Music Notes with Jess

A decade after receiving a Grammys Lifetime Achievement award, R&B/disco band Earth, Wind & Fire are ready to share their celebration. CBS will air this past 4th of July's holiday weekend concert tapings at The Hollywood Bowl; guess when to watch it: The 21st night of September! Praising 55 musical years, I countdown 10 hits I recommend to get you started. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaPlaylist: 10. “Sing A Song” (1975)9. “Fantasy” (1977-1978)8. “Can’t Hide Love” (1975-1976)7. “That’s the Way of the World” (1975)6. “Got to Get You Into My Life” (1978)5. “Let’s Groove” (1981)4. “Reasons” (1975)3. “After the Love Has Gone” (1979)2. “Shining Star” (1975)1. “September” (1978)Maurice White on drums: "Rescue Me" - Fontella Bass (1965); Billy Stewart - "Summertime" (1966); Betty Everett - "You're No Good" (1963)Mentioned Media: "Free" - Deniece Williams (1976); The Emotions"You Can't Hide Love" - Creative Source (1973)"You Want My Love" - Lucky Daye feat. Earth, Wind & Fire (2021)"Can't Hide Love" (cover) - Edwin McCain"Got to Get You Into My Life" - The Beatles (1966)HItch's "Reasons" film clip (2005)Goldmember's 1975 time machine scene (2002)Related Episodes: Ep. 103 - Earth, Wind & Fire's "September"Ep. 226 - Beatles Cover SongsEp. 265 - Quincy Jones FavoritesEp. 297 - Sly Stone's Music ImpactEp. 304 - MTV Adds Country & CBS to VMAsFollow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Laufey's a young Icelandic/Asian jazz aficionado. Studying the music from her parents, she's kept the genre alive through self-compositions this decade. Fans are dazzled of her writing, singing, playing piano/guitar/cello! "Third time's the charm" for 3rd album A Matter of Time, topping jazz charts, and just crossed over #4 on Billboard's 200 albums chart. Brilliantly romanticizing a "timely" concept record. I share this young lady's music journey, review the tracks, and evaluate its popularity in this episode. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaFan Favorite Singles: "Like the Movies" debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live (2022)"From the Start" (2022, 2024-2025); New Years' Rockin' Eve (2024); GMA (2025)Remix: "Confess Your Love" - Jiandro ft. ola.wav (2025); Tiktok dance"Goddess" (2024); Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon"Christmas Magic" from Red One; UK's The Graham Norton Show (2024)"Silver Lining" (2025); GMA3"Tough Luck" (2025)"Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self" with Barbra Streisand (2025)"Lover Girl" (2025); GMA; Studio"Snow White" (2025)Interviews: CBS Sunday Morning (edited); MTV; Buzzfeed with puppiesRelated Episodes: Ep. 42 - Taylor Swift's folklore (Track by Track)Ep. 75 - "Time" & Clock Songs CountdownEp. 166 - 'Wednesday' & "Goo Goo Muck"Ep. 235 - Eclipse PlaylistEp. 237 - The Tortured Poets DepartmentEp. 269 - Christmas 2024 PlaylistEp. 294 - Prom 2025 PlaylistFollow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

MTV's going big for their 42nd Video Music Awards! Posting the nominations last month, Paramount enforced 2 big changes: syndicating the show on CBS, and added country to the ballot! How will fans and viewers vote? I "announce" predictions before the show airs in 10 of its categories. Check our podcast's social an hour before showtime (9/7, 7pm), and day after to see my results. Recap: Ep. 304 - MTV Adds Country & CBS to VMAsGetting Down & Wordy: Rose & Bruno Mars' "Apt"Predictions: Best Country: "Liar" - Jelly RollBest Alternative: "Back to Friends" - SombrBest Rock: All My Love" - ColdplayBest Pop / Best Collaboration: "Die With A Smile" - Lady Gaga & Bruno MarsBest Pop Artist: Sabrina CarpenterBest New Artist: Lola YoungArtist of the Year: Lady GagaSong of the Year: "Ordinary" - Alex WarrenVideo of the Year: "Not Like Us" - Kendrick LamarRelated Episodes: Ep. 181 - BET/VH1 HIstory & MergersEp. 218 - Green Day's "The American Dream Is Killing Me"Ep. 223 - Ariana's "yes and?" & J. Lo's "Can't Get EnoughEp. 233 - Mariah Carey Top 10Ep. 254 - Post Malone's 'F-1 Trillion' (Review)Ep. 259 - Linkin Park's "The Emptiness Machine"Ep. 261 - Coldplay - Top Album SongsEp. 267 - Charli XCX Top 10Ep. 270 - Coldplay & Dick Van DykeEp. 280 - Lola Young's "Messy"Ep. 281 - Wicked & A Complete Unknown (Reviews)Ep. 282 - Lady Gaga's 'Mayhem' (Review)Ep. 283 - Dolly Parton's 2 New SongsEp. 292 - Ed Sheeran's "Azizam" & "Old Phone"Ep. 293 - Blake Shelton & Morgan Wallen's New AlbumsEp. 298 - Gigi Perez & LordeFollow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

The '90s are calling like a dial-up modem. Summer 1995 had greats hits holding up 30 years later! While I reflect personal changes I experienced back then, I talk up these classic songs' pivotal messages and artists. Summer 1995 Playlist:“Hold My Hand” - Hootie & The Blowfish (1994-1995); Live- "Bottle Rockets" - Scott McCreery (2025)“I’ll Be There For You” - The Rembrandts (1994-1995)FRIENDS; 10 Seasons Intros; 2021 ReunionPlaylist“This Is How We Do It” - Montell JordanThe Masked Singer (2023); Uber One“Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” - Bryan AdamsDon Juan Demarco“I Could Fall In Love” - SelenaSelena in Don Juan Demarco1997 biopic; Netflix mini-series (2021)Jennifer Lopez's live cover (2001)Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them (2024)“Colors of the Wind” - Judy Kuhn / Vanessa WilliamsPocahontas; Journey to a New World“Scream” - Michael Jackson & Janet JacksonJanet Jackson doc clip / Jimmy Jam Lewis (2021)"If" (1993)“Waterfalls” - TLC"No Scrubs" (1999)CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story (2013); TLC Forever (2023)“Any Man of Mine” - Shania Twain (1994-1995)“Kiss from a Rose” - Seal (1994-1995); Batman Forever“You Oughta Know” - Alanis Morrisette“Gangsta’s Paradise” - Coolio; Billboard Awards "Pastime Paradise" - Stevie Wonder (1976)Related: Ep. 24: 10 Springtime Themed SongsEp. 47 - Labor Day CountdownEp. 86 - FRIENDS Theme Song: "I'll Be There For You"Ep. 121 - Janet Jackson DocumentaryEp. 161 - Weird Al Top 10 ParodiesEp. 210 - Darius Rucker Top 10Ep. 287 - Record Store Day PlaylistFollow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

We're used to seeing social media impact modern music, but lately artists have been testing audience reactions at their concerts. Tucker Pilsbury (aka ROLE MODEL) improvised a surprise cameo in February, trending one of his songs to become a viral sensation and growing 2025 indie hit. I discuss the fun 6-month success of "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out", and how his pseudonym's an admirable outlook staying so positive. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaInterviews: MTV (2024)Billboard: article, videoNetflix's The Good Sex preview; press releasePerformances: Tonight Show (May)"Where's My Sally" celeb montage; TikTok pageTikTok accountMentioned Music:ROLE MODEL's DiscographyRex Orange County - "Loving Is Easy" (Live) (2019)Justin Bieber's SwagThe Killers' "Runaways" (2012)Related Episodes: Ep. 249 - Shaboozey's "A Bar Song" (Tipsy)Ep. 278 - Mayer Hawthorne Top 10Ep. 281 - Wicked & A Complete Unknown (Reviews)Ep. 294 - Prom 2025 PlaylistEp. 304 - MTV Adds Country & CBS to VMAsFollow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

The beginnings of Maroon 5 began 30 years ago as Kara's Flowers, officially formed 2001. Going through a lot of professional and music changes, their 8th album Love Is Like may be entering a new music market sonically. I give my review comparing to Maroon 5's band history, discography, and promotion up to its release date. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaInterviews:TODAY Show Summer Concert Series: Album, HistoryHoward Stern: Billy Joel knows Maroon 5's name origin. (2014)Podcast: Artist Friendly with Joel Madden: Part 1, Part 2Love Is Like promo singles: "Priceless" feat. LISA"All Night", Today Show (Live)"California", Today Show (Live)"Love Is Like" feat. Lil WayneJane HermanRyan DusickRobert Palmer: "Addicted to Love", "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" (1985-1986) "Simply Irresistible" (1988)Shania Twain - "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" (1997, 1999)iHeartRadio Music FestivalRelated Episodes: Ep. 40 - Maroon 5 Top 20Ep. 62 - Christina Aguilera Top 10Ep. 97 - John Mayer Top 10Ep. 116 - Top 40 Songs of 2021 (Part 1)Ep. 279 - Adam Levine on The VoiceEp. 284 - Chappell Roan's "The Giver"Ep. 296 - Billy Joel Top 10Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Every year, MTV announces their Video Music Awards nominations around their August anniversary. 2025's ballot was delayed, and revealed 2 bombshell changes! Country music got incorporated in the nominees, and CBS will syndicate the show for the first time outside of cable on Sunday, September 7th! Are these business decisions music-related, or a merger experiment with SkyDance Media's on Paramount's assets? I look into both and reveal which country songs' videos will compete on the 42nd VMAs. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaFollow the podcast at: Facebook, X, Instagram.Connect with Jess on Linkedin. MTV's Country VMAs Nominations:Best Country: "I Think I'm In Love With You" - Chris Stapleton (2023-2024)"I'm Gonna Love You" - Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood (2024)"Liar" - Jelly Roll (2024-2025)"Am I Okay?" - Megan Moroney (2024-2025)"Smile" - Morgan Wallen (2025)Best Push Artist Performance: "A Bar Song Tipsy" - Shaboozey (2024)Best New Artist: Ella LangleyArtist of the Year / Album of the Year: Morgan Wallen - I'm the ProblemBest Collaborations: "Backup Plan" - Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs (2025)"Pour Me a Drink" - Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton (2024)CBS Cancellations List Paramount+ Channels CMT Music Awards: Ultimate Party Edition: Apple TV, PhiloRelated Episodes: Ep. 94 - MTV's Music Impact - 40thEp. 181 - BET/VH1 History & MergersEp. 249 - Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"Ep. 254 - Post Malone's 'F-1 Trillion' (Review)Ep. 256 - VMAs 2024 PredictionsEp. 266 - CMA Awards 2025 PredictionsEp. 290 - ACMs 2025 PredictionsEp. 293 - Blake Shelton & Morgan Wallen's New AlbumsEp. 300 - Then and Now (Ep. 201-299)Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

I recently saw Moulin Rouge!'s Broadway musical at The Al Hirschfeld Theatre for a special occasion! It debuted there 2019, and I saw 2 guests actors at the end of July's showtime: Wayne Brady, and Taye Diggs! The theatrics left me in awe with set changes, multi-generational cover songs, costumes, and a surprise encore curtain call. Hear my review in comparison to Paris France's historical cabaret, and 2001's film. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaMoulin Rouge - cabaret history2001 Soundtrack: Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music"Lady Marmalade" - Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya & P!nkMaking the Video2019 Broadway Soundtrack: Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple MusicInterviews: Wayne Brady: Live with Kelly and Mark, The ViewTaye Diggs: Live with Kelly and MarkRelated Episodes: Ep. 62 - Christina Aguilera Top 10Ep. 84 - P!nk Top 10 HitsEp. 113 - Annie/MJ The Musical/West Side StoryEp. 145 - Brian May Top 10Ep. 158 - Queen's "Face It Alone"Ep. 250 - French Lyrics PlaylistEp. 281 - Wicked & A Complete Unknown (Reviews)Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Weeks after his farewell performances at Birmingham England's Back to the Beginning Festival, rocker Ozzy Osbourne died 7/22 at 76. Rocking 60 years as a solo artist and his band Black Sabbath, he innovated heavy metal's imagery, concert entertainment, and media. Based on the songs I heard working classic rock radio, and favorites from fans, I countdown in this top 10. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaOzzy Osbourne Top 1010. “Shot in the Dark” (1986)9. “No More Tears” (1991)8. “I Don’t Wanna Stop” (2007); WWE7. “Paranoid” (1970)6. “Flying High Again” (1981)5. “Children of the Grave” (1973)4. “War Pigs” (1970)3. “Mama I’m Coming Home” (1991-1992)2. “Iron Man” (1971)1. “Crazy Train” (1980)Classic Albums: Paranoid (2002)The Osbournes (2002-2005)The Big Interview with Dan Rather - Sharon Osbourne (2017)Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2024: Induction, Speech, CoversBack to the Beginning Festival - Black Sabbath set, Ozzy's solo setOzzy's first familyOzzy's last top 10 hit: "Take What You Want" - Post Malone feat. Travis Scott (2019)Related Episode: Ep. 194 - 4th of July Playlist (2023)Ep. 301 - Live Aid's 40th CoverageFollow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

On 7/13/85, the most watched bi-coastal music festival was viewed by 2 billion, 150 countries, and 16 hours long! Without modern technology and for charity, Live Aid took place at London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's former JFK Stadium (now Wells Fargo Center). Brought up 40 years later of its extravagent gathering, learn how this telethon was covered back then, and acknowledged recently for its 40th anniversary: 7/13/25. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaBand Aid At 40 / U.S.A. for Africa's "We Are the World" (1985)The Greatest Night In PopWoodstock 50 Issues (2019)Live Aid Fan Site; Live AlbumWYKW 1490AM Newsradio (Philadelphia)Larry Magid article; podcast episode interview80sCentral.com; Live Aid 40 press releaseLive Aid: When Rock and Roll Ruled the World (CNN) BBC Webpage; Amazon Prime Video; AppleTVBohemian Rhapsody (2018) biopic; Live Aid scenes "In My Time" - Teddy Pendergrass (1984)Global Citizen organizationPick A Disc - UK albums review podcastRelated Episodes: Ep. 1: Global Citizen Festival 2019Ep. 5: A Year After Bohemian RhapsodyEp. 76 - Teddy Pendergrass BiographyEp. 260 - Global Citizen Festival 2024 - Review Ep. 265 - Quincy Jones FavoritesEp. 271 - Band Aid & "We Are the World"Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Happy 300th Music Notes with Jess! 6 years later, we've reached 300 episodes! I owe to our growing listeners base, family, friends, co-workers, and podcasting networking. Celebrate recap the topics discussed in the 200s, learning the updates what's occurred with them since then. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaSupport the showFollow the podcast at: Facebook, X, Instagram.Connect with Jess on Linkedin. Podcast friends: Seeing Them Live, Rock Talk Studio, Getting Down & Wordy, Album Nerds, Booked On Rock, My Weekly Mixtape, Six Picks Music Club, Pick a Disk, Polyphonic Press.Sister-in-law's blog sites: Instagram, TikTokRadio friend Ethan Carey's band: SonsUp; Beatles cover "Wait""In My Room" - Grant Lee Buffalo (1995)Friends clipRecaps: 100th, 200thFollow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

The Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson died 6/11 from ailing illnesses. This is the first summer without him, and there's countless music to remember him by. Countdown and learn about these 10 fan favorite songs. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaPlaylist:10. “Barbara Ann” (1965); The Regents (1961); Home Improvement9. “Surfin’ USA” (1963)8. “Do It Again” (1968)7. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” (1966); 50 First Dates6. “Don’t Worry Baby” (1964)5. “California Girls” (1965); David Lee Roth (1985)4. “Fun, Fun, Fun” (1964)3. “In My Room” (1963)2. “Good Vibrations” (1966)1. “God Only Knows” (1966); BBC (2014)Disney+ Documentary; trailerMentioned Media: Jan & DeanHome Improvement - "Little Deuce Coupe"Full House clips"Kokomo"- (1988)"California Gurls" - Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg (2010)Podcast friends: My Weekly Mixtape, Album Nerds, Rock Talk StudioRelated: Ep. 89 - Songs of the SummerEp. 144 - Yacht Rock - Boat SongsEp. 241 - The Beach Boys Rare 10Ep. 248 - Katy Perry's Diamond Songs & "WOMAN'S WORLD" Ep. 287 - Record Store Playlist Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Most of 2025's pop scene has been dominated by LGTBQ+ females. Joining that list are Cuban folk singer Gigi Perez, and New Zealand's alternative artist Lorde. Expressing self-identity in different genres, I review each of their new albums: At the Beach, In Real Life, and Virgin.Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Gigi Perez's website; discography"Celine" - Soundcloud"Sailor Song" - video, Tonight Show performanceZach Show podcast interviewMTV Push interview"Closer to Fine" - Indigo Girls (1989)Lollapallooza 2025Lorde's website; YouTube channeldiscography"Royals", "Tennis Court", "Team" (2013-2014)"Green Light" (2017)"Solar Power"vs. George Michael's "Freedom '90" (1990)"What Was That", "Man of the Year", "Hammer" (2025)Interviews: Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Apple MusicSeeing Them LiveRelated Episodes: Ep. 121 - Janet Jackson DocumentaryEp. 193 - George Michael Top 20Ep. 203- Barbie: The AlbumEp. 211 - Sounds Like HalloweenEp. 230 - Kacey Musgraves' "Deeper Well"Ep. 245 - Maren Morris Top 10Ep. 251 - Celine Dion Top 10Ep. 264 - Seeing Them Live & Lyrics ChatEp. 284 - Chappell Roan's "The Giver"Ep. 285 - Doechii's "Anxiety" & Janet Jackson!Ep. 295 - Modern Folk: Alex Warren & Myles SmithFollow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Sly & The Family Stone's frontman Sly Stone (Sylvester Stewart), died 6/9 from COPD. Hulu premiered his Sly Lives documentary in February for Black History Month. Going from church, radio, producing, fame, and downfall, he innovated multiple genre's future sounds. I discuss Sly's bio and created a playlist for you to hear his influential sounds by other artists. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaMusic Catalog / YouTube ChannelEpisode PlaylistMedia Mentioned: Uncle Buck Dance Scene (1989), Summer of Soul, 50 Years of SNL Music,Rock Talk StudioSongs Mentioned: "Laugh, Laugh" - The Beau Brummels (1965), "Somebody to Love" - Jefferson Airplane! (1967)"Hot Fun in the Summertime" - David T. Walker (1971), The Beach Boys (1992), The Manhattan Transfer & Chaka Khan (1995)"People Everyday" - Arrested Development (1992)"Stand" - Lenny Kravitz (2011) - live"Rhythm Nation" (1989-1990), "And On And On" (1993-1994) - Janet Jackson"Mama Said Knock You Out" - LL Cool J (1990-1991)"Fight the Power" - Public Enemy (1989)"Star/Pointro" - The Roots (2004)"Boogie Shoes" - KC and the Sunshine Band (1975)"Shadrach" - Beastie Boys (1989)"Weapon of Choice" - Fatboy Slim & Bootsy Collins (2000)"No One to Depend On" - Santana (1971)"Rocky Mountain Way" - Joe Walsh (1973)"X-tasy" - Missy Elliott (2001)"Love and Happiness" - Al Green (1972, 1977); BET Awards 2008Related Episodes: Ep. 37 - 20 Summer Songs CountdownEp. 120 - That's My Jam - Game ShowEp. 154 - Janet Jackson's Rhythm NationEp. 220 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 1)Ep. 241 - The Beach Boys Rare 10Ep. 272 - Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 1)Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Billy Joel's been entertaining classic rock and easy listening fans over 50 years. Getting ready to premiere HBO documentary And So It Goes, he sadly has to lie low for health reasons. For Fathers Day weekend, I countdown 10 fan favorite hits honoring his piano playing and songwriting skills. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaSupport the showPlaylist: 10. “Piano Man” (1973-1974); MSG 100th Performance9. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” (1980)8. “River of Dreams” (1993) - "Gloria" - The Cadillacs (1954); Connecticut locations7. “Vienna” (1978) - 13 Going On 30 scenes6. “Uptown Girl” (1983) - National Lampoon's Vacation scenes5. “Just the Way You Are” (1978) - The Four Seasons' "Rag Doll" (1964)4. “My Life” (1980); Bosom Buddies theme song3. “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” (1978) - musical2. “The Longest Time” (1983)1. “New York State of Mind” (1976); Concert for New York City Alexa Ray Joel covering "Just the Way You Are" (2013)Katie Couric Show - interview; Gap adLiberty Devito interview clip from Booked On Rock podcastRelated Episodes: Ep. 36 - Fathers Day Countdown Ep. 159 - Thriller: Then and NowEp. 194 - 4th of July Playlist (2023)Ep. 216 - Alicia Keys Top 10Ep. 272 - Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 1)Ep. 287 - Record Store Day PlaylistFollow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Folk music has surged an unexpected comeback in rock, country, and crossed over even more now in pop! Young modern singers Alex Warren and Myles Smith are making headlines with their catchy and powerful music. Learn how similar their songs, family backgrounds, and recent success are trending part of 2025's music scene. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaAlex Warren's websiteCurrent singles: "Ordinary", "Ordinary (Wedding Version)", "Bloodline" feat. Jelly RollPerformances: The Tonight Show, American Music AwardsCharting: UK's Official Charts, Billboard Artist PageWedding articleMyles Smith's websiteCurrent singles: "Stargazing" (2024-2025), "NIce to Meet You" (2024-2025), "Blink Twice" - Shaboozey feat. Myles SmithPerformances: The Voice's winter 2024 finale, Brit Awards 2025, American Idol finaleBrit Awards Rising Star acceptance speech, Time 100Related Episodes: Ep. 123 - Z100's Radio HistoryEp. 166 - 'Wednesday' & "Goo Goo Muck"Ep. 187 - Ed Sheeran Top 11Ep. 192 - Jelly Roll's Bio & Top 3 HitsEp. 249 - Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"Ep. 260 - Global Citizens Festival 2024 - ReviewEp. 261 - Coldplay - Top Album SongsEp. 270 - Coldplay's & Dick Van DykeEp. 273 - Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 2)Ep. 292 - Ed Sheeran's "Azizam" & "Old Phone"Ep. 294 - Prom 2025 PlaylistFollow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

It's prom season, and our listeners have gone back hearing Episode 35's Prom 2020 Playlist I made during lockdown. That episode revolutionized this podcast's listenership, and still a favorite I've made to share with you all. In the mood for a sequel, here's what I came up with for 2025's featuring new tunes, recent throwbacks, and themes reflecting a prom's themes.Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaSupport the show2025 Playlist: “Fancy” - Drake, T.I., Swizz Beatz (2010); VMAs“Suit & Tie” - Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z (2013); Grammys, (Radio Edit)“Love In Real Life” - Lizzo (2025); SNL clip“I Want You (Fever)” - Momma (2025); Jimmy Kimmel Live“Obsessed” - Olivia Rodrigo (2024)“These Walls” - Dua Lipa (2024); Royal Albert Hall“Hey Ya!" - OutKast (2003-2004)“Back Then Right Now” - Tyler Hubbard (2023-2024)“Silver Lining” - Laufey (2025)“End of Beginning” - Djo (2022, 2024)Related Episodes: Ep. 147 - Florida Georgia Line BioEp. 169 - Top 40 Songs of 2022 (Part 2)Ep. 194 - 4th of July Playlist (2023)Ep. 203 - Barbie: The AlbumsEp. 216 - Alicia Keys Top 10Ep. 220 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 1)Ep. 229 - Justin Timberlake's New AlbumEp. 238 - Dua Lipa Top 10Ep. 269 - Christmas 2024 PlaylistFollow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Recognized highly in modern country and various media, Blake Shelton and Morgan Wallen have returned with new albums this month. Both got a boost earning #1 country radio hits on Post Malone's crossover country album F-1 Trillion last summer. Multi-tasking on other big projects, I give my critiques of Blake's For Recreational Use Only, and Morgan's I'm the Problem.Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaText the show / Support the show"Texas" (2024-2025) - music videoLive: New Year's Rockin' Eve @ Ole Red, Jimmy Kimmel Live, ACM Awards, Tonight Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Voice finaleInterviews: CMT Hot Twenty, Tonight Show, The Kelly Clarkson ShowRed River Blue (2011); CBS' The Road"All My Exes Live In Texas" - George Strait (1987) - search resultsThe Swon Brothers: "Later On" (2013-2014); "I Can't Tell You Why" (Eagles cover)Morgan's SNL (3/29): "I'm the Problem", "Just In Case"YouTube Album playlist; Sand In My Boots FestRelated Episodes: Ep. 88 - Blake Shelton Top 20Ep. 117 - Top 40 Songs of 2021 (Part 2)Ep. 168 - Top 40 Songs of 2022 (Part 1)Ep. 177 - BarmageddonEp. 179 - Morgan Wallen's Music HistoryEp. 254 - Post Malone's 'F-1 Trillion (Review)Ep. 273 - Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 2)Ep. 286 - Lady A Top 10Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

British singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran has announced his next album and title theme for his next music era. Play is scheduled to come out 9/12, same week as MTV's VMAs! Until then, he's released two promo singles that we can expect through pop and acoustic compositions. Learn the music styles and stories behind "Azizam" & "Old Phone". Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaSupport podcast on Buzzsprout, Facebook, X, Instagram."Azizam" - Behind the scenes; NYC Subway emo disguise"Old Phone" - pop-up pub, song preview; Play international pop-up phone boothJimmy Fallon interivewTime 100:  article; interviewGettin' Down & WordyRelated Episodes: Ep. 116 - Top 40 Songs of 2021 (Part 1)Ep. 187 - Ed Sheeran Top 11Ep. 221 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 2)Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Lauren Alaina auditioned for American Idol in 2010, and ranked runner-up to Scotty McCreery in 2011. Both of them are the youngest top 2 in the show's history, and represented country after Carrie Underwood won in 2005! 15 years later, Lauren is happily married and expecting her first baby girl just in time for Mother's Day. Living a lot of tough moments in her family, I discuss through 4 of her songs in this maternity themed playlist where she can pass along the lessons to her newborn. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann CatenaSupport on Buzzsprout!Playlist: "Like My Mother Does" (2011) - (Live)"Road Less Traveled" (2016-2017)"Doin' Fine" (2017-2018)"Those Kind of Women" (2025)Other hits: "Georgia Peaches"(2011), "Ladies in the '90s" (2019)Duets: "What Ifs" - Kane Brown (2016-2017), "One Beer" - HARDY feat. Devin Dawson (2020),"Thinking 'Bout You" - Dustin Lynch (2021)"I Like The Sound of That" - Rascal Flatts (2015-2016)"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" - Kelly Clarkson (2012)Related Episodes: Ep. 31 - Mothers Day CountdownEp. 96 - Luke Bryan Bio & DiscographyEp. 139 - Carrie Underwood's Country AlbumsEp. 132 - Kelly Clarkson Top 20Ep. 185 - Meghan Trainor Top 10Ep. 221 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 2)Ep. 232 - Chayce Beckham & Gabby BarrettEp. 244 - Luke Combs "Dad" SongsEp. 286 - Lady A Top 10Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists.