Fan Stan Ban: Recent Episodes
FSB !
Created by college besties and prime examples of the fangirl to music industry pipeline, Fan Stan Ban is an outlet to analyze albums of all genres and eras. Inspired by the classic game: Fuck, Marry, Kill, we invented our own game: Fan, Stan, Ban to break down albums, debate singles, and unleash our inner fangirl. Each week we dive into a new album, discussing the background and inspiration of the artist and then breaking down our own interpretations of individual songs and lyrics. Professional fangirls to their core, each host brings their own perspective to the table and none are afraid to hold back their opinion whether that be praise or distain. If you project your emotions into songs, geek out about your favorite artists album releases, or just love talking about music- this is the podcast for you!
Our sad girl, bedroom pop princess is here with her first complete project and we are still wiping away tears. On today's episode, we dissect Gracie Abram's new project and breakdown the evolution of her music. Now rotating between collaborators including Aaron Dessner, Blake Slatkin, and Joel Little, Gracie is back with a more evolved sound. Each song is equally introspective and vulnerable guiding us to having open conversations about anxiety and the pressure of growing up.
Sad girl Autumn continues with Adele's triumphant return. Singing us through her heartbreaking divorce, navigating motherhood, and everything along the way- Adele reminds us six years after her last release that she still has IT. Throughout the episode, we breakdown her single "Easy On Me" and her call to Spotify to take the shuffle option off album listening to highlight the importance on tracklisting. In honor of Adele's music, we analyze our own perspectives on the idea of the right person, wrong time mentality. By the end of the episode we can confidently say once again Adele has us questioning our own lives in the most marvelous way.
Taylor Swift is back and so are we, feeling all the feels while relistening to Red + the new vault songs. As resident Swifties, we dive into the meaning this album has now being the age she was while writing it and the new perspectives we have. We breakdown All Too Well 10 minute version + the short film and how these new lyrics change the way we viewed our favorite song of all time. Ending out this long awaited album, we debate whether vault songs should have made the initial album and how the now 30 song compilation compares to the OG.
In anticipation of Adele's return, we are here to break down Adele's record breaking album 21. Now that we are the age she was when she wrote the album, we reflect on the impact age plays on the ideas and perspectives throughout the album. From hits "Someone Like You" to "Rumor Has It," we dive into the impact the media's perception had on her throughout the writing and release of this album.
As new self proclaimed Brandi Carlile fans, we are here to break down her new album: In These Silent Days. Throughout the episode, we dive deep into the lyrical meaning and intentional open ended narratives created through each song as we breakdown our own understandings. We also unpack the effect her book, Broken Horses, has on new listeners and our own first encounters with her music (through Grey's Anatomy of course).
Lil Nas X broke records with his hit song "Old Town Road" and in today's episode we break down his debut album Montero. The king of Meme's and a social media genius, we dive in to see if his music lives up to the brilliant marketing surrounding his album. Including features from artists such as Jack Harlow, Elton John, and Kanye West- we analyze the impact these collabs had on the outlook of this album.
Six time Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves returns with her new album Star- Crossed and strives to prove you can't put her in a genre box. Crossing over from country to pop, Kacey walks a fine line on this new album and we are here to breakdown ALL our feelings about this new era. Off the heals of her divorce, Kacey brings us into a space in her mind we have never ventured as she contemplates her own emotions about the fallout. Throughout the episode we analyze her quick album roll out, interesting single choices, and whether we think this country queen is the new pop princess.
In honor of the new Cinderella movie, we are jumping back in time to talk about Camila Cabello's Sophmore release "Romance." We dive into how PR stunts and forced storylines impact the way you consume an album and the necessity of them. We debate the dueling sides of this album and which side resonates with us. And don't worry, we have a lot to say about her budding romance with fellow pop singer Shawn Mendes.
British pop songwriting prodigy Maisie Peter's debut album is finally here and sealed with Ed Sheeran's approval. On today's episode, we break down the evolution of Maisie Peter's from a busking indie songwriter to a full fledged pop star. We dive into what being the first signing to Ed Sheeran's new label "Gingerbread Man" means for her future and the effect it will have on her career. This lyric driven album opens the door for a debates about the open endedness of some of her song meanings as we analyze our stand out songs. Spoiler alert- you won't regret signing up for this album or podcast episode.
It is Lorde's triumphant return.... or is it? The once production driven pop star is back with a shockingly stripped back album grappling with the effects of climate change, personal loss, and the downfalls of superstardom. On today's episode, your resident Lorde stans are back to work through the album and the emotions it evokes, from excitement to disappointment.
Olivia Rodrigo might have felt sour while writing her debut album, but her launch to stardom has been nothing but sweet! On today’s episode we breakdown this new pop phenomenons unprecedented rise through her record breaking song “driver’s license”, the role tiktok drama played in her success, and if the album lives up to the hype. Joined by resident fangirl and Disney's HSMTMTS stan, Natalia, we deep dive into the hidden messages in her lyrics and spill all our hot takes. We then give the reins to James and find out if 22 year old boys interpret the pain of heartbreak in the album the way Olivia’s target demographic of teenage girls have. Our takeaways? Good 4 u Ms. Rodrigo!!
On today’s episode we dive deep into the band formed by one of the most influential people in music, Jack Antonoff’s band Bleachers. We are joined by resident bleachers Stan Betsy to gain insight into what being a bleachers fan is all about including concert chaos and meaningful fan encounters. After we dive into the lyrical depth of this album and contemplate our own perspectives on the life questions discussed in throughout the songs. If there is one thing we can confidently conclude, it is that this Bleacher’s album is the best icebreaker to lead to a meaningful and enlightening conversation.
We are happier than ever to finally be able to dive into Billie Eilish’s highly anticipated new album “Happier Than Ever.” Well versed in Billie’s musical past, we analyze what this new direction in music means for Billie and discuss the public reaction and our disagreement to it. As an artist who speaks candidly about the downsides of fame and music, we talk about the way pop culture fails Billie and how we project our own feelings onto her inhumanely. By the end, in a surprising twist from our opinions in the past, we dissolve into gushy fangirls and breakdown why one song on the album unarguably is her Best. Song. Ever.
As we gear up for one of the most anticipated albums of the year, we breakdown Billie Eilish’s debut album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” This debut album broke records, won unprecedented awards, and introduced Billie to the masses. Grammy expert Sam joins us to talk about the impact her Grammy sweep has on her career and what being a “Grammy Artist” means. We then dive into her groundbreaking album and marvel over Billie and Finneas ability create hits and experiment with sounds using sound bites from everyday chores. We discuss how Billie is redefining what it means to be a pop star and setting a new precedent for honesty and relatability.
Our resident heartbreaker is back with a new album, Sob Rock, and us closeted John Mayer fans are back to sort through our own emotions. We are joined by Abby, whose claim to fame is being the daughter of a John Mayer groupie, and get all the gossip about what it was like having a famous imaginary “Step Father.” From being taught to hate his girlfriends to hearing stories about her mom following his tour for weeks, Abby shares comical insight on how Mayer has impacted her life. Then we dive into the album and analyze if Mayer’s triumphant return is truly as inspiring as it was advertised to be. And because Mayer is known for his love life, we couldn’t talk about the album without reflecting on how the concepts relate to our own outlooks on relationships.
On today’s episode we break down Tiktok star turned punk pop prince Jxdn’s debut album “Tell Me About Tomorrow.” The first signing to Travis Barker’s label, we analyze the impact this mentorship has had on the music, artistry, branding, and popularity that have risen in Jxdn’s career so far. But we couldn’t talk about this album without diving into why this artists name has been floating around pop culture so we brought on social media experts Macie and Erin to fill us in on what in Jxdn’s public life inspired the album. From love squares, to fallouts and arrests we break down the correlation his online persona plays in the consumption of his music and fanbase.
Listen in as we dive into Doja Cat’s Planet Her and wonder how this seemingly uncancellable artist has risen to such swift superstardom. With Doja’s newest release, we find bigger production, bigger features and some of our biggest’ bans yet. We dive into the impact collaborations like Ariana Grande and the Weeknd had on the album. Despite the her controversy, this album is destined to be a summer staple.
After years of songwriting and EP releasing, JP has finally put together a complete body of work titled "Dangerous Levels of Introspection" and we find lots to love about this surprisingly multi faceted look at love. His debut album, which includes the Grammy nominated hit "If the World was Ending" featuring Julia Michaels proves that he isn't just a songwriter but a fully developed artist. Through songs grappling with the effects of heartbreak, loss, and love, JP proves that vulnerability in lyricism connects the listeners to the music. Join us as some of us interpret and some of us misinterpret Saxe’s confessionals.
On this episode of Fan Stan Ban, we take a look at H.E.R.’s latest release, Back of My Mind. Full of famous features and showstopping guitar solos, this album showcases the power of this enigma of an artist and gives plenty of ground for discussion. Halfway on her way to an EGOT, this album is a clear example of why HER is the ultimate artist’s artist.
Is there anything Griff can't do? On today's episode we break down her seemingly perfect debut mixtape which includes her hit single "Black Hole." Looking at the impact her idolization of Taylor Swift has had in her songwriting, we analyze how Griff's ability to write, produce, perform, and creative direct her mixtape all add up to flawless debut. Diving into the songs, we debate whether having a stand alone ballad positively or negatively impacts the perception of the completed work. Digging into her lyricism, we discuss whether simple, poetic storytelling or catchy hooks make a song stand out more.
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We heard all the hot girls are gearing up for season 2 of FSB this summer! Season 2 is filled with new albums, deeper dives into emerging artists, and bigger opinions from your favorite early 20's fangirls. So pop in your airpods, fill your wine glass, and join us in in geeking out about all the latest music releases.
Closing out the week with Maggie Rogers' debut LP, Heard It In a Past Life, Lexi focuses on its themes of self discovery and transformation to make her case for her current mood.
In this second installment of current mood week, Jacklyn picks Sara Bareilles' aptly titled, The Blessed Unrest, an album with nearly no missteps and a million magical moments. We dissect why her poetic lyricism does not receive enough credit and imagine how she would be the best therapist.
This week, each host is picking their "current mood" album and we're kicking it off with Sam's pick, Troye Sivan's sophomore release, Bloom. Listen in as we dissect everything that makes this album pop perfection.
Closing out John week with Jessica Simpson’s Do You Know we somehow find the most clash and once again wonder is John Mayer a source of inspiration?
Today, we revisit Taylor Swift’s Speak Now and realize maybe John Mayer makes a great muse after all. From reciting bridges to deciding if Taylor's controversial comments need to be banned this episode is an emotional rollercoaster any swiftie can relate to. Bring your tissues and pitchforks and join us in our fangirling frenzy over our forever Queen Taylor.
John Mayer has made many a women the subject of his music but this week we’re looking at the women who made him theirs. Kicking off with Katy Perry, we take a look at the only mildly memorable but certainly conversation starting Prism. From comparisons of JoJo Siwa to Billie Eilish, we don't hold back while sharing our thoughts about this album.
Closing out our final stan week, Lexi offers up Matt Maeson's Bank on the Funeral as an all time stan and an album that finds all hosts finding common ground.
In the second installment of Lexi's stan week, we take a look at Lennon Stella’s debut album and discuss how it cemented her status as Nashville’s reigning princess of pop.
Kicking off Lexi’s stan week, some hosts revisit childhood memories while others do their best to remain cordial as we take on Justin Bieber's Purpose. In a surprising twist, two superfans dive into the deep cuts of the album and go head to head on which songs stand the test of time.
Closing out new release week, we dive into Ashe’s album Ashlyn and discuss how this debut cements her status as a sonic risk taker. In the process we unpack the effect that understanding an artist's life has on grasping the concepts in their songs and debate whether Moral of the Story was a high or low point for her.
Today, we take a look at Girl in Red's if i could make it go quiet, and explore the lyrically and sonically what makes this album already one of the best of 2021. In a twist that no one saw coming, Jacklyn and Lexi butt heads on arguably the most controversial song on the album and debate whether it is brilliant or too chaotic.
This week, we're exploring some of the spring's most exciting new releases which surprise...are all female songwriters. Kicking it off, we listen through Aly and AJ's newest album which reigns supreme as longest career and longest title of the week. We dive into our childhood memories attached to the group and find out if this duo still ignites the childhood joy within us.
Closing out Jacklyn's stan week, we step back in time to Kacey Musgraves' timeless Golden Hour and wonder how someone could ever make an album this perfect again. We dive into why we think this album features the best breakup song of all time and how this album continues to change our lives.
From Lizzo to Laroi, today we walk through the Kid Laroi's F*CK Love. An assertive first release and an album, Jacklyn aggressively stans and someone on the team aggressively bans...we'll let you guess who. We dive into the impact being extremely new in the public eye has on the perception of listeners and if we enjoyed THAT episode of SNL.
On the first episode of Jacklyn's takeover, we dive into a true icon Lizzo and her album Cuz I Love You. Discussing how Lizzo's gradual success is a testament to hardwork and perseverance, we breakdown how popular hits such as Truth Hurts and Juice took years to gain popularity. Sprinkled with some tiktok gossip and Harry Styles fangirling, this episode is sure to put you in a good mood.
In the final installment of Sam’s stan week, we manage to find a Taylor Swift album we haven’t already talked about - Reputation and for the first time ever discuss this release without someone sobbing.
On today’s episode, we discuss Sam’s second stan, Vampire Weekend’s gloomy Modern Vampire of the City and actually find some common ground. From debating how much lyrics outweigh production value to discovering the deeper meanings of particular songs, Vampire Weekend gives us a lot to unpack.
This week, we explore three of Sam’s stan albums. Kicking it off with Lana Del Rey’s Norman Fucking Rockwell, Sam let’s his stan flag fly while Lexi and Jacklyn try their best to fit in.
Ending our trip down the country debut road, we discuss Luke Comb’s record breaking debut, This Ones For You. With clear stans and clear bans, this album serves as intro into a discussion on what we went from the men of country music.
Today we say goodbye to Cop Cars and hello to Storm Warnings as we take a look at Hunter Hayes’ self titled debut. Some of us loved him then some of still love him now but what we can really decide is if we love this album.
Moving on from our female country debuts, we’re focusing on the men of country this week. Kicking it off with Sam Hunt’s debut Montevallo, we reminisce on everything that made this epic debut and wonder will we ever get something like this from Sam again?
Closing out the week, we take a look at one of Sam's all time favorite records, Maren Morris' 2016 debut, Hero. Full of hits and only a few hiccups, few artists have been able to arrive so fully formed on their first record.
Taking it back a few years, and joined by special guest and country queen herself, Becca Chaney, today we revisit Carrie Underwood's Some Hearts. Fresh off her American Idol victory, we explore how Carrie's voice helps her find a point of view all her own.
Kicking off our queens of country debut week, we dive into Kacey Musgraves' Same Trailer Different Park. A groundbreaking and Grammy award winning introduction that set the tone lyrically, sonically and topically that Kacey would soon become known for.
Last but certainly not least, we take a look back at the boy band of all boy bands - NYSNC and their groundbreaking and career defining album No Strings Attached.
Hopping back a few years, in our next installment of boy band week we revisit the boy band that started it all for us - the Jonas Brothers and their self titled debut. There are some high highs and some very low lows but the question that remains is: does it stand the test of time?
Kicking off our boy band week, we reminisce on the only one we will ever need - One Direction. Joined again by Jacklyn’s stan sister Liana we examine all that makes Four the best 1D album ever..... or so we think.
Closing out the week, we listen back to Rihanna's Anti, an album we certainly never stopped listening to in the first place and an album so good even the interludes are anthems. Our one request? Rihanna please release more music!!!
How could you have a girl boss week without listening to the girl who runs the world? On today's episode, we revisit Beyonce's self titled visual album and explore how this game changing has created the blueprint for modern pop drops.
Kicking off our powerhouse females week with Ariana Grande's Thank U Next, we explore how this surprise album skyrocketed her from pop to super star and set the tone for a new stage of her career.
The Vault has been unlocked, time has been reversed back to 2009, and we might still need a moment to process all of these emotions. On today's episode, we sift through all that could have been in 2009 with the release of the vault songs with our TWO guests Caroline and Natalia. Hear our initial thoughts and some hot takes about Taylor Swift's rerecorded album fearless!
From one type of classic to another, join us in this bonus episode of FSB as we prepare for the arrival of Fearless (Taylor’s Version) by reminiscing on the OG. From deep emotional attachments to outlandish opinions, we are never at a loss for words talking about Taylor Swift.
In the final installment of classics week, we take a trip Oz with Elton John as we explore the cosmic highs and absolute lows of his iconic album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
It might be the most well known album cover in music history, but Abbey Road provides a lot more than an iconic picture. In today's episode, we break down why the Beatles stand the test of time even in the midst of their own interpersonal dramas.
This week on Fan Stan Ban, we’re looking back on some of the most iconic albums of all time. Today, we listen to the wind blow, watch the sun rise and discuss everything that makes Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours the perfect pop album.
Finishing out our Broadway week, we have Jacklyn’s Broadway BFF Joey on to discuss the show of all shows, Les Miserables. Part history lesson, part love triangle, part redemption story, who could ever ask for more?
In the second installment of Broadway week, we’re waving through windows, breaking in gloves and looking back at Ben Platt’s break out performance in Dear Evan Hansen.
In today's kick off of Broadway week we break down the peaks (Sara Bareilles) and pits (creepy storylines) of Waitress. Hear our honest thoughts, with the help of guest Claire, about why a musical soundtrack about pie has captivated the hearts of Broadway fans alike.
Finishing up sad boy week, we take a look at the OG king of heartbreak and the only sad boy with an electric guitar we tolerate, John Mayer. While revisiting his timeless album, Battle Studies, we try our best to reconcile his art and his energy and find a lot to love.
In today's episode we dissect the king of love and heartbreak himself: Daniel Caesar and his award nominated album Freudian. Special guest Ferris helps us unpack the relationship that Daniel depicts throughout the album while simultaneously unpacking our own emotions attached to this album.
Frank Ocean might be in hiding but there is no way we could forget about this masterpiece! Listen to us breakdown Blonde, arguably the best Frank Ocean album, with our special guest Liana who has taken the title as one of his biggest fans.
We might be adults, but at heart we are still middle school fangirls of Justin Bieber- so we decided to throw a release party for his new album! Hear us, and some fun go-to JB stans, analyze our childhood icons newest album and unpack some confusing narratives!
There is nothing like dissecting your entire love life using Adele's lyrics as a prompt right? Well, that is exactly what we do with our guest host Nina today as we unpack her album 25 and reveal why we are true Adele Stans.
Ok, Lana lets jump in a time machine together and go to an old Hollywood party!! Jumping on this time machine with us for sad girl week is our two guest hosts all the way from Italy, Jamie and Grace, who add new perspective to Ultraviolence.
Two sad girls and our guest host Drew break down arguably one of the most daunting and heartbreaking albums: Phoebe Bridger's Stranger in the Alps.
Who has time to listen to each album and song nominated for a Grammy? Well, we did and so we created this quick cheat sheet for you of what we think will win and what you should look out for ahead of the 62nd Grammy Awards!
Rounding out our Grammy week, we discuss Post Malone’s Hollywood’s Bleeding - an album of bangers, stans and strong bans.
Today, we take a look at Jhene Aiko’s Chilombo. What is for sure the longest and arguably the most ambitious of all the album of the year contenders for the Grammys.
Did you know Coldplay released an album in 2019? Yeah neither did we and it kind of seems like they didn’t know they did either. This cosmic social commentary has opinions divided on the FSB team.
For our third installment of Grammy week, we take a look at Black Pumas self titled album. From covers to colors, it’s not everyday a debut or deluxe album is up for the big award. In this episode we analyze what makes this album special.
Basic pop music consumers meet a musical prodigy and they try to find common ground. This is how it went as we broke down Jacob Collier's Grammy Award nominated album Djesse 3 and unpacked our own shock within the album.
We kick off Grammy week with Pop Queen Dua Lipa's iconic album Future Nostalgia. She produces pop anthem after pop anthem making her a heavy favorite in our eyes to win album of the year.
Ever sit down and compare Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne debut albums? Well, if you haven't don't worry because we did all the fangirling and chart analyzing for you. On this bonus episode we compare each of our One Direction boys albums and singles to determine who is more than just a boybander.
Rounding out the week, we dissect Niall Horan's Flicker: the true surprise breakout of the One Direction solo era. From his Slow Hands to his Taylor Swift stan brand, we can never get enough,
On today’s episode we dive into Louis’s Walls a brit rock pop album of bangers. He might have taken the longest to debut, his solo arrival was well worth the wait.
The OG debut. The OG one direction heartbreak. In our third edition of One Direction week, we return to Zayn’s Mind of Mine. With its defined sound and cohesive vision, it’s clear now why he was the first to go.
In THIS rude hour, we discuss the missteps and misogyny that make up Liam Payne’s truly painful debut.
In the debut of all debuts, rock god Harry Styles arrives fully formed and somehow says so much without saying anything at all. All we wonder is where is this Harry hiding now and can he please come back??!
Closing out our week of soundtracks, we look back on the best High School Musical movie ... and no that is not open for debate
On today’s episode, we put our hawks in the sky and go back in time to the Hannah Montana movie. from fetus Taylor Swift to Rascal Flatts to Hannah songs that fall a little flat, we would not be the same without this soundtrack.
In this episode we break down our knowledge (or lack of) marvel movies and how it impacted our overall admiration of this album!
Rounding out the week, we dissect another Taylor Swift bestie album - Ed Sheeran’s X. From hits to heartbreak, we bond over shared loves, shared confusions and remember everything that made us love Ed in the first place.
In the third installment of nostalgia week, we revisit Red. We loved it then, it hurts us even more now and would stan every song if we could.
Looking back on Lorde’s Melodrama, in this episode, we struggle to find faults and obsess over its poetic perfection. Lorde we are humbly begging you to retire the onion ring account and make another album!!!!
This is our formal request to One Direction: PLEASE get back together, we need you. Here us breakdown why we think One Direction singles are over rated but their album is under rated.
In our most chaotic episode yet, we discuss chaotic pop music figure Shawn Mendes. Wonder leaves some of us wondering wtf is happening here and leaves one of us wondering if they are now a part of the Mendes army
We are in Lauv with this album in every way. We analyze why a good upbeat sad song hits different and why we should all just move to Canada.
Hard working, endearing and just the right amount of cringe. On Heartbreak Weather Niall Horan once again reprises his role as a rom com male best friend and we’re not mad about it at all.
We kick off our male albums of 2020 week with our childhood crush only to realize Sam has never listened to Mr. Bieber. Hear his first impressions here!
In this episode we discover what unites us all- songs about hating the fact you fell in love.
Every sad girl (or boy) need is fulfilled in this album. From crying in the car to hurting our own feelings, we unpack why this album hit us so deeply.
If Hannah Montana released an album as an adult it would be THIS. All of our childhood dreams come to life in this and we are feeling nostalgic in the best way.
Taylor Swift came to save 2020 and six months later, our Folklore obsession is just as strong. We dissect the love triangle, wonder what Hoax is supposed to mean, and get into our biggest fight yet!
Love him, Hate him, we are ALWAYS thinking about Mr. Styles. Listen to us dissect our Fine Line and how our love for Harry Styles skews our perception of his music.
Arguably one of the most under rated albums? We think so! Listen to us rave about Leon's self titled album and get to know why it means so much to us.
Don’t text we are sitting on a bench in Coney Island wondering where my baby went and why Taylor Swift doesn’t want our closure. Hear us breakdown our thoughts and sift through our emotions about Taylor Swift's Evermore.