The Pop Pod

We have bopped or flopped pop music for the whole year and now it's time to nail it down to the projects that impressed us the most. From Addison Rae to Lady Gaga, we break down the high highs of 2025.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected] to my Best Songs of 2025 playlist: https://lnk.bio/thepoppod

This week, we're diving into the 2025 albums that critics are putting at the top of their lists. We break down the “Best of 2025” lists from NME, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and more, and look at which artists are dominating across publications — including Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Oklou, and Addison Rae, who are all emerging as the year’s most critically adored releases.Jono and I also reveal our Spotify Wrapped and talk about the deluxe edition of JADE's 'That's Showbiz Baby'.Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a.

Pop in 2025 has been… a ride. In this episode, we break down the year that gave us conservative pop trends, breakout niche-class stars, and some of the strangest chart behaviour we’ve seen in years.I dive into why Pop felt so safe this year, the rise of artists operating completely on their own wavelength — Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress, JADE, and the wider Niche Class — and how R&B quietly became one of the most interesting genres again. Meanwhile, Rap had a tough run, but the lack of superstar domination meant new talent finally got to shine: Ravyn Lenae, Leon Thomas, SOMBR, Katseye and more all delivered some of the year’s strongest moments.

The Grammy nominations are finally here — and we have thoughts. This year’s field is led by Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga, and we’re diving straight into the biggest surprises, the snubs, and the categories that are going to be tough to call. We also get into Rosalía’s brand-new album, her first since MOTOMAMI. We talk through the sound, the visuals, the influence she's pulling from, and why this era feels like a full reset for pop music. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions: [email protected]’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a.

The Grammys are almost here — so it's time for my final nomination predictions. In this episode, I break down who I think will land the biggest nods across the General Field and Pop categories, from Album of the Year to Best Pop Vocal Album.I dive into the artists shaping this year’s race — including Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and more — and talk surprises, snubs, and the momentum behind each contender. Who’s a lock, who’s fighting for a spot, and who might shock us when nominations drop?Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: [email protected]'s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a.