What’s going to be the Song of the Summer? This year, it’s harder to tell than usual. There’s no clear frontrunner, and the usual markers—chart dominance, TikTok virality, radio play—aren’t pointing in one obvious direction. In this episode, I try to make sense of it all. I look at the current contenders, late entries, underrated picks, and a few tracks that seemed like they had a shot but lost steam along the way.

Songs discussed include: Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” Ravyn Lenae’s “Love Me Not,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” Kendrick Lamar’s “Luther,” Justin Bieber’s “Daisies,” TYLA’s “IS IT,” and more.

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm

Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]

We’re halfway through the year, and we’re counting down our personal top 5 songs of 2025 so far. From massive pop moments to low-key gems, this episode covers the tracks we haven’t stopped playing—with love for Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Lorde, FKA twigs, Olivia Dean and plenty more. We’ve also got some honourable mentions that just missed the cut.

Hear more of our faves in the Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0yaSFOknQ9UjobvlsdTUo2?si=bf6267099566484c

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm

Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]

This week on Bop or Flop, we’re diving into Lorde’s new album Virgin and sharing our thoughts on the full project — with a spotlight on the track “Shapeshifter.”

We’re also reviewing new music from across the pop world, including:

• Lorde – “Shapeshifter”

• Renee Rapp – “Mad”

• Kim Petras – “Polo”

• Kesha – “The One”

• Katseye – “Gameboy”

• Dove Cameron – “Romeo”

In this episode, we’re diving deep into Carly Rae Jepsen’s E·MO·TION — the shimmering, synth-soaked album that redefined her career and helped reshape modern pop. Released in 2015 to modest commercial success but massive critical acclaim, E·MO·TION became a slow-burn cult favorite, influencing a generation of pop artists and listeners alike.

We unpack the album’s legacy:
✨ How it moved beyond Call Me Maybe and proved Carly as a master of pop craft
🪩 Why it resonated so deeply with pop fans and music nerds
🎛️ The production dream team (Dev Hynes, Ariel Rechtshaid, Rostam, etc.)
💖 And why Run Away with Me still has the best sax riff of the decade

From the highs of Gimmie Love to the bonus track deep cuts, we’re celebrating one of the most beloved pop records of the 2010s — and asking the question: what makes E·MO·TION so timeless?

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=78c15e3dfa054

This week on The Pop Pod, we’re digging into a huge Friday drop led by Haim’s return, another track from Lorde, and a fiery new single from Cardi B. Plus, we’re talking SOPHIE’s posthumous release, a bold statement from Kesha, and plenty of exciting newcomers.

Songs discussed:

• Haim – All Over Me

• Lorde – Hammer

• Cardi B – Enough (Miami)

• Benson Boone – Mr Electric Blue

• JADE – Plastic Box

• Lola Young – Not Like That Anymore

• CMAT – The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station

• Kesha – ATTENTION!

• SOPHIE – OOH

• KATSEYE – Gabriela

• Sombr – we never dated

On this episode, we're asking a big question: Why does pop music sound so safe right now? With artists like Alex Warren, Benson Boone, and Teddy Swims dominating the charts with piano ballads and stripped-back sincerity, it feels like we’ve shifted away from the chaotic brilliance of 2024 — Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter — and into a new era of emotional conservatism.

So what happened? Is it industry fatigue? TikTok trends? Or does pop always swing back to something more familiar after a burst of innovation?

We look back at the last time this happened (The Lumineers era, anyone?), explore how the cultural mood shapes what rises on the charts, and make the case that the game changers aren’t gone — they’re just waiting for the next wave.

We missed last week—but we’re making up for it with a double dose of new music on this week’s Bop or Flop. We’re catching up on all the standout (and questionable) releases from the past two Fridays, including Sabrina Carpenter’s biting new track "Manchild" and Mariah Carey’s dramatic return with "Type Dangerous." Plus, we break down Addison Rae’s emotional "Times Like These," RAYE’s cinematic "Suzanne," Ethel Cain’s haunting "Nettles," and Zara Larsson’s shimmering "Midnight Sun." Two weeks of music. Six tracks. One verdict: bop or flop?

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm

Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]

Paramore’s RIOT! is officially an adult, and to celebrate its 18th anniversary, I’m joined by YouTube music reactor HTHAZE to dive into why this album still slaps as hard as it did in 2007. We talk about the raw energy of Hayley Williams, how RIOT! opened the door for emotional pop-rock in the mainstream, and its massive influence on today’s artists—from Olivia Rodrigo’s angst-pop anthems to Taylor Swift’s Fearless-era fire. Whether you grew up screaming “That’s What You Get” or just discovered Misery Business on TikTok, this one’s for you.

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm

Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]

Today on The Pop Pod, I'm joined by Australian radio host and good friend Nic Kelly to break down the five pop stars who are defining the moment. From global icons like Billie Eilish to the unexpected rise of newcomers like Benson Boone, we debate who’s shaping the sound, setting the trends, and making the biggest impact in 2025. We also dig into Sabrina Carpenter’s power moves, the new era of streaming stars, and what makes a pop star truly important in today’s landscape.

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm

Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]

In this episode, we dive deep into Solange’s True EP—an indie pop and R&B hybrid that quietly shifted the pop landscape in 2012. Created in close collaboration with Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), True wasn’t a chart hit, but it became a style and sound guide for a new wave of alt-pop artists.We explore how Solange and Dev built the record across five cities, blending emotional honesty with infectious grooves. You’ll hear about the 1980s new wave and Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis-inspired sounds that shaped the EP, why “Losing You” was a pivotal moment in pop, and how Solange’s refusal to conform laid the groundwork for artists like FKA twigs, Kelela, and Christine and the Queens.

Plus, I had the pleasure of talking to Maren Morris off the back of her 'Dreamsicle' album. You can hear that chat right here.

Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm

Send voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]