RTL Today - Song 2: Recent Episodes
RTL Today
In this podcast, Stephen Steps Lowe takes a classic album and argues that the LP's SONG 2 is the most important one.
With Linkin Park back in a big way and the new record From Zero proving a hit with most but not ALL LP fans, it’s as good time to go back to the start
Hybrid Theory was a huge record, released in 2000, it was and is packed full of massive tunes, the first of which to garner any attention and / or acclaim was One Step Closer, the debut single and second track from a generation defining record.
One Step Closer still holds a special place in the hearts of fans because it was this song that introduced the band to a mainstream audience, setting the tone for their unique fusion of rock, nu-metal, and of course the electronic elements that became synonymous with their sound.
(image: RTL.fr)
Let us take you back! The year is 2004, grime experienced its first wave of success the summer previous and the wait for Dizzee’s 2nd album is finally over
With “Boy In Da Corner” Dizzee Rascal put Grime well and truly on the map, but what was to follow? Was it going to be another fad like those silly tectonic dances of the early 2000’s or was it here to stay? Dizzee is set to play den Atelier in tickets at atelier.lu
"I'm proud to say it, I love it when someone randomly hears a P.O.D song for the first time, and there's elements and they pause, and go 'THAT'S P.O.D'!"
Welcome to Song 2, the podcast where we dive into the theory that the second song on an album is often the best or most important. This week, I’m chatting with Sonny, lead vocalist of the iconic band P.O.D. We explore the "Song 2" theory, the strategic importance of tracklisting, and how the second track sets the tone for an album’s journey. Tune in for an insightful conversation with Sonny about crafting memorable albums and the magic behind the perfect song order.
This week we are taking into consideration a tune that I would wager nearly all of you have heard….
….on the radio, in ads, in your favourite TV shows, in films and in your sleep… and in your sleep. But, you might not immediately recall the artist’s name. So, if you happen to be on Who Want’s To Be A Millionaire, or any other quiz show and end up winning some moolah thanks to this and ergo us, then our cut is a meagre 7.5%... ok? Good.
It is, of course Kaleo’s Way Down We Go, taken from the hugely successful debut album A/B released in 2016 via Elektra records.
"These days, I would say no, but I do recall being told that...and in the 90s we fell in suit and put our so-called single at that position (two)"
Posdnuos, one of the legendary members of De La Soul, is our guest for this episode! Known for their innovative approach to hip-hop and their unforgettable lyrics, De La Soul has changed the game since their debut record, 3 Feet High and rising. In this episode, Posdnuos will delve into the fascinating world of tracklisting—an often underappreciated aspect of album-making. He’ll discuss how the sequence of songs can influence the listener's experience and why the second track holds particular significance in crafting an album's narrative – but he’s not sure that it is THE best by definition.
Check out my two-part interview with Pos, available on RTL Play.
Today, we’re diving into ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds’—even if the title gives us a bit of a cringe!"
"SexyBack" is widely regarded as the standout track on that album for several reasons. It marked a bold evolution in Timberlake's sound, merging pop, R&B, and electronic elements in a fresh, innovative way. Produced by Timbaland, the song features a driving beat and catchy hooks, making it perfect for pre-drinks and just as lively on the dance floor as it is on a bar stool.
"I wouldn't put any song on an album unless, I wanted the audience to go WOW!"
Today, we have a rock legend in the mix: Alice Cooper! Known for his theatrical performances and groundbreaking sound, Alice has been a pivotal figure in the music world for decades. In this episode, we’ll dive into the often-overlooked topic of tracklisting. Alice will share his insights on how he carefully curates the order of songs on an album, discussing the emotional journey that each track takes listeners on. We’ll explore how the arrangement can transform an album from a collection of songs into a cohesive experience, and why each placement matters. But does he agree that the second track is the best? Let’s find out.
For this week’s episode, we’ve gone a bit META and employed AI to try and take this argument to it’s natural, or rather artificial conclusion.
And before anyone scream out about the threat of SKYNET taking over track listing, I remind you that most of the songs you get, an the order in which you get them are being pumped and parped out by the ALGORITHM, anyway. This pod has always been a subtle love letter to the albums and mixtapes of the world and the range of answers we have had over our 4 seasons…and counting, goes to show just how personal a thing it really is.
The two questions: we asked CHAT GPT on our theme were:
“Why is the second song on an album the best or most important”
And:
“Which is the most important track on an album and why?”
"Two? Two is all about what it does to your body. But for me, four and seven are absolutely crucial!"
Known for their catchy hooks and electrifying sound, Razorlight has made a significant impact on the music scene since their debut. In this episode, Johnny joins us to discuss one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of making an album: tracklisting and tells us if he’s a Song 2 fan. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the artistry behind the music, sit back and enjoy our conversation with Johnny Borrell. (image: Rob Crawford via Facebook)
Celebrated for its unparalleled ability to get just about anyone airborne, Jump Around is as strong an argument for Song 2 as it gets.
It is a rather safe bet to say that if you’ve ever been to a sporting match, a rowdy get together or even just a social gathering where alcohol and personal interaction go hand in hand, odds on you have gone a bit salmon-like and leapt around to House of Pain’s 1990s jam ‘Jump Around’.
"Nope - I think it's very important but not THE most important. We often put a very Shed Seven sounding song as Track 2, it's kinda like a safety blanket"
Hello and welcome to the second episode from the fourth season of Song 2. Don’t tell anyone but we were also surprised that Episode 1 came out when it did, we thought we had a couple more weeks to go. We will go ahead and blame calendar formatting.
Right then, excuses out of the way, let’s get into this week’s episode and we are back nattering with Rick Witter singer and founding member of UK Britpop revivalists Shed Seven, whose 2023 album A Matter Of Time hit number one for a good for weeks and did tidy business for the band to boot.
Not bad for an act that have been written off more times than the end of The Lord Of The Things movies amirite?
Check out the interview I had with Rick available on RTL Play…. For now, though, lets see what the Shed Seven frontman has to say on the Song 2 Theory.
For this particular episode we are looking at Dua Lipa’s song ‘Houdini’ which was released as a second song on Radical Optimism.
Even though the singer also says of herself ‘I come and I go’, she adds the ‘they’ seemingly to imitate people’s rumours, or to prove she is popular for her ways. Dua Lipa picks up on the fast pace of the dating sphere, if you don’t act fast it necessarily means that you’ve missed your chance and will have to move on just as quick.
In case you were wondering where the pods were, we’ve been mad busy with LIVE Radio
Fear not, admin, broadcasting, scheduling and interviewing can only keep us away for so long. We’ve heaps of new content on the boil, including Mike Portnoy, Billy Corgan, Alice Cooper, Cola, Bdrmm and many, many more. See you soon. And remember, it’s two or nothing.
On today’s episode we will be taking a look at the tremendous band Foals and their song Mountain at my Gates off their fourth studio album What Went Down.
Having firmly established themselves as icons in the UK indie rock scene, there was a certain
level of expectation on their shoulders in 2015 before releasing their album, but the band from
Oxford delivered on all fronts and their second song is an absolute banger.
"I've probably screwed some up and put a turd on second occasionally but I think mostly, they're pretty solid"
Now, for this week’s Song 2 I have to call myself out. Why? Well, first, this has been in the to do file for a long while. Sam Steen spoke with E of The Eels last year, yes, 20 frikkin' 23 and we are just getting to it now. AND, well, would go and believe it, E, has no hesitation in agreeing with the theory. None at all. Which is nice, considering The Eels have recently released another cracking record this year in Eels Time! Which I suggest you check out… don’t forget to star, review, comment and recommend… oh and subscribe, please and thank you.
In this episode we are looking at what could arguably be described as a one hit wonder...
...the amazing Ms. Dynamite and her song Dy-na-mi-tee (you have to sing it!). Ms Dynamite, born Niomi Arleen McLean-Daley, is raw UK R&B, her attitude and energy epitomize the scene and no song more so than Dy-na-mi-tee which is a reflection on her youth. It's a story reflecting someone who had to mature quicker than she might have wished.
"I've never thought of that before, but I agree, and I can see how that (Song 2) makes a lot of sense" - Chino Moreno
In this week’s song 2 we are having a quick turnaround for our chat with Chino Moreno (of Deftones of course) and Shaun Lopez (formerly of the band Far)… ahead of their scheduled show at den A performing as Crosses – there’s a full length interview with them available on RTL Play. Here, I am delighted to report that I have full support, with Chino very much on side and Shaun happy to be on that train too… after last week’s Chastity Belt flat refusal, I was due a win… check out what Shaun and Chino have to say on the matter.
(image: Brian Ziff)
"I don't think there is a definitive answer to this... the second song is often times a single but I don't think a single is the best song" - Julia Shapiro
Having only recently performed in Luxembourg at the Rotondes no less, Chastity Belt are on a European leg of promotion for the current LP, the really rather splendid, Live, Laugh Love, here we quiz Julia and Lydia on the importance of the second song. Please also check out the two-part interview available on RTL Play.
"El Beach" by the Limiñanas is a masterclass in captivating its audience.
Hello and welcome to another episode of Song 2, the podcast where we take a look into why
the second track on an album holds such significance, and in many cases the first track often serves as an introduction, a way to hook the listener. The second track, however, is where the artist starts to reveal their true intentions. It's a critical moment, where the listener decides whether to continue the journey or not.
Today, we're diving into a song that perfectly exemplifies the Song2 concept: "If You Wanna" by The Vaccines.
This track is the second song on their debut album, "What Did You Expect from The
Vaccines?", which was the best selling album of 2011 and the song is nothing short of iconic.
Released in 2011, "If You Wanna" quickly became an anthem for indie rock fans with its
infectious energy. So sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into the brilliance of The Vaccines
and their unforgettable second track.
"I leave it to Carl to sort that out (track listing), I just write the fucking songs" Pete Docherty
A rather ramshackle and impromptu take on Song 2 featuring Pete Docherty and Gary Powell, Charlie does his best to get back from QPR, 'Purple Pig Puppies', Lichtenstein and landlubbers.
We are looking at a song that if you don’t enjoy, then you are simply lying to yourself because it is an absolute banger!
Welcome back to another episode of the musical bible that is our podcast song 2 where we discuss the nature of the second song on an album being the best or the most important. By one of the most popular female R&B groups to have ever done it, Destiny’s Child and their song Survivor.
On today’s show we will be looking at one of the most exciting talents in the UK right now…
…the one and only Little Simz and her inspiring song “Woman” off the album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. She described it on her Tiny Desk performance as one of the best songs she has ever written. SO without further ado let’s take a look at what makes her and that song so special!
“The story I want to tell on an album is more about the overall adventure”
We are a couple of days behind, but Poppy is a great guest on the Song 2 problem. Having worked with Bad Omens and Knocked Loose of late, the diverse star is adding more and more strings to their bow.
You are tuned in to Song 2, the podcast where we go by the doctrine that the second song is either the most important or the best on an LP.
People are philistines and don’t listen to full albums as much anymore but we say long live the purists that know the importance of bands creating their own identities through storytelling and track listings. On today’s show we will be looking at one of the albums of 2023, namely Heavy Heavy by Young Fathers and their song “I Saw".
"Curating the journey of an album is everything to me. EVERYTHING"
We interviewed Des Rocs earlier this year, being that we were super dialed into the raw riffs and the general appeal of this honest to goodness rock n roll. Check out the chat on RTL Play, here we ask the Song 2 q and we find that we are bang on the money… even if Des Rocs is not going to outstay his welcome, check it out.
On today’s episode we will look at the fantastic Kasabian, once described as The Stone Roses and Primal Scream with the swagger of Oasis...
..but they very much have their own style - which is exemplified in their fourth studio album Velociraptor!, released in 2011 and the second track on it is the lead single Days Are Forgotten.
Ahead of debut album Teething's release, I catch up with Nathan and Egg and see what they think about Second Songs
Hey there and welcome to this week’s edition of Song 2… it’s the one you click on, and are immediately saying that this cannot be correct. You’ll have examples to hand and, just like Cliff becomes Cave, becomes Arch, becomes Stump, you realize that there is a wee bit of truth to it. Here, Nathan and Egg from the really rather good Porij do exactly this… Check out what they have to say, and while I have your attention, go ahead and pre-order Teething…it’s gonna be MEGA.
This week’s episode is all about Feeder… my favourite band ever. So, this one could get a little gushy...
Oddly, though, we are covering one of my least favourite Feeder tracks, even though it is almost universally loved. It is the song you know by Feeder, even if you don’t know that you know Feeder, you know? And it has had millions of people screaming about drinking cider through a ruddy lemon for nearly 30 years. And to think, it was almost a song given to another band altogether.
“If the song 2 doesn’t grab you, you’re sunk BABY”
This week’s guest Song 2-er (sic) is the always good value Keith Murray, of the prolifically great We Are Scientists… and while this intro may be longer than Keith’s response, it does not contain a now immortal phrase, that, if we could get the rights sorted, we would have on a limited run of Song 2 tees.
For this week’s episode of Song 2, we are looking at a 90’s staple, Sex & Candy from Marcy Playground.
Even in this office, we have a 50/50 split of those that love the oddly louche lyrics, and those that hate it with a passion akin to the fires of hell. For me, this one was as ubiquitous as anything from Beck, Dando, Alexakis, Dulli et al.
In this week’s Friday episode we are taking Michelle of the Netherlands by the way of Brighton band CIEL over the SONG 2 coals.
Needless to say, she’s one foot in, one foot out, but places a lot of importance on the influence of a producer. Check it out.
This week we are dialling the calendars all the way back to 1993 as we are revisiting Jame’s breakthrough album, Laid and their standout cut Sometimes.
Yes, we all know that the 1990 single Sit Down is still a favourite in student unions and weddings, but Sit Down was not even on the track listing for the original release of Gold Mother… it was track 7 on the 1991 re-release and the opening track on the US version. Sometimes is about as full-throated a singalong as you can possibly get.
"There's a reason why there's an entrée and a main course, you know..."
In this week’s Song 2, Clémentine Delauney of both Exit Eden AND Visions Of Atlantis offers up her view of where the second song lies in terms of prominence and importance. Exit Eden released their latest LP, Femme Fatale earlier this year, and Visions Of Atlantis have just announced Pirates II – Armada. Check out my interview with Clementine on RTL Play. Cheers.
We’ve held off for three seasons before breaking the emergency glass on this classic
It took till the 5th record and a song written as a joke for blur to temporarily break America. Song 2 inspired this podcast and is, ironically or not, the quintessential Song 2 pudding prover.
"For me track listing is very specific to the album and from album to album, I never order things based on what I think a certain track number should be"
What An Enormous Room by Torres (AKA Mackenzie Scott) came out earlier this year and is ace. Torres does not agree with Song 2... At. All. And my dreams are thus shattered.
In this week’s Song 2 Episode we are foregoing silly head wear and possibly ill-advised cultural appropriation
There's always been the gnawing doubt that the flak Jay Kay got at the time of Jamiroquai’s was a little unfair. Sure, the headlines grabbed in the early 00’s were not great but Jamiroquai’s tunes stand up incredibly well. None more so than Too Young To Die, the second cut lifted from the 1993 album Emergency on Planet Earth.
"How do we hit them hard over the head...right off the bat... here's all our rage... and then, here's where we are crying about it?"
Ill Peach’s LP, This Is Not An Exit, was one of my picks for 2023. Here, Jess and Pat are on the scenic route to a sort of, possibly, could be answer to Song 2. Track listing is important. Incredibly so. But tone and tempo are key drivers too.
This week we are taking a look at the beautiful, beguiling and breathy White Winter Hymnal from Seattle indie-folk band, Fleet Foxes.
"White Winter Hymnal" is the first single from Fleet Foxes released by European label Bella Union on July 21, 2008 and arguably remains to this day the band’s best known song.
“I think anyone you will speak to you on this will tell you that very real blood, sweat and tears go into sequencing”
Now that we can confirm that they are going to be hitting the Grand Duchy’s den Atelier on the 30th May, we can finally get to the dapper The Vaccines frontman Justin Young and his take on the Song 2 merry go round. Don’t forget to book tickets for the show on atelier.lu and listen to my two-part interview with Justin available on RTL Play.
On this week's Song 2, we’re taking a look at a rather emotional song that was a breakout for its star performer AND the precursor to a much bigger tune.
Now, let’s be clear here, I am not the authority to speak on Juice WRLD, that honour would to my two teenage sons – who may yet be struck down with MEGA cringe upon hearing this – fortunately I have had some assistance in getting this piece but together by Maja (our clued-up intern).
“If the first track is like a punch in the face, the second one needs to be a little calmer… at least for a couple of minutes”
This one has been a little while in the Song 2 queue, Haken’s most recent LP Fauna came out in 2023 and when the band passed by the Grand Duchy for a show at the Rockhal we of course caught up with riff master Richard Henshall, who finds the second song concept interesting, if not conclusive. We will file this one in the maybe folder... for now.
For episode 3, season 3 of Song 2, we are this week heading into double-denim-ed poodle rock territory.
New Jersey bound we go as we lap up the monumental rock anthem You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi. This iconic track captured the hearts of many in 1986 when it was released as the lead single from their classic album Slippery When Wet, cementing its way into the foundations of rock and roll history.
The Clockworks released an under the radar classic in 2023... do they agree with the Song 2 theory?
For our second episode of Season 3 we are chatting with Sean Connelly of the exciting Irish band The Clockworks, whose debut album Exit Strategy, is a tightly woven collection of atmospheric indie rock tunes, that will find a much wider audience as more and more fans get onboard. Sean is, though, not joining our club, stating quite succinctly that the penultimate song on a record is easily the best. So, I am one-nil down and one week into the season. Let’s hear what Sean had to say…
Back with our first episode of season 3, we are kicking things off with the enormous smash (sorry) hit from The Offspring… Self Esteem.
The Offspring’s third album Smash remains one of the greatest ‘little band gone big’ stories ever. While it is true that Come Out And Play was the first time the mainstream media suffered whiplash in relation to The Offspring - the band Themistocles never undersell its importance - it was Self Esteem that received blanket coverage on MTV and catapulted a popular, but not yet huge punk band, to international stardom.
The third season of our (sometimes) chart-topping podcast is coming soon...
Season 3 is on its way. Why is that big news, well it isn’t if you think any other song other than the second one on a record is the best. We have guests including Poppy, P.O.D, Des Rocs, Shed Seven, Marika Hackman, Ill Peach, Porij, Chastity Belt, Torres, Gruff Rhys, Sprints, Mando Diao, Alkaline Trio, Staind, Vaccines and many more…
Season 2 of Song 2 comes to an end
We will back in Jan 2024 with a whole heap of new (and not so new) Song 2 offerings....
In this week’s, and this year’s last, episode of Song 2 we are again tripping up over the warped stairwell of intros
3 Feet High and Rising is the debut studio album by the American hip hop group De La Soul. Released on February 6, 1989, by Tommy Boy Records which also had Digital Underground and Naughty By Nature on their roster, it was the first of three collaborations with the producer Prince Paul, and remains the critical and commercial peak of both parties.
Santigold - one of the nicest people in music. FACT. Also, does not think her second track is the best one. FACT.
Sam Steen talks with the global star on track listing and her own song 2, Nothing.
“This is such a hard question…curse you”
Wednesday’s album Rat Saw Good is beginning to crop up on a number of end of year best of lists…it is a fantastic record full of feeling and texture and deserves such a positive response. I had the pleasure of catching up with Karly earlier this year, before the record was released and before the band performed a brilliant show at the Rotondes, Karly had this to say about the legitimacy of a Song 2 rule…
In this week’s episode, I hereby give my advance apologies for the fact you’ll be singing this one till the cows come home...
….and if they don’t return at curfew, I am sorry for that too. We are talking about Foreigner’s Cold As Ice… Now, I’ve checked lists, lots of them, and they say mostly the same thing, Juke Box Hero is Foreigner’s best song. It too, is a Song 2, but is taken from their fourth album, where as Cold As Ice is lifted from their eponymous debut, released a full 4 years earlier.
“For me, I want to make complete and solid bodies of work, not just a collection of songs, it’s not a mixtape…it’s a movie...”
This one has been on our mind for ever…..and I mean forever. We spoke with Loyle Carner a lifetime ago, and, if we are being thoroughly transparent, we let things pile up so high that we no longer saw this one an had feared it lost. Thankfully, due to a complicated and convoluted filing system I was able to dig it out and dust it off for you. One of the best original voices of a generation, here is Loyle Carner’s take on the importance of Song 2… or should that be Song 3.
"I take a lot of influence from Interpol and The Shins"
We had spoken with JoJo of Heartworms back when the stunning EP A Comforting Notion was first released, since then the band have gone from strength to strength, picking up an incredible amount of press and, working with super-producer Dan Carey has dropped the incredible May I Comply on Speedy Wunderground. Jojo takes on the Song 2 question here, and inform us that an awful lot of her thinking is done on the toilet…your welcome.
On this week’s Song 2, we are squarely in no argument territory.
You can try but we will fold our arms, turn our backs and wait it out. Let’s turn the dials back to 1967, to a time when one of the most distinguishable guitar riffs was made. We are, of course, talking about the second song from Cream’s second album Disraeli Gears. And that song is… Sunshine Of Your Love.
"You want to start strong, and you want to end strong, but, really, every song needs to be a SONG 2"
Shortly before hitting the stage at den Atelier, Steve Miller caught up with multi-platinum selling and viral sensation Oliver Tree, to get his take on Song 2. Oliver is a straight shooter, basically every song needs to be a SONG 2. And yes, second songs are indeed vital, but every other track needs to hit that height too. Enjoy… Oliver Tree on this week’s Song 2.
Did you know this song was inspired by a pedestrian crossing
A record breaker in many ways, Billie Eilish’s breakout hit, remains one of her best and best known tracks.
Our very own DB3 caught up with the SoM axe-slayer to discuss the Song 2 theory.
Ben is cut from the vinyl cloth and, as such, has a few opinions on music consumption. He gets the point of Song 2 but thinks it's the home of the single...which is kinda a proof of a decent pudding.
This week we are talking about The Rasmus’ absolutely huge single In The Shadows.
Released in Finland in January 2003, the biggest single from album Dead Letters, achieved considerable chart success throughout Europe and Oceania...
Sam Steen took the Song 2 theory to the Stranglers' bassist
It was one of those half in, half out ones. Like getting into a cold swimming pool. It's nice... once you're in...
Though released in July 2011 in Australia and New Zealand, it was not until almost a year later that Somebody I Used To Know went truly huge.
Back in 2012, if your brainbox wasn’t besieged by a plinky-plonky xylophone roll and a hard to reach but lets go for it anyway….‘used to know’, then we would like to know where you were and when we can visit, for Gotye mahoosiv smash hit was everywhere, all the flipping time.
The Frontman of the incredible rock group Ultra Q is 100% with us in the second song's importance...
Jakob even goes as far as to cite The Cure and New Order as influences and pudding proofers.
It's a Queens Of The Stone Age double bill as my argument sways back to the YASS
After a little guest dabble with the fervent Swifties earlier thus week, and in my continuing quest to claim second tracks are indeed the very best, we are back to take a look at two of the biggest tracks from two of the biggest alt-rock albums ever made… FACT.
Do we think Taylor Swift believes in the Song 2 theory?
Sarah Tapp, host of The Hangover, and Emma Baxley, our Social Media Manager, both (some might say) insane Swifties, guest host this episode of Song 2 in honor of the re-release of Taylor's 5th album '1989.' They dive into "Blank Space," the second song (and second single) from '1989' which also happens to be the most streamed Taylor Swift song of all time.
Jason and Andrew are good company and despite initial reservations, wax lyrical on the merits of track listing.
Jason also provides some wonderful meandering analogies...shame they are for suggesting my theory is incorrect.
Aine is onboard the Song 2 cruise, much to my surprise and obvious delight.
Sarah Tapp has a nose for up-and-coming artists and acts, her chat earlier this year with potential pop megastar Aine Rose Daly, is further proof of this. Check out the full interview on RTL Play and be sure to tune into Sarah’s The Hangover show on Sundays from 10am (repeated on Mondays at 2pm).
Chief Maker, the Rev is, quite possibly, the most on board guest we have yet had.
Plus, John kindly gave us a number of further Song 2's to investigate.
Janelle is a little blase about track listing, saying 'whatever' the band wants, BUT she is keen on exploring the theory.
We spoke with GENN twice within 18 months. Once for Liminal and once for UNUM. Both times were a joy. And both times a win. This is the second one.
Brand new album UNUM is out now. This is what one half of the wonderful Brighton / Malta band had to say.
We spoke with GENN twice within 18 months. Once for Liminal and once for UNUM. Both times were a joy. And both times a win. This is the first one.
This week we are on the case of a tune that was a joke, a smash hit and then an all time classic.
If you are against the Song 2 theory, tell us. If you are onboard and seated comfortably, tell us twice!
One of the strongest but maybe not the best, in terms of songs and indeed features
Check out the full interview on RTL Play
The focus of this week’s Song 2 delves back a touch further than a decade to a song that was given blanket coverage upon release in 2010.
Not only is it one of the biggest ever earworms (facts), it is perhaps also one of the darkest pop songs ever written, and the most peculiar thing about it is, that not many folk know what Pumped Up Kicks, by Foster The People is about.
Kinda timely for releasing this one we have had on ice for a while, given O. have just released Slice... yyaayy indeed.
Signed to Speedy Wunderground...which, lets be honest, we revealed in our interview back in 2022, a new EP falls in November, and Tasj and Joe take little convincing to join me on the Song 2 cruise.
This week's Song 2 brings us to one of the most well-known and universally acclaimed rap songs ever…and a track listing loophole
Many albums open with an intro track…nominally a skit, or an interlude, some type of meandering almost start, and, anything that’s sub 90secs is not a track in my eyes. Feel free to argue, but I am running with this as far as my middle-aged legs will carry me.
The sometimes provocative performer pushes past 'mansplaining' issues to then 'personsplain' their take on Song2.
This one is weird. First it appears there's barely contained contempt for the theory and the host, and then there's love for both. Comes with the territory, I guess.
In this week’s episode, we are looking at one of my all-time favourite tracks from one of my all-time favourtie bands. Ever.
Touted as the next big thing to come out of the ashes of grunge, My Vitriol lit up the music world with their debut album Finelines at the turn of the century….sheesh, that puts the years in perspective and then, well, it’s hard to explain really, they just sort of fell off the earth… more on that later. (image: Jason Miller)
Quite possibly the winner of our shortest answer yet, but does contain the phrase 'thesis statement'... so there's that...
Sam Steen caught up with the wonderfully talented musician Grandson sometime ahead of his recent show at den Atelier.
This week we have one that even the band didn’t really want to be as successful as it was. Being that it painted the band in a very specific light...
We are, of course, talking about the monumentally HUGE, I Predict A Riot by the Kaiser Chiefs
Host of The Hangover, Sarah Tapp meets one of her musical idols and is bereft to find he agrees with me
Sarah Tapp, host of our The Hangover Show got the chance to sit down with one of her all-time favourite musicians while stateside earlier this year – her terrific interview is available on RTL Play, and though her chat was positive, it ended on a potentially sour note for her and a WIN for li lol me, given that Josh Ritter is a fan of the Song 2 theorem…yep I am also calling it a theorem now. Check out what Josh has to say and for the bit where Sarah’s soul leaves her body….
(image: Sam Kassirer via Facebook)
This week, we are 60s bound…. And to one of the pioneers of psychedelic rock
Jefferson Airplane would go on to define the San Francisco sound and were one of the most notable Bay Area bands to make it big on the international stage.
Ambre of symphonic metal behemoths Xandria, is one hundred percent onboard with Song 2’s importance.
Which is great to have onside, further to this comes the insights Ambre provides in relation to track listing and the front loading of albus that is necessary in order to ensure that the music gets heard. As with a great number of these interactions, please check out the full interview on RTL Play.
This week’s subject is the still sounds ace Foundations from Kate Nash
There have been a near endless number of songs penned and sung about relationship breakdowns – not all make it to the mainstream or the higher echelons of the chart. Those that do stay with us forever because they inspire a universal sort of pain; one most of us have endured by our early 20s, and one that shapes us for life.
The Welsh neo-indie misfits are swayed to the second track argument
CVC are currently tearing up tress Stateside, that is to say that a number of sold out shows have caused a teensy bit of fuss. Here the lads get on my side of the fence and then kick out a few panels... inasmuch as that they both feel that the second side of an LP is the key to any record.
"Single first... then a song that sums up the album as the second track"
After having had a wonderful chat with the very friendly Simon Rix of Kaiser Chiefs, we could not let it end without tasking him on the subject of Song 2. I would say we are on a 50/50 split of those that agree and those that do not. Thankfully, Simon has a few things to say on the matter and, in fact, may just apply the rule to the next Kaiser’s album, due in 2024. Check out my interview with Simon, available in two parts on RTL Play.
This one has been a while in the offing, given that Wolf Alice played in Luxembourg back in 2022...
BUT this is a great response from Theo, who, despite genuine surprise that Bros (which will feature in a full episode later this year) was a Song 2 from their debut, takes some convincing on the merits of the so-called theory. He’s not convinced on Lithium, nor No One Knows by QOTSA and Rufus Wainwright’s opener to the album Poses, called Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk is the final nail in my coffin. Please got check out parts one and two of my in-depth interview with Theo on RTL Play. (Image: Band's Facebook)
This week we skip merrily along the street revisiting Jet’s mahoosiv cut, Are You Gonna Be My Girl?
...and look at why it did bring the band oodles of that ‘Ferrai Money’ they yearned for, but little else.
Quite possibly our most meandering answer yet, but we can be sure "it works for Fleetwood Mac, but not for The Beatles"
Not long before Royksopp took to the stage at Abbaye Neumunster earlier this year, Sam Steen caught Torbjørn and Svein to ask them whether or not they were potentially going to join the Song 2 club. This is one of our longest answers yet and flip flops more often than a Brit on a Spanish seafront… don’t forget to rate and subscribe, Song 2 is out every Wednesday and Friday and you can get it from wherever you chose to download your podcasts.
Image: Angelina Bergenwall
The London-based musician let's us in on his Song 2 take...
We spoke to Master Peace just when the hype trail was hotting up on his Peace Of Mind EP, and of course we took the time to ask him about Song 2. Though he does not apply it to his own records, he sees it everywhere when perusing others…especially when it comes to Bloc Party.
The Beatopia writer is a definite fan of the Song 2 theory and here also explains her take on the importance of tracklisting
Beabadoobee is as energetic as you might expect her to be, even when she has a cold, which she did at the time of us regarding this episode. We caught up with the alt--pop star ahead of her show in the Grand Duchy some time back now, it must be said. She is onboard with Song 2 in relation to her own recordings but not so sure regarding that of her peers....
In this week’s episode, I am not afraid to admit that I am bricking it...
…not so much that I can solve Luxembourg’s housing crisis, but enough to tack on a decent extension. This week we are taking on one of the biggest SONGS EVER, R.E.M's Losing My Religion.
The Belgian noisemakers remain unconvinced on my approach but do expand on their thoughts on tracklisting
Having released one of my favourite albums of 2022 in Unison Life, I was delighted to speak to Stijn and Stephanie from the powerhouse Belgian trio….neither of them agree with me, opting for a song being able to tell its own story – the full itvw is available on RTL Play.
This week we are taking a look at Maroon 5’s This Love, the second single to be taken from their multi million selling debut record, Songs About Jane.
Up until the world threatened to swallow Adam Levine in one gigantic meme-gasm late last year, Maroon 5 were one of the biggest and most well-known bands on the planet…and I know, judging from what must have been a collective intake of breath from many M5 fans (not motorway lovers), I believe this is a far superior track to the rather insipid mega smash She Will Be Loved.
It’s no real secret that Antony Szmierek is our bestie...
..well, maybe it is a surprise to him, but given that we’ve shared crisps tips, and that the galaxy’s favourite hitchhiker loves us here in the GD, it would only be right to ask him about the Song 2 theory. We recorded this just as Antony begun to take off in the UK, and since then he’s gone from strength to strength… recent single The Words To Auld Lang Syne is further proof of an incredible talent. Check out my interview with Antony on RTL Play. (Image: Artist's own via Facebook)
This week, we’ve gone big and I mean BIG.
Perhaps I have, for want of a better phrase, shot my load too early (this is only the 5th episode of our second season after all), but I feel we need to address this particular track, right here and right now. Unless you have been living under a rock for the past decade and a half (and if so, is it listed on Air B&B, I could do with some quiet time), you will have heard MMMBop at least, uuhhmmmm, three thousand times. It was, in 1997, as inescapable as the pandemic was in 2020. If that sounds like I am doing the Hanson brothers a disservice, I am not intentionally being scornful or cynical. This track was everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE.
(Image: Roger Sargent/Shutterstock)
Rou suggests that my theory makes sense... stating that the second song is definitely the most important in maintaining listener's attention
In this week's episode, we spoke to Rou Reynolds of the incredible Enter Shikari just before the release of the band’s stellar LP A Kiss For The Whole World…this is what the flame haired front man had to say on Song 2s and track listing in general. Check out my interview with Rou, on RTL Play. (image: Rou Reynolds' Facebook Page)
One of the greatest one-hit-wonders of all time AND a mighty fine Song 2 entry to boot
For this week’s entry into the SONG 2 canon, we are heading back to 1995 and getting our teeth squarely into another massive ear worm….and this track both proves and disproves my theory…
While Andy gives little time to my argument, his comments on stellar album Troublegum and the importance of overall feel are bang on the money.
And so we are off and running with our second season of SONG 2, by now you should have had a listen to our first episode featuring the well-known and much-loved earworm that is You Get What You Give by the New Radicals, and here in our first guest episode we are chatting with Andy Cairns of the incredible Therapy? While Andy gives little time to my argument, his comments on stellar album Troublegum and the importance of overall feel are bang on the money. He also rates Billie Eilish very highly, which is a statement I would not have expected to write. Check out my interview with Andy about Therapy?’s latest LP Cold Hard Fire on RTL Play. Cheers.
What better way to kick off season 2 of, well, Song 2 than with an absolute no-arguments, no-brain required, ultimate banger.
If you don’t agree with this one, then I guess we can write off your subscription to the remainder of this whole flipping season. Was nice to meet you.. thank u, next
New Radicals were an American pop rock band that were only active for little over 2 years and hailed from Los Angeles. Their debut, and final record, ‘Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too’ released in 1998 quickly topped charts across the UK, USA, and Europe thanks in large parts to the catchy hit song, ‘You Get What You Give’.
We are bringing it back with a whole host of brand spanking new Song 2s
Stephen Steps Lowe's popular series returns for its second leg and with it comes it next level Song 2s.
End Of Year Round Up
It sounds dramatic, but really is not, Steps looks back over 44 episodes and discovers he's no further forward in the debate than when he began. Season Two - Mid-Jan 2023.
Steps may sound like he's underwater, but there's no mistaking that this is a BIG for the Song 2 theory...
You’ll know this one a nanosecond after it begins, assuming of course you have ended up here without reading the push notification, the link wording or indeed the title. Anyway it is the incredible, the unmistakable, the brilliant U Can’t Touch This from MC Hammer.
Starts off as definite, then reveals itself to be very up in the air indeed.
This one has been on the shelf for a couple months but Alan from Gilla Band has given one of the fullest and most informative answers we’ve yet had on Song 2 but doesn’t really give a view on the second track’s importance, despite the best efforts of our very own Sam Steen. What we do get is an insight into how the Dublin four-piece give a LOT of thought to track listing.
Gregory knows where his banger is, but best songs can be hiding in plain sight
Gregory Porter recently stopped by the Philharmonie for a wonderful show that thrilled the audience from beginning to end – I caught up with the full voiced singer in an interview which you can catch on RTL Play. I could not, though, let the friendliest man in music away without first answering the Song 2 question. Gregory prefers a surprise best track and suggests that bests songs are interchangeable anyway. Liquid Skin though, is a Song 2 and a banger… so I maintain I am right…
Matthew is the most definitely not sure guest we have had on the show so far
For this week’s Song 2, Sam Steen chats with Matthew Cawe of NYC’s Nada Surf – if you’ve heard the long form interview, then you’ll know they are now firm friends. Track seven is here revealed as the secret favourite and ten as perhaps the worst. So, without further ado, here’s Sam and Matt.
I'm slowly winning people round to my way of thinking...will this sway you?
The news that George Ezra is coming to the GD in 2023 has set our little land in quite the flutter, so what better time to pick up a Song 2 lift by way of Ezra’s 2014 smash hit Budapest. Which, if you did not know, is a terrific example of a more recent Song 2. George has two others btw, but more on those later. Here’s to a song that my 14 year-old adored and my 12 year-old hates with a passion.
Track seven is the best one, until it isn't
Georgia Ellery and Taylor Sky are dead set on Track 7 before a quick 360 on their views. So, they now plump for Side A and Side B.
The argument gains pace with this trio: Piano Man / An Innocent Man / We Didn't Start The Fire
We’ve had a couple of weeks off…we’ll go ahead and call those admin weeks and are now back and better than ever…. Maybe….
This week we are getting our teeth into monster hits, and I swear down, here and now, if you still don’t believe me on the Song 2 theory, then I am unsure what I am going to do….Probably do a few dozen more episodes to tell you the truth, but I digress…
Harry McVeigh of White Lies gives us the most succinct
There are answers that get to the point and ones where the answer IS the point. Harry tells it to us straight.
Song 2's should not be slow-burned....
Whitney's new album, Spark, may not nestle up to the Song Two Theory (tm) but it is interesting to see/hear the two differing sides of the Whitney coin. (image: Olivia Bee)
We didn't mean to cause a rift here bbbuuuuuttttt, well, the opinions are not the same
So one of Nova Twins is onboard the Song 2 train but may be fare dodging, one would not even come to the station, but may be there at the destination.... a word for the wise DO NOT SKIP intros.
Anti-Flag's voluble singer/guitarist gives us his penny's worth on the Song 2 theory
The two-hole, as Chris puts it, is where you put your most intriguing and enticing track, so, for a short time at least, it appears Steps has a supporter, until, that is, Chris explains what the third hole is for...
Someone, sometime, somewhere must have the definitive answer... Kurt, sadly does not...
In this week’s artist comment, we get the wise words of Lambchop’s Kurt Wagner. Now, Kurt is a lapsed Song 3 man, favouring third over second, even if he hesitates for a moment when faced with a couple of his own tunes that feature at the prized number two spot… Here’s Kurt’s take….
Defined as “the ultimate break-up song”, Alanis Morissette released You Oughta Know in 1995, and it remains one of the most beloved songs of the 90s.
If, like a lot of listeners, and not too few a number of musicians, you are yet to be compelled by my argument that the second song on an album is the best one…then, poker parlance let me see you our previous output and raise you an Alanis.
We could have the definitive answer AND track in this week's edition
We have another delicious slice of Song 2 for you here, and this week Jeremy Greenspan of Junior Boys gives us his take on what a decent second track means – going as far as to say that Prefab Sprout’s Cars and Girls is THE definitive Song 2.
Sometimes you’ve just got to squeeze a Song 2 chat into your lunch break, which is exactly what happened here with Jeremy of the Canadian band Kiwi Jr.
Jeremy is not a fan of the Song 2 theory, plumping for track seven for his song of note. There is the small reveal, however, that at least one half of the band believe the second track on the new LP Chopper is the record’s best.
This one is personal to our host and is definitely, 100% the best cut from Placebo's debut.
For this week’s edition of ’ask someone who actually knows about tracklisting and making music’,
I speak with Rival Consoles and get their view on whether or not the second track is the best on the album…though there is a concession that there are a notable number of awesome Song 2’s, Ryan is not onboard the track two train. He does though, detail the need for feel and vibe. Check it out here….
Two massive tracks from two huge albums from a colossal band - how much more proof do you need?
Music For The Jilted Generation and Fat Of The Land helped shaped a whole era, and their second songs are instrumental in defining one the UK's most influential acts.
Someone, albeit an Icelandic superstar, agrees with me...as there is no other option available
On this week’s edition of some people like Song 3, some like 7…a handful plump for the first, few dot down on the closer and a surprising number opt for SONG 2, it’s Icelandic superstar Ásgei, and his reply agrees with me, by proxy, as he doesn’t really hold a viewpoint…, it’s still a nice chat though. So, check it out…..
Can we draw a line under this now? Song 2 is a thing - Amy Lee and Co. prove it
Few songs get such huge success from a track that is so far from their original vision - without Bring Me To Life, though, perhaps there'd be no Evanescence...
Sam Steen caught up with Editor's sticksmith Ed Lay
Ed is onboard with the theory, so long as it offers chance to talk up Editors tracks. Which he does.
Yet another in the swiftly growing list of absolute bangers found in the second position.
Inspiration can come from the strangest of places, and so it was with Tom Smith as he came up with the magical Munich, the second single and the second track from Mercury Prize-shortlisted debut The Back Room.
Do you know about 'inner groove distortion'? It means the last song on a record is not likely the best.
It’s not often that we get to pick the brains of bone fide legends of rock, so when we got time with Ian Anderson of the incredible Jethro Tull, it would be criminal if we were to skirt the issue of Song 2 – the full interview is available on RTL Play… here, though Ian gives us his viewpoint on track listing and details why it is that the second and last tracks on a record are not the best in show.
I was taken aback by this one, but, goodness, IT IS a DEFINITE SONG 2
Manchild was the second single released from the Swedish singer-songwriter Neneh Cherrs’s debut album Raw Like Sushi – it is also that album’s second track – hence its appearance here.
Further support, sort of, for the Song 2 camp...
On this week’s Song 2, we have needed to bump the order around a little bit as Dutch alt-rock outfit De Staat, as well as being musical chameleons…in that they exist in many, many genres, as opposed to being Lizards with Guitars… are heading to Luxembourg in support of Biffy Clyro…here frontman Torre Florim says he’s onboard the theory, then off, then on again…
Further proof, as if you need it, that second songs are exceptional....Biffy have 5. FIVE!
Biffy Clyro have a bunch of class second Songs…I think they are only, excuse me, second to The Killers in the ratio of albums to barnstorming second tracks… again, we have covered this in a recent episode where Ben disagrees with the theory, citing that the opening track is by far the most vital one on an album…
Some twenty episodes in and we are no closer to hitting the sweet spot
For our latest installment of the short time Luxembourg number one podcast, Song 2, we get to pick the brain of Icelandic multi-instrumentalist and sometime genius, Olafur Arnalds, who arguably delivers the most on the nose response we have yet heard…it may not be the best but it is the most important… let’s hear what he has to say…
We are taking on a more recent track this week, and, given recent news it finds us in a strange, and contemplative mood.
Which is sort of the opposite of what Watermelon Sugar is. Harry Styles first debuted his song 'Watermelon Sugar', originally a promotional track his second album 'Fine Line', which was also filled with incredibly catchy bops such as 'Lights Up', 'Adore You' and the really rather good 'Golden'.
'Mon The Biff, but not 'Mon Song 2 apparently...
Despite having a bunch of proper, 'ave it, Song 2s to their name (27, The Ideal Height, Saturday Superhouse, That Golden Rule, Black Chandelier to name but a few), Ben's not going to allow the theory as fact... find out why here.
This one puts the cat among the pigeons
Often described as the breakup song from Kelis’ third album Tasty, this bone fide banger of a song has a distinct r&b flavour albeit tethered to with a driving beat and slathered with one of pop’s most instantly recognizable hooks.
Is the second song on an album that record's best track? Ben from Bodega kinda answers the question!
Sam Steen asked the NYC musician for his take on Stephen Steps Lowe theory and he almost, possibly, sort of gives a definitive answer...or does he?
This week we are visiting the mind of Billy Corgan and more specifically taking on one of the best Song 2’s ever written.
The second track on the willfully bonkers Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, Tonight Tonight is, without question one of the songs that even those unfamiliar with Smashing Pumpkins music will be able to identify – it was even number in Iceland, for heaven’s sake. (image: Matt Ryan Tobin)
It’s time for yet another in the topsy turvy world of Song 2, where the voices of the music industry lend their weight to or against my theory.
This week, Lia from the incredible The Mysterines gives us her take on the Song 2 approach and immediately states that the second song on their debut LP is NOT their most important, but does the firebrand Liverpudlian musician subscribe to my idea, or not, find out here… (photo: Steve Gullick)
Is the second song on an album that record's best track?
The umpteenth episode of Song 2 sees Steps assertion that the second track on I Should Coco is the record's best.
Lachlan Stuckey is reluctant to add any weight to Steps' theory, though concedes there's something in it
Label disagreements aside, Stuckey maintains that his records are as they 'should be', as in building vibe and mood. PLUS, there are TWO song 2's...one on side-A and one on side-B.
Is the second song on an album that record's best track?
Stephen Steps Lowe is back in the hot seat and this week takes a look at the classic cut Sexy Boy by Air, the first single but second track on the seminal 1997 album Moon Safari.
The Melbourne based musician acknowledges but does not fully agree with the theory
Last songs are Grace's gravy...and she has little time, initially to listen to any talk of the second track being the best one.
Is the second song on an album that record's best track?
Original hosts Stephen Steps Lowe has just returned from holidays and intern Noah Gudgeon explains why this quintessential slice of power is an important political piece as well as being the most easily identifiable RATM cut.
Ren Harvieu
The velvet-voiced Salford musician offers her take on the theory that is taking the music world by storm...albeit a very small storm...and in a teacup at that. (image courtesy of Bella Union)
The Bright Eyes leader gives us the fullest answer there is...and then some.
Is the second song on an album that record's best track? That's the question we are putting to those in and around the music scene and the range of answers we are getting muddy the waters further. Here Sam Steen chats with Conor Oberst of Bright eyes and the results, well, they speak for themselves...
The Beths
Noah Gudgeon asks the Kiwi band for their view on whether the second song IS the best track on a record. They say not, but then, sort of, kind of, proves Steps right....
Is the second song on an album that record's best track?
In the absence of original creator Stephen Steps Lowe, intern Noah Gudgeon explains why dancing turkeys, Motown horns and sledgehammers constitute a musical masterpiece.
Joey Burns of Calexico offers his view on tracklisting
Is Stephen Steps Lowe onto something? Sam Steen recently asked Joey Burns if he, too, thinks second songs are superior.
Is the second song on an album that record's best?
Stephen Steps Lowe continues with his theory and finds that Las Vegas titans could lay claim to the most Song 2s ever.
Frank Turner weighs in on the Song 2 debate
Sam Steen caught up with Frank and recorded his musings on whether the theory posited by Stephen Steps Lowe has any merit...
Is the second song on an album that record's best?
Kieran Hebden was at the fore of a new wave of music in the 00's and the first single from the acclaimed album Rounds, also happens to be it's second track.
Is the second song on an album that record's best?
Evil was the second track on Interpol's Antics LP and a mighty fine cut it is too...
Bonus Episode - Alex Edkins of Weird Nightmare
In a companion piece to the new feature, Stephen Steps Lowe asks musicians their thoughts on his second song theory. Here, Alex Edkins of Weird Nightmare (Metz) gives us his take...
Is the second song on an album that record's best?
This week, and rather fortuitously, given they headline Usina in Dudelange on Saturday, we look at Kings Of Leon's head-scratching about face Charmer, from 2007 LP Because Of The Times.
Is the second song on an album that record's best track?
Radiohead's lead single for OK Computer caught critics, and fans, off guard being as it was at odds with the vogue for immediate chart-topping hits. It is also, argues Stephen Steps Lowe, OK Computer's quintessential track. (co. Parlophone)
Is the second song on an album that record's best track?
In this podcast, Stephen Steps Lowe takes a classic album and argues that the second song is the most important one on the LP. (Co. Domino)
Is the second song on an album that record's best track?
In this podcast, Stephen Steps Lowe takes a classic album and argues that the second song is the most important one on the LP. (Co. Island Records)
Is the second song on an album that record's best track?
In this podcast, Stephen Steps Lowe takes a classic album and argues that the second song is the most important one on the LP. (Co. The Hit Factory, New York City)
Is the second song on an album that record's best track?
In this podcast, Stephen Steps Lowe takes a classic album and argues that the second song is the most important one on the LP. (Co. Geffen)
Is the second song on an album that record's best track?
In this podcast, Stephen Steps Lowe takes a classic album and argues that the second song is the most important one on the LP.