Puerto Rican-American singer Alynda Lee Segarra begins The Navigator the way she began her career--by honoring black and white American roots music. But then, something interesting happens in the middle of Track 5. Dive deep with host Bobby Waller to find out why this album changes midstream.

The Navigator

Album Review of "The Navigator" by Hurray for the Riff Raff (Podcast Ep. 2)

What did choking on a piece of watermelon candy in a JCPenny store teach Father John Misty about life? A lot, apparently. Join host Bobby Waller and dive deep into this lyrically rich album by singer/songwriter Josh Tillman to learn what it can teach us about the human condition.

Pure Comedy

Album Review of "Pure Comedy" by Father John Misty (Podcast Ep. 4)

Colter Wall's songs embrace the time-honored country ethic of sticking almost proudly to your self-destructive ways - despite the deleterious effects they’ve had on your life. These themes, and Wall's skilled songwriting, are evident in this album's five great country choruses.

Colter Wall

Album Review: Colter Wall's Self-Titled Debut Album (Podcast Ep. 5)

Can the Child Prodigy Behind 2013's "Royals" Survive the Transition to Early Adulthood? At age 16, Lorde charmed the pop world with her runaway hit single "Royals," a song about the malaise of suburban teen life. But what happens when the poet laureate of suburban teen pop is no longer a teen--and no longer trapped in the suburbs?

Melodrama

Album Review: "Melodrama" by Lorde (Podcast Ep. 6)

Would life be better if we could have everything now? Canadian alt-rock superstars Arcade Fire explore the connection between getting more and having less in this album full of paradoxes. Join host Bobby Waller as he looks at the five most delicious paradoxes in Arcade Fire's "Everything Now."

Everything Now

Album Review: "Everything Now" by Arcade Fire (Podcast Ep. 7)

Can Disney darling Randy Newman return to his dark roots? Dark Matter is the work of a decidedly post-Disney Newman—a man who would sooner lead us to compassion than shock but who, like the pre-Disney Newman, still points out how this world is riddled with some pretty dark matters and how, sometimes, the best way to face the absurdity of it all, is with humor.

Dark Matter

Album Review: "Dark Matter" by Randy Newman (Podcast Ep. 8)

The cover art on Brand New's album Science Fiction depicts two teenage girls who have jumped off the railing of a second-floor balcony, presumably to escape their parents control for a night out on the town. Arms spread, they are frozen in the air, just about to hit the ground. Will they land safely or will it hurt? The picture nicely reflects the theme of this album: when we make a leap into the darkness, we don’t really know if the result will be transcendence or disaster. Join host Bobby Waller as he explores this album about being on the verge of a breakthrough.

Science Fiction

Album Review: "Science Fiction" by Brand New (Podcast Ep. 9)

Brick Body Kids Still Daydream might get my vote for the best album title of 2017. It’s so evocative. Who are these “brick body kids”? And what’s the significance of them “still daydreaming”? Join me to explore this album's themes of identity, resiliency, and what it means to come from a place "that should never have existed" (and doesn't anymore).

Brick Body Kids Still Daydream

Album Review: "Brick Body Kids Still Daydream" by Open Mike Eagle (Podcast Ep. 10)

In a society that glories romanic love, being alone is seen as failure. But for Moses Sumney, solitude is a pathway to authenticity. For more episodes, visit www.WhatsThisAlbumAbout.com

Aromanticism

Album Review of "Aromanticism" by Moses Sumney (Podcast Ep. 11)

A strange comment on his US work visa application led British avant-garde artist Benjamin Clementine to create one of 2017's most compelling–and unusual–concept albums.

"I Tell a Fly" by Benjamin Clementine - Album Review

Host Bobby Waller explores the philosophical underpinnings of U2's "Songs of Experience," which brings the theological themes of 18th century romantic poet William Blake into full focus within the context of recent political events and lead singer Bono's brushes with death.

Album Review: Songs of Experience by U2

Singer/songwriters have a deep love of words, but most album reviews give lyrics a light treatment. Host Bobby Waller dives deep into the lyrics of today’s best songwriters to find their meanings, messages, humor, and humanity.

What's This Album About?

Popular tracks