The hottest Pop Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

Towards an Alternative Canon of Millennial Pop

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1244 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🎶 Music Pop
  1. Between roughly 2009 and 2018 a loose, internet-native wave of artists fused electronic production with strong pop songwriting to make some of the era's best, most timeless songs. Many of these tracks were anthemic and inventive but never became mainstream hits.
  2. There was no central curator like MTV’s 120 Minutes, and music media and industry shifts (including commercialization and 'poptimism') meant this music stayed scattered in niche corners instead of reaching wide audiences.
  3. Naming and defending this alternate Millennial pop canon matters — building new ways to curate and promote these artists could help the best music reach more people and alter contemporary pop culture for the better.

The Don't Cha Edition

Why is this interesting? • 542 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🎶 Music Pop
  1. The original recording was darker and more experimental than the radio hit, and critics noticed how unique and artful it sounded.
  2. A dispute over rights led the original performer to relinquish the song, after which the label reworked it into a polished pop version and gave it to a mainstream act.
  3. The original still gets rediscovered and appreciated, showing how production choices and legal control can completely change a song’s character and reception.

Musical Interlude: Live to Tell

Disaffected Newsletter • 839 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🎶 Music Pop
  1. Madonna's emotional ballads show her true feelings, especially in 'Live to Tell'. It's a standout piece that showcases her talent beyond her public persona.
  2. The song holds personal significance, echoing themes of trauma and understanding that resonate with many listeners.
  3. Alternative performances of 'Live to Tell', especially those by Patrick Leonard and during Madonna's later concerts, bring a new depth to the song that enhances its impact.

I Went to 'The Tortured Poets Department' And Everyone Knew You

Hung Up • 3577 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎶 Music Pop
  1. Taylor Swift surprised fans by announcing a new album 'The Tortured Poets Department' at the Grammys.
  2. Some felt announcing the album on the Grammys stage was in poor taste as it overshadowed the event.
  3. Swift's announcement stole the spotlight of the night as it was unexpected and took away from the awards show.

"I'm a Believer" by the Monkees (1966)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 399 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🎶 Music Pop
  1. The Monkees were a popular band created for a TV show, and they captured the hearts of many young fans with their music and antics.
  2. Their song 'I'm a Believer' was a huge hit written by Neil Diamond, making it one of the best-selling albums in the U.S. during its time.
  3. The B-side 'I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone' shows a different side of the band with a more psychedelic and edgy vibe.
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"Shambala" by Three Dog Night (1973)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🎶 Music Pop
  1. The song 'Shambala' by Three Dog Night emphasizes positivity and kindness as a way to improve our lives and the world.
  2. Shambala is a legendary place in Tibetan Buddhism that symbolizes hope and peace, especially in tough times.
  3. Three Dog Night was a successful band known for their strong vocals and hit songs, including 'Shambala' which reached #3 on the charts.

What We've Lost in Music Criticism

Freddie deBoer • 8787 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎶 Music Pop
  1. Indie rock no longer exists in 2024, with no cool clubs or scene left to produce new albums, showing a cultural shift away from 'indie' music.
  2. The embrace of poptimism in music criticism led to a shift towards conformity and popular music elevation, changing the role of the critic from highlighting underappreciated music to reassuring popular tastes.
  3. Music criticism has lost its diversity and focus on challenging artistic expressions due to the dominance of poptimism, impacting the vibrancy and depth of music discussions.

Petula Clark - The other British invasion

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 459 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🎶 Music Pop
  1. Petula Clark had a huge impact in the 1960s music scene with several hit songs, showcasing her talent and staying power even at age 91.
  2. She collaborated with songwriter Tony Hatch to create many popular songs and was a top-charting artist, rivaling even The Beatles.
  3. Petula also had a successful career in film and television, gaining recognition for her acting and her efforts to promote inclusivity in entertainment.

“She makes me nervous”

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 777 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎶 Music Pop
  1. Brenda Lee was a key figure in the early rock and roll era, showcasing a mix of innocence and surprising power at a young age. She captured audiences with her unique performances that hinted at deeper themes.
  2. The shift from rock and roll to country music in the late 1960s reflected a larger cultural change. Artists like Brenda Lee felt the need to disconnect from the counterculture, which led many back to their roots in country music.
  3. Brenda's journey shows the challenges women face in the music industry as they age. Unlike some of her male counterparts, she adapted her style and image in ways that reflected the societal expectations for female artists.

"Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 279 implied HN points • 11 May 24
🎶 Music Pop
  1. The song "Just Dropped In" was originally meant to warn kids about the dangers of LSD, showing the weird experiences of an acid trip. Over time, it became associated with fun and comedy, especially with the character of the Dude in 'The Big Lebowski.'
  2. Mickey Newbury, the songwriter, had a unique background as an Air Force veteran turned hippie cowboy. Despite his influence on many famous artists, he never achieved mainstream success like others did.
  3. Kenny Rogers led the First Edition, which blended styles like rock and country. Although they had hits, they struggled to define their identity as a band, leading to their eventual breakup.

Brian Wilson didn't even surf

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 499 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🎶 Music Pop
  1. Brian Wilson, despite not surfing, captured the essence of surfing in his music. His songs are about fun and carefree moments but also touch on deeper feelings.
  2. The Beach Boys combined catchy pop tunes with complex music, making their songs enjoyable for both kids and music lovers. Their harmonies are especially special because they were family members who had a unique bond.
  3. Brian's songwriting and music arrangements were genius-level. He created music that evokes hope and nostalgia, making listeners feel like everything will be okay.

Songs My Son Gave Me

So Here’s a Thing • 589 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🎶 Music Pop
  1. It's okay not to like all modern music trends, but there are still artists producing enjoyable material.
  2. Artists like Billie Eilish, UPSAHL, and Nessa Barret are worth exploring for a break from the usual.
  3. Exploring new music, even if it's not your typical genre, can uncover hidden gems and offer a refreshing change.

The feel-good hits from the musical "Hair"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 139 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🎶 Music Pop
  1. The musical 'Hair' highlights the energy and spirit of the 1960s counterculture, capturing the protests and hopes of young people at that time.
  2. Its songs, including classics like 'Aquarius' and 'Good Morning Starshine', became big hits and were performed by popular artists, showing the musical's wide appeal.
  3. 'Hair' also sparked conversations about societal issues, like nudity and censorship, reflecting its message against the norms of the establishment.

What you are, you have to be

Disaffected Newsletter • 1298 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
🎶 Music Pop
  1. The lack of love and acceptance in childhood can deeply affect people's emotional health and relationships as adults. People can often seek out partners that remind them of this unfulfilled need for love.
  2. When you fall for someone who is a narcissist, it often feels exciting at first, but it can lead to pain because they cannot truly love you back. It’s important to recognize this dynamic and understand your own worth.
  3. To live a fulfilling life, you have to embrace who you truly are. Trying to please someone who doesn’t see you as a whole person can lead to self-disrespect and unhappiness.

Tortured Poets Department Faculty Picnic Gossip Circle

coldhealing • 255 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎶 Music Pop
  1. Taylor Swift is considered a poet due to the depth of her lyrics and writing style.
  2. Music has replaced poetry in modern times, but some heights of poetry are not always reached by music.
  3. Taylor Swift's lyrical poetry, while not on par with traditional poets like Emily Dickinson, resonates with average listeners and has evolved towards a more confident and raw style.

MacArthur Park — that 7½-minute "cake out in the rain" song that mesmerized us

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 119 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🎶 Music Pop
  1. The song 'MacArthur Park' tells a story about losing true love and the deep emotions connected to that loss. It's a journey of heartache that many can relate to.
  2. There are famous versions of the song by Richard Harris, Donna Summer, and Maynard Ferguson, each bringing a different vibe, from emotional ballad to upbeat disco.
  3. The lyrics are both literal and symbolic, with imagery that represents beauty lost, like a cake left out in the rain, and the songwriter wanted to capture that feeling in both music and words.

Raspberries, Surprise! Your Fave Rock Stars Love the 1970s Power Pop Kings!

Front Row & Backstage • 452 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🎶 Music Pop
  1. Many famous rock stars like Lennon, The Boss, Axl Rose, and Dave Edmunds love the 1970s power pop band Raspberries.
  2. Raspberries are considered pioneers of power pop, featuring catchy tunes, jangly guitars, and harmonies.
  3. The Raspberries had an impact on music history, inspiring modern acts, receiving critical acclaim, and even drawing admiration from legends like John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🎶 Music Pop
  1. Growing up in the '80s felt magical and full of possibilities. It seemed like the world was just waiting for you and your friends to explore it.
  2. Nostalgia for music from your youth is common. For some, the songs from 1980 to 1991 bring back strong memories and emotions.
  3. Hearing songs from the past can trigger deep feelings. A familiar melody can suddenly bring tears after many years.

The Hits of The Mamas & the Papas

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 59 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🎶 Music Pop
  1. The Mamas & the Papas were a short-lived but influential band from 1965 to 1968, making a big impact on music and culture during that time.
  2. Their breakout was largely thanks to their appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, which helped them reach a huge audience and boost record sales.
  3. Many of their songs reflect personal experiences, and their unique style combined fun with deep themes, which made them stand out in the music scene.

"Money Don't Matter 2 Night," Prince (1992)

The Lost Songs Project • 216 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎶 Music Pop
  1. The song "Money Don't Matter 2 Night" by Prince is a socioeconomic battle cry with a sexy vibe.
  2. The song peaked at #14 on the R&B chart and #23 on the Hot 100, with 11.4 million streams.
  3. The post features guest columnists Jami Smith and Songs That Saved Your Life, offering unique insights and perspectives.

Born in the U.S.A.: The Protest Song America Misheard

American Dreaming • 123 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎶 Music Pop
  1. Bruce Springsteen's song 'Born in the U.S.A.' is often misinterpreted as a patriotic anthem, but it actually critiques the treatment of Vietnam veterans and the struggles of the working class. Many listeners missed the deeper message behind the catchy tune.
  2. The album marked a significant shift in Springsteen's career, transforming him from a niche artist into a global superstar. Despite its success, the themes of economic decline and social injustice resonated more with a dedicated audience than the general public.
  3. Springsteen has expressed ongoing frustration with the way politicians, especially Ronald Reagan, used his music to promote a misleading narrative. He aimed to raise awareness about the American Dream's failures, which remains relevant today.

"Love Child" by Diana Ross & the Supremes (and bonus tracks)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 19 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🎶 Music Pop
  1. Diana Ross and the Supremes were a major Motown group in the 1960s, known for their stylish performances and hit songs.
  2. Their success helped pave the way for future African-American artists in pop and soul music, with twelve of their singles hitting number one on the Billboard charts.
  3. Behind their hits, there were talented songwriters and musicians, although not all voices on their recordings belonged to the group members themselves.