Music Popcast

In 1988, “Fast Car” turned the singer-songwriter into a star. She was skeptical of the spotlight, and learning to wield her power. Guest: Steve Pond.

Recapping the Super Bowl halftime show, two new singles from Beyoncé, Ye’s “Vultures 1” album and more.

A conversation about his long career path through several generations of R&B, and what he might do on such a big stage. Guests: Thomas Hobbs and Danielle Amir Jackson.

Was this the year the awards got it correct? Guests: Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.

A breakdown of the major categories and most interesting competitions at the 66th annual awards on Sunday.

A breakdown of new albums and songs for 2024 (and a handful of possible but dubious releases).

With the music website’s future uncertain, Ryan Schreiber and Chris Kaskie look back at its start.

A rundown of impressive recent releases and a look at who benefits (and suffers) when artists working outside formal jazz idioms are lumped into conversations about the genre. Guests: Marcus J. Moore and Giovanni Russonello.

Pop’s premier troll returns while one of its biggest voices turns her attention to gossip, and the first blockbuster rap album of the year arrives.

Plus: Barry Keoghan’s “Murder on the Dancefloor,” Jeremy Allen White’s stripped-down moment and Nathan Fielder’s “The Curse” wraps up.

Concerts paused during the height of the pandemic, and returned at full power in 2023. Our pop music editor saw a lot of them. Guest: Caryn Ganz

The touring business saw record revenue in 2023 and major tours made news, but fans still struggle with ticket prices and access — and political leaders are watching. Guest: Ben Sisario.

The comedian and podcaster known as the Kid Mero on the year in internet domination, including Ice Spice, Keith Lee, the Weeknd, Kai Cenat and more.

The most impactful tracks of the year come from different genres and generations — and not all of them are traditional songs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.

An emotional conversation with one of the year’s biggest breakout stars about turning his life around and transitioning from Southern rap to country hitmaking.

Our critics debate their year-end lists (and agree on SZA, Olivia Rodrigo and 100 gecs!) in a wrap-up of the year in LPs. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.

Discussing the singer’s new concert film that documents the Renaissance World Tour, interspersed with behind-the-scenes looks at how it came to be.

A conversation about K-pop’s long march to American awareness, and the potential risks of that embrace. Guest: Kara.

Is it possible for rappers to age gracefully? Where are the new stars? A discussion on the state of the genre and where it may be heading.

The acclaimed rapper’s first solo album contains no rapping. What does this sharp creative turn reveal about its maker? Guests: GQ's Zach Baron, and Sadie Sartini Garner.