How do you follow-up an album like BRAT? This episode breaks down Charli XCX’s growing momentum post-BRAT and the new demographic of fans she's pulled in. With so many new eyes and the opposite expectation for this era, I'm discussing what her next move can be and how a lot of other pop acts like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga pulled off creative pivots at the height of commercial success to sustain longevity. Plus, I'm going to discuss the seven films Charli XCX is working on, and how her own unique sound she explored across BRAT may not feel "unique" if she follows up with a similar sound. Find @vinyldropodcast on Instagram, and of course... Let me know what you think is in store for Charli XCX's next project.

Keith Montena returns this week to break down MAYHEM, Lady Gaga’s seventh studio album, and the sonic landscape that defines it. While early singles Disease and Abracadabra hinted at one direction, the full album takes an unexpected turn, pulling from Prince, Bowie, and electro-grunge influences in ways that might surprise you. From the rollout to the creative choices, how does MAYHEM actually stack up? Find out how Garden of Eden taps into Gaga’s earliest songwriting roots, Perfect Celebrity almost took the album in an entirely different direction, and all collaborators on deck. Plus, how do the ‘80s influences fit into today’s pop landscape, and did the marketing set listeners up for something completely different? In just under 40 minutes, Vinyl Drop unpacks "MAYHEM" during release week.

This week we're breaking down "Abracadabra" by Lady Gaga, the second (technically third) single from MAYHEM. After premiering during The 2025 Grammys, the track has signaled a leap for and already sparked major conversation. We’re getting into key creatives and collaborators who worked on the song and video, and the team behind it. What is Abracadabra, song and video, about? From the sonic direction to critics' reception, I’m diving deep into where this track sits in Gaga’s discography and why it feels like one of her most defining releases in years. Plus, I'll be discussing claims of her mirroring too much from previous hits. Vinyl Drop covers pop music with an emphasis on new releases, the artists' creative process, collaborators, and their marketing strategy. What do you think of "Abracadabra"? Where does it rank for you? And what should we break down next?