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Music Notes with Jess
Jessica Ann Catena
326 episodes
3 days ago
Learn what's trending each week in music by listening and taking music notes with Jess.
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Music Commentary
Music
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All content for Music Notes with Jess is the property of Jessica Ann Catena and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Learn what's trending each week in music by listening and taking music notes with Jess.
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Music Commentary
Music
Episodes (20/326)
Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 323 - Jingle Ball 2025 Review
Jingle Ball is an annual winter concert thrown by iHeartRadio! I just attended 12/12's show at MSG! My review of the venue, artists, seats, and televised special are discussed in this episode. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

NYC Lineup:
Monsta X; live
Ravyn Lenae; live
Myles Smith; live
K-Pop Demon Hunters Singalong (Saja Boys) - Soundtrack 
Jessie Murph; live
Zara Larsson; live
Alex Warren; live
Nelly; live
Laufey; live
Conan Gray; Show more...
23 hours ago
20 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 322 - Christmas 2025 Playlist


We've all been looking forward to the holidays this year as a state of mind. Having a huge amount of new music classics is definitely helping. I share 8 songs I'm admiring, and welcome 2 recommendations by another podcast I've helped contributed recently. Listen, enjoy, and Merry Christmas! 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Christmas 2025 Playlist:
"Christmas in the City" - Pentatonix
"Where Are You Christmas?" / "Christmas, Why Can't I Find You" - The Pretty Reckless (Taylor Momsen)
"Counting Down the Days" - Brad Paisley; Tonight Show
"California Days" - Bryan Adams feat. Barenaked Ladies, Alessia Cara, The Sheepdogs, Alan Doyle & Light
"Christmas Time Is Here" - Trisha Yearwood; Studio
"Santa Baby" - Laufey (2024-2025); tree lighting
"The Innkeeper" - Little Big Town
"Christmas Is Here" - Cher 

Related Content: "Where Are You Christmas?" - Faith Hill (2000)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000); Freeform TV schedule
Hallmark Channel's schedule
A Great Big Holiday Jam - Citytv
Show more...
1 week ago
28 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 321 - 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' 60th
A Charlie Brown Christmas' TV special and soundtrack turns 60 this season; the Peanuts franchise turned 75 in October! Pop culturally a classic, no official celebration has been set to celebrate the 60th anniversary. Sharing my personal memories, I flashback how A Charlie Brown Christmas came about in 1965, critique the album, and different spinoffs that evolved since. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

40 Years - A Charlie Brown Christmas

60th Anniversary vinyls: Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart

"Christmas Time Is Here" - Trisha Yearwood (2025); studio

Charles M. Schultz's timeline; Lee Mendelson & Vince Guaraldi

Udiscover's writeup

CBS Sunday Morning interview (2021)

Trombone wah-wah example from A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

Gifts: Hallmark; Krispy Kreme; Vera Bradley

Related: Ep. 216 - Alicia Keys Top 10
Ep. 269 - Christmas 2024 Playlist

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Show more...
2 weeks ago
18 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 320 - Howl Owl Howl's "My Cologne"
A new rock supergroup has formed. Reminiscent of '90s alternative rock, Howl Owl Howl is a combination of Hootie and the Blowfish, R.E.M., and The Black Crowes. Their debut single "My Cologne" came out Halloween, but was inspired by an unexpected popular singer. Find out who, why, and how in this new episode. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Interviews: Rolling Stone Article, All Access podcast episode; TODAY Show

"My Cologne" (Live); Howl Owl Howl's YouTube Channel; 1st tour list; Set Lists

Darius Rucker discography

CMT Music Awards 2023: "She Talks to Angels" - The Black Crowes & Darius Rucker

CMT Crossroads episode - The Black Crowes & Darius Rucker (2023)

"Bottle Rockets" - Scotty McCreery feat. Hootie and the Blowfish (2025)

"R.E.M." - Ariana Grande (2018); fragrance; 2020 cassette container

Related Episodes: Ep. 102 - Ariana Grande Top 10
Ep. 210 - Darius Rucker...
Show more...
3 weeks ago
13 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 319 - Olivia Dean Bio & Music
Olivia Dean's having quite the 2025. She's nominated Best New Artist for 2026's Grammys, just performed on SNL, and trending globally! Learn her timeline and how her music's fitting nicely among this year's music trends. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Interviews: BBC (2024); Vogue; Harper's Bazaar

Tonight Show: "Nice to Each Other"

TODAY Show: Album; "Let Alone the One You Love"; "So Easy (To Fall In Love)";
"Nice to Each Other"; "Man That I Need"

SNL: "Man That I Need"; "Let Alone the One You Love"

Fav Songs': "UFO"; "Getting There"; "I Could Be A Florist" (2023); "The Art of Loving"; "Nice to Each Other"; "Lady Lady"; Show more...
4 weeks ago
12 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 318 - CMA Awards 2025 Predictions
Country music fans, it's time for the 59th CMA Awards! The industry's gone through so much in 2025. Grand Ole Opry turned 100! The Grammys broke up 2026's country category in 2! MTV added country to the VMAs! Growing through these changes, I share my predictions who'd win CMA Awards' 11 categories ahead of 11/19's show! Check our social media links below viewing before-and-after results. 

Spotify's CMA playlist

Sirius/XM Channel 56 - The Highway

CMT Hot Twenty ending December

CMT Hot Twenty

Related Episodes: Ep. 221 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 2)
Ep. 240 - Miranda Lambert's "Wranglers"
Ep. 252 - Little Big Town Top 10
Ep. 254 - Post Malone's 'F-1 Trillion (Review)
Ep. 260 - Global Citizen Festival 2024 - Review
Ep. 266 - CMA Awards 2024 Predictions
Ep. 272 - Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 1)
Show more...
1 month ago
27 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 317 - 1967 Favorites Playlist
2025's added dictionary word of the year is... "6 7"? This social media term spreading its lingo online, in classrooms, and cultural language. Derived from a Tiktok song and NBA player's height, the definition 6 7 is a slang for maybe or so-so. Test your usage by listening to this episode's inspired playlist: popular music from 1967. Share on our social media below what you like, dislike, or feel six-seven!

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Mentioned: The Monkees, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Johnny & June Cash, 
The Jungle Book, Dr. Doolittle, You Only Live Twice, To Sir With Love, The Four Seasons,
Linda Ronstadt, Bob Dylan,  CSNY formation, Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship/Starship, The Moody Blues, The Rolling Stones, The Foundations, The Supremes, Vanilla Fudge, Aretha Franklin, California folk scene. 

Show more...
1 month ago
30 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 316 - Leon Thomas' "Mutt"
Leon Thomas is a contemporary R&B singer, who first got introduced as a teen actor. Music passion passed down from his family, and he's finally getting his name out this year as a solo artist. Learn the timeline, creative writing behind "Mutt", and how a recent Billboard ruling earned a "top-dog" achievement for Leon's career officially mainstream. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Performances: Genius - lyrics breakdown (2024)
2025: NPR's Tiny Desk; The Late Show clip; Coachella clip
BET Awards - acceptance speech; MTV Push Artist
Variety - studio production session
"Snooze" cover

Related Episodes: Ep. 102 - Ariana Grande Top 10
Ep. 156 - Steve Lacy's "Bad Habit"
Ep. 216 - Alicia Keys Top 10
Ep. 220 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 1)
Ep. 236 -  Show more...
1 month ago
13 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 315 - Rocky Horror 50th
[Listener discretion is strongly advised for mature explicit content.]

All season, fans have celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Despite its risque quirkiness, it's the longest theatrical movie played annually since. Learn the franchise's history then, and relived through 3 21st century reboots. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Vinyl Soundtrack
Digital Soundtrack
Theater participation props

Hollywood Theatre interview
Tim Curry interview: CBS Sunday Morning; edit
Vagabond memoir
Meat Loaf discography

The Rocky Horror Glee Show (2010)
Let's Do the Time Warp Again (2016)
"Tears" - Sabrina Carpenter (2025) 

Related Episodes: Ep. 107 - 13 Halloweenish Songs
Ep. 113 - Annie/MJ The Musical/West Side Story
Show more...
1 month ago
17 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 314- Lady Gaga's "The Dead Dance" & Florence + The Machine's "Everybody Scream"
Leading up to Halloween, two contemporary songs are likely to set the mood: Lady Gaga's "The Dead Dance", and Florence + The Machine's "Everybody Scream"! Both divas are theatrical entertainers, thrilling fans to have fun along with them. Learn the development stories about each in this episode. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Sound effects taken from Soundscape's Pottery Barn Halloween CD (2001).

"The Dead Dance": Wednesday Netflix mini-series
Wednesday Season 2 scene; VMAs 2025: Live from Madison Square Garden
Gala event press release

Florence + The Machine - Favorite Songs
"Dog Days Are Over" (2009-2010) - Video 1, 2, MTV 2010
"Shake It Out" (2011)
"Sweet Nothing" (2012) - Calvin Harris
"Ship to Wreck" (2015)
"Call Me Cruella" (2021)
"Everybody Scream" @ Graham Norton Show, album link

Related Episodes: Ep. 85 - Cruella De Vil Theme Songs
Ep. 105 - Lady Gaga Top 10
Ep. 166 - 'Wednesday' & "Goo Goo Muck"
Ep. 213 - Stevie Nicks Top 10
Show more...
2 months ago
16 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 313 - Bruno Mars Top 10
Happy 40th Bruno Mars! He posted an AI birthday post, and is re-releasing a 15th anniversary vinyl edition of his 2010 debut album: Doo-Wop & Hooligans. Entertaining audiences his whole life, I honor 10 hits with my own personal memories in this top 10 countdown. 


Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Playlist: 10. “Treasure” (2012, 2013); Sample
9. “That’s What I Like” (2016, 2017)
8. “It Will Rain” (2011)
7. “Finesse (Remix)” feat. Cardi B (2017); In Living Color
6. “Die With A Smile” - Lady Gaga (2024-2025)
5. “Leave the Door Open” - Silk Sonic (2021)
4. “Grenade” (2010-2011)
3. “When I Was Your Man” (2012-2013)
2. “Just the Way You Are” (2010)
1. “Uptown Funk” - Show more...
2 months ago
35 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 312 - 'The Life of a Showgirl' (Review)
Fans will be remember 10/3/25 being Taylor Swift's 12th album launch day for The Life of a Showgirl! Recorded secretly a year ago, she was inspired to note personal growth inspired by her then boyfriend / now fiancèe Travis Kelce, and coping a constant spotlight on her career. Metaphorically composing about love, family, scrutiny, and fame, the tracks were co-produced by 2 different pros than her prior albums over a decade! Learn the significance how certain events were expressed, my review, and publicity plan Taylor will promote soon. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Watch The Eras Tour - Disney+

Media Coverage: Amazon Music / Apple Music
BBC One / Capital FM / Hits Radio
The Graham Norton Show
Sirius/XM Channel 13
iHeartRadio
NBC: Jimmy Fallon / Seth Meyers

Related Episodes: Ep. 102 - Ariana Grande Top 10
Ep. 117 - Top 40 Songs of 2021 (Part 2)
Ep. 206 - Back To School Playlist
Ep. 217 - Sabrina Carpenter's "Feather"
Ep. 219 - Christmas 2023 Playlist
Ep. 237 - The...
Show more...
2 months ago
17 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 311 - 'Buckingham Nicks' & Miley Cyrus' "Secrets"
Bootleg record Buckingham Nicks, got re-issued this month since 1973's original release! Historically a climax for Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks' relationship, and invited to join classic rock band, Fleetwood Mac. They haven't been amicable since then, what gave the go-ahead to finally remaster their duo's debut recordings? 

Second, Miley Cyrus has involved Fleetwood Mac alumni on her new single "Secrets". It's not her first affiliation with them. Find out who was the first, collaborated now, and whom the song is about. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track" by Jessica Ann Catena

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - Buckingham Nicks & Fleetwood Mac merch

"Midnight Sky" / "Edge of Midnight"- Miley Cyrus (2020)

David Byrne / Talking Heads

Related Episodes: Ep. 53 - Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" - History
Ep. 65 - Top 40 Songs of 2020 (Pt. 2)
Ep. 165- Christine McVie Top 10
Ep. 172 - Miley Cyrus' "Flowers"
Ep. 213 - Stevie Nicks Top 10
Ep. 233 - Mariah Carey Top 10
Ep. 250 - French Lyrics Playlist
Show more...
2 months ago
17 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 310 - Earth, Wind & Fire Top 10
A decade after receiving a Grammys Lifetime Achievement award, R&B/disco band Earth, Wind & Fire are ready to share their celebration. CBS will air this past 4th of July's holiday weekend concert tapings at The Hollywood Bowl; guess when to watch it: The 21st night of September! Praising 55 musical years, I countdown 10 hits I recommend to get you started. 


Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Playlist: 
10. “Sing A Song” (1975)
9. “Fantasy” (1977-1978)
8. “Can’t Hide Love” (1975-1976)
7. “That’s the Way of the World” (1975)
6. “Got to Get You Into My Life” (1978)
5. “Let’s Groove” (1981)
4. “Reasons” (1975)
3. “After the Love Has Gone” (1979)
2. “Shining Star” (1975)
1. “September” (1978)

Maurice White on drums: "Rescue Me" - Fontella Bass (1965); Billy Stewart - "Summertime" (1966); Betty Everett - "You're No Good" (1963)

Mentioned Media: Show more...
3 months ago
31 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 309 - Laufey's 'A Matter of Time' (Review)
Laufey's a young Icelandic/Asian jazz aficionado. Studying the music from her parents, she's kept the genre alive through self-compositions this decade. Fans are dazzled of her writing, singing, playing piano/guitar/cello! "Third time's the charm" for 3rd album A Matter of Time, topping jazz charts, and just crossed over #4 on Billboard's 200 albums chart. Brilliantly romanticizing a "timely" concept record. I share this young lady's music journey, review the tracks, and evaluate its popularity in this episode. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Fan Favorite Singles: "Like the Movies" debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live (2022)

"From the Start" (2022, 2024-2025); New Years' Rockin' Eve (2024); GMA (2025)
Remix: "Confess Your Love" - Jiandro ft. ola.wav (2025); Tiktok dance

"Goddess" (2024); Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
"Christmas Magic" from Red One; UK's The Graham Norton Show (2024)
"Silver Lining" (2025); GMA3
"Tough Luck" (2025)
"Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self" with Barbra Streisand (2025)
"Lover Girl" (2025); Show more...
3 months ago
14 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 308 - VMAs 2025 Predictions
MTV's going big for their 42nd Video Music Awards! Posting the nominations last month, Paramount enforced 2 big changes: syndicating the show on CBS, and added country to the ballot! How will fans and viewers vote? I "announce" predictions before the show airs in 10 of its categories. Check our podcast's social an hour before showtime (9/7, 7pm), and day after to see my results. 

Recap: Ep. 304 - MTV Adds Country & CBS to VMAs
Getting Down & Wordy: Rose & Bruno Mars' "Apt"

Predictions: Best Country: "Liar" - Jelly Roll
Best Alternative: "Back to Friends" - Sombr
Best Rock: All My Love" - Coldplay
Best Pop / Best Collaboration: "Die With A Smile" - Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
Best New Artist: Lola Young
Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
Song of the Year: "Ordinary" - Alex Warren
Video of the Year: Show more...
3 months ago
36 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 307 - Summer 1995 Playlist
The '90s are calling like a dial-up modem. Summer 1995 had greats hits holding up 30 years later! While I reflect personal changes I experienced back then, I talk up these classic songs' pivotal messages and artists. 

Summer 1995 Playlist:
“Hold My Hand” - Hootie & The Blowfish (1994-1995); Live
- "Bottle Rockets" - Scott McCreery (2025)

“I’ll Be There For You” - The Rembrandts (1994-1995)
FRIENDS; 10 Seasons Intros; 2021 Reunion
Playlist

“This Is How We Do It” - Montell Jordan
The Masked Singer (2023); Uber One

“Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” - Bryan Adams
Don Juan Demarco

“I Could Fall In Love” - Selena
Selena in Don Juan Demarco
1997 biopic; Netflix mini-series (2021)
Jennifer Lopez's live cover (2001)
Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them (2024)

“Colors of the Wind” - Judy Kuhn / Vanessa Williams
Pocahontas; Show more...
3 months ago
51 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 306 - ROLE MODEL's "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out"
We're used to seeing social media impact modern music, but lately artists have been testing audience reactions at their concerts. Tucker Pilsbury (aka ROLE MODEL) improvised a surprise cameo in February, trending one of his songs to become a viral sensation and growing 2025 indie hit. I discuss the fun 6-month success of "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out", and how his pseudonym's an admirable outlook staying so positive. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Interviews: MTV (2024)
Billboard: article, video
Netflix's The Good Sex preview; press release
Performances: Tonight Show (May)
"Where's My Sally" celeb montage; TikTok pageTikTok account

Mentioned Music:
ROLE MODEL's Discography
Rex Orange County - "Loving Is Easy" (Live) (2019)
Justin Bieber's Swag
The Killers' "Runaways" (2012)

Related Episodes: Ep. 249 - Shaboozey's "A Bar Song" (Tipsy)
Ep. 278 - Mayer Hawthorne Top 10
Ep. 281 - Wicked & A Complete Unknown (Reviews)
Show more...
4 months ago
13 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 305 - Maroon 5's 'Love Is Like' (Review)
The beginnings of Maroon 5 began 30 years ago as Kara's Flowers, officially formed 2001. Going through a lot of professional and music changes, their 8th album Love Is Like may be entering a new music market sonically. I give my review comparing to Maroon 5's band history, discography, and promotion up to its release date. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Interviews:
TODAY Show Summer Concert Series: Album, History
Howard Stern: Billy Joel knows Maroon 5's name origin. (2014)
Podcast: Artist Friendly with Joel Madden: Part 1, Part 2

Love Is Like promo singles: 
"Priceless" feat. LISA
"All Night", Today Show (Live)
"California", Today Show (Live)
"Love Is Like" feat. Lil Wayne

Jane Herman
Ryan Dusick

Robert Palmer: "Addicted to Love", "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" (1985-1986)
 Show more...
4 months ago
15 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Ep. 304 - MTV Adds Country & CBS to VMAs

Every year, MTV announces their Video Music Awards nominations around their August anniversary. 2025's ballot was delayed, and revealed 2 bombshell changes! Country music got incorporated in the nominees, and CBS will syndicate the show for the first time outside of cable on Sunday, September 7th! Are these business decisions music-related, or a merger experiment with SkyDance Media's on Paramount's assets? I look into both and reveal which country songs' videos will compete on the 42nd VMAs. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Follow the podcast at: Facebook, X, Instagram.
Connect with Jess on Linkedin. 

MTV's Country VMAs Nominations:

Best Country: "I Think I'm In Love With You" - Chris Stapleton (2023-2024)
"I'm Gonna Love You" - Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood (2024)
"Liar" - Jelly Roll (2024-2025)
"Am I Okay?" - Megan Moroney (2024-2025)
"Smile" - Morgan Wallen (2025)

Best Push Artist Performance: "A Bar Song Tipsy" - Shaboozey (2024)

Best New Artist: Ella Langley

Artist of the Year / Album of the Year: Show more...
4 months ago
13 minutes

Music Notes with Jess
Learn what's trending each week in music by listening and taking music notes with Jess.