Kimbra reflects on a song that we used to know ten years later
Reflecting on “Somebody I Used To Know” a decade later, Kimbra discusses how this unlikely hit song inspired her to pursue her singular musical vision, and how it feels to be yet again co-nominated for a 2021 Grammy for her collaboration with Jacob Collier and Tank and The Bangas on “In My Bones.”
Kaytranada's journey from basement beat-making to the Grammys
Kaytranada has what every producer strives for: an in demand signature sound. His records glide fluidly between house four-to-the-floor beats, hip hop samples flipping and P-Funk style 808 bass lines.
JP Saxe Didn’t Mean for His Grammy Hit ‘If the World Was Ending’ to Be So Literal
JP Saxe wrote the song “If the World was Ending” with acclaimed songwriter Julia Michaels in 2019 about a fictional cataclysm that presaged the pandemic.
Adrian Younge's new project sounds like James Baldwin meets Marvin Gaye
Adrian Younge crafts an unapologetic critique of racism in America — and a funky paean to its greatest Black musicians
The Scandalous Sounds of Bridgerton (w Kris Bowers)
The Netflix series Bridgerton has hooked audiences with its bodice-ripping sex scenes, a colorblind approach period drama casting, and a soundtrack featuring recreations of modern bangers from pop stars like Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish arranged in the style of a classical string quartet.
How The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” used retro sounds and modern bass to break every record
On Switched on Pop’s first episode as part of Vulture, we break down how “Blinding Lights” blends lyrical relatability with musical familiarity, earning The Weeknd the biggest and perhaps most misunderstood hit of his career.
Epik High is our gateway into Korean hip hop (with Tablo)
A conversation with Tablo about Epik High Is Here Part 1
Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” is a full throttle power ballad
The power ballad peaked in the 90s. Is it making a comeback?
Wham! Op. 84 “Last Christmas” with Chilly Gonzales
George Michael & “A Very Chilly Christmas”
Women's Rap Renaissance
Megan Thee Stallion, Tierra Whack, Rico Nasty, Flo Milli, and CHIKA
The Cyndi Lauper Conspiracy (with Sam Sanders)
Every song Cyndi Lauper writes is pop perfection according to Sam Sanders … except for one mysterious synth solo.
ANTHEMS: Missy Elliott — Work It
Cultural critic Ivie Ani breaks down how Missy Elliott broke into the pantheon of anthems, and how she changed the scope of who could belong.
ANTHEMS: Smash Mouth - All Star
How “All Star” became an anthem played in sports arenas, soundtracked by Hollywood, and embedded into seemingly every internet meme.
ANTHEMS: Jock Jams — Get Ready For This
n 1995, ESPN launched Jock Jams Volume 1, a compilation record that would define the sound of sports for the next quarter century.
ANTHEMS: Queen — We Are The Champions
Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles’ album “Something To Say” makes you want to get up and dance as much as it makes you want to take action.
Cory Henry Has Something To Say
Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles’ album “Something To Say” makes you want to get up and dance as much as it makes you want to take action.
The Pop Music Forecast (with Lauren Michele Jackson)
What Shawn Mendes, BTS, Alicia Keys, Dua Lipa, 24kGoldn, Justin Bieber & Chance The Rapper can tell us about the state of pop music.