Music Media Review

Freddie Mercury epitomized classic rock as Queen's enthusiastic frontman! Recording almost 2 decades worth of music came to a heartbreaking when he died of AIDS 11/24/91. Freddie would've turned 80 September 5th, and every Labor Day weekend his fan club host celebratory birthday events to keeping his memory alive. Raised a lifelong Queen fan, I devote this tribute episode with exclusive memories I encountered, and joined by returning guest Eric Senich: Booked On Rock's podcast host. 

Queen: All the Songs - The Story Behind Every Track (2020)

Bohemian Rhapsody biopic (2018)

Queen In Nuce (1995, c. 1969, 1971) - where to buy, YouTube album playlist

Freddie's solo albums: Mr. Bad Guy (1986), Barcelona feat. Montserrat Caballe (1987)

Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert (1992)

New: Freddie on TikTok, Roger Taylor's new album, Queen Budapest

Booked On Rock episodes that mention Queen: A Night at the Opera, Greg Prato’s 10 Albums
Ken Schwartz’s 'I May Be Old But I’ve Seen All the Cool Bands'

Eric's i95 articles that mentioned Queen: Innuendo, Mourning George Michael, Analyzing Rock Artists' Signatures, Fathers Day Songs

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Theme Song: "Gym Track (2026 Remix)", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Benson Boone's an indie-artist who temporarily used American Idol's platform, then topped globally with 2024 power ballad "Beautiful Things". A possible third album is in the works, but not until correcting some realities that occurred during his second one from 2025. Find out why and how "The Time of My Life"'s current single is a good lesson dealing with the price of fame. 

Quitting American Idol 
"Ghost Town" (Live on Ellen Degeneres' Show)
Genius.com - "Beautiful Things" Lyrics Meaning

Benson Boone clips at Global Citizen 2024
Performances: PSA, "Drunk In My Mind", "Slow It Down", "Coffee Cake", "Beautiful Things"
"Bohemian Rhapsody" clip at Global Citizen 2019; venue shots

"Bohemian Rhapsody" at Coachella 2025 with Queen's guitarist Brian May!

Albums: Walk Me Home (2022), Fireworks & Rollerblades (2024), American Heart (2025)

Other Singles: "Slow It Down", "Sorry I'm Here for Someone Else", "Mystical Magical", "Mr. Electric Blue"

iHeartRadio Music Festival

Recommended Episodes: Teddy Swims & Benson Boone, Brian May Top 10, Whitney Houston Top 10, Dolly Parton's 2 New Songs, Rocky Horror 50. 


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Theme Song: "Gym Track (2026 Remix)", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Actress Hayden Panetierre tragically lost her life 8/16/26, 5 days before turning 37. Devastating the entertainment industry and fans, her music is trending from country primetime drama Nashville. I've watched the whole series real time, and blogged an article when I worked in radio. Recap Hayden's character Juliette Barnes and listen back to her great singing voice in this special episode tribute. 

Nashville Cast eulogies, Lionsgate

Juliette Barnes - Fandom Song Index

Watch Nashville on Netflix / Amazon Prime Video (TV-14)

Nashville Cast catalog

Hayden Panetierre /Juliette Barnes Songs playlist

Hayden Panetierre - My Fav (Juliette) Songs playlist: "Undermine", "Undermine - Acoustic", "Telescope", "Wrong Song", "For Your Glory", "Consider Me - Studio", "Consider Me - Acoustic", "Nothing In This World Will Ever Break My Heart Again", "Nothing In This World Will Ever Break My Heart Again (Live)", "Trouble Is", "A Life That's Good - Live", "A Life That's Good" Finale, "Can't Say No To You", "Everything I'll Ever Need", "Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet", "Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet - Live", "Crazy", "Crazy" (Duet), "Bad Reputation", "On My Way", "On My Way - Choir Version", "You're Mine", "Is There Anybody Out There", "Duermete Mi Niño (Bolivian Lullaby)", "Free".    

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Theme Song: "Gym Track (2026 Remix)", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Mattel designed a new celebrity Barbie doll to their toy collection: Whitney Houston! The product unveiled 8/9, which was her birthday. Her 2012 gone-too-soon death horribly upset fans and the music industry. 2 posthoumous biopics adapted Whitney's biography, and she remains acclaimed as one of the greatest singers of all time. Saluting a 25-year singing career, I countdown 10 hits remembering her talent. 

Biopics: Whitney (2025), I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022), Biography - Bobby Brown

Playlist:
10. “Million Dollar Bill” (2009)
9. “The Star Spangled Banner” (1991)
8. “I’m Your Baby Tonight” (1990)
7. “You Give Good Love” (1984)
6. “How Will I Know” (1985)
5.  “Saving All My Love For You” (1985)
4. “I Have Nothing” (1992-1993)
3. “Greatest Love of All” (1985)
2. “I Will Always Love You” (1992-1993)
1. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” (1987)

Originals and samples: "We're Getting Stronger" - Loeatta Holloway (1976-1977)
"Saving All My Love for You" - Marilyn McCoo (1978)
"The Greatest Love of All" - George Benson (1977)
"I Will Always Love You" - Dolly Parton (1974)
"Somebody" - Natalie La Rose feat. Jeremih (2015)
Ellen Degeneres Show (2003-2022)

Movies: The Bodyguard (1992), Waiting to Exhale (1995), The Preacher's Wife (1996),
Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997) - 20/20 Special; Vanity Fair petition, Sparkle (2009)

Other favorites I love: "So Emotional" (1987), "Do You Hear What I Hear" (1987), "All the Man That I Need" (1990), "I'm Every Woman" (1992-1993), "Run To You" (1992-1993), "Count On Me" feat. CeCe Winans (1995-1996), "When You Believe" feat. Mariah Carey (1998), "It's Not Right, But It's Okay" (1999), "My Love Is Your Love" (1999), "One Wish (For Christmas)" (2003), "Celebrate" feat. Jordin Sparks (2009)

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Theme Song: "Gym Track (2026 Remix)", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Independent singer Tucker Pilsbury improvised a live guest concert appearance a year ago, starting a fun gimmick at his ROLE MODEL shows. Transforming "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out"'s morning after story, celebrities and fans became surprise pop-ups for audiences hyping up a #1 viral song! Ending 'Sally''s ride when 2025 did, a new acquaintance emerged for new album Chuck Timely & The Hourglass. To avoid stereotypes singing through personas, Tucker opened up his personal growth about both works. I fill in the gaps with my review. 

Where's My Sally? Celeb List

Music Notes with Jess episode: ROLE MODEL's "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out"

Interviews: Rolling Stone, People, Billboard, TODAY Show forecast, Tonight Show,  Zane Lowe Show (video, podcast)

"High Hopes 3000" - Genius lyrics breakdown
"Joy"
"Harmony" (Tonight Show performance)

Hilary Duff's Luck... Or Something

Song Comparisons: "High Hopes" - Frank Sinatra (1959)
"High Hopes" - Panic! At the Disco (2018-2019)
"Running On Empty" - Jackson Browne (1978)
"Say You Love Me" - Fleetwood Mac (1975)
"Bang A Gong (Get It On)" - T. Rex (1971)
"Keep Your Hands To Yourself" - Georgia Satellites (1986)
"Settling Down" - Miranda Lambert (2021)
"Manchild" - Sabrina Carpenter
"Mony Mony" - Tommy James & The Shondells (1969) / Billy Idol  (1987)
John Cougar Mellencamp


Dakota Johnson

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Theme Song: "Gym Track (2026 Remix)", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

For 3 decades, Shania Twain's music broke ground out of Canada, sonically shifting modern country, and adult contemporary. Surviving family hardships, she's ready expressing her thoughts on new album Little Miss Twain. Lyrically looking back, I curated a top 10 countdown reflecting the life events from these hits I recommended. 

10. “Giddy Up!” (2023)
9. “Life’s About to Get Good” (2017)
8. “From This Moment On” (1997-1998)
7. “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?” (1995)
6. “Forever and For Always” (2002)
5. “The Woman In Me” (1995)
4. “That Don’t Impress Me Much” (1997, 1998-1999)
3. “Any Man of Mine” (1995)
2. “You’re Still the One” (1997-1998)
1. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” (1997, 1999)

2003 Halftime Show

People's Choice Awards' 2022 Icon medley 

ACM Awards 2026

Interviews: Allure, iHeartRadio Canada, CBS Sunday Morning (Edit), Elvis Duran Show, People, Rolling Stone

Robert Palmer: "Addicted to Love", "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On", "Simply Irresistable"

100.7 WHUD

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Theme Song: "Gym Track (2026 Remix)", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Sienna Spiro is a young jazz/pop prodigy. Her etiquette and vocals depict generations back, predicting Best New Artist nominations, and new album Visitor for upcoming award shows. I tell Sienna’s biography, and review her new music shaping mainstream stardom.

Singles: "You Stole The Show",  "Die On This Hill", "The Visitor", "Great Expectation"

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Soundtrack; "Material Lover"

Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon: "Die On This HIll", "Great Expectation"

Genius.com's lyrics breakdown: "Die On This Hill", "You Stole The Show"

Frank Sinatra

Glenn Spiro - jewelry stores, family business

Singer vocal comparisons: 
Maggie Rogers: "Light On", "Burning", "That's Where I Am", "Love You For A Long Time", "Don't Forget Me"

Sia: "Titanium", "Chandelier", "Elastic Heart", "Alive", "Cheap Thrills", "The Greatest", "Unstoppable"

Lollapalooza 2026 (8/1) - Hulu Livestream

Related Episodes: 
Music Notes with Jess - Olivia Dean Bio & Music, Laufey's 'A Matter of Time'
Music Media Review - Grammys 2026 Predictions, Lady Gaga & DOECHII's "Runway"


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Theme Song: "Gym Track (2026 Remix)", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

World Cup 2026 has fully taken over a summer we won't forget. The games, tourism, and teams spirit have crafted global unity. Another area FIFA's excelling in is music. Licensed songs were released to promote the coverage, so have some retro hits fans turned to cheering on nations. My endgoal in this episode is tying in 2026's World Cup theme song by an artist who's sang for them 4 times, review Official FIFA World Cup Album, and breakdown the 3 alternate tunes that also have trended. 

Shakira: "Hips Don't Lie" feat. Wyclef Jean (2006 FIFA Closing Ceremony)
"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" (2010 FIFA Closing Ceremony); sample
"La La La (Brazil 2014)" (2014 Closing Ceremony)
"Dai Dai" feat. Burna Boy (2026 Opening Ceremony); lyrics

"Loca" @ "Dancing With the Stars" (2014)

"We Are One (Ole Ola)" - Pitbull feat. Jennifer Lopez & Claudia Leitte (2014)

"Sittin' On Top of the World" - Burna Boy feat. 21 Savage (2023)

FIFA World Cup Album music videos

Ed Sheeran's Play album - singles: "Azizam", "Old Phone", "Sapphire", "Camera"

"Jump [Coca Cola Anthem for the FIFA World Cup 26]" - Steve Vai, Travis Barker, J Balvin, Amber Mark; (Van Halen's 1984 original)

"Take Me Home Country Roads" - John Denver (1971); World Cup article; CBS Sunday Morning
"Forever Country" - Artists of Then and Now (2016)
"Lonely Road" - Machine Gun Kelly & Jelly Roll (2024)

"Wonderwall" - Oasis (1995); World Cup traction

FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show press release

You may also like: Super Bowl Latin Halftime Shows, Justin Bieber’s “Speed Demon”, Bicentennial Party Playlist, Madonna's 'Confessions II (Review)

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Theme Song: "Gym Track (2026 Remix)", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

While America celebrated its 250th Independence Day, Madonna put out 15th album Confessions II! It musically reboots a past album, but candidly expressing more than we've heard personally from her. I recap Madonna's discography and compare Confessions II 's quality to 2005's Confessions on a Dance Floor's record. 

Celebration - 2009 compilation

Confessions II - The Film

Coachella 2026 feat Sabrina Carpenter: "Bring Your Love", "Vogue", "Like A Prayer"

Times Square pop-up concert (6/4/26)

"Tom's Diner" - Suzanne Vega (1990)

"Outside" - George Michael" (1998)

"Me Against the Music" - Britney Spears & Madonna (2004)

RENAISSANCE - Beyoncè (2022)

You may also like these episodes:
Music Media Review: Lady Gaga & Doechii's "Runway", Foo Fighters & Violet Grohl's Albums,
Justin Bieber's "Speed Demon"

Music Notes with Jess: Madonna Top 10, George Michael Top 20

Life's But A Song: Meet Me In St. Louis (1944) (w/ Jessica Catena) 


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Theme Song: "Gym Track (2026 Remix)", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Happy 4th of July 250! Celebrating this milestone Independence Day weekend, let's flashback the last time U.S. did from bicentennial's weekend: July 4, 1976. I picked 10 songs from that weekend's top 40 of the Hot 100, curating a perfect party playlist for you to enjoy. 

Bicentennial Playlist:
“A Fifth of Beethoven” - Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band
“Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)” - Parliament
“Takin’ It To The Streets” - The Doobie Brothers
“You’re My Best Friend” - Queen (1975, 1976)
“Love Hangover” - Diana Ross
"The Boys Are Back In Town” - Thin Lizzy
“Moonlight Feels Right” - Starbuck
“Love Is Alive” - Gary Wright (1975, 1976)
“Afternoon Delight” - Starland Vocal Band
“Silly Love Songs” - Wings

Movie scenes: Saturday Night Fever, Goldmember, Anchorman

American Top 40's Bicentennial's Countdown
iHeartRadio Channels: Casey Kasem, Ryan Seacrest

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Theme Song: "Gym Track (2026 Remix)", composed by Jessica Ann Catena