Song 2

"I'm proud to say it, I love it when someone randomly hears a P.O.D song for the first time, and there's elements and they pause, and go 'THAT'S P.O.D'!"

Welcome to Song 2, the podcast where we dive into the theory that the second song on an album is often the best or most important. This week, I’m chatting with Sonny, lead vocalist of the iconic band P.O.D. We explore the "Song 2" theory, the strategic importance of tracklisting, and how the second track sets the tone for an album’s journey. Tune in for an insightful conversation with Sonny about crafting memorable albums and the magic behind the perfect song order.

This week we are taking into consideration a tune that I would wager nearly all of you have heard….

….on the radio, in ads, in your favourite TV shows, in films and in your sleep… and in your sleep. But, you might not immediately recall the artist’s name. So, if you happen to be on Who Want’s To Be A Millionaire, or any other quiz show and end up winning some moolah thanks to this and ergo us, then our cut is a meagre 7.5%... ok? Good.

It is, of course Kaleo’s Way Down We Go, taken from the hugely successful debut album A/B released in 2016 via Elektra records.

"These days, I would say no, but I do recall being told that...and in the 90s we fell in suit and put our so-called single at that position (two)"

Posdnuos, one of the legendary members of De La Soul, is our guest for this episode! Known for their innovative approach to hip-hop and their unforgettable lyrics, De La Soul has changed the game since their debut record, 3 Feet High and rising. In this episode, Posdnuos will delve into the fascinating world of tracklisting—an often underappreciated aspect of album-making. He’ll discuss how the sequence of songs can influence the listener's experience and why the second track holds particular significance in crafting an album's narrative – but he’s not sure that it is THE best by definition.

Check out my two-part interview with Pos, available on RTL Play.

Today, we’re diving into ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds’—even if the title gives us a bit of a cringe!"

"SexyBack" is widely regarded as the standout track on that album for several reasons. It marked a bold evolution in Timberlake's sound, merging pop, R&B, and electronic elements in a fresh, innovative way. Produced by Timbaland, the song features a driving beat and catchy hooks, making it perfect for pre-drinks and just as lively on the dance floor as it is on a bar stool.

"I wouldn't put any song on an album unless, I wanted the audience to go WOW!"

Today, we have a rock legend in the mix: Alice Cooper! Known for his theatrical performances and groundbreaking sound, Alice has been a pivotal figure in the music world for decades. In this episode, we’ll dive into the often-overlooked topic of tracklisting. Alice will share his insights on how he carefully curates the order of songs on an album, discussing the emotional journey that each track takes listeners on. We’ll explore how the arrangement can transform an album from a collection of songs into a cohesive experience, and why each placement matters. But does he agree that the second track is the best? Let’s find out.

For this week’s episode, we’ve gone a bit META and employed AI to try and take this argument to it’s natural, or rather artificial conclusion.

And before anyone scream out about the threat of SKYNET taking over track listing, I remind you that most of the songs you get, an the order in which you get them are being pumped and parped out by the ALGORITHM, anyway. This pod has always been a subtle love letter to the albums and mixtapes of the world and the range of answers we have had over our 4 seasons…and counting, goes to show just how personal a thing it really is.

The two questions: we asked CHAT GPT on our theme were:

“Why is the second song on an album the best or most important”

And:

“Which is the most important track on an album and why?”

"Two? Two is all about what it does to your body. But for me, four and seven are absolutely crucial!"

Known for their catchy hooks and electrifying sound, Razorlight has made a significant impact on the music scene since their debut. In this episode, Johnny joins us to discuss one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of making an album: tracklisting and tells us if he’s a Song 2 fan. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the artistry behind the music, sit back and enjoy our conversation with Johnny Borrell. (image: Rob Crawford via Facebook)

Celebrated for its unparalleled ability to get just about anyone airborne, Jump Around is as strong an argument for Song 2 as it gets.

It is a rather safe bet to say that if you’ve ever been to a sporting match, a rowdy get together or even just a social gathering where alcohol and personal interaction go hand in hand, odds on you have gone a bit salmon-like and leapt around to House of Pain’s 1990s jam ‘Jump Around’.

"Nope - I think it's very important but not THE most important. We often put a very Shed Seven sounding song as Track 2, it's kinda like a safety blanket"

Hello and welcome to the second episode from the fourth season of Song 2. Don’t tell anyone but we were also surprised that Episode 1 came out when it did, we thought we had a couple more weeks to go. We will go ahead and blame calendar formatting.

Right then, excuses out of the way, let’s get into this week’s episode and we are back nattering with Rick Witter singer and founding member of UK Britpop revivalists Shed Seven, whose 2023 album A Matter Of Time hit number one for a good for weeks and did tidy business for the band to boot.

Not bad for an act that have been written off more times than the end of The Lord Of The Things movies amirite?

Check out the interview I had with Rick available on RTL Play…. For now, though, lets see what the Shed Seven frontman has to say on the Song 2 Theory.

For this particular episode we are looking at Dua Lipa’s song ‘Houdini’ which was released as a second song on Radical Optimism.

Even though the singer also says of herself ‘I come and I go’, she adds the ‘they’ seemingly to imitate people’s rumours, or to prove she is popular for her ways. Dua Lipa picks up on the fast pace of the dating sphere, if you don’t act fast it necessarily means that you’ve missed your chance and will have to move on just as quick.