This week on Songs on the Couch, we dive into the purple depths of Prince’s “When Doves Cry” - the groundbreaking hit with no bass line, emotional chaos, and a whole lot of genius. We’ll unravel how a song that sounds like heartbreak mixed with electricity became one of the most influential tracks of the ‘80s. From the psychological storm of love and identity to the sheer perfection of Prince’s control-freak brilliance, this episode explores how one man turned emotional breakdown into art you can dance to. We’ll talk family trauma, artistic obsession, and what it really means when doves… actually cry (spoiler: birds don’t have tear ducts). It’s funky, it’s deep, and it’s just a little bit unhinged - like Prince himself

On this episode of Songs on the Couch, we dive deep into Taylor Swift’s shimmering, emotionally charged hit “Cruel Summer.” From its bold synth-pop production to its raw lyrical honesty, we explore the song through both a musical and psychological lens. What makes “Cruel Summer” so cathartic? How does Swift capture the thrill and agony of forbidden love? Join us as we unpack the tension, vulnerability, and sonic brilliance behind one of her most celebrated tracks

In this episode of Songs on the Couch, we unpack Forget Me - Lewis Capaldi’s triumphant return after a three-year break. From his emotional struggles and raw honesty to the tongue-in-cheek video inspired by Wham!’s Club Tropicana, we explore how Capaldi balances heartbreak with humour. Join us as we break down the song’s meaning, its comeback significance, and the psychology behind turning pain into pop perfection.

In this episode of Songs on the Couch, we dive into the hauntingly beautiful ballad Kiss from a Rose by Seal. From its mysterious lyrics to its lush orchestration and unexpected rise to fame through Batman Forever, we unpack the history, meaning, and psychological layers behind one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s. Was it really about love, loss, or something deeper? Join us as we explore the story behind Seal’s masterpiece.

Feeling the weight of the world? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into Billy Joel’s 1982 classic Pressure, a synth-driven anthem of stress, anxiety, and modern life. We’ll explore: The story behind The Nylon Curtain - Billy’s most ambitious (and almost conceptual) album.How the cultural backdrop of the early ’80s - recessions, Cold War tensions, and looming Wall Street crashes - fueled the song’s anxious energy.The psychology of pressure: why our brains react the way they do under stress, and why Billy’s frantic lyrics hit so close to home.And of course, plenty of laughs along the way - because what’s more therapeutic than laughing at our shared neuroses?

Is Green Day’s Boulevard of Broken Dreams really just a sad, lonely anthem… or something much deeper? In this episode, we break down the history of the band, from their scrappy punk beginnings to the post-9/11 world that shaped American Idiot. We dive into the sonic layers of the song, why it struck a chord with a generation, and the surprising psychology behind loneliness, identity, and resilience. Expect laughs, insights, and a few “did you know?” moments that will change how you hear the song forever.

Think this 80s pop hit is just about love and loyalty? Think again. We dig into the silky synths, Rick’s legendary rise, the Rickroll takeover, and the surprising psychological layers hiding under that catchy chorus. Spoiler: it’s more than just a feel-good bop!

On the couch this week: a two-minute metal masterpiece that changed the course of music history. We’re diving into Paranoid by Black Sabbath — a song that was literally written as filler... and ended up inventing heavy metal. Ozzy Osbourne's vocals, Tony Iommi’s detuned riffing, Geezer Butler’s dark lyricism, and Bill Ward’s thunder — all packed into one urgent, chaotic, sonic punch. We explore the birth of metal, the psychology of paranoia, and the strange poetry behind a song that sounds like a panic attack in slow motion. And yes — we pay tribute to the Prince of Darkness himself. RIP Ozzy Osbourne – one of rock’s most unforgettable voices and unkillable spirits. 

Episode 10 is out now! This week on Songs On The Couch, we’re turning it up Aussie-style with Ego Is Not a Dirty Word by Skyhooks — the glam-rock anthem that dared to celebrate confidence, challenge conformity, and raise eyebrows in 1970s Australia. We explore the bold lyrics, the theatrical sound, and the psychological punch behind Skyhooks’ unapologetic swagger—and why ego might just deserve a little redemption.

This week on Songs On The Couch, we sink our teeth into Bad Habits by Ed Sheeran — his synth-pop detour into late-night temptation, self-sabotage, and vampire club vibes.We unpack the sonic shift, the catchy darkness, and the psychological spiral behind one of Ed’s most unexpected—and infectious—hits.

This week on Songs On The Couch, we're breaking down Clocks by Coldplay — the hypnotic, piano-driven anthem that turned time, tension, and existential dread into pure sonic beauty. We explore the song’s unusual chord progressions, haunting melodies, and the emotional psychology behind Coldplay’s breakthrough into the mainstream.

This week on Songs On The Couch, we’re diving into Paper Planes by M.I.A. — a genre-bending global hit packed with political bite, satire, and the most iconic cash register sound in pop history.We explore how M.I.A. flipped hip-hop, punk, and world music into a protest anthem disguised as a pop banger — and why its message still hits hard today.

This week on Songs On The Couch, we’re unraveling the chaotic brilliance of Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger — a furious, funny, and oddly prophetic anthem of paranoia, media overload, and identity crisis. We dig into the song’s alt-rock edge, biting lyrics, and the weirdly timeless mental state it captured back in 1997 (and still today). Listen now—available on all major podcast platforms.

This week on Songs On The Couch, we’re diving into Stressed Out by Twenty One Pilots — the anthem of a generation stuck between childhood dreams and adult pressures.  We unpack the song’s genre-blending sound, vulnerable lyrics, and psychological themes of anxiety, identity, and nostalgia. Stream it now—available on all major podcast platforms.

Episode 4 is here!This week we’re diving into Blinding Lights by The Weeknd — the retro synth-pop smash that lit up the charts and our brains. From neon-soaked production to emotional disconnection, we’re breaking down the sound, the style, and the psychology behind one of the most streamed songs of all time. Tune in now—available on all major podcast platforms.  

Songs On The Couch Episode 3 - Post Malone, RockstarThis time, we’re diving into rockstar by Post Malone (feat. 21 Savage) — a dark, moody anthem about fame, identity, and the cost of living like a legend. 🥀🎤 From trap beats to toxic bravado, we’re unpacking the sound, the swagger, and the psychology behind one of Posty's biggest hits and the the musical elements that make the song so addictive The psychological themes behind the lyrics Some laughs, random tangents, and a whole lot of couch-time vibes Hit that play button, grab a seat, and let's get inside the music... and maybe our own brains too. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! New songs, new laughs, every week.

Songs On The Couch Episode 2 - Lorde, RoyalsWe’re diving into Royals by Lorde — the minimalist masterpiece that flipped pop music on its head and questioned the whole idea of fame, luxury, and identity.  From sparse beats to sharp lyrics, we explore what makes this song so hypnotic—and what it says about the world we live in, the musical elements that make the song so addictive The psychological themes behind the lyrics Some laughs, random tangents, and a whole lot of couch-time vibes Hit that play button, grab a seat, and let's get inside the music... and maybe our own brains too. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! New songs, new laughs, every week.

🎙️ Songs On The Couch Episode 1 - The Killers, Mr Brightside Welcome to the very first episode of Songs on the Couch! This week, we're diving into Mr. Brightside by The Killers — a song that's not just a karaoke classic, but a modern anthem of jealousy, hope, and emotional chaos. Join our musician and psychologist duo as we unpack: The history of The Killers and the making of Mr. Brightside The musical elements that make the song so addictive The psychological themes behind the lyrics Some laughs, random tangents, and a whole lot of couch-time vibes Hit that play button, grab a seat, and let's get inside the music... and maybe our own brains too. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! New songs, new laughs, every week.

🎙️ Episode 0: Introduction Episode - Welcome to Songs on the CouchIn this first episode, meet your hosts, AJ a musician and  Mo a psychologist, and hear what Songs on the Couch is all about. We’re breaking down popular songs from the decades through a mix of music analysis, psychology, and comedy. It’s weird, it’s smart(ish), and it’s probably cheaper than therapy.