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.

Covering the Rise of Tracy Chapman

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

Music

Music Interviews

Music Commentary

Catching up on the conclusion of rap’s heavyweight fight, Zendaya in “Challengers,” a  new Central Cee freestyle and Post Malone’s country single with Morgan Wallen.

Kendrick-Drake Beef Ends + Zendaya, Post Malone & Central Cee (Deluxe)

A conversation about one of the most admired, and divisive, figures in rock. Guest host: Ben Sisario. Guests: The Atlantic's Jeremy Gordon, and Joe Gross.

The Legacy of Steve Albini, Rock’s Uncompromising Force

Breaking down the heavyweight rap battle after a weekend of dramatic diss tracks.

Popcast (Deluxe): How Kendrick Lamar Out-Drake’d Drake

Picking the best edited track list for “The Tortured Poets Department” one week later and charting the recent rise of a pair of pop’s middle-class stars.

Popcast (Deluxe): The Best New Taylor Swift Songs. Plus: Chappell Roan & Sabrina Carpenter

Answering your questions about the sound and substance of the pop superstar’s double album, and the way fans and critics have responded to it. Guests: Caryn Ganz and Stereogum's Tom Breihan.

Covering the Rise of Tracy Chapman

Download our free app to listen on your phone