Selena Gomez's 'Rare' came after a period of experimentation for one of the most popular people on earth. She had collaborated with dance producers and had a string of excellent standalone releases so 'Rare' could've been anything. 'Lose You To Love Me' instantly became her first #1 - a startingly honest ballad unlike anything she's ever done before - and the bar for 'Rare' was set high. Was it met? Probably not but we get into it all here.

Welcome back to The Pop In! The adjacent podcast to Flopstars running through the big releases and music stories of the last 7 days.

Coming Up

Bop or Flop

also sam saw lana in mexico

Ryan Beatty is someone we've needed to talk about for a while. 'Boy In Jeans' is one of Nic's favourite records of all time and it's an important jumping block to discuss a really interesting career. It's a record about embracing queerness and joy while also unpacking trauma from the past and it's done so in a nuanced masterful way. If you're not already on the Ryan Beatty train, this is your invitation.

What’s been happening this week? / Coming Up

Bop or Flop

Halle - Angel

David Guetta & Bebe Rexha - One In A Million

Doja Cat - Paint The Town Red

Jorja Smith - GO GO GO

Gretta Ray - Dont date The Teenager

Nao - Balance

We finally talk about an artist that we’ve been fascinated by for a while on this episode. Bebe Rexha’s third album ‘Bebe’ is the focus. A cohesive, strong pop album that is overshadowed by a behemoth hit that is bigger than the artist herself. We discuss what needs to happen for Bebe to be finally given her flowers and much more on this week’s episode.

Welcome back to The Pop In!

What’s been happening this week?

Bop or Flop

Carly Rae Jepsen - Psychedelic Switch

Travis Scott & Beyonce - Delestro (Echoes)

Sam Smith & Calvin Harris - Desire

Post Malone - Enough Is Enough

Tkay Maidza - Ring-A-Ling

Holly Humberstone - Superbloodmoon

Tori Kelly - Cut

ADDITIONAL VIEWING

Calvin Harris with Roman, Sian & Chris on Capital: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLfL9nrqX5A

Vice Australia with Tkay Maidza: https://www.instagram.com/p/CvWg1X2pZRz/

We turn to Kelly Clarkson's fourth album 'All I Ever Wanted' in this episode, a record that was a chart hit but perhaps a personal defeat. After 'My December' this saw Clarko back on the charts but giving up some of the intimacy of the previous record. It's a varied but ultimately triumphant album.

What’s been happening this week?

Bop or Flop (featuring our First Ever Guest, Friend Of The Show Jono)

Troye Sivan - Rush

Billie - What Was I Made For

Pinkpantheress & Destroy Lonely - Turn Ya Phone Off

Disclosure - Talk On The Phone

Jung Kook & Latto - Seven

Joel Corry, Icona Pop & Rain Radio - Desire

Blusher - Limelight

Post Malone - Overdrive

What’s been happening this week? / Coming Up

Bop or Flop

Taylor Swift - I Can See You

Fifty Fifty & Kaliii - Barbie Dreams

Anne-Marie - TRAINWRECK

Tkay Maidza & Flume - Silent Assassin

Dominic Fike & Weezer - think fast

TXT & Jonas Brothers - Do It Like That

Kamille, Tamera & Bellah - Options

NewJeans - Super Shy