Digest

NPR host Stephen Thompson shares his annual ranking of the Oscar-nominated songs for Best Original Song. He discusses each nominee, including "Dear Me" by Diane Warren, "Train Dreams" by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner, "Sweet Dreams of Joy" from "Viva Verdi," "I Lied to You" from "Sinners," and the top-ranked "Golden" from "K-Pop Demon Hunters." Thompson evaluates the songs based on their quality and artistic merit, offering insights into their integration within their respective films and their broader cultural impact. The podcast concludes with acknowledgments and a preview of future episodes.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Oscar Song Ranking Preview

The podcast opens with a sponsorship message and introduces NPR host Stephen Thompson, who discusses his annual tradition of ranking the songs nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar. He notes that this year's selection is particularly strong.

00:02:29

Ranking the Nominees: "Dear Me" and "Train Dreams"

The hosts begin their ranking with "Dear Me" by Diane Warren, discussing her extensive nomination history. They then move to "Train Dreams," analyzing its atmospheric quality and Nick Cave's performance, ultimately placing it lower due to its function as a closing credits song.

00:13:25

Ranking the Nominees: "Sweet Dreams of Joy" and "I Lied to You"

The discussion features "Sweet Dreams of Joy," an operatic piece from "Viva Verdi," noted for its uplifting qualities. "I Lied to You" from "Sinners" is praised for its brilliant use within the film and its thematic expansion, earning it the second spot.

00:33:55

Top Ranked Song: "Golden" and Podcast Conclusion

"Golden" from "K-Pop Demon Hunters" is ranked number one, celebrated for its quality, the challenge of its creation, and its significant real-world success as a global hit and cultural phenomenon. The podcast concludes with credits and a look ahead to future episodes.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is Stephen Thompson's annual tradition related to the Oscars?

  Stephen Thompson annually ranks the songs nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar, focusing on their quality rather than their chances of winning.

• Why was "Train Dreams" ranked lower on the list?

  "Train Dreams" was ranked lower because it primarily functions as a closing credits song that expounds on the film's themes, rather than being deeply integrated into the narrative itself.

• What makes "Sweet Dreams of Joy" a unique Oscar nominee?

  "Sweet Dreams of Joy" is unique as an operatic piece from a documentary about a retirement home for musicians, standing out for its grand musicality and uplifting message.

• Why is "Golden" considered the top-ranked song?

  "Golden" was ranked number one due to its exceptional quality, the challenge of making it believable as a global hit within its film, its massive commercial success, and its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Show Notes