EP 67: Journey - 'Escape'

Find all the links you need at https://linktr.ee/skipdpodIn episode sixty‑seven of Skip’d, Rob & Mike climb aboard for Journey’s Escape. Released in 1981, the album marked the band’s commercial peak, pairing soaring arena‑rock hooks, glossy production and Steve Perry’s towering vocals with a polished, radio‑ready sound. Escape is an album built on melody, muscle and emotional scale, and this episode explores if that makes it unskippable.From its glittering singles to its power‑ballad centrepieces, Rob & Mike unpack how those choices shape the album’s identity, and dig into what has shaped its legacy, why it became the band’s biggest success, and what makes certain tracks sound bigger with every listen.What’s inside:A breakdown of the album’s arena‑rock sound and how its blend of big choruses and polished production shapes the listening experienceA deep dive into key tracks and the themes of longing, heartbreak and perseverance running through the band’s song writingA look at how Journey’s evolution and the arrival of Steve Perry inform the album’s receptionPlus, an unexpected odyssey into the world of Atari 2600 adaptationsStream Skip’d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that surprised you, soothed you, or made you rethink an artist entirely? Send it our way. Rob & Mike will dive deep and decide if it’s truly unskippable.

Find all the links you need at https://linktr.ee/skipdpodIn episode sixty‑six of Skip’d, Rob & Mike strike a pose for Madonna’s True Blue. Released in 1986, the album marked a confident reinvention that combined sparkling synth‑pop, Latin‑tinged rhythms and heartfelt ballads with a pop star determined to prove she was far more than a passing sensation. From its pulsing opener to its tender, dramatic closers, True Blue is an album built on hooks and ambition, and Rob & Mike unpack how those choices shape the album’s identity, and dig into what has shaped its legacy, why it became a worldwide chart‑topper, and what makes certain tracks sound as irresistible today as they did on release.What’s inside:A breakdown of the album’s synth‑pop sound and how its mix of dancefloor energy and emotional ballads shapes the listening experienceA deep dive into key tracks and the themes of love, devotion and independence running through Madonna’s songwritingA look at how Madonna’s rise to superstardom and her evolving image inform the album’s receptionPlus, arguing over The Eagles 'Hotel California' for some ungodly reasonStream Skip’d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that surprised you, soothed you, or made you rethink an artist entirely? Send it our way. Rob & Mike will dive deep and decide if it’s truly unskippable.

In episode sixty-five of Skip’d, Rob & Mike dive headfirst into the neon-soaked world of Forever the Sickest Kids and their 2008 debut album, Underdog Alma Mater. Arriving at the height of the pop-punk, emo-pop, and MySpace boom, the album released during a period when genre boundaries were becoming increasingly blurred, and Underdog Alma Mater fused pop-punk energy, glossy production, synth-pop flourishes, and infectious hooks into a relentlessly upbeat package. But nearly two decades later, does Underdog Alma Mater still stand as an underrated classic of the scene, or is it simply a time capsule from one of alternative music's most divisive eras?Rob & Mike explore whether the album's blend of pop and punk still feels fresh today, examine how it compares to other scene-era releases, and discuss whether its reputation has benefited from the current wave of emo and pop-punk nostalgia. This episode explores how the album earned its cult following, whether its songwriting has stood the test of time, and if its legacy is built on genuine musical quality, nostalgic affection, or a combination of the two.What's inside:A deep dive into the album's biggest tracks and whether Forever the Sickest Kids stand out in a crowded scene.A discussion on MySpace-era pop-punk and if Underdog Alma Mater deserves more respect in retrospective conversations.Reflections on how the album compares to other scene favourites from the late 2000s, and what role milennial nostalgia plays.Plus, a whole lot of Biddy Blas for no reason.Stream Skip’d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that's been worshipped, debated, over-praised, or under-appreciated? Send it our way. Rob & Mike will dive deep and decide whether it's truly unskippable.

In episode sixty-four of Skip’d, Rob & Mike turn their attention to Crowded House's 1991 album 'Woodface', an album often hailed as one of the finest examples of sophisticated pop-rock songwriting. Released during a period of transition for both Crowded House and the Finn brothers, Woodface emerged from a collection of songs originally intended for different projects before being woven together, the result was a record filled with rich harmonies, intricate arrangements, and some of the band's most beloved songs, including "Weather With You", "Four Seasons in One Day", and "Fall at Your Feet". Yet beneath its effortless melodies lies a deeper question: what exactly makes Woodface resonate so strongly with listeners more than three decades later?Rob & Mike explore whether the songwriting truly stands above its contemporaries, examine the distinctive partnership between Neil and Tim Finn, and discuss how the album manages to feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. From its radio staples to its hidden gems, this episode examines how the album achieved its reputation, whether its songwriting remains as powerful today as it was in 1991, and if its legacy is built on flawless craftsmanship, emotional honesty, timeless melodies, or a combination of all three.What's inside:A track-by-track exploration of Woodface and the songwriting partnership behind its most celebrated momentsA deep dive into the album's themes of love, change, identity, and emotional vulnerabilityReflections on whether Woodface represents the ultimate Crowded House album, Plus, heated debates over lyrics relating to God's underwear and early morning waterStream Skip’d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that's been worshipped, debated, over-praised, or under-appreciated? Send it our way. Rob & Mike will dive deep and decide whether it's truly unskippable.

Find all the links you need at https://linktr.ee/skipdpodIn episode sixty‑three of Skip’d, Rob & Mike fire up their red Barchetta for Rush’s 'Moving Pictures'. Released in 1981, the album marked the peak of the band’s prog‑rock powers, balancing intricate time signatures, razor‑sharp musicianship and sci‑fi‑tinged songwriting with a newfound sense of focus and radio‑ready punch. Rob & Mike unpack how those choices shape the album’s identity, and dig into what has shaped its legacy.This episode also digs into why fans and critics still hold it up as the band’s defining statement, and what makes certain tracks sound more astonishing with every listen. From its famous opener to its sprawling, cinematic closer, this week the boys explore if all this and more make this album unskippable.What’s inside:A breakdown of the album’s prog‑rock sound and how its tighter, more concise structures shape the listening experienceA deep dive into key tracks and the themes of conformity, freedom and fame running through Neil Peart’s lyricA look at how Rush’s evolution from sprawling epics to sharper songcraft informs the album’s receptionPlus, an unexpected dose of Guitar Hero nostalgiaStream Skip’d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that surprised you, soothed you, or made you rethink an artist entirely? Send it our way. Rob & Mike will dive deep and decide if it’s truly unskippable.

Find all the links you need at https://linktr.ee/skipdpod In episode sixty‑two of Skip'd, Rob & Mike saddle up for Elton John's Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. Released in 1975, the album marked a deeply personal turn, tracing the early struggles of Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin through piano‑driven pop, lush arrangements and warm, wistful storytelling that plays out like a musical autobiography. Rob & Mike unpack how those choices shape the album's identity, and dig into what has shaped its legacy, why it made chart history on release, and what makes certain tracks feel more poignant with every listen.From its sweeping opener to its quietly reflective closers, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy is an album built on candour, craft and heart, and this episode explores if that makes it unskippable.What's inside:A breakdown of the album's piano‑pop sound and how its autobiographical structure shapes the listening experience.A deep dive into key tracks and the themes of ambition, doubt and friendship running through Taupin's lyrics.A look at how the Elton and Bernie partnership and their path to stardom inform the album's reception.Plus, memoirs of the tour that launched the record from Rob's own father-in-law.Stream Skip'd on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that surprised you, soothed you, or made you rethink an artist entirely? Send it our way. Rob & Mike will dive deep and decide if it's truly unskippable.

Find all the links you need at https://linktr.ee/skipdpodIn episode sixty‑one of Skip'd, Rob & Mike take a drive through Compton with Kendrick Lamar's Good Kid, m.A.A.d City. Released in 2012, the album marked a breakthrough moment in modern hip‑hop, weaving cinematic storytelling, shifting flows and West Coast production into a coming‑of‑age narrative that plays out like a short film. Rob & Mike unpack how those choices shape the album's identity, and dig into what has shaped its legacy, why it's so often named among the greatest rap albums ever made, and what makes certain tracks land harder with every listen.From its skits and voicemails to its towering centrepieces, Good Kid, m.A.A.d City is an album built on ambition, tension and remarkable control, and this episode explores if that makes it unskippable.What's inside:A breakdown of the album's production and how its narrative structure shapes the listening experienceA deep dive into key tracks and the themes of temptation, violence and survival running through Lamar's writingA look at how Kendrick's rise and the Compton setting inform the album's receptionPlus, more evaluation of the black experience from a cripplingly white standpoint, like anyone needed anymore of thatStream Skip'd on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that surprised you, soothed you, or made you rethink an artist entirely? Send it our way. Rob & Mike will dive deep and decide if it's truly unskippable.

Find all the links you need at https://linktr.ee/skipdpodIn episode sixty of Skip'd, Rob & Mike crank the amps up for Cage the Elephant's self‑titled debut. Released in 2008, the album marked a raw, restless introduction to the band, blending garage rock swagger, blues‑soaked riffs and punk‑edged energy into a sound that feels scrappy, unpredictable and full of nervous tension. Rob & Mike unpack how those choices shape the album's identity, and dig into what has shaped its legacy, why it struck a chord with our suggester and what makes certain tracks still hit just as hard today.From its breakout single to its grittier deep cuts, Cage the Elephant is an album built on attitude and chaos, and this episode explores if that makes it unskippable.What's inside:A breakdown of the album's garage‑rock sound and the influences that shaped it.A deep dive into key tracks and the restless energy driving the band's songwriting.A look at how the band's early identity and rise set up the album's reception.Plus, the return of a special wooden spoon prize.Stream Skip'd on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that surprised you, soothed you, or made you rethink an artist entirely? Send it our way. Rob & Mike will dive deep and decide if it's truly unskippable.

Find all the links you need at https://linktr.ee/skipdpodIn episode fifty nine of Skip'd, Rob & Mike head onto the dancefloor with Jessie Ware's 'What's Your Pleasure'. Released in 2020, the album marked a full embrace of disco and nu‑disco, wrapping shimmering strings, pulsing basslines and retro‑futurist production around Ware's cool, controlled vocal delivery. Rob & Mike unpack how those choices shape the album's identity, dig into what has shaped its legacy and why critics fell for its escapist glamour.From its glittering title track to its slow‑burning closers, What's Your Pleasure is an album built on groove, glamour and reinvention, and this episode explores if that makes it unskippable.What's inside:A breakdown of the album's disco revival sound and the eras it pulls from.A deep dive into key tracks and the emotional undercurrents beneath the glitter.A look at how Ware's evolution as an artist shaped the album's reception.Plus, multiple unexpected discussions about James Bond.Stream Skip'd on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that surprised you, soothed you, or made you rethink an artist entirely? Send it our way. Rob & Mike will dive deep and decide if it's truly unskippable.

Find all the links you need at https://linktr.ee/skipdpod In episode fifty eight of SKiP'D, the desert island tables turn for the second of this two‑part Desert Island Skips special as we hear Mike's picks. Rob puts Mike in the hot seat to reveal the eight tracks he'd take to a desert island, the book he'd want washed up beside him, and the one luxury he refuses to live without.This episode digs into the songs that have soundtracked Mike's life, the records that shaped his taste, and the choices that have built him into the... thing he is today. Rob presses for the story behind each pick, calling out the surprises, the expected favourites and the ones that raise an eyebrow.What's inside:Mike's eight desert island discs and the stories behind each pick.The book and the luxury item he'd want to be castaway with.The stories and reasons for the tracks that expose the mind and experiences of your beloved (?) co-host.Plus, more absolutely abysmal drunk karaoke.Stream Skip'd on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that surprised you, soothed you, or made you rethink an artist entirely? Send it our way, and Rob & Mike will dive deep and decide if it's truly unskippable.