The Pop Pod

PopSamCam
  • 5.0 (20)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED DAILY

Your ultimate guide to the world of pop. Hosted by music journalist and pop obsessive Sam Murphy (aka @PopSamCam), this podcast keeps you caught up on everything happening across the pop universe. From headline-making news and deep-dive album reviews to hot takes, artist interviews, and bold Grammy predictions, it’s all here. New episodes Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

  1. DEC 15

    Best Songs & Albums of 2025

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

    54 min

  2. DEC 8

    Reacting To The Pop Albums Of The Year According To The Critics: Rosalía, Bad Bunny, Addison Rae + More

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

    52 min

  3. DEC 2

    Was 2025 Really A Bad Year For Pop Music? The Year In Review

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

    42 min

  4. NOV 11

    Reacting To The Grammy Nominations + Rosalía's 'Lux'

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

    56 min

  5. OCT 10

    New Music Bop Or Flop: The PinkPantheress Remixes, Demi Lovato, Haim and More

    This week on Bop or Flop, we’re diving into new music from PinkPantheress, HAIM, Not For Radio and Demi Lovato. Are they bops or are they flops? Let’s find out. Songs discussed: PinkPantheress & Sugababes – Nice to Know You PinkPantheress & Kylie Minogue – Stateside Oklou feat. FKA twigs – viscus HAIM & Bon Iver – Tie You Down Amber Mark with Anderson .Paak – Don’t Remind Me Natanya – Meeting You Once (The End) Madison Beer – bittersweet Not for Radio – Swan Alemeda & Doechii – Beat A B!tch Up Demi Lovato – Kiss Say Now – Supermarket Rose Gray – Lotus Celeste – Time Will Tell Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

    37 min

  6. OCT 3

    First Impressions Of Taylor Swift's 'The Life Of A Showgirl'

    Jono and I dive into Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl, sharing our first impressions track by track. We break down the standouts, the skips, and how the showgirl theme comes to life across the record. From best and worst songs to the big-picture vibe of the era, we’re unpacking it all. 💬 Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm🎙️ Send voicenotes or questions: thepoppod@popsamcam.com🎵 PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

    54 min

  7. OCT 1

    Ranking The Best Taylor Swift & Max Martin Collaborations

    On this episode, I am ranking every Taylor Swift and Max Martin collaboration ahead of the release of The Life Of A Showgirl. From “I Knew You Were Troubl” to “Style” and “Blank Space,” we’re putting them all in order and debating which one takes the top spot. I’m also joined by upcoming artist Ally Solart, who talks about her debut EP Change Of Plans, the stories behind the songs, and what’s next for her. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

    47 min

  8. SEP 26

    New Music Bop Or Flop: Doja Cat, Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson + More

    This week on Bop or Flop we go through new albums from Doja Cat, Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson and Mariah Carey. The songs include Doja Cat’s “Gorgeous,” Olivia Dean’s “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” Zara Larsson’s “Blue Moon,” and Mariah Carey with Anderson .Paak on “Play This Song.” We also cover Tate McRae, Florence + The Machine, 5 Seconds of Summer, Tame Impala, Magdalena Bay, Cardi B & Selena Gomez, Alessi Rose and FKA twigs. Songs included are: Doja Cat – Gorgeous Olivia Dean – So Easy (To Fall In Love) Tate McRae – TIT FOR TAT Mariah Carey, Anderson .Paak – Play This Song Florence + The Machine – One Of The Greats 5 Seconds of Summer – NOT OK Tame Impala – Dracula Magdalena Bay – Second Sleep Zara Larsson – Blue Moon Cardi B, Selena Gomez – Pick It Up Alessi Rose – First Original Thought FKA twigs – Cheap Hotel Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comPopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a

    48 min
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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Your ultimate guide to the world of pop. Hosted by music journalist and pop obsessive Sam Murphy (aka @PopSamCam), this podcast keeps you caught up on everything happening across the pop universe. From headline-making news and deep-dive album reviews to hot takes, artist interviews, and bold Grammy predictions, it’s all here. New episodes Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Information

  • Creator
    PopSamCam
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © PopSamCam
  • Show Website
    The Pop Pod

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