Olivia Dean has been everywhere in 2025 - critical praise, charting singles, award show buzz, and co-signs from the industry’s biggest names. But does her highly anticipated sophomore album "The Art of Loving" actually deliver?
In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through the full project, discussing the vocals, lyrics, production, and pacing. From standout moments like "Nice to Each Other" and "Man I Need" to songs that left us wanting more, we break down whether the album matches the artistry everyone sees in her - or if the hype got ahead of the music.
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
We’re back with a quick and candid chat about Danity Kane’s The Untold Chapter show in NYC, which we attended live at Webster Hall.In this mini-episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole break down the vocals, setlist, crowd energy, and overall vibe of seeing Aubrey, D. Woods and Aundrea bring the DK catalog back to life in 2025. From nostalgia hits to surprise standouts, we’re sharing our unfiltered thoughts - straight from the floor.
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
Originally released in 2005 as a bonus disc to Chemistry, Girls Aloud’s holiday collection "Christmas 'Round At Ours" has officially been reissued for the first time in 2025 as a standalone album - on red vinyl, CD, and streaming.In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole review the full album, from festive originals like "Not Tonight Santa", "Count the Days", and "I Wanna Kiss You So (Christmas in a Nutshell)" to classic Christmas covers including "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" and "Jingle Bell Rock". We discuss the vocals, production, songwriting, and legacy of this fan-favorite release and whether it deserves a spot among the best pop Christmas albums.
References:
In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole unwrap "Kylie Christmas" - the original 2015 holiday album from Kylie Minogue, packed with festive covers, cozy originals, and guest appearances from Iggy Pop, Frank Sinatra, and James Corden.We dive into the vocals, production, arrangements, and full camp appeal, asking: does this album earn its place among modern pop holiday staples? From "Every Day’s Like Christmas" to "Santa Baby", we explore what makes Kylie’s first Christmas album a stylish seasonal statement.
All of our Kylie episodes!: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd_MfDbJG3bZY3ePJP5rlhvh6P6moLVwy&si=mOAYI3jc-0CcKmup
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
When Niall Horan released his debut solo album Flicker in 2017, many didn’t expect the quiet, guitar-playing Irish member of One Direction to deliver one of the strongest post-1D projects - but he just might have.In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole revisit Flicker to explore how Niall leaned into folk-pop, soft rock, and singer-songwriter influences to create a surprisingly cohesive and emotionally resonant debut. We dig into the production, lyrics, and standout tracks like "This Town", "Slow Hands", and "Too Much to Ask", and ask: did Niall find his lane better than some of his louder bandmates?
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
Born from MTV’s Making the Band, Danity Kane could’ve been just another short-lived reality TV group - but their 2006 self-titled debut proved they were much more than a pop experiment. In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole revisit the Danity Kane album to see if it truly ranks among the best reality show-born releases.
We dive into the vocals, production, and standout tracks like "Show Stopper", "Ride for You", and "Sleep On It", and explore why this album still holds up nearly two decades later. With sleek R&B-pop, tight harmonies, and actual artistic direction (yes, even with Diddy in the mix), did Danity Kane deliver one of the strongest girl group debuts of the 2000s?
Reaction to the Untold Chapter Tour Announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKW3Vohuc0w
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
It’s a major milestone for HYBE’s Japanese-based boy group &TEAM - their long-awaited Korean debut is finally here. In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole review "Back to Life", the group’s new mini album and first official step into the Korean market.
We dive into the production, vocals, visuals, and overall artistic direction. With tracks like the title track "Back to Life" and the emotional "Heartbreak Time Machine", does this release live up to the potential fans have been waiting for?
Let’s talk evolution, ambition, and whether &TEAM are ready to rise to the top of K-Pop’s next generation.
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
We sat down with AMPERS&ONE for a full POP 101 deep dive - from trainee days and debut era to honest thoughts on every release so far. The group breaks down their creative process (song selection, recording, choreography, concepts), how they build group chemistry, and what they hope comes next for AMPERS&ONE: musical goals, stages they want to conquer, and the messages they want to send to fans.
Hosted by Chris and Chantel Nicole of CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show, this is a warm, candid conversation designed to help new listeners discover AMPERS&ONE and give longtime fans fresh insight
References:
In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole dive into Girls Aloud’s 2005 album Chemistry - widely considered one of the most inventive and critically acclaimed girl group albums of the 2000s. Produced by Xenomania, Chemistry blends electro-pop, British quirk, and experimental songwriting into a record that pushed the boundaries of mainstream pop. We discuss the album’s unique structure, standout tracks like "Biology", "Models", and "Watch Me Go", and how it helped redefine what British pop could sound like.
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
With renewed attention on Victoria Beckham thanks to the hit Netflix documentary, it’s the perfect time to revisit her 2001 self-titled debut album. In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole dive into the music, image, and legacy of Posh Spice’s solo era - one that was largely dismissed at the time. Was "Victoria Beckham" an overlooked gem? A misunderstood moment? Or simply not the pop moment it was supposed to be?
We break down the production, vocals, lyrics, and the industry context that may have stacked the odds against her. From "Not Such an Innocent Girl" to "Midnight Fantasy", we’re revisiting the album that had ambition, attitude, and a whole lot of fashion...Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
The legend returns. In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole review "Here For It All", the long-awaited new album from Mariah Carey. Known for her timeless vocals, emotional ballads, and glittering pop moments, Mariah sets out to remind the world why she’s one of the greatest to ever do it. We break down the lyrics, vocals, production, and highlights - from classic Mariah-style slow burns to fresh, modern flourishes that prove she’s not here to play.
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through JADE’s highly anticipated solo debut, "That’s Showbiz Baby!" - her first full-length release since her time in Little Mix. With sharp songwriting, big vocals, and bold, theatrical production, this album is already making waves as a potential pop album of the year.We discuss the lyrics, vocals, concept, and creative direction, including standout tracks like “Angel of My Dreams”, “It Girl”, and “FUFN”, with contributions from RAYE, Cirkut, Lostboy, and more. JADE drops the “Thirlwall” and steps into her own chaotic pop universe - filled with synth-pop, electroclash, and full diva energy.Is this the strongest solo debut from a girl group alum in years? Or just a really fun, messy moment? Let’s talk.
References:
Apple TV+’s "KPOPPED" series promised a global pop dream: legendary Western artists teaming up with K-pop idols to remix iconic hits. But did the execution live up to the concept?
In this special CCTV x Right Back At Ya! crossover, Chris and Chantel Nicole join Joel and David to break down the full first season of KPOPPED - from the music and performances to the cultural clash, creative choices, and what actually worked (and didn’t). We’ve got opinions - so many, in fact, we fully volunteer ourselves as consultants for Season 2. Call us, Apple. We've got notes.
Right Back At Ya! The 2000s Pop Music Podcast: https://linktr.ee/rightbackpod
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
In Part 1 of our POP 101 series on Hikaru Utada (宇多田ヒカル), Chris and Chantel Nicole explore the early career of one of J-pop’s most influential artists - tracing their rise from Cubic U to the record-breaking success of "First Love" and the sonic expansion of "Distance".
We discuss how Utada’s unique background, artistry, and lyrical perspective reshaped the Japanese music landscape, set new industry standards, and laid the foundation for a career that would span decades.
From underground beginnings to instant icon status, this episode unpacks the origins of a legend.
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through "Fever", the iconic 2001 album that redefined Kylie Minogue’s global pop legacy. Featuring massive hits like “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” “Love at First Sight,” and “In Your Eyes,” this sleek electro-pop era became one of Kylie’s most beloved and most successful projects to date.We break down the production, vocals, lyrics, and visuals, and ask: is "Fever" truly pop perfection? Or is it carried by just a few standout singles?Whether you're a longtime Kylie fan or discovering this era for the first time, we’ve got all the thoughts.
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
We’re back with our second-ever One Direction album - and this time, we’re diving into "Take Me Home" for the very first time. In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through 1D’s 2012 follow-up to "Up All Night", sharing brutally honest first impressions of the songs, lyrics, vocals, and production.
Is this the moment One Direction leveled up? Or does it feel like more of the same? From massive hits like "Live While We're Young" to fan-favorite deep cuts, we’re talking about what works, what surprised us, and what we definitely didn’t expect. Directioners… let’s talk.
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through "Beautiful Chaos", the second EP from global girl group KATSEYE. With members handpicked through Dream Academy and trained under K-pop standards, expectations are high. The talent? Undeniable. The music? Well…We break down the production, vocals, lyrics, and group identity, and ask: is this project doing justice to the girls’ potential? Or does it feel like a missed opportunity for something truly fresh?
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
The Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" has gone viral, and the soundtrack has taken over the charts and breaking K-Pop records around the world. With songs performed by the fictional girl group HUNTR/X and their rivals, the SAJA BOYS, is the OST one of the best K-Pop projects ever?In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, featuring hits like “Golden,” “How It’s Done,” “Your Idol,” “SODA POP,” “Free,” and more. We dive into the vocals, production, concept, and cultural impact of the soundtrack - how will this affect the K-Pop industry moving forward?
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References:
In Part 2 of our "I Am... Sasha Fierce" review, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through the Sasha Fierce side - Beyoncé’s bold, high-glam, hit-heavy alter ego era. From "Single Ladies" to "Sweet Dreams", we break down the production, vocals, visuals, and impact of every track. Did this half truly earn its iconic status - or is it just the louder one?
References:
In Part 1 of our "I Am... Sasha Fierce" deep dive, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through the "I AM..." side of the album - Beyoncé’s stripped-down, emotional ballad collection. Often overshadowed by the Sasha Fierce bangers, does this side of the project deserve more credit? We’re talking vocals, lyrics, and legacy - with full honesty, of course.
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPSFollow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops
References: