Switched on Pop

by Vulture
2,362

A podcast all about the making and meaning of popular music. Musicologist Nate Sloan & songwriter Charlie Harding pull back the curtain on how pop hits work magic on our ears & our culture. From Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network.

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Recent Reviews
  • 😍🥰😘🦄🦊🌮🐺🦙💎🍭🎀🧸
    Chat hear me out
    Ok hear me out but i NEED a episode that at least includes a Vocaloid if not our blue queen Hatsune Miku especially because they were predicting J-Pop is gonna hit the charts I would love to see a Vocaloid episode especially because they’re holograms i feel like it would be really cool to see what they think about it :3
  • RYLAND fat
    Favorite
    Podcast ever 5000 1000 456,000 18,000 450,000 stars is what this podcast deserves Updated: A9sus4?🤨🧏🏾🧏🏾‍♂️🧏🏾🧏🏾‍♂️💎😄
  • CatalinaJaneQuijano
    I have a idea love the pod
    I have a idea for a episode. Mariah Carey VS Ariana Grande on the high notes. Just a idea. Love this podcast
  • nielsenwithane
    So obsessed with this show!
    Love love love
  • doofenshmirtz12
    I love this show! 😍
    I am SUCH a music nerd and its nice to hear some other music nerds talk about music I love! Me and my family went to see Porter Robinson and it was amazing! Then, I found the Porter Robinson episode of this and I got so excited and I loved it! Keep up the good work! Edit: it was so funny when Charlie said the tom was tuned to B in the original Shake It Off! 😂😂😭
  • CeceRE23
    No women
    I love this show so much and have followed for years… but why did they not discuss a SINGLE woman in the most recent rap episode?? Devastating
  • sjdhsjsxjjs
    Excellent in every way
    I really love the way this show transitions between segments. The flow of this show always feels very natural, and the way they draw us into the thesis episode always feels really surprising. Sometimes I think they stretch a point too far, but god bless them for putting in the work. I truly love this show!
  • CRJ84531
    Pretty good
    Interesting topics, engaging discussions and analyses. This podcast is at its best when it remains focused on the music. It starts to get annoying when the hosts let their political views creep through…most episodes have some mention of “cis white male privilege” or similar phrases that are not used by people who are grounded in reality. Stick to the music please.
  • jsteen2
    Islands In The Stream
    The title refers to the Gulf Stream and the Caribbean Islands.
  • PizzaPolitix
    Charlie sounds like 2x speed
    Hi can you explain to me why I hear Hero by Chad Kroger from Spiderman soundtrack when I hear the new Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga collab? Am I just nuts? This a neutral statement but Charlie's voice makes me check if I am in 2x speed constantly. Please do not be offended as I am also a fast talker.
  • 🎀😫im just a girl😫🎀
    OMG
    tysm for making a kpop one!!! I love this podcast!!! ★★★★★
  • Appman7678
    Music geeks unite!
    This podcast is perfect for those of us who studied music in school, but dearly miss their old music communities they had when young. Love your content so much! 🎵🩷
  • 🫠😵‍💫🫥
    MY GOODNESS
    I scrolled and scrolled and scrolled and scrolled and FINALLY I found Harry Styles! For this, you get five stars. Thank you for making a Harry Styles one. 👌👍
  • New user august
    ?
    🎮
  • peanutbutterandmandi
    so fun and smart always
    i have listened to this show for a long time now but the key change episode was SO fun and goofy and a great new & fresh format i had to come rate! you committed to the bit and it paid off in a huge way, i hope for more fun takes like this in the future :)
  • mcc_nyc
    The actual sound of the podcast is not good
    I’m listening to the episode about how restaurants are too loud, but it’s a bit ironic that the sound and editing is bad. The Gastropod hosts edit their speech in a way that is very unnatural and doesn’t leave enough space in between sentences. The volume on this episode also fluctuates too much.
  • Era Key
    Shoulder shrug
    Listened for the Beyoncé episode couldn’t even finish the Camilla, Taylor, Sabrina episode. They have very basic takes/ just wrong. I think maybe how they talk is just so boring - monotone and what saves it is the insert music piece. Will listen if I’m curious to see how the generations before/elder millennials feel about major music moments.
  • argenbra
    Why are restaurants so loud
    In an episode on loud noise, why are the ads louder than the episode?
  • pseudovirus
    such good pop music analysis
    i've listened to this podcast on and off for several years now and it's always a joy to hear the breakdown of contemporary pop music. the hosts have such respect for the genre and help me to hear songs and albums from a fresh perspective.
  • Lilac💜💜💜🪻🪻🪻
    Cool find
    I randomly saw this after learning about synths and switched on bauk
  • basedonmary
    Fun Hosts!
    I always love when Reanna comes on! She has great insights and love her dry sense of humor. I love how goofy Charlie and Nate are, and my favorite eps are definitely when it feels like I’m listening in on a hang out sesh, where they’re all just chatting, debating, and cracking jokes about pop songs. Fun pod! BTW, ever notice how podcasts featuring men and a woman invariably get reviews about how annoying the woman is? I’m sure it means nothing…
  • Lunar Connoisseur
    One of my favorites!
    Truly one of the best, most consistent podcasts. Even when an episode title doesn’t sound very interesting to me, I listen to the episode and invariably learn something fascinating. I always walk away more curious about and energized by the whole world, not just the world of music, and what more can you ask for? Plus, it’s entertaining!
  • travisfili
    My go-to music pod
    The recent episode about Beyoncé’s new singles was great! My favorite episodes are ones that break down songs and talk about the lyrics, instrumentation, musicians, lyrics, and melodies. I liked the new singles before the show, but now I have a deeper appreciation and understanding of them, so thank you!
  • Kingcleooforange
    Used to be good
    I used to love this podcast, but it’s gone downhill over the last few yrs. I enjoyed the in-depth dissection of pop songs and albums - lyrics, composition, vocals, instrumentation, production, music theory, etc. It used to have a pleasing structure as the 2 hosts went through their analysis, sometimes through the lens of a listener question. Now all the interviews are freeform, somewhat superficial conversations with random guests. The most recent episode devolved into trite commentary about musical theater. While everyone seemed to have a good time making fun of the genre… none of the criticism was original. Songs were name-dropped and clips played… seemingly with the sole purpose of listing them in the show notes. Like many episodes lately, there were many missed opportunities for a more profound and nuanced discussion - sacrificed for the sake of levity and banter. Here’s hoping it gets back on track in 2024.
  • cwebb96
    Stream for Iconic Content
    When are we getting more Rihanna Cruz episodes???? The people demand them!!!
  • SlowReader2
    Joe Treble
    The Joe Treble bit was funny for 10 seconds and then it got annoying. I only listened because I was genuinely interested in the subject. Joe, please drop the act. A whole episode is too much
  • podster82
    Ditch Reanna
    The guys, while extremely white and nerdy, have a good rapport and enthusiastic perspectives. But it’s time to pink-slip Reanna. The “Daria” affectation and listless energy lend little to the show: in fact it all drags the show down. I’m sure a lovely person in real life! Just not on a podcast. THIS podcast, specifically.
  • camillemmorgan
    Yay!
    Their depth of knowledge and attention to detail is genuinely impressive - I learn something every episode!
  • Lemyrrio
    great show! ( or as we the emo say, it was maybe as good as your last show, oh ! )
    i have liked this show since the first one i heard, where you spent the whole episode digging into the "it's friday, friday, friday - oh!" pop song and i had the terrible realization that i, who had listened to dashboard confessional, the postal service / death cab for cutie, rooney, and fall out boy for the last 20 years, and in true emo sense feel compelled to make said list, might actually like pop music, and might read the rise and fall of my beloved emo into pop culture not in stubborn and melancholy jealousy but instead in the terms of seeing my fellow skinny jeans wearing falsetto singing eyeliner artists finally recognized as worth it to get the girl or guy who we've been longing for for sooooooooooo looooong! anyway, i made this comment because today you mentioned emo and as i listened to your willow track at the end, you all referenced a few songs but i heard the final chorus of dashboard confessionals "screaming infidelities" with the insane dual octave scream plus open mouthed belting cry of "giving you aaaaawaaaayyyy its over" by chris carabba and with his insane 12 string acoustic guitar . you guys didn't go there but it was so fun to hear even the genre coming back as being cool. may emo be the second best and the other guy in total angst forever except when we get these cathartic moments of being lauded in public by cool pods like this! do you like dreaming of things so impossible? yes? i'll see you here...🎵🎤🎧
  • fakepiet
    Falling off
    Rihanna is so hateful for no reason it makes me not want to listen
  • Marshee10012
    Awesome podcast! Thank youb
    THIS is what I come to podcasts for… programming like this… every episode is informational, funny, fun and so musical… I love the addition of Ms, Cruz, but miss the fantastic and silky, funny , informative, camaraderie between Harding and Sloan ( sp?). Thank you for all you do… this last episode on Gay Anthems was really great…
  • TJBeatty
    Discovered this pod 2 months ago and I’m already 130+ eps deep
    Absolutely love this podcast. Discovered this just a few months ago and it’s now my go-to podcast. I look forward to it every Tuesday and work through the back catalog in between new episodes. I love their personalities, Charlie and Nate’s friendship, and the Gen-Z energy and perspective on music from Reanna when she makes an appearance. I learn a ton about music I already love, as well as music I’ve never heard of, and I’m always incredibly entertained. If you love music, just drop the needle on this pod. You won’t regret it.
  • Schroadd
    Thrilling
    Always fun. Always enlightening. Often inspiring. The knowledge and chemistry the hosts share is absolutely delightful. The Daft Punk mini series is nothing short of thrilling. It is timely, rich, thought provoking, and damned fun. A dense and chewy nugget of synth history and contextualization that goes down very easily and leaves you all the more nourished by the end. In the immortal words if R2D2, “Bleep bloop!” 🤖🤖❤️
  • Bfreal
    All style no substance
    I can’t take the vapid superficial analysis anymore. They failed to mention Chicago in a whole episode on house. They think daft punk wasn’t part of a whole synth and edm movement. They project text painting on every lyric like it’s a neurological tick. I want to shake them like a bad baby in the 19th century. Do a little research. Please, just a little.
  • Heathwulf
    My favorite podcast
    I’ve been listening to these guys for years. Maybe one of my first podcasts. I will say that the Daft Punk series is my all time favorite. Great job guys. Keep up the good work! -Heath from OH (now Maine)
  • Beeline81
    Not what it used to be
    I used to love this podcast, but lately they’ve been veering away from their astute analysis and toward what feels more like infomercials for new albums. They have artists on to describe their new albums which… maybe is fine for some listeners but it’s not what I’m here for. Bring back the OG format!
  • arothfield
    MORE DETECTIVE STORIES PLEASE
    Longtime listener, but that detective episode about key changes finally made me leave a review. Love what y’all do and would LOVE more like that episode!
  • kevindaniel
    Okay guys, I tried.
    I think I hung on for like 5 minutes hoping it was just a long cheesy intro or something. But that last episode about the key change was RUFF. I would suggest abandoning character work. There are people that probably. I mean I love the show, and you guys, but it was almost like listening to eating sounds… so grating. Misophonia is what it’s called, I think. Do an episode on that!
  • CLT Wook
    Please, no more will Will Arner
    If it wasn’t Will Arnet, whoever played the detective voice on the who killed the key change episode was way too distracting. The regular hosts do just fine. Don’t change something that works.
  • Tim Elliott
    Had to stop listening
    Charlie did a voice that was so grating during the key change episode that I had to stop listening. I was really interested but my skin wouldn’t stop crawling. Please no more funny voices.
  • Jaleek
    The Best Podcast In Music
    The best thing about this podcast is I think it will take an angle on a subject and it takes me somewhere I never expected . I consistently gain a greater appreciate for music as a whole and the artists I enjoy from the insights given here. In a world of people bloviating boring music critic garbage to hear the sound of their own voices, SOP does the opposite and considers the listener and what they will take away from each episode and it is so appreciated. Every subject is handled masterfully and Reanna has brought a whole new depth to the podcast I really enjoy.
  • Mattthecoolest
    Best Music Podcast by Far
    Charlie and co. produce an amazing podcast about pop music with an eye towards deeper analysis and musicology. Some of my favorite episodes take on historic topics that aren’t often highlighted by other shows. They also tend to take a critical eye towards any musician in the spot light, without dismissing it as lowest common denominator pop. A must listen!
  • aichman2
    A must-listen for music lovers
    As someone who’s always been fascinated by the intricate details of music, Switched on Pop has quickly become one of my favorite podcasts. Nate and Charlie’s deep dive into the world of pop music is both informative and entertaining, as they break down everything from melody and harmony to production techniques and cultural influences. Their analysis of popular music is always insightful, and I’ve learned so much about the craft of songwriting and music production from listening to their show. What sets Switched on Pop apart, though, is the way they use music as a lens to explore broader cultural issues, whether it’s race, gender, or politics. Overall, I would highly recommend Switched on Pop to anyone who loves music and wants to deepen their understanding of how it works. Nate and Charlie are fantastic hosts, and their passion for music is infectious. Give it a listen – you won’t be disappointed!
  • Bugs Frances
    My favorite podcast
    I’ve been listening to Switched on Pop for perhaps 5 years now and I’m so grateful it exists! It always lends a neat perspective and new lens to look at music, and I’ve learned a ton. I’m glad there are other nerds out there as excited about dissecting music as I am!! And I’m also gra’eful for the amount of Taylor Swift talk I get here. Plus, I always appreciate Charlie
  • ⚛️Betty
    A Top Tier Podcast!
    I’ve been listening to this podcast for six years and I continue to be just as entertained, surprised and excited at what Charlie and Nate bring to the table each episode. This podcast illuminates new and different ways of listening to pop music at every level from the artistry, the songwriting, and the production. It’s perfectly paced, sprinkled with fun, and filled with insightful moments. As a songwriter, this podcast is priceless and I can’t recommend it enough!
  • jjjj11233
    Long live pop
    Big fan of the breadth and depth that the pod goes into - it’s been wonderful for discovering new genres, as well as diving deeper into sentimental favorites
  • pelicanst96
    Getting worse
    I love this podcast and the topics are still great, but I wish Reanna the producer would be on less or dial it back a bit. Not everything needs to be a snarky joke! Her insights on the Paramore episode were great and interesting but the delivery was grating after a while. She just sounds so smug about everything? I’m not someone that gets annoyed easily by female hosts so it really kills me to feel this way!
  • Pete Trg
    Woke drivel
    Who are these nerds to call Bobby McFerrin misguided for doing a goofy accent? Cringe hosts, had to unsub.
  • jleeruns
    Don’t Worry Be Happy
    I love Bobby McFerrin and the Ave Maria Clío gave me literal goosebumps! Great job guys!
  • mannymr
    Sooo good
    Stumbled across the pod and now I am on a massive binge. Moments of thought provoking analysis, intellectual challenges, education and lots and lots of laughter. And of course music. Thanks for doing what you’re doing.
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