Flopstars: Recent Episodes
Sam Murphy
Flopstars is a podcast presented by The Interns and Nic Kelly, looking at our favourite popstars in our hearts who can’t quite compete on the charts. Together we’ll be going deep into projects that were criminally underrated commercially but won cult adoration. This is a chance to dig into some of the best pop records of our time and also have a little laugh about the ridiculous world they’re forced to compete in.
It's the Pop In and our agenda this week is:
- The Grammys
- Justin Timberlake vs. Britney Spears
- Megan Thee Stallion vs. Nicki Minaj
- The new Ice Spice song 'Fart'
- TikTok vs. Universal Music
What’s been happening this week? / Coming Up
- Our wrapped
- Best albums/songs of the year Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Billboard
- Taylor Swift Time Person of the Year
- Charli XCX has finished her new album
WELCOME BACK TO THE POP IN!
What’s been happening this week? / Coming Up
- The rise and rise of Tate McRae - could she clinch a Billboard #1?
- Spotify Wrapped is out - unpacking the global Top 5 songs and artists
- Dua Lipa's Houdini - our 4 week late review
Nicki Minaj album next week same week as Tate McRae and SZA deluxe what a time
Quick unpack of what the rest of the year looks like on the pod
What’s been happening this week? / Coming Up
- Dua Lipa wipes Instagram for new era - what do we know, who’s involved, and all that jazz
- Charli's BACK BABY
- Troye album's coming this week & Nic interviewed him - hear the full thing here
- Sam saw RAYE live in New York and it was one of the most lucid shows he's ever seen
- Tems is selling out huge venues & releases a triumphant single
- Omar Apollo's new single
- The Pop In now gets a game: YEAR OF THE SONG!
Billie Eilish's second album 'Happier Than Ever' was a big turning point for her. Her first album was a streaming giant but this album marked a pointed move to establish herself as an artist without worrying about the hits. The result was a cohesive, mature and startingly honest album that's both wildly experimental while also being classic.
In this episode, we talk about how important this album was for positioning her as an artist and also why it perhaps didn't garner the same success as her debut.
This week on The Pop In:
- Beyoncé is bringing the Renaissance World Tour to cinemas
- *NSYNC are back with a song for the Trollz soundtrack
- Ed Sheeran's new album is lacklustre
- Doja Cat is struggling to pull the numbers she deserves
- Jorja Smith's new album is bliss
- PinkPantheress nails the vibes on her new song
Ariana Grande makes her Flopstars debut with her divisive fourth album which came after a traumatic time and signalled the start of a creatively fluid period for her. It's an important album in her discography, one that sees her stepping into her own and learning to react to very personal situations in real-time. It wasn't for everyone but it was for us and we explore that on this week's pod.
This week on the Pop In:
- Kim Petras drops Problematique - why now?
- Kylie Minogue and Doja Cat release two of the most anticipated albums of the year this week
- Let’s talk about Madison Beer
- Drake/SZA - Slime You Out
- Tate McRae is having a huge time on streaming with Greedy, but has she had her proper mega hit yet?
What’s been happening this week? / Coming Up
- Sam went to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Mexico City
Nicki Minaj teasing new single ‘Last Time I Saw You’
Ashnikko album out. What happened to her popularity?
ELTON JOHN HAD A FALL (HE'S OK)
THEY CANCELLED THE IDOL
Bop or Flop
- Selena Gomez - Single Soon
- Miley Cyrus - Used To Be Young
- Conan Gray - Winner
- Omar Apollo - Ice Slippin
- Alright - Victoria Monet
- Ashnikko - dying star (feat. Ethel Cain)
- Joel Corry & Rita Ora with MK - Drinkin
Selena Gomez's 'Rare' came after a period of experimentation for one of the most popular people on earth. She had collaborated with dance producers and had a string of excellent standalone releases so 'Rare' could've been anything. 'Lose You To Love Me' instantly became her first #1 - a startingly honest ballad unlike anything she's ever done before - and the bar for 'Rare' was set high. Was it met? Probably not but we get into it all here.
Welcome back to The Pop In! The adjacent podcast to Flopstars running through the big releases and music stories of the last 7 days.
Coming Up
- Miley Cyrus is teasing a new single on the 10th anniversary of Wrecking Ball
- Oliver Anthony - who???
- We're doing our first ever live show at Beyond The Valley Festival
- Joel Corry & Rita Ora have a song coming out this week which feels very our brand
- Addison Rae EP unpacked
Bop or Flop
- Addison Rae - 2 die 4
- Charlie Puth - Lipstick
- Doechiii - Booty Drop
- Renee Rapp - Pretty Girls
- HEMLOCKE Springs - enknee1
- Olivia Rodrigo - bad idea right
- Fred again - adore u
- Chappell Roan - Hot To Go
also sam saw lana in mexico
Ryan Beatty is someone we've needed to talk about for a while. 'Boy In Jeans' is one of Nic's favourite records of all time and it's an important jumping block to discuss a really interesting career. It's a record about embracing queerness and joy while also unpacking trauma from the past and it's done so in a nuanced masterful way. If you're not already on the Ryan Beatty train, this is your invitation.
What’s been happening this week? / Coming Up
- Dua Lipa teases her new era's sound and release date
- Olivia Rodrigo single coming Friday - what sound can we expect?
- Doja Cat is headed for a great chart moment this week - but is she really not doing pop?
Bop or Flop
Halle - Angel
David Guetta & Bebe Rexha - One In A Million
Doja Cat - Paint The Town Red
Jorja Smith - GO GO GO
Gretta Ray - Dont date The Teenager
Nao - Balance
We finally talk about an artist that we’ve been fascinated by for a while on this episode. Bebe Rexha’s third album ‘Bebe’ is the focus. A cohesive, strong pop album that is overshadowed by a behemoth hit that is bigger than the artist herself. We discuss what needs to happen for Bebe to be finally given her flowers and much more on this week’s episode.
Welcome back to The Pop In!
What’s been happening this week?
- Halle's debut single coming Friday called ‘Angel’ - what can we expect?
- Huge numbers for Travis Scott's UTOPIA - where are we at with him?
- Kylie's Vegas residency announced
Bop or Flop
Carly Rae Jepsen - Psychedelic Switch
Travis Scott & Beyonce - Delestro (Echoes)
Sam Smith & Calvin Harris - Desire
Post Malone - Enough Is Enough
Tkay Maidza - Ring-A-Ling
Holly Humberstone - Superbloodmoon
Tori Kelly - Cut
ADDITIONAL VIEWING
Calvin Harris with Roman, Sian & Chris on Capital: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLfL9nrqX5A
Vice Australia with Tkay Maidza: https://www.instagram.com/p/CvWg1X2pZRz/
We turn to Kelly Clarkson's fourth album 'All I Ever Wanted' in this episode, a record that was a chart hit but perhaps a personal defeat. After 'My December' this saw Clarko back on the charts but giving up some of the intimacy of the previous record. It's a varied but ultimately triumphant album.
What’s been happening this week?
- Britney & Will.i.am is happening and Sam makes a discovery about will.i.am's name
- New Zayn and Tinashe on the way this week - does time heal everything?
- Carly Rae Jepsen's new album is coming
- Troye is doing some of his all time best numbers, but do we need to talk about the bodies in the video for Rush?
Bop or Flop (featuring our First Ever Guest, Friend Of The Show Jono)
Troye Sivan - Rush
Billie - What Was I Made For
Pinkpantheress & Destroy Lonely - Turn Ya Phone Off
Disclosure - Talk On The Phone
Jung Kook & Latto - Seven
Joel Corry, Icona Pop & Rain Radio - Desire
Blusher - Limelight
Post Malone - Overdrive
What’s been happening this week? / Coming Up
- Speak Now Taylor's Version chart records & first reactions
- New Britney and will.i.am coming this month?
- Demi Lovato’s “Sorry Not Sorry (Rock Version)” featuring SLASH is coming this Friday
- Ava Max proves she's the perfect popstar on the Barbie pink carpet & Nicki Minaj reviews Barbie (Part 1)
Bop or Flop
Taylor Swift - I Can See You
Fifty Fifty & Kaliii - Barbie Dreams
Anne-Marie - TRAINWRECK
Tkay Maidza & Flume - Silent Assassin
Dominic Fike & Weezer - think fast
TXT & Jonas Brothers - Do It Like That
Kamille, Tamera & Bellah - Options
NewJeans - Super Shy
We're back for season 8 and we're tapping in with a legend. Mariah Carey's 'E=MC2' came after a massive return to form with 'The Emancipation Of Mimi'. The follow-up didn't achieve the same success but it did nab a huge record with 'Touch My Body' and it's become a late fan favourite. It's a freeing R&B record that has only gotten better with age. Dive in with us.
ON THE SHOW THIS WEEK!
- (1.40) Nicki Minaj’s album has been pushed back for “some really exciting news” - what is the news?
- (2.50) The Idol Season Finale reviewed and unpacked
- (6.15) Troye Sivan’s Rush AND Olivia Rodrigo’s Vampire makes us unpack the whole ‘teasing songs for ages’ thing
- (13.58) Zayn Malik is on the comeback trail & who is the bigger 1D member - Zayn or Niall?
Bop or Flop
Olivia Rodrigo - Vampire (18.40)
Charli XCX - Speed Drive (23.35)
Rita Ora - Don’t Think Twice (27.44)
BENEE / Mallrat - Do It Again (30.11)
Alok & Ava Max - Car Keys (Ayla) (32.33)
Holly Humberstone - Antichrist (32.38)
Mae Muller - Me, Myself & I (35.29)
PANIA - BURNA FONE (37.28)
Issey Cross - Bittersweet Goodbye (39.37)
What’s been happening this week? / Coming Up
- Kim Petras gets a 4.1 from Pitchfork - why?
- Olivia Rodrigo announces new album Guts - how does she follow up the first?
- Taylor Swift tells the crowd not to bully John Mayer
- Kylie's Vegas residency confirmed... by Kelly Clarkson
- Glastonbury - Elton's special guests, Lewis Capaldi, and Rick Astley's most iconic moment
Bop or Flop
Ice Spice & Nicki Minaj - Barbie World
Carly Rae Jepsen - Shy Boy
Kim Petras - King Of Hearts
Coi Leray - Make My Day
Diplo + Elle King - Without You
Kelly Clarkson - lighthouse
Anitta - Funk Rave
Charley - Timebomb
Maisie Peters - Run
-
- some news about an exciting new era for The Pop In!
What’s been happening this week? / Coming Up
- Bebe has phone thrown at her by fan
- Why is Taylor Swift's Lover finally getting its flowers - and is Taylor headed for overexposure again?
- The Idol - has it jumped the shark?
Bop or Flop
Doja Cat - Attention
Peggy Gou - It Goes Like (Nanana)
Rosalia - TUYA
PinkPantheress - Angel
Leigh Anne - Don’t Say Love
Dagny - Same Again (for love)
Hemlocke Springs - Heavun
Victoria Monet - On My Mama
Coi Leray - Run it up
Hit us @flopstarspodcast on Instagram and @flopstarspod on Tiktok + follow Sam & Nic!
What’s been happening this week? / Coming Up
- The Idol - our review
- Padam Padam is doing the Padamn thing
- Romy announces debut album
Bop or Flop
- Popular - The Weeknd & Madonna
- Madison Beer - Home To Another One
- Bizarrap, Peso Pluma - Bzrp Music Sessions 55
- Dom Dolla, Nelly Furtado - Eat Your Man
- Ty Dolla $ign - Motion
- Kelly Clarkson - i hate love
- Rose Gray - Happiness
- Ed Sheeran - A Beautiful Game
We'll be back with a new season proper in mid June!
In the meantime... Welcome to The Pop In the adjacent podcast to Flopstars where we run through the big new music releases and stories of the week!
What’s been happening this week?
- The whole Matty Healy drama unpacked
- The Weeknd The Idol debuting this week and the critics despise it already - but we're very ready for it
- Sam Smith x Madonna
- Taylor Swift Cruel Summer and Miley Cyrus Angels Like You becoming hits
Bop or Flop
- Dua Lipa - Dance The Night
- Taylor Swift - Karma (Feat. Ice Spice)
- Tove Lo - i like u
- Gretta Ray - Heartbreak Baby
- Needanamebro- Not a lot left to say
- Dominic Fike - Ant Pile
- One Republic - Runaway
Robyn's 'Honey' is our focus for the season finale and what a record to end on. 'Honey' came 8 years after the groundbreaking 'Body Talk' and after a tumultuous personal time for Robyn. It took time but she found joy in music once again and converted it into a tender, spacious record that walks a tightrope between pop and electronica. On this episode, we discuss the impact of the record, the commercial shortcomings and Robyn's overall influence on pop music.
Welcome to The Pop In the adjacent podcast to Flopstars where we run through the big new music releases and stories of the week!
Coming Up:
- Sam saw Caroline Polachek
- America Has A Problem got a Kendrick remix
- Let’s talk about Peso Pluma - officially one of the biggest artists in the world right now
Bop or Flop
- Bad Bunny - Where She Goes
- Zara Larsson - End Of Time
- Post Malone - Mourning
- Conan Gray - Never Ending Song
- Chappell Roan - Red Wine Supernova
- Kelly Clarkson - Favorite Kind Of High
- Anne-Marie - Unhealthy (Feat. Shania Twain)
- Kito & Grimes AI - Cold Touch
Hello and welcome to The Pop In the adjacent podcast to Flopstars where we run through the big music news stories & song releases of the week!
Coming Up:
- The Renaissance tour has started
- Lana Del Rey releases 10 year old song Say Yes To Heaven
- Kylie returns and announces new album Tension
Bop or Flop:
+ Jorja Smith - Little Things
+ Janelle Monae - Lipstick Lover
+ G Flip - Be Your Man
+ Remi Wolf - Prescription
+ PNAU, Bebe Rexha, Ozuna - Stars
+ Kylie Minogue - Padam Padam
+ Roisin Murphy - The Universe
+ Kesha - Only Love Can Save Us Now
Ava Max has had an interesting run. She broke through with her single 'Sweet But Psycho' at a time when the charts were shunning pure pop. Now they're embracing it though, her star has faded somewhat. 'Diamonds & Dancefloors' was plagued by leaks and delays but despite that it presents as a pretty perfect pop record. It's bold, unapologetic, and escapist. On this episode, we talk all things Ava and give 'D&D' its flowers.
Hello and welcome to The Pop In the adjacent podcast to Flopstars where we run through the big music news stories & song releases of the week!
Coming Up:
- Beyoncé tour starts tomorrow - what will she and won't she perform?
- Ed Sheeran album - turning the critics (and the Sams)
- Daft Punk Random Access Memories 10 year anniversary - has it aged well beyond the song Zara Larsson used as a sample?
- Jonas Brothers album coming out - do we care?
- The Weeknd to kill off the moniker - what will his new name be?
Bop or Flop
- Ed Sheeran - Curtain
- Blusher - Backbone
- CXLOE - Flight Risk
- Hemlock Sprigns - Server The Blight (also known as Hemlocke Springs - Sever The Blight)
- GAYLE - Don’t call me pretty
- Moistbreezy - why can’t it be you
- Amaarae - Co-star
It's a return to the podcast for Jessie Ware with her fifth record 'That! Feels Good!'. It delves further into the dance world that she concocted on 'What's Your Pleasure' but it goes even bigger. It's cheekier, hornier, poppier, and dancier in the best way. We delve into how Ware has found an artistic hot streak with this sound and how this may be one of the best albums of the year.
hellloooooooo!!!!! i'll put a more concise description in soon! instead, here's a copy paste of the runsheet!
What’s been happening this week? / Coming Up
- The Met Gala
- Big week of album releases: Jessie, Bebe, Ryan Beatty
- Frank Ocean/Rosalia collab leaked
- Miley’s Angels Like You is going viral
Bop or Flop
- Kesha - Eat The Acid
- Bebe Rexha - Seasons
- Coi Leray - Bops
- Miguel - Give It To Me
- Ryan Beatty - Bruises Off The Beach
- Dagny - Heartbreak In The Making
- Peach PRC - Kinda Famous
- Jess Glynne - Silly Me
Back for the Pop In for another week! Our adjacent podcast to Flopstars where we run through the big releases and moments in music this week. THERE'S SO MANY SONGS.
Today: SZA makes history, Fred Again did Coachella but is it a good thing? Kim Petras & Nicki Minaj FINALLY put out Alone and we find a resolution on the Chorus Fiasco (please consult past episodes for further information) and we have new music from…
- Fatboy Slim & Rita Ora - Praise You
- The Weeknd & Future - Double Bubble Toil And Trouble (Double Fantasy)
- Madelline - Dopamine (A TIKTOK REQUEST! YOU CAN MAKE THESE!
- The Kid Laroi - Where Does Your Spirit Go?
- Bebe Rexha & Snoop Dogg - Satellites
- Christine and the Queens & 070 Shake - True love
- Bree Runway & Khalid - Be The One
- AJR - The Dumb Song
- Needanamebro - Better Love
- Latto - Put It On Da Floor
- Armani White & A$AP Ferg - Silver Teeth
- Oliver Cronin - Speed Bump
- Ed Sheeran - Shivers
We've reserved our longest episode ever for Madonna. It only feels right given we're discussing 'Ray Of Light', one of her seminal works and an experimental masterpiece that shifted the course of her career. Both Nic & Sam had never listened to the project in full so this is a first impression of sorts. This is a crash course in the genius of Madonna as much as it is a talk-through 'Ray Of Light'.
Welcome back to The Pop In! The adjacent podcast to FLOPSTARS where we run through the big new songs & music moments of the week.
On this show: Sam's cooking some sort of confusing tomato dish, we wrap the response to last week's Flopstar Frank Ocean's divisive Coachella headline performance + the vibe around BLACKPINK, Bad Bunny & Becky G's sets from Weekend 1, we've got a new chapter and absolutely no closure on the saga of Where Is The Chorus Actually In Kim Petras & Nicki Minaj's 'Alone', excitement over Bebe Rexha & Snoop Dogg's California Gurls moment, the female rap battle between SZA & Doja Cat + Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice, and new music in Bop Or Flop as follows...
- Jessie Ware - Begin Again
- Romy - Enjoy Your Life
- SZA - KIll Bill (Feat. Doja Cat)
- Ice Spice - Princess Diana (Feat. Nicki Minaj)
- Kelly Clarkson - Mine
- Jorja Smith - Try Me
- Muna - One That Got Away
- Diplo - Use Me (Feat. Dove Cameron & Sturgill Simpson)
- Joel Corry - Do U Want Me Baby (Feat. Billen Ted & Elphi)
- Dominic Fike - Dancing In The Courthouse (this causes an argument.)
Frank Ocean's 'Blonde' is considered by many to be the best album of the 2010s. It's one of the most influential albums of our time; a wonky, off-kilter listen that's deeply personal. It's so mysteriously affecting that it's difficult to put into words exactly what it makes you feel but on this episode of Flopstars we give it our best shot.
These two Swifties are devastated to bring you the Pop In this week, the adjacent podcast to Flopstars. Is true love dead? We explore. Along with talking about The Weeknd's potential surprise appearance at Coachella this weeknd (yes), previewing the headliners, talking about the Nicki Minaj & Kim Petras thing and what the f*ck a chorus is, as well as new music from Mahalia, Ellie Goulding, Jonas Brothers, Drake, Shygirl and one more I can't quite remember at the point of typing. THERE'S ALSO A WHOLE THING ABOUT HOW THE WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH MIGHT BE CAMP NOW? idk. Follow us on Insta & TikTok and join the chat!
Sabrina Carpenter is the subject of Flosptars this week as she makes her podcast debut with 'emails i can't send'. Her fifth album was a career breakthrough for her coming off the back of a highly publicised relationship, that brought new ears to an intimate project. It's a weird and wonky pop record that challenges at points but ultimately shows her off as a unique artist.
The Pop In is the adjacent podcast to Flopstars wrapping up the big music news stories & new releases of the week!
Jimin becomes the first Korean solo star with a US #1 album (for a record under 20 mins), we finally get a chance to dissect the Lana album (including the song Nic calls "The one about the fisherman" plus HUGE news if your name is Sam Murphy, Kelly Clarkson's back! We've also got new singles from Ellie Goulding, Chloe, Melanie Martinez (WARNING: BABY VOICE), Khalid, Bebe Rexha, Charlie Puth, Chappell Roan and BOYGENIUS + new music is on the way from Jesy Nelson - who we will remind you is only ONE SONG IN - and David Guetta's flipping Haddaway with Anne Marie & Coi Leray, which could go anywhere!
Tap in to the videos on TikTok & Instagram!
SO MUCH TO SAY about the biggest new pop music and stories in the land! Taylor Swift's Eras tour lands - are we happy with the setlist? Pinkpantheress phones in her SXSW and we think it's entirely deserved, are we getting Endless Summer Vacation Part 2 from Miley? plus new music from Taylor herself, Ryan Beatty, Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, Lewis Capaldi and more goes under the Bop or Flop treatment.
Rina Sawayama's second album 'Hold The Girl' is a bombastic, emotional journey. Written as a device to process trauma, Sawayama leaves nothing off the table as she wades through the weeds on a trek toward healing. Along the way, we encounter movie-ready pop, widescreen rock, and edgy garage. It's thrilling and a lot to unpack.
Hi!
Pop In's here with the new Lana Del Rey song making us wonder whether this might somehow be her best album yet. And it's Nic writing this and everything.
Miley's album - is it underwhelming?
Rihanna & Lady Gaga both did an Oscars performance, we'll tell you our favourite. We're DIVIDED over new Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding's third team-up together and the new Meghan Trainor song, plus there's new music from Pnau + Khalid, Christine & The Queens, Gayle & Mae Muller.
- Taylor Swift's ERAs tour begins and there's some gossip about a big female poster with a big pop song this week. Details in the Pop In - and give us your song reactions @flopstarspodcast on Instagram and @flopstarspod on TikTok!
Lily Allen's fourth album 'No Shame' is on the Flopstars radar this week. The confessional record was released around the time of her tell-all book and saw Lily at her most honest and vulnerable. Musically, it trips through genres marking her first LP without Greg Kurstin at the helm. It's a moving listen that manages to be both devastating and fun.
It's the Pop In! The adjacent to Flopstars wrapping up the big music stories & new songs of the week. We've got details on the Miley album, we talk the shitshow of Glastonbury's headliners, Rosalia fans taking matters into their own hands, a wrap of Sydney World Pride & new songs from Nicki Minaj, Kali Uchis, Peach PRC, Boygenius, Mimi Webb, Eliza Rose, Oliver Tree & David Guetta.
The Weeknd is the most streamed artist in the world so how is it possible that his last era was a flop? 'Dawn FM' was a challenging concept record that came out at the top of 2022. It was a much-needed reprieve for the time but it was also overshadowed by longlasting hits from his previous album 'After Hours'. In this episode, we explore whether the album actually had the juice to create hits.
It's the Pop In! Today we've got new music from The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, Jonas Brothers, Kali Uchis, Lola Young, Blusher & Halsey plus details on another collaboration between Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding and P!nk's regretful of some things she said but it's okay we forgive.
P!nk's 'Funhouse' may be the most successful album of her whole career so why does it appear on Flopstars? Well, P!nk is the ultimate Flopstar. An artist who the public has fallen in and out of love with. 'Funhouse' is an excellent jumping block to discuss an artist who saved herself from flops by being her unfiltered self. 'Funhouse' - a breakup record - is wild, devastating, vulnerable and silly. We get into all of it.
As her sophomore album is unleashed, we take a moment to check back in on Caroline Polachek's ethereal, sometimes operatic, pop borderline skirting debut album Pang. With mixed reviews from critics but a runaway smash in So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings, we'll dive deep on why Pang already feels like a modern cult classic.
Join the conversation on TikTok & Instagram!
Hello! This is our adjacent little moment called the Pop In, comes out every Tuesday, the full show is every Thursday. Fine with you? Great. We'll unpack the Rihanna Superbowl halftime show and work out if it was understated or underwhelming. Sam's disdain for the British is on full display as we unpack the BRIT Awards and we've got new bops from Tove Lo, Jessie Ware, CXLOE, Paramore, SZA & Lizzo, BENEE, Budjerah & Rebecca Black plus someone's dared to make a whistle-based EDM song again... spare us.
Follow us on TikTok & Instagram and chuck us a review it would be deeply kind. BYE!
We're back for Season 7 and we're kicking it off with pop royalty, Taylor Swift. Her seventh album caught her at a crossroads in her career. She was struggling to hold onto huge chart hits and also experimenting with different sounds. It's an uneven album that's hiding a brilliant album and it displays Swift at the boldest point of her career.
The Pop In is our adjacent podcast, a weekly wrap of the biggest moments and music in pop. This week - Beyonce's shock GRAMMY loss and record breaking moment, we went to a Fred Again... concert and the RAYE album is out, plus new music from Peach PRC, Shania Twain, Caity Baser, Daine, Caroline Polachek, Anne-Marie and one I've probably forgotten. CATCH YA THURSDAY FOR OUR FIRST PROPER EPISODE BACK!
HI FRIENDS! We are back for 2023. The first proper Flopstars show of the year is coming next week. We're unpacking the mess around Sam Smith's album release, who we think might win the GRAMMYs, Miley's return and the new songs from Ava Max, Kid Laroi, Zara Larsson, Rosalia and many more. OUR FIRST IRL EPISODE. See you next week for our first big album of the year - if you wanna know who it is, stalk Sam's TikTok!
We're finished with our albums for season 6 but we're keeping it going with a few 2022 wraps. This episode focusses around Spotify Wrapped for the year - both our personal lists and the global lists. We talk the dominance of Harry Styles, Bad Bunny's global takeover, Lizzo's year and heaps more as we unpack this rollercoaster of a year.
We're rounding out the year with our final album unpack - Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz. The challenging, experimental record was dropped for free in 2015 after her biggest era 'BANGERZ'. It was a wild move not seen by any of her contemporaries but Miley has always led with feeling. It's an imperfect - at times - meandering record that has some very special moments too. We talk about why it's underrated and what the public perception of Miley was at the times.
Kacey Musgraves gets her first episode on Flopstars this week as we dig into 'Golden Hour'. The Grammy Album of the Year winner was a turning point for Musgraves' career introducing new crowds to her psychedelic brand of country music. It's a record that appreciates what's around her and basks in a love-lorn haze.
It's Nic's turn to pick an album to bring to the podcast and he's taking it back to 2007 with Mika's 'Life In Cartoon Motion'. The debut record by Mika was a commercial smash but it was absolutely trashed at the time by the critics reflecting a time of homophobia and pop shyness. We go deep on it to spotlight its highlights and understand why it was so influential for Nic.
The Pop In is our weekly new music and news wrap.
Why we won't be watching the Selena Gomez doco, Rihanna's letting us down, plus there's new music from Pink, Jason Derulo, Fletcher & one of the best alt-pop songs of the year from Hemlocke Springs.
Follow us on Instagram & TikTok!
Lorde's 'Solar Power' is powering the podcast this week. It was the testing third album from the 'Melodrama' artist who brought us from dark sounds straight to the beach. It tested both critics and fans as her 'genius' label was put to the test. A year later, it's starting to collect its flowers. Follow us on Instagram & TikTok and join the conversation.
The Pop In is our weekly new music and news wrap.
0:30 - Is Rihanna's return with 'Lift Me Up' enough?
3:45 - The astonishing chart records Taylor Swift's Midnights has achieved in Australia & the US
8:05 - We touch on the sad passing of Takeoff
9:40 - SZA's dark moment Shirt
11:30 - Ruel's new single - has the Australian prodigy plateaued for a bit?
15:10 - Dove Cameron's Bad Idea & the Billie effect
20:20 - Viral artist RONIN returns with his most ferocious pop song yet
22:00 - Australia's Keelan Mak releases a brilliant body of work FFO Troye Sivan
24.00 - Mae Muller's fun new bop
25.00 - Is Chappell Roan 2023's first surefire Pop One To Watch?
Follow us on Instagram & TikTok!
We think Carly Rae Jepsen is the ultimate Flopstar in the best way so we had to react to her most recent record 'The Loneliest Time'. It's only new but it's already winning us over with its diverse range of sounds exploring love and loss. We talk about her recent TikTok success, how to discuss loss of a loved one in a pop song and play a few silly games.
The Pop In is our weekly new music and news wrap. This week we unpack Taylor Swift's Midnights & throw our immediate Best & Worst at you, RIHANNA HAS NEW MUSIC (!!!) as do Ellie Goulding, BBNO$, Caroline Polachek, Chela, Meghan Trainor, Kelela & others. Follow us on Instagram & TikTok!
Back at it with The 1975 this week. They have just released their fifth album 'Being Funny In A Foreign Language' but we're throwing it back to their critical masterpiece 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships'. The first part of their 'Music For Cars' series, it's an experimental, chaotic, and masterful listen that reflects on the disjointed nature of the physical and online world at the time. As unhinged as ever, it features some of their best and most questionable lyrics.
The Pop In is our weekly new music and news wrap. This week we unpack The 1975 & Tove Lo's new albums, BTS tottering off to the army, Lana's album being stolen FROM HER CAR, new music from Betty Who, Marshmello & Juice WRLD, Nessa Barrett, SG Lewis, RAYE, Joshua Bassett, Louis Tomlinson & Blink 182 + we preview MIDNIGHTS! Follow us on Instagram & TikTok!
This week it's Sam's Pick - an album he regards as one of the best, whilst Nic's never really given it the time of day. We explore Lana Del Rey's 2019 record 'Norman F***ing Rockwell', regarded by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest albums of all time, despite it's relatively lackluster commercial success. The Jack Antonoff produced album broke new ground for Del Rey, exploring the American Dream in a time of great uncertainty, the height of the Trump presidency, raging wildfires in California & a country with a broken sense of self.
Follow us on Instagram & TikTok!
Our side hustle takes on new music from Blink 182, Carly Rae Jepsen, WILLOW, Pinkpirate, Daine, Joyce Wrice, Charlie Puth, Tiesto taking on the Black Eyed Peas (!!!!!!), the nominees of the 2022 ARIAs, and more!
This week, we challenge what a flop really is by taking on one of the most successful EDM records of its time David Guetta's 'Nothing But The Beat'. The record, featuring Nicki Minaj, Flo Rida, Sia, Jennifer Hudson, Usher and more, marked a point of saturation for the EDM/pop crossover. It's a fascinating study of a producer who had a formula for hits and could use it at his disposal.
The Pop In is our weekly new music and news wrap. This week we unpack new music from Ed Sheeran for Pokemon (?!), Shawn Mendes for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (?!?!) alongside Paramore, Ciara, Forest Claudette, Shygirl, Tate McRae & Charlie Puth + the first sounds of Kim Petras & Max Martin together!
Britney Spears' 'Glory' was a difficult return to form for the pop artist who was still within the confines of her conservatorship. The album provided a rare oasis for her to explore an experimental electronic-pop sound with the likes of Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter. In this episode, we discuss the legacy of 'Glory' and veer off into subjects like how many Guinness World Records Britney holds.
The Pop In is our weekly new music and news wrap. This week we unpack Sam Smith & Kim Petras' viral hit 'Unholy', talk about Rihanna's Super Bowl news and more.
Katy Perry is back for a second time on Flopstars with her 2020 record 'Smile'. 'Smile' was rolled out over the space of a year and coincided with the birth of Perry's first child. It's upbeat and positive, rebounding from the comedown that was 'Witness'. While it certainly brings back the pop bops, it's hard to call it a return to form.
It seems like we might finally be approaching the follow-up to Sky Ferreira's iconic debut album 'Night Time, My Time'. 'Masochism', the working name for the sophomore record, has been forming for about 8 years and in that time 'Night Time, My Time' has aged like fine wine. Here, we unpack the classic pop record by looking into what was going on for Ferreira at the time and how it differed from everything else out.
Welcome to THE POP IN! A Flopstars sidebar to keep the album deep dives ~pure~ where we'll unpack the week in music, entertainment and pop culture simultaneously, just before jumping into an album we care about right now. This week on The Pop In: 1989 (Taylor's Version) is imminent - will it be the best yet? New Rina Sawayama's being teased in an unusual manner for 2022. Jack Harlow's rap's latest pop crossover but does his album deserve the criticism it's getting? New bops (or are they flops?) from Carly Rae Jepsen's Solar Power Era, 2x Toves (Styrke & Lo), Jessica Mauboy, Doja Cat's song for the Elvis soundtrack (??) and MAISIE PETERS. Then previewing the biggest new releases of the week from Kendrick Lamar, Mallrat & Florence.
We've discussed Lady Gaga on this podcast plenty but it was only a matter of time until we gave 'Chromatica' a spotlight of its own. Gaga's return to dance/pop was largely foiled by the pandemic but it became the sound of lockdown for many. 'Rain On Me' became a massive hit but the rest of the record was let down by a lack of promotion due to global circumstances. It's a firm fan favourite though and one of the most memorable pop records in recent times.
Welcome to THE POP IN! A Flopstars sidebar to keep the album deep dives ~pure~ where we'll unpack the week in music, entertainment and pop culture simultaneously, just before jumping into an album we care about right now. This week on The Pop In: Understanding The Assignment, Met Gala hits and misses, Harry Styles etc, Coachella's finest and least fine moments and we Bop Or Flop new music from Khalid, Ava 'Sullet' Max & this week's Flopstar, Lady Gaga. Subscribe for weekly updates & follow our new Insta: @flopstarspod!
It's 10 years since Florence + The Machine dropped 'Ceremonials' so we're going back. Florence and co's sophomore album was a grandiose affair with links to Baz Luhrman and maximalist cinema. It was tailor-made for festivals and huge concerts but also an emotional sucker punch on tape too.
Nic Kelly and Sam Murphy talk about how the record holds up now as well as new releases by Charli XCX, The Weeknd, Silk Sonic and more.
It's Charli baby! You know we love Charli XCX on this podcast and after previously looking at her mixtapes, we're shining a light on 'Charli'. Her long-awaited third album is one that bridges together her flair for the experimental with her natural pop instincts. It's both commercial and wildly left-centre with a host of guests from Haim to Lizzo. Sam Murphy and Nic Kelly get deep on 'Charli' while also talking about new releases from Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello, Conan Gray and more.
For our season five premiere, we're taking on a titan. Adele is no flop. In fact, she's probably the least flop-worthy artist on the plant. But, we wanted to talk about her and so we're digging into her least successful album '19'. Her debut is her most lucid and alternative album but it also set the foundations for the mega-success that was to come.
Join Sam Murphy and Nic Kelly as they talk '19' plus the latest releases from Adele, The Weeknd, Tove Styrke, Remi Wolf and more.
Episode 4 is dedicated to Lady Gaga. 2021 has been a busy year for the superstar so far with the 10 year anniversary of 'Born This Way', the 'Chromatica' remix album and another collaborative album with Tony Bennett 'Love For Sale'. None of it signals a new era for Gaga though, so on this episode, we look at what her official pop follow-up to 'Chromatica' could look like. 'Chromatica' was excellent but the era was stopped short due to COVID-19 and now we're left to speculate what could've been if it was fully realised. Join us as we dream of the future of Lady Gaga.
This week we go into Britney Spears. Britney has been battling a conservatorship ship for more than a decade, making it difficult for her to act with the freedom of a regular popstar. She’s still managed hits but with frustration for her situation mounting, she pulled the pin on her pop career. If it ends though, what’s next for Britney? Can she return to being a main pop girl and will freedom give her music a sense of liberation that it’s been lacking?
This episode is all about Charli XCX’s next era. She’s announced that her most “pop” album yet is on the way citing Janet Jackson as a major influence. If she’s returning to pop it may mean she’s ready to play the mainstream game again after a period of experimentation. Here, we’ll talk about how Charli can get hits again. We also discuss new songs from Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, and Omar Apollo.
This season, we’re going to deep dive on an artist who has flopped in the past and envision how they can avoid a flop in the future. We’re talking dream collaborators, perfect album titles, the sound they should go for.
This episode is all about Lorde’s next era. We already have an album on the way but we’re talking the ways in which she could score another big hit. Who should she work with? What promotional tactics should she use? Does she even want another big hit?
We're diverting once again from our regular programming to give you our wrap of the second quarter of 2021. Things are starting to heat up and April through June gave us plenty to talk about from Olivia Rodrigo's debut 'SOUR' to Lorde's return with 'Solar Power'. Flops, bops, and us of our chops, as per, in this latest episode.
This week, we're taking on Sigrid's debut album 'Sucker Punch'. She's just returned with her excellent new single 'Mirror' but we're going back to where it all began and talking the hype, Scandipop and why she wasn't able to cut through outside of Europe.
Marina FKA. Marina & The Diamonds is in the spotlight this week as we take a look at her sophomore record 'Electra Heart'. It was a buoyant, blistering pop record that saw her collide with some of the biggest producers in the world while also maintaining her quirky songwriting flair. Critics were less than kind but fans have maintained it's a classic and on this episode, we decide how it holds up today.
Lady Gaga has been featured on the podcast once before with 'ARTPOP' but we are returning to Mother Monster to look at her YeeHaw moment 'Joanne'. It was a creative left-turn for Gaga, ditching the avant-garde pop for something stripped back and raw. Not everyone loved it but it was an important moment in her career development.
We're diverting from regular programming for one week to bring you a special episode. As we see out the final week of March, we take a look at the year that has been so far. It's been a quiet one by pop standards but we've still had the Grammys and the Superbowl plus major releases from Cardi B, Justin Bieber, Lana Del Rey and heaps more.
This week, we're taking a deep dive into Lily Allen's third album 'Sheezus'. It was a comeback album for Allen but it failed to match her previous success and also led to some personal turmoil. All these years later though, Allen's songwriting still stands up.
Paris Hilton's venture into pop music is on our radar this week as we take a look into 'Paris'. Her divisive debut was neither as good or as bad as it needed to be. It remains a study on whether you can manufacture a pop career from scratch. Believe it or not, it actually delivered some hits that stand up today.
Years & Years' debut 'Communion' was a smash in the UK, bolstered by the triumphant 'King'. In this episode of 'Flopstars', however, we discuss why it didn't hit quite as hard in other areas of the globe and what the future holds for Years & Years.
On this episode, we're going deep on Kelly Clarkson's controversial third album 'My December'. The commercial detour came as a shock to fans and the record label alike, introducing us to a darker Clarko sound. It failed to makes waves on the charts and agitated the label in the process but fans still stick by it to this day. Let's dig into 'My December'.
Rita Ora is one of the most versatile pop artists in the game. Her second album 'Phoenix' came 6 years after her first and in that time she faced plenty of challenges as people began to question, 'What does Rita do?' 'Phoenix', however, proves that she can make bangers and bops by the dozen. It does raise plenty of questions about what music she actually wants to make though and on this episode we dissect it all.
In this special episode, we pay tribute to boundary-pushing, limitless producer SOPHIE who has shaped pop in ways we may not even fully understand yet. Nic and Sam share memories from their formative experiences listening to SOPHIE and talk about her undeniable legacy.
This week, we’re focussing on a relatively new record. Rina Sawayama’s debut SAWAYAMA isn’t even a year old but it’s already caused a stir. The full-length debut from the ambitious pop artist landed her on critics' radar all around the world and found her a cult fanbase of devoted fans. The chart love hasn’t happened just yet though and on this episode, we discuss why.
This week, we’re turning our attention to ZAYN’s debut ‘Mind Of Mine’. As the first member to leave One Direction, all eyes were on ZAYN and this project. While 'Pillowtalk' prospered the rest of the album failed to nab attention as ZAYN wrestled with his place as a mainstream popstar. He’s just dropped a new album ‘Nodbody Is Listening’ so we’re going to dig deep into the career of ZAYN.
First up in season 3 is Zara Larsson’s 2017 debut album ‘So Good’. It was a long road leading up to the album filled with many hits but the album failed to give her anything as big as ‘Lush Life’ to add to her arsenal. With a second album on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to chat all things Zara.
In the second part of our holiday special, we're going back on the second half of last year, picking apart some of the key releases. On part one, we're focussing on the first half of the year, talking about records by Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande and more. We also go through our Spotify wrapped.
Just a note: We found out after the episode that Mike Pence's Twitter cover photo was in fact not Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Whoops.
In this holiday special, we're going back on the year that was, picking apart some of the key releases. On part one, we're focussing on the first half of the year, talking about records by Dua Lipa, Jessie Ware, Lady Gaga and more. We also pit some of the biggest #1 records of the year against each other.
This week, it’s Little Mix’s turn. Their fourth album ‘Glory Days’ was far from a flop, actually. It was their biggest album in the UK and Australia spawning an array of hits. It was also aimed towards the US though where it failed to nab any considerable hits once again. On this episode, we look at how the album made Little Mix the biggest band in the world while also failing to get them the global attention they deserve.
This week, we’re looking at an icon. It’s hard to attach the word flop to anything Beyonce has done but her fourth album ‘4’ was an underwhelming performer commercially. While it failed to cling to the charts though, it launched her into a new phase of her career. She felt liberated both in a business-sense and artistically. What it gave way to was her most daring album yet and one that still shines bright today.
This week, we’re taking on a curveball with Robbie Williams’ ‘Rudebox’. The 2006 album is one of the most outrageous albums you’ll hear by a popstar at the peak of his powers. The inventive, electronic album was an outlandish, surreal and often absurd collection of songs that divided his core fan group. To this day, people still go into fight for Rudebox while others have erased its very existence.
This week, we’re going deep on Lorde’s 'Melodrama'. The Kiwi’s second album came after her huge breakout with ‘Pure Heroine’. After Grammys and hits, she returned with a pulsating, dizzying seconds album made entirely with Jack Antonoff. It was a rousing, poignant coming of age that earned her universal praise but its charts hits were few and far between. In this episode, we explore why it didn’t hit commercially and why it’s a landmark album for pop music.
This week, we’re talking about an icon. Kylie is in the fourth decade of her career and still making pristine pop music. It’s ‘Aphrodite’ and ‘Kiss Me Once’ that are on our radar though - two albums that loosened her stranglehold on the chart. Both albums contain fan favorites but the pair underperformed and shifted her career dramatically. On this episode, we look at why.
This week, it’s P!NK’s fourth record ‘I’m Not Dead’ in the spotlight. The record sparked a career revival for P!NK as she grew into the artist we know today. It was slow to start though with the album growing in popularity over time. It was also disproportionately successful in Australia in comparison to the rest of the world. For this podcast, we’re exploring Australia’s love affair with P!NK and why I’m Not Dead wasn’t initially successful in the rest of the world.
This week, we’re casting our minds back to Harry Styles debut album. In 2017, he arrived finally as one of the last One Direction members to release solo music. ‘Sign Of The Times’ was the lead-in and it was a grand, lengthy one. The album debuted at number one all around the world but the singles struggled to stick around, as Styles aimed for a retro rock ‘n’ roll sound. On this episode, we’ll explore what the album did for his career and why ‘Fine Line’ went bigger.
This week, we’re throwing it back to Gwen Stefani’s second solo record 'The Sweet Escape;. Her debut 'Love.Angel.Music.Baby' was a breakthrough, casting her from No Doubt to mainstream solo success with ease. She never intended to do another one but the creative juices were flowing enough to make a second. 'The Sweet Escape' was an even odder record that couldn’t match the chart success of its predecessor but drew plenty of attention regardless.
This week, Nicki Minaj’s ‘Queen’ is at the center of our universe. Minaj’s fourth project came with antics, controversy and some classic moments but it tells a broader story of where rap was at that point. It was the first time her crown was perceivably challenged, not that it was ever up to be snatched. On this episode, we discuss the highs and lows of the ‘Queen’ era.
Last month, Taylor Swift surprised everyone by releasing her eighth album ‘Folklore’. It’s broken a plethora of records but today we’re looking back at an album that many would consider to be Swifts’s plateau - ‘Reputation’. As per usual, the record sold big in its first week but reviews were lukewarm and many of the singles failed to stick around. On this episode, we’re going to look into why public favour turned against Swift and how she was able to pull it back.
This episode, we’re taking a look at a fresh record. Jessie Ware’s fourth album ‘What’s Your Pleasure?’ has been met with critical acclaim and a wave of public excitement like she’s never received before. She’s always made great music while traversing a very fine line between the underground and the mainstream. This week, we’re discussing why this album feels so free and how she’s handled pop pressure throughout her career.
For Episode 1 of Season 2, we’re taking a look into Katy Perry’s fourth album 'Witness'. Prior to the release of the album, Perry was the biggest popstar in the world, breaking records with her third album 'Prism'. 'Witness', however, broke that trend. The experimental pop project failed to find favour with the mainstream and led to a series of questionable promotional tactics. Still, there’s some value to be found in the record as we approach her fifth album.
For our final episode, we’re turning to the ultimate Flopstar - Robyn. While not always claiming top spot on the charts, she’s become the gold standard of pop music. We’re looking into her seminal record ‘Body Talk’ - a 15 track opus that houses some of the greatest pop songs of our time from Dancing On My Own to Call Your Girlfriend.
It’s Christina Aguilera’s turn this time around as we look into her 2010 record ‘Bionic’. The album came off the back of some of Christina’s most popular work but it signaled a shift in direction. She worked with Sia, Santigold, M.I.A., Nicki Minaj and more on an experimental pop record. It wasn’t a hit on the charts though only managing one top 30 single in the US.
This week, The Veronicas’ Hook Me Up album is our subject. The second record from the Brisbane duo catapulted them to become the biggest pop act in the country with number one records and a string of singles that have stood the test of time. Internationally, they made their first major splash but despite being a great pop album, it failed to solidify their place in the global pop space. More than a decade later, ‘Untouched’ is having a moment though, as the track has become an Australian festival favourite.
This week, it’s Miley Cyrus’ turn as we take a look into her 2017 record ‘Younger Now’. The album marked a return to a more PG Miley after her ‘Bangers’ era which was fill of wildcards, psychedelics and shocking live shows. Commercially, it was unable to match her usual success but fans still champion the record as a display of her natural talents.
This episode, we turn our attention to Justin Bieber’s 2013 compilation ‘Journals’. Coming off a year of terrible PR, Bieber attempted to turn the headlines to music with a mature, R&B project. It didn’t create the hits that his last album did but it’s become a fan favourite and also informed his most recent album ‘Changes’.
This week, we’re looking at Britney Spears’ ‘Blackout’ album. The 2007 record was a pulsating club and urban-inspired album that pushed boundaries. It was also surrounded by a very public meltdown that captured more headlines than the album itself. 13 years later, however, fans and artists alike agree that its influence can be felt in pop today.
This week, we’re spotlighting Lady Gaga’s ‘ARTPOP’ record. The experimental, boundary-pushing pop record came at the height of her career but failed to nab the same commercial success as its predecessors. Since then, it’s become a fan favourite with many arguing it was ahead of its time.
This week, it’s the career of Tove Lo who we’re delving into. Bursting onto the scene early last decade with a string of huge pop hits, Lo has become one of the most challenging pop acts around. While the hits have stopped flowing, her music has only gotten more exciting with last year’s ‘Sunshine Kitty’ giving us some of her most unfiltered work to date.
This week, our attention is shifting from Carly Rae Jepsen to Charli XCX and her two 2017 mixtapes Number 1 Angel and Pop2. The two projects released in quick succession transformed Charli’s career and the pop landscape too. We're discussing both mixtapes at length as well as playing a game of Pornhub comment or Charli XCX fan review.
For our first episode, we’re zooming in on the ultimate Flopstar - Queen of swords Carly Rae Jepsen and her 2015 record EMOTION. The albumtanked on the charts but it was a monumental moment in Jeppo’s career It took her from a one-hit-wonder to an adored pop cult leader. Pop changed because of ‘EMOTION’ even though some normies will ask you what happened to the ‘Call Me Maybe’ girl.
We're chatting about our memories of the album, how it changed pop and what it did for Jepsen's career. Plus we're playing games like 'Carly Rae Jepsen review or review of Ikea furniture'.