The Pop Pod

This week on Bop or Flop, we’re diving into some of the most exciting new drops in pop. RAYE returns with a powerhouse moment, Miley Cyrus teams up with Lindsey Buckingham for a surprising collab, and Lola Young delivers one of her boldest tracks yet. We break down whether these tracks are undeniable bops—or total flops. Plus, we get into fresh releases from Kali Uchis & Ravyn Lenae, JADE, Rose Gray, Demi Lovato, Carly Rae Jepsen, Madison Beer, and Amber Mark.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

The 2026 Grammys are almost here, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable years yet. In this episode, I go through the major popstars one by one and break down their chances at taking home gold. From Lady Gaga’s big return and Bad Bunny’s global dominance, to Tate McRae’s breakout run and Kendrick Lamar’s critical stronghold, I cover it all. Plus, I dive into Addison Rae and Sabrina Carpenter’s pop culture momentum, and whether Lorde can make a Grammys comeback.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

This week, I’m joined by triple j’s Abby Butler and The Hit Network’s Nic Kelly for a battle to crown the most criminally underrated artist in pop. From Zara Larsson to Caroline Polachek to Ravyn Lenae, we dig deep into why these artists deserve way more love — and fight it out to decide who’s truly the most slept-on star in music.🎧 Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm🎙️ Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com🎵 PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

It’s a huge week for pop — Lady Gaga is back with The Dead Dance from the Wednesday soundtrack, and Justin Bieber returns with his new single LOVE SONG. But are they bops or flops?Plus, I sit down with Mimi Webb ahead of the release of her second album Confessions next week to talk about the new era, her biggest inspirations, and her perfect pop song.We’re also breaking down the rest of this week’s biggest releases:Tame Impala – LoserLady Gaga – The Dead DanceCalvin Harris & Jessie Reyez – OceanLola Young – SPIDERSSG Lewis & Oliver Sim – Baby BlueThe Last Dinner Party – The Scythehemlocke springs – the beginning of the endLatto & Ice Spice – Gyattflowerovlove – I’m your firstNatanya – JezebelJustin Bieber – LOVE SONGCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

Sabrina Carpenter is back with her brand new album Man’s Best Friend, just a year after Short n’ Sweet — but was it too soon? In this episode, I dive into everything you need to know about the record: whether she released it too quickly, its chances at next year’s Grammys, how it stacks up against her past work, and what it means for her place in the pop landscape right now.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

Sabrina Carpenter is back with her new album Man’s Best Friend. Can she strike gold twice in just over a year following Short N’ Sweet? We get into “Tears” and the rest of this week’s big releases, plus an interview with Audrey Hobert, who’s behind one of the best debut albums of the year.Also on the playlist this week:Florence + The Machine — “Everybody Scream”CMAT — “When a Good Man Cries”Hayley Williams — “Parachute”Blood Orange & Caroline Polachek — “The Train (King’s Cross)”The Kid LAROI, Hannah Jadagu, Eli, Medium Build, Skepta & Fred again..Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

This week, you sent in some spicy takes — and we’re diving right in. From questioning whether Taylor Swift would’ve hit the same heights without the pandemic, to calling Lana Del Rey boring, we’re tackling your most controversial opinions. We also debate the aesthetics of alternate album covers and discuss whether Britney Spears should ever release another album.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

This week on Bop or Flop, I'm getting into the new music drops and deciding what’s worth your streams. We’re talking sombr, Laufey, Wolf Alice, Mariah the Scientist, Royel Otis, Ava Max, Kid Cudi, ADÉLA, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Doja Cat’s brand-new track "Jealous Type."Here’s the full list of songs discussed:sombr – i wish i knew how to quit youLaufey – Mr. EclecticWolf Alice – Just Two GirlsMariah the Scientist – SacrificeRoyel Otis – who’s your boyfriendAva Max – Don’t Click PlayKid Cudi – Mr. MiracleADÉLA – SexOnTheBeatCarly Rae Jepsen – MoreDoja Cat – Jealous TypeCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

On this episode of The Pop Pod, I gaze ahead to the 2026 Grammys and try to predict who might land a Best New Artist nomination. Could it be Sombr, Addison Rae, Alex Warren, or Ravyn Lenae? I break down their chances and unpack what might make—or break—each contender.Later in the episode, I spotlight my personal favorite new artists right now and sit down with Audrey Hobert, Natanya, and Iyla for candid chats about their journeys, creative inspirations, and next moves.Artists featured in this episode:Audrey HobertRose GrayNatanyaEliIylaAlemedaHaute & FreddyChloe QishaRoniaEddie Benjamin🎧 Listen to the playlist: PopSamCam’s New Artist PicksCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

It’s a stacked week of new music, and we’re putting it all to the Bop or Flop test. We discuss Conan Gray’s “Caramel,” Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need,” and Zara Larsson’s “Crush,” plus I speak with Audrey Hobert about her new single “Thirst Trap.” We also check out tracks from Wolf Alice, Khalid, Steve Lacy, Maroon 5 with Lil Wayne, Amaarae, and Jenevieve.This is the full list discussed:Wolf Alice – White HorsesOlivia Dean – Man I NeedConan Gray – CaramelKhalid – in plain sightSteve Lacy – Nice ShoesZara Larsson – CrushAudrey Hobert – Thirst TrapMaroon 5 feat. Lil Wayne – Love Is LikeAmaarae – FineshytJenevieve – Hvn HighCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

On this week’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend Yan to dive deep into Ethel Cain’s Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You — unpacking its devastation, intimacy, and her complete lack of interest in chasing pop stardom. We explore whether it stands as a worthy successor to Preacher’s Daughter and what it reveals about her evolving artistry. Plus, we share our first thoughts on Taylor Swift’s freshly announced album The Life of a Showgirl and what it could mean for her next era.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

Taylor Swift has delivered over a decade of era-defining albums — but which one truly reigns supreme? In this episode, we’re ranking every Taylor record from debut to The Tortured Poets Department, looking at the music, the impact, and the moments that made each era unforgettable.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

It’s been five years since a wave of major albums defined the sound of 2020. In this episode, I’m revisiting the records that shaped that year—from Future Nostalgia to folklore, Chromatica to Punisher—to explore how they hold up today. Some still feel vital, others less so. Let’s find out which ones aged gracefully, and which are starting to show their cracks.Albums discussed:Dua Lipa – Future NostalgiaThe Weeknd – After HoursPhoebe Bridgers – PunisherTaylor Swift – folklore / evermoreFiona Apple – Fetch The Bolt CuttersMiley Cyrus – Plastic HeartsHAIM – Women in Music Pt. IIICharli XCX – how i’m feeling nowLady Gaga – ChromaticaJessie Ware – What’s Your Pleasure?Chloe x Halle – Ungodly HourHalsey – ManicRina Sawayama – SAWAYAMAJustin Bieber – ChangesAriana Grande – PositionsKaty Perry – SmileSelena Gomez – RareBad Bunny – YHLQMDLGKesha – High RoadMegan Thee Stallion – Good NewsCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

This week on Bop or Flop, we’re talking through new music from Renée Rapp, Hayley Williams, Chappell Roan, and more.Songs discussed:Renée Rapp – Kiss It Kiss ItHayley Williams – GlumChappell Roan – The SubwayDemi Lovato – FastBlusher – DON’T LOOK AT ME LIKE THATEddie Benjamin – DRIVINGRose Gray, Shygirl, Casey MQ – Everything Changes (But I Want You)Ella Boh – ur gfMaren Morris – runningSlayyyter – BEAT UP CHANEL$Mariah the Scientist, Kali Uchis – Is It a CrimeCome and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

Lana Del Rey’s discography is one of the most fascinating in modern pop—shifting from cinematic grandeur to stripped-back intimacy over the course of a decade. In this episode, I’m ranking all of her albums and reflecting on how her sound and storytelling have evolved. From the early impact of Born to Die to the quiet beauty of Ocean Blvd, this is a look at the highs, the (occasional) lows, and everything in between.Lana Del Rey’s discography is one of the most fascinating in modern pop—shifting from cinematic grandeur to stripped-back intimacy over the course of a decade. In this episode, I’m ranking all of her albums and reflecting on how her sound and storytelling have evolved. From the early impact of Born to Die to the quiet beauty of Ocean Blvd, this is a look at the highs, the lows, and everything in between.✨ Join the conversation: Discord Community🎙️ Send voicenotes or questions: thepoppod@popsamcam.com🎧 Follow the New Music Friday Playlist: PopSamCam on Spotify