All in podcast

Podcast: Is "Something Just Like This" by Coldplay & The Chainsmokers Deep or No Deep?

"Something Just Like This" is hovering at number eight on the charts right now. It's popular because it's the work of two very different bands, and it's bringing those fans together. "Coldplay" (or particularly Chris Martin in this case) and The Chainsmokers have created a unique something here. The music sounds like The Chainsmokers, and the lyrics sound like a slightly less deep but still sweet Coldplay. In this episode, I explain every line of the song and explain how allusion plays into all of this, and I wonder at what another word for a "gaggle of gods" is. You'll see later. We also talk about the superhero mythos.

Podcast: My "Heathens" Explanation Was WRONG!!?? New PROOF!

So, when "Heathens" first came out, I put out a couple of blog posts explaining the lyrics. My first one explained that "Heathens" was largely about the Skeleton Clique and letting in outsiders, but my second one retracted that and said that "Heathens" was about Christian witnessing and what it meant to share your faith as a quick fix for people with real troubles. I still really like that explanation, and it fit in really well with Twenty One Pilots songs like "Clear," but I've just gotten new evidence that I HAD to share with you guys. In a radio interview, Tyler Joseph gives the TRUE meaning of "Heathens," and I have a lot to say about it.

Podcast: "Thunder" by Imagine Dragons: Why is it so weird sounding? And the MUSIC VIDEO!?

Imagine Dragons is working up to releasing their new album Evolve, and "Thunder" has got to be the most eclectic popular song I've heard all year. Seriously though. This song is fantastic, but in this podcast we're going to expose it for just how fantastic it is. Is it about epic conquest? Is it about deeper questions in life? Is it about Dan Reynolds's life? Yes, to all three! But we'll see how and more soon! Plus, we'll be looking at how the music, music video, and lyrics compliment each other perfectly. 

Podcast: Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" is interesting, deep, and CONFUSING! ft. April

So, today we're talking about an absolutely wonderful song--Coldplay's "Viva La Vida." The lyrics are deep, interesting, and unique, and I think you'll enjoy this episode. Plus, while the sound quality may be a little lower than usual, we did this podcast live on YouTube, so we got viewers' comments in on it! So, you have a voice! We hope to do more of these and can't wait to see you on our behind-the-scenes live editions of the show!

Podcast: TOP 10 Most Meaningful Popular Songs of 2016

So, I researched all of the Top 10 songs of 2016 (according to Billboard.com), and I found 58 songs that were extremely popular in 2016. It just so happens that 10 of these songs (with two honorable mentions) were also rather deep and had interesting things to say. So, today my beautiful wife April and I discuss these songs and what exactly their meanings are (and, in April's case, why I might be wrong). Enjoy!

Podcast: "Green Light" by Lorde Is about Heartbreak...aaaaand Getting over It!

Folks, I love Lorde's music...like a lot. And so I'm really excited to be explaining "Green Light" by her, from her upcoming album Melodrama. This song is excellent, and I think you'll enjoy this unique and original look at heartbreak and the process of getting over heartbreak and what comes after. Lorde uses some pretty unique tactics in her song, and I think she pulls them off really well.

Podcast: Katy Perry's "Chained to the Rhythm" Song & Music Video Deeper Meaning

This is one of my favorite songs of 2017 because it's so deep compared to most pop songs. There are several allusions and many metaphors and symbols in here, and it's a very worthwhile song to try to figure out. You may not agree with the politics of "Chained to the Rhythm," but it's worth your time to try to understand it and grapple with the issues being mentioned here. Enjoy everyone!

Podcast: Lady Gaga's "Million Reasons," Sincerity as an Artist & Super Bowl Controversy

Hey, Everyone! Welcome to this week's episode of the Pop Song Professor podcast. I made this for you about "Million Reasons" by Lady Gaga because I think it's a fantastic song and that she's a fantastic artist with an interesting perspective on sincerity as an artist and as a person. This podcast goes over who she is, "Million Reasons," the music video thereof, and a little bit of the Super Bowl controversy caused by body shamers.

Podcast: HeavyDirtySoul by TOP: Lyrics AND Music Video!

So, today's episode was a little different. You'll notice that I didn't input the song for the lyrics, and there're a lot of references to the fact that I recorded this live on Facebook! It was a super fun experiment, and I may do it again. I worry that my podcast listeners are the ones who will suffer, but we'll see. Let me know what you think about and whether I should do something differently.