited, From Chance the Rapper to Radiohead, Bowie to Solange, there’s much to celebrate from 2016. Musically speaking, that is.

SONGS DISCUSSED

Zayn & Taylor Swift – I Don’t Wanna Live Forever

Giovanni Gabrieli – Symphoniae Sacrae II

Solange – Cranes in the Sky

Chance the Rapper – All We Got

David Bowie – Lazarus

Radiohead – Burn the Witch

Tycho – Glider