Music Popcast

A conversation about the history — and future — of album reviews in an increasingly fraught environment for music journalism and criticism.

A discussion about “For All the Dogs” and the fever-pitch online discourse around Drake, his career and his public persona. Plus: reality TV drama.

In a guest appearance, the country-pop singer discusses her recent decision to step back from country music because of Nashville’s poor track record of tolerance and diversity.

A conversation about the singer-songwriter’s post-politics approach to stardom, his dogged work ethic and his artistic coalition with fellow dissidents.

Breaking down Doja Cat’s surprising new album, “Scarlet,” plus: Swift’s foray into football and Hasan Minhaj’s fibs.

A conversation about how the musician, who died this month at 76, turned a way of life into a song — and that song back into a very profitable way of life. Guest: Jon Pareles

Plus: what it’s like in Sean Combs’s sauna.

A deep dive into whom the singer’s new songs might be about — and if it matters. Plus: Zach Bryan’s breakthrough and recent arrest.

The 20-year-old singer-songwriter returns with “Guts,” an album informed by the opportunities and costs of her rapid rise. Guests: Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz.

What we watched (and read!) this summer.

A conversation about Swift’s relationship to celebrity, the tour date as destination event and how fans dressed up for the show. Guests: Caryn Ganz, Vrinda Jagota and Josh Duboff.

Listener (and viewer!) questions on some recent releases, also including Renee Rapp, Earl Sweatshirt and Zach Bryan.

A conversation about how the concert relates to Beyoncé’s stadium show, the role of dance in Swift’s spectacular and more. Guests: Wesley Morris, Brian Seibert and Bandsplain's Yasi Salek.

The rapid rise of Oliver Anthony Music’s “Rich Men North of Richmond,” plus: the playful pop of the TikTok star Addison Rae.

One of jam’s most definitive bands is still attracting new recruits, and younger generations are finding comfort in its community. Guests: JamBase's Scott Bernstein; and Marc Tracy.

Tracks by Morgan Wallen, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and more have dominated this summer — or at least attempted to.

What can pop stars get away with? Plus: the deaths of Sinead O’Connor and Angus Cloud.

A conversation about her unlikely pop fame, complex relationship to stardom and powerful, signature music. Guests: Alfred Soto and Amanda Hess.

Peso Pluma, Ice Spice, Skrillex, 100 gecs and more.

After the country star’s “Try That in a Small Town” video was criticized as offensive, right-wing support sent the song to No. 2 on the singles chart. Guests: The Tennessean's Marcus K. Dowling; the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Amanda Marie Martinez