How do you follow-up an album like BRAT? This episode breaks down Charli XCX’s growing momentum post-BRAT and the new demographic of fans she's pulled in. With so many new eyes and the opposite expectation for this era, I'm discussing what her next move can be and how a lot of other pop acts like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga pulled off creative pivots at the height of commercial success to sustain longevity. Plus, I'm going to discuss the seven films Charli XCX is working on, and how her own unique sound she explored across BRAT may not feel "unique" if she follows up with a similar sound. Find @vinyldropodcast on Instagram, and of course... Let me know what you think is in store for Charli XCX's next project.

Keith Montena returns this week to break down MAYHEM, Lady Gaga’s seventh studio album, and the sonic landscape that defines it. While early singles Disease and Abracadabra hinted at one direction, the full album takes an unexpected turn, pulling from Prince, Bowie, and electro-grunge influences in ways that might surprise you. From the rollout to the creative choices, how does MAYHEM actually stack up? Find out how Garden of Eden taps into Gaga’s earliest songwriting roots, Perfect Celebrity almost took the album in an entirely different direction, and all collaborators on deck. Plus, how do the ‘80s influences fit into today’s pop landscape, and did the marketing set listeners up for something completely different? In just under 40 minutes, Vinyl Drop unpacks "MAYHEM" during release week.

This week we're breaking down "Abracadabra" by Lady Gaga, the second (technically third) single from MAYHEM. After premiering during The 2025 Grammys, the track has signaled a leap for and already sparked major conversation. We’re getting into key creatives and collaborators who worked on the song and video, and the team behind it. What is Abracadabra, song and video, about? From the sonic direction to critics' reception, I’m diving deep into where this track sits in Gaga’s discography and why it feels like one of her most defining releases in years. Plus, I'll be discussing claims of her mirroring too much from previous hits. Vinyl Drop covers pop music with an emphasis on new releases, the artists' creative process, collaborators, and their marketing strategy. What do you think of "Abracadabra"? Where does it rank for you? And what should we break down next?

Keith Montena returns this week to discuss  "143", Katy Perry’s sixth album, and the missteps that defined her 2024 comeback. After a few underperforming albums, Katy set the stage for a maximalist dance-pop album with Women’s World as the lead single, dubbed a female empowerment anthem. But with producer Dr. Luke’s controversial involvement, an inconsistent rollout, and material that failed to resonate, the era did not live up to expectation. From a pop fan, hear about why "Women's World" faced so much backlash, the history behind WHY collaborators were controversial, and an analysis from a pop fan on Katy Perry's trajectory from "Teenage Dream" to "Witness" and her (lovely!) redemption arc with "Smile", in just under 40 minutes. Vinyl Drop dives into how this comeback went off the rails.

In 2024, Jade Thirlwall of Little Mix debuted with "Angel Of My Dreams". Her first solo offering after Little Mix, the girl group went on hiatus. Dive into the music, the vision behind the music video, and the creative and marketing decisions that made this debut single unforgettable, and the best pop song of 2024. Also, let's dive into what her album next year may include.

Camila Cabello's "CXOXO" album kicked off with a hyper pop-tinged lead single, immediately causing comparisons to Charli XCX. This episode discusses how goalposts in pop music are changing as music becomes more conversational online and less about Top 40 appeal. We explore how Camila’s artistic pivot isn’t about chasing another Señorita or Havana, but about carving a niche within online music stans. Despite high-profile features with Drake and Lil Nas X, slick production from Jasper Harris, and tabloid buzz surrounding Sabrina Carpenter and Shawn Mendes, the album struggles to stick the landing. Is the issue tied to the music itself, the crowded year, albums like "BRAT" in similar lanes, or is something else at play? Tune in as we dissect CXOXO, uncover key moments, and leave you with the tools to form your own verdict.

Keith Montena is back this week breaking down "Disease" by Lady Gaga, the first taste of the singer's upcoming seventh album. After "Die With A Smile" with Bruno Mars and Joker: Folie á Duex, Lady Gaga returns with the biggest changes to her creative team in nearly 15 years, and an album modeling after dark soundscapes similar to Born This Way. Notably far from 2020's Chromatica. Vinyl Drop discusses pop music with an emphasis on new releases, the artists' creative process, collaborators, and their marketing strategy. I want to hear from you - do you like "Disease"? Did you like the rollout? What should be discussed next?

(Archive Episode, 2023) Lady Gaga's "Joanne" showcases the singer ditching dance-pop in exchange for country and americana. Hear about the creative process behind the 2016 album, as well as the aftermath of 2013's ARTPOP album and how this shift helped the singer recover. The album marked a commercial resurgence for Lady Gaga with performances at The Super Bowl Half Time Show and Coachella, projects like Five Foot Two and A Star Is Born. Plus, discussions on "The Cure" and puzzled fan reception to her new sound. Also, is Lady Gaga releasing a new album this year? Hear about rumored collaborators for her seventh LP, and if Joanne is the best indicator of her next artistic venture.

(Archive Episode 2022) Keith Montena returns this week with previous co-host Ashley Tatum to discuss one of the world's best-selling girl groups, The Pussycat Dolls. The groups sophomore (and last) era was helmed by collaborators like Polow Da Don, Timbaland, and Darkchild. The album, interestingly, was sculpted by beginning sessions for Nicole Scherzinger's debut solo album, "Her Name Is Nicole". Listen to hear about the group's evolving dynamics, why we feel it was always bound to cause drama, and where the girls are now after reuniting in 2020 with "React". While instances of drama at Britney Spears' Circus Tour or the American Music Awards became bait for tabloid culture of the 2000s, the girls still delivered some discography highlights and a huge hit with "When I Grow Up".