We have bopped or flopped pop music for the whole year and now it's time to nail it down to the projects that impressed us the most. From Addison Rae to Lady Gaga, we break down the high highs of 2025.

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected] to my Best Songs of 2025 playlist: https://lnk.bio/thepoppod

This week, we're diving into the 2025 albums that critics are putting at the top of their lists. We break down the “Best of 2025” lists from NME, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and more, and look at which artists are dominating across publications — including Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Oklou, and Addison Rae, who are all emerging as the year’s most critically adored releases.

Jono and I also reveal our Spotify Wrapped and talk about the deluxe edition of JADE's 'That's Showbiz Baby'.

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm
Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]
PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a.

Pop in 2025 has been… a ride. In this episode, we break down the year that gave us conservative pop trends, breakout niche-class stars, and some of the strangest chart behaviour we’ve seen in years.

I dive into why Pop felt so safe this year, the rise of artists operating completely on their own wavelength — Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress, JADE, and the wider Niche Class — and how R&B quietly became one of the most interesting genres again. Meanwhile, Rap had a tough run, but the lack of superstar domination meant new talent finally got to shine: Ravyn Lenae, Leon Thomas, SOMBR, Katseye and more all delivered some of the year’s strongest moments.

The Grammy nominations are finally here — and we have thoughts. This year’s field is led by Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga, and we’re diving straight into the biggest surprises, the snubs, and the categories that are going to be tough to call.

We also get into Rosalía’s brand-new album, her first since MOTOMAMI. We talk through the sound, the visuals, the influence she's pulling from, and why this era feels like a full reset for pop music.

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm
Send voicenotes or questions: [email protected]
PopSamCam’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a.

The Grammys are almost here — so it's time for my final nomination predictions. In this episode, I break down who I think will land the biggest nods across the General Field and Pop categories, from Album of the Year to Best Pop Vocal Album.

I dive into the artists shaping this year’s race — including Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and more — and talk surprises, snubs, and the momentum behind each contender. Who’s a lock, who’s fighting for a spot, and who might shock us when nominations drop?

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm
Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]
PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a.

A lot to catch up on this week. Lily Allen shocked fans by surprise-dropping West End Girl and the provocative single “Pussy Palace,” marking her boldest return yet. Demi Lovato is back with a full new album It’s Not That Deep — but is it actually deep? Plus, ROSALÍA has officially kicked off her LUX era with the hypnotic “Berghain,” alongside Björk and Yves Tumor — and the internet’s divided.

We also weigh in on new releases from Kacey Musgraves, Tyla, Selena Gomez, MARINA, Hayley Williams, Tame Impala, Kim Petras, Charlie Puth, and 5 Seconds of Summer.

Plus! An interview with pop newcomer Chloe Qisha.

Apologies for a dip in sound quality this week! We had a couple tech issues.

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm
Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]
PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

This week on Bop or Flop, we’re diving into new music from PinkPantheress, HAIM, Not For Radio and Demi Lovato.

Are they bops or are they flops? Let’s find out.

Songs discussed:

• PinkPantheress & Sugababes – Nice to Know You

• PinkPantheress & Kylie Minogue – Stateside

• Oklou feat. FKA twigs – viscus

• HAIM & Bon Iver – Tie You Down

• Amber Mark with Anderson .Paak – Don’t Remind Me

• Natanya – Meeting You Once (The End)

• Madison Beer – bittersweet

• Not for Radio – Swan

• Alemeda & Doechii – Beat A B!tch Up

• Demi Lovato – Kiss

• Say Now – Supermarket

• Rose Gray – Lotus

• Celeste – Time Will Tell

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm
Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]
PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

Jono and I dive into Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl, sharing our first impressions track by track. We break down the standouts, the skips, and how the showgirl theme comes to life across the record. From best and worst songs to the big-picture vibe of the era, we’re unpacking it all.

💬 Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm
🎙️ Send voicenotes or questions: [email protected]
🎵 PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

On this episode, I am ranking every Taylor Swift and Max Martin collaboration ahead of the release of The Life Of A Showgirl. From “I Knew You Were Troubl” to “Style” and “Blank Space,” we’re putting them all in order and debating which one takes the top spot.

I’m also joined by upcoming artist Ally Solart, who talks about her debut EP Change Of Plans, the stories behind the songs, and what’s next for her.

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm
Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]
PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

This week on Bop or Flop we go through new albums from Doja Cat, Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson and Mariah Carey. The songs include Doja Cat’s “Gorgeous,” Olivia Dean’s “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” Zara Larsson’s “Blue Moon,” and Mariah Carey with Anderson .Paak on “Play This Song.” We also cover Tate McRae, Florence + The Machine, 5 Seconds of Summer, Tame Impala, Magdalena Bay, Cardi B & Selena Gomez, Alessi Rose and FKA twigs.

Songs included are:

• Doja Cat – Gorgeous

• Olivia Dean – So Easy (To Fall In Love)

• Tate McRae – TIT FOR TAT

• Mariah Carey, Anderson .Paak – Play This Song

• Florence + The Machine – One Of The Greats

• 5 Seconds of Summer – NOT OK

• Tame Impala – Dracula

• Magdalena Bay – Second Sleep

• Zara Larsson – Blue Moon

• Cardi B, Selena Gomez – Pick It Up

• Alessi Rose – First Original Thought

• FKA twigs – Cheap Hotel

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm
Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]
PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a