Best Song Exploder Podcast Episodes

Listen to These Song Exploder Podcast Episodes Before Streaming Netflix's New Series

Netflix's upcoming documentary series, Song Exploder has us crazy excited. Based off the podcast of the same name, host Hrishikesh Hirway sits down with some of the biggest singers and songwriters (Selena Gomez, Bon Iver, Fleetwood Mac, and so many more) to break down how their most famous tracks came to be. Artists share behind-the-scene tidbits, raw voice recordings, and the inspiration behind certain sounds and lyrics. Episodes are perfect bite size pieces, ranging from 15-30 minutes. The docuseries premieres Oct. 2 on Netflix but in the meantime, get a little taste with these Song Exploder podcast episodes.

Image Source: Getty / Tibrina Hobson

Janelle Monáe

Singer and actress Janelle Monáe dedicates this episode to her song "So Afraid," from her third album, Dirty Computer.

Listen to Janelle Monáe's Song Exploder episode.

Image Source: Getty/ Frazer Harrison

The 1975

The 1975 has released four albums since they got together in 2002. Matty Healy and George Daniel take apart "The Birthday Party," off their most recent album, Notes on a Conditional Form.

Listen to The 1975's Song Exploder episode.

Image Source: Getty/ Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Lorde

Lorde gets real about her song "Sober," off her sophomore album, Melodrama. The album went on to debut at number one in June 2017.

Listen to Lorde's Song Exploder episode.

Image Source: Getty/ Steve Granitz

Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig comes on the pod to go over "Harmony Hall," the lead single from their third album, Father of the Bride. The album went on to be nominated for a Grammy.

Listen to Vampire Weekend's Song Exploder episode.

Image Source: Getty/ Tim Mosenfelder

Watch This!

Pop Quiz

Watch the Cast of Fear Street Play a Creepy Game of Horror Movie "Would You Rather"

Mumford & Sons

Marcus Mumford and Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons sit down to talk about "Beloved," a track from their 2018 album, Delta.

Listen to Mumford & Sons' Song Exploder episode.

Image Source: Getty/ JB Lacroix

Carly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen sits down with host Hrishikesh for a live and candied conversation at Noise Pop Festival in San Francisco. The singer opens up about her song "When I Needed You," the last track off her third album, Emotion.

Listen to Carly Rae Jepsen's Song Exploder episode.

Image Source: Getty/ Phillip Faraone

The Lumineers

Founders of the American folk rock band The Lumineers, Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites discuss their hit song "Ophelia." The duo doesn't hold back, revealing it was actually the hinders and obstacles in their relationship that inspired the song.

Listen to The Lumineers' Song Exploder episode.

Image Source: Getty/ Alberto E. Rodriguez

Michelle Branch

Known for her iconic early 2000s tracks, "Breathe" and "Everywhere," Michelle Branch is talking about "Best You Ever" off her most recent album, Hopeless Romantic. It's been 14 years since the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter released an album and she's giving a glimpse into the long journey of her return to music (and love).

Listen to Michelle Branch's Song Exploder episode.

Image Source: Getty/ Gregg DeGuire

CHVRCHES

A trio from Glasgow, Scotland, CHVRCHES is sitting down to explain their song "Clearest Blue."

Listen to CHVRCHES' Song Exploder episode.

Image Source: Getty/ Monica Schipper

Selena Gomez

One of Song Exploder's more recent guests, Selena Gomez is dissecting her smash hit "Lose You to Love Me." She's joined by Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter, longtime songwriting collaborators of Selena's.

Listen to Selena Gomez's Song Exploder episode.

Image Source: Getty/ Tibrina Hobson