Presenting Can't Stop The Pop...LIVE! On July 2nd, 2025, we hosted our first live podcast at the Kings Arms in Soho as part of the London Pride celebrations. For this very special occasion, we discussed 'It's Raining Men' by Geri Halliwell, and in this episode, you can hear the audio from the event. We talk about Geri Halliwell's interpretation of the song for the soundtrack to Bridget Jones' Diary (and some of the adjustments from the original), the music video, which has nothing to do with the movie, the chart stats, and Craig rants about the concept of the 'Scream If You Wanna Go Faster' album. Thank you to the Kings Arms for hosting the event, and everyone who came along to support us. If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop To read about 'It's Raining Men' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2021/04/26/geri-halliwell-its-raining-men/ You can find out more about the Kings Arms, Soho by visiting: https://www.kingsarms-soho.co.uk/london and following them on Instagram: @kingsarms.soho You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
In this episode, Matty and Craig bring yesterday back around to discuss the Sugabab-babes' (seriously, what was with the typography for this campaign?) biggest hit: 'About You Now'. Despite unanimous praise for the song and a consensus that the music video was slightly underwhelming, there are wildly different opinions on what 'About You Now' meant for where the group were at this point, and how it potentially influenced their subsequent career. We also talk about the Miranda Cosgrove version of the track (begrudgingly, in Matty's case), which charted in America. And, of course, no discussion of 'About You Now' would be complete without mentioning that iconic 'Hollyoaks' scene... If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
For this episode, we've ventured (just) outside the '90s and '00s to discuss Joe McElderry's 2010 single, 'Ambitions'. And we've bent the rules with good reason because the man himself joins us to look back at his first post-X Factor release. Joe gives us all the background on the song's origins as a chart-topping hit for the Norwegian band Donkeyboy and how it helped shape the sound of his debut album, 'Wide Awake'. We discuss the making of the music video (including that iconic choreography) and how the record label reacted to the commercial performance of 'Ambitions'. Joe also talks to us about his subsequent success becoming a triple-reality TV show winner, the inspiration behind his recent material, honouring George Michael's musical legacy and much more. We hope you enjoy listening to the episode — and discovering what life is like inside and outside the X Factor bubble — as much as we did recording it. Joe McElderry is currently touring with Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat until the 10th of August 2025. Tickets for the remaining dates are available at: https://uk.josephthemusical.com/ Joe will also be touring later this year. For tickets and more information, head over to: https://www.joemcelderryofficial.com/ You can follow Joe McElderry on Instagram: @joemcelderryofficial and TikTok: @joemcelderryofficial You can also follow us on Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop
In this kingsize episode, Matty and Craig look back at 'Let's Dance', which earned Five their third #1 hit while simultaneously becoming the backdrop to the group's sudden implosion as they split before the single had even left the top 40. There are differing opinions on the song, and a music video that hasn't aged particularly well for several reasons. We also revisit how Five announced their split on MTV just four weeks after releasing their third album, 'Kingsize'...it's not an easy listen. Plus, fans of 'Inspector Gadget' rejoice because we even found time to talk about that, too! If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop To read about 'Let's Dance' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2021/08/09/five-lets-dance/ You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
This week, Matty and Craig look back at a seminal moment for pop music, when Will Young released Leave Right Now and proved there was life after TV talent shows with a critically and commercially acclaimed second album. We examine the origins of the track and how Eg White began by trying to write a Christmas song for Gareth Gates. We also discuss the single-shot music video and share some quirky chart stats, which saw Leave Right Now almost beaten to the #1 spot in the UK and belatedly enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2010. Plus, this was the era of the infamously terrible World Idol, and you'd better believe we have thoughts on that... If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
In this episode, Matty and Craig hit the Ibiza dancefloor to look back at Melanie C's I Turn To You. The fourth single from the Northern Star album received a remix by Hex Hector, which helped propel it to the top of the charts. We discuss misheard lyrics in the song, an unintentional Jurassic Park reference in the music video, and those all-important stats, which saw Melanie C become the first woman to score a #1 hit as part of a quintet, quartet, duo, and as a solo artist. If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop To read about I Turn To You on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/08/03/melanie-c-i-turn-to-you/ You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
In this episode, we're looking back at H & Claire's third (and final) single, All Out Of Love. It's a song that, in many ways, marked a full-circle moment for the duo, reuniting them with a familiar team of Steps songwriters as they prepared to release their debut album. There's so much to discuss, not least a Jumanji-inspired dance break from the music video. Plus, Matty questions whether the track's key change is real, and the evidence against is compelling. Let us know your thoughts on that one...! If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop To read about All Out Of Love on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/11/02/h-claire-all-out-of-love/ You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
In this episode, we're joined by Louise Fudge - one third of Supersister - to talk about the group's iconic '00s hit, Coffee. Find out what inspired the lyrics, what the song's got in common with It's Raining Men, and which act were chosen to perform on Top Of The Pops instead of Supersister. We also discuss their recently released Lip Service album, the group's triumphant live comeback at Mighty Hoopla 2025 and what's next for Supersister. We had a latte fun (sorry) recording this one, so we hope you enjoy it! To read about 'Coffee' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/09/28/supersister-coffee/ You can follow Supersister on Instagram: @supersister_official and TikTok: @supersister_official You can also follow us on Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop
In this episode, Matty and Craig take a look back at the track that turned Leona Lewis from the winner of a TV talent show into a bona fide superstar: Bleeding Love. We discuss how the song went from being rejected by Jesse McCartney's record label to becoming one of the biggest global hits of the '00s and even birthed a sub-genre of soundalikes. Plus, there are not one but two music videos to talk about! You can follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast
It's time... For our Christmas episode, we're celebrating 30 years of All I Want For Christmas Is You and discussing how Mariah Carey's 1994 festive hit has become a perennial chart staple. Among the talking points are the song's origins (and an embarrassing attempt by Craig to pronounce Walter Afanasieff's name), its initial chart success and what's happened in the streaming era, we look back at some iconic live performances, reflect on how the track has become an annual meme, and Matty shares his thoughts on All I Want For Christmas Is You (SuperFestive!) featuring Justin Bieber. We hope you enjoy the episode as much as we did recording and editing it. Happy holidays to all our listeners. If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! You can also follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast
Easy V doesn't come for free! For our second season finale, we're discussing an artist and a song so seismic that they allegedly brought down an entire record label. It's Victoria Beckham with her dance-pop track, Let Your Head Go. We delve into a complicated situation that resulted in two different albums being recorded (neither of which was officially released), Victoria Beckham's prominent role in relaunching Top Of The Pops, the brilliantly self-deprecating music video for Let Your Head Go and the song's continued absence from streaming platforms. If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! To read about Let Your Head Go on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2019/12/23/victoria-beckham-let-your-head-go/ You can also follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast
It's confessions on a podcast this week as we discuss Madonna's ABBA-sampling smash hit, Hung Up. To help us dissect this behemoth pop song we're joined by a special guest: James Rodriguez, host of The Original Doll. With James' expert knowledge, we delve into the circumstances surrounding the single and why Madonna's tenth studio album - Confessions On A Dancefloor - was such a significant moment in her career. Matty shares his memories of Hung Up and what it means to him as a Madonna fan, while there's an unexpected drag battle revelation from Craig. Please check out The Original Doll with James Rodriguez. You can find information about the show at: https://theoriginaldoll.com/ You can follow James on X: @JamesRodriguez, Instagram: @the.original.doll and TikTok: @thejamesrodriguez You can also follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast
Dude, you wanna crash the mall? Grab your air guitars because, in this episode, Craig and Matty are coming back down to earth to talk about Avril Lavigne's Sk8er Boi. We discuss what it was like to be a teenager when pop-rock took over the charts (think baggy jeans, hoodies and those chains that hung from everyone's pockets) and how Sk8er Boi managed to condense pretty much everything that era represented into a 3½ minute song. Plus, no critique of Avril Lavigne would be complete without acknowledging the enduring conspiracy theory that is...Melissa. If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! To read about Sk8er Boi on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2023/10/16/avril-lavigne-sk8er-boi/ You can also follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast
This week, Craig and Matty are discussing Your Disco Needs You, the Kylie Minogue song that was allegedly deemed "too gay" to release in the UK. Can Matty talk about one of his favourite artists of all time without going off on a tangent? Almost. We managed to stay focused for long enough to cover the song, the remixes, the incredible vocals and the music video for this intentionally camp Kylie classic. If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! To read about Your Disco Needs You on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2022/01/17/kylie-minogue-your-disco-needs-you/ You can also follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast
This week on the podcast, Craig and Matty are stuck on Stacie Orrico, a Christian Contemporary artist who was signed by Virgin Records and launched as a mainstream pop star in the '00s. (There's Gotta Be) More To Life was her second single, and it's flipping brilliant. We discuss the track and the music video (with its many looks, both good and bad). Matty gives an informed, technical analysis of Stacie Orrico's voice, plus, find out which iconic '00s movie Craig has never seen. To read about (There's Gotta Be) More To Life on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2019/10/14/stacie-orrico-theres-gotta-be-more-to-life/ You can also follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast
Who's that Pokémon? This week, Craig introduces Matty to Don't Say You Love Me by M2M, which is, of course, taken from the official soundtrack to the cinematic masterpiece Pokémon: The First Movie. We discuss the song, the brilliantly '90s/'00s music video (with unnecessary dance breaks aplenty) and what M2M did after Don't Say You Love Me. Plus, find out which were our first ever starter Pokémon. The results are revealing... To read about Don't Say You Love Me on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/03/16/m2m-dont-say-you-love-me/ You can also follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast
Take those lies and let them go (woah, woah) because this week, Matty and Craig are talking about Scooch's top-five hit, More Than I Needed To Know. We discuss how the group was formed and why this was such an important second single for them. Matty is particularly enthused by the music video, while Craig longs to own a promotional Scooch lunchbox. One thing's for four sure: there's rather a lot of grammatical confusion about the title of the group's debut album. To read about More Then I Needed To Know on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2019/01/07/scooch-more-than-i-needed-to-know/ You can also follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast
This week, Matty and Craig take a walk of life as they look back at Day & Night, the lead single from Billie Piper's second album. There's little disputing this as a veritable '00s classic, and while Matty is particularly enthused by the killer double-chorus, Craig is tormented by a launderette sequence in the music video. But behind the general brilliance of the track, Billie Piper wasn't having such a great time as a chart-topping pop star. So, while there's much to celebrate about Day & Night, it also came at a high price... To read about Day & Night on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2019/05/13/billie-piper-day-night/ You can also follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast
We've got a steptacular exclusive this week because Matty and Craig are joined by BAFTA Rocliffe-winning, double Offie-nominated Shaun Kitchener, writer of the forthcoming Steps musical: Here & Now. Naturally, we wanted to talk about the song that inspired the title of the show. Released in 2001 as a double-A side with You'll Be Sorry, Here and Now was the final single from the group's third album, Buzz. There might be a few tears on the dancefloor because Matty and Craig had quite different opinions on this one! Plus we talk to Shaun about developing a musical based on Steps, his favourite deep-cut album tracks, thoughts on the group's solo endeavours (Faye Tozer album when?) and which Steps song he'd like Kelly Clarkson to cover. To read about Here and Now on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2021/05/31/steps-here-and-now/ You can also follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast Check out Shaun Kitchener at https://shaunkitchener.com, X: @ShaunKitchener and Instagram: @shaunkitchenerbentley The Steps musical, Here & Now, opens on the 9th of November at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre. Visit https://thestepsmusical.com/ for more information and tickets.
On the podcast this week, Matty and Craig are revisiting a '90s classic that is like oxygen through our veins: I Breathe Again. We look back at Adam Rickitt's transformation from soap star to pop singer, discuss the general brilliance of the song and look back at the *ahem* rather revealing music video. To read about I Breathe Again on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2019/06/10/adam-rickitt-i-breathe-again/ You can also follow us on X: @matkinsactor @cantstoppop, Instagram: @mat_atkins9 @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast