RTL Today - Song 2

With Linkin Park back in a big way and the new record From Zero proving a hit with most but not ALL LP fans, it's as good time to go back to the start Hybrid Theory was a huge record, released in 2000, it was and is packed full of massive tunes, the first of which to garner any attention and / or acclaim was One Step Closer, the debut single and second track from a generation defining record. One Step Closer still holds a special place in the hearts of fans because it was this song that introduced the band to a mainstream audience, setting the tone for their unique fusion of rock, nu-metal, and of course the electronic elements that became synonymous with their sound. (image: RTL.fr)

Let us take you back! The year is 2004, grime experienced its first wave of success the summer previous and the wait for Dizzee's 2nd album is finally over With “Boy In Da Corner” Dizzee Rascal put Grime well and truly on the map, but what was to follow? Was it going to be another fad like those silly tectonic dances of the early 2000's or was it here to stay? Dizzee is set to play den Atelier in tickets at atelier.lu

"I'm proud to say it, I love it when someone randomly hears a P.O.D song for the first time, and there's elements and they pause, and go 'THAT'S P.O.D'!" Welcome to Song 2, the podcast where we dive into the theory that the second song on an album is often the best or most important. This week, I'm chatting with Sonny, lead vocalist of the iconic band P.O.D. We explore the "Song 2" theory, the strategic importance of tracklisting, and how the second track sets the tone for an album's journey. Tune in for an insightful conversation with Sonny about crafting memorable albums and the magic behind the perfect song order.

This week we are taking into consideration a tune that I would wager nearly all of you have heard…. ….on the radio, in ads, in your favourite TV shows, in films and in your sleep… and in your sleep. But, you might not immediately recall the artist's name. So, if you happen to be on Who Want's To Be A Millionaire, or any other quiz show and end up winning some moolah thanks to this and ergo us, then our cut is a meagre 7.5%... ok? Good. It is, of course Kaleo's Way Down We Go, taken from the hugely successful debut album A/B released in 2016 via Elektra records.

"These days, I would say no, but I do recall being told that...and in the 90s we fell in suit and put our so-called single at that position (two)" Posdnuos, one of the legendary members of De La Soul, is our guest for this episode! Known for their innovative approach to hip-hop and their unforgettable lyrics, De La Soul has changed the game since their debut record, 3 Feet High and rising. In this episode, Posdnuos will delve into the fascinating world of tracklisting—an often underappreciated aspect of album-making. He'll discuss how the sequence of songs can influence the listener's experience and why the second track holds particular significance in crafting an album's narrative – but he's not sure that it is THE best by definition. Check out my two-part interview with Pos, available on RTL Play.

Today, we're diving into ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds'—even if the title gives us a bit of a cringe!" "SexyBack" is widely regarded as the standout track on that album for several reasons. It marked a bold evolution in Timberlake's sound, merging pop, R&B, and electronic elements in a fresh, innovative way. Produced by Timbaland, the song features a driving beat and catchy hooks, making it perfect for pre-drinks and just as lively on the dance floor as it is on a bar stool.

"I wouldn't put any song on an album unless, I wanted the audience to go WOW!" Today, we have a rock legend in the mix: Alice Cooper! Known for his theatrical performances and groundbreaking sound, Alice has been a pivotal figure in the music world for decades. In this episode, we'll dive into the often-overlooked topic of tracklisting. Alice will share his insights on how he carefully curates the order of songs on an album, discussing the emotional journey that each track takes listeners on. We'll explore how the arrangement can transform an album from a collection of songs into a cohesive experience, and why each placement matters. But does he agree that the second track is the best? Let's find out.

For this week's episode, we've gone a bit META and employed AI to try and take this argument to it's natural, or rather artificial conclusion. And before anyone scream out about the threat of SKYNET taking over track listing, I remind you that most of the songs you get, an the order in which you get them are being pumped and parped out by the ALGORITHM, anyway. This pod has always been a subtle love letter to the albums and mixtapes of the world and the range of answers we have had over our 4 seasons…and counting, goes to show just how personal a thing it really is. The two questions: we asked CHAT GPT on our theme were: “Why is the second song on an album the best or most important” And: “Which is the most important track on an album and why?”

"Two? Two is all about what it does to your body. But for me, four and seven are absolutely crucial!" Known for their catchy hooks and electrifying sound, Razorlight has made a significant impact on the music scene since their debut. In this episode, Johnny joins us to discuss one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of making an album: tracklisting and tells us if he's a Song 2 fan. So, whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the artistry behind the music, sit back and enjoy our conversation with Johnny Borrell. (image: Rob Crawford via Facebook)

Celebrated for its unparalleled ability to get just about anyone airborne, Jump Around is as strong an argument for Song 2 as it gets. It is a rather safe bet to say that if you've ever been to a sporting match, a rowdy get together or even just a social gathering where alcohol and personal interaction go hand in hand, odds on you have gone a bit salmon-like and leapt around to House of Pain's 1990s jam ‘Jump Around'.

"Nope - I think it's very important but not THE most important. We often put a very Shed Seven sounding song as Track 2, it's kinda like a safety blanket" Hello and welcome to the second episode from the fourth season of Song 2. Don't tell anyone but we were also surprised that Episode 1 came out when it did, we thought we had a couple more weeks to go. We will go ahead and blame calendar formatting. Right then, excuses out of the way, let's get into this week's episode and we are back nattering with Rick Witter singer and founding member of UK Britpop revivalists Shed Seven, whose 2023 album A Matter Of Time hit number one for a good for weeks and did tidy business for the band to boot. Not bad for an act that have been written off more times than the end of The Lord Of The Things movies amirite? Check out the interview I had with Rick available on RTL Play…. For now, though, lets see what the Shed Seven frontman has to say on the Song 2 Theory.

For this particular episode we are looking at Dua Lipa's song ‘Houdini' which was released as a second song on Radical Optimism. Even though the singer also says of herself ‘I come and I go', she adds the ‘they' seemingly to imitate people's rumours, or to prove she is popular for her ways. Dua Lipa picks up on the fast pace of the dating sphere, if you don't act fast it necessarily means that you've missed your chance and will have to move on just as quick.

In case you were wondering where the pods were, we've been mad busy with LIVE Radio Fear not, admin, broadcasting, scheduling and interviewing can only keep us away for so long. We've heaps of new content on the boil, including Mike Portnoy, Billy Corgan, Alice Cooper, Cola, Bdrmm and many, many more. See you soon. And remember, it's two or nothing.

On today's episode we will be taking a look at the tremendous band Foals and their song Mountain at my Gates off their fourth studio album What Went Down. Having firmly established themselves as icons in the UK indie rock scene, there was a certain level of expectation on their shoulders in 2015 before releasing their album, but the band from Oxford delivered on all fronts and their second song is an absolute banger.

"I've probably screwed some up and put a turd on second occasionally but I think mostly, they're pretty solid" Now, for this week's Song 2 I have to call myself out. Why? Well, first, this has been in the to do file for a long while. Sam Steen spoke with E of The Eels last year, yes, 20 frikkin' 23 and we are just getting to it now. AND, well, would go and believe it, E, has no hesitation in agreeing with the theory. None at all. Which is nice, considering The Eels have recently released another cracking record this year in Eels Time! Which I suggest you check out… don't forget to star, review, comment and recommend… oh and subscribe, please and thank you.

In this episode we are looking at what could arguably be described as a one hit wonder... ...the amazing Ms. Dynamite and her song Dy-na-mi-tee (you have to sing it!). Ms Dynamite, born Niomi Arleen McLean-Daley, is raw UK R&B, her attitude and energy epitomize the scene and no song more so than Dy-na-mi-tee which is a reflection on her youth. It's a story reflecting someone who had to mature quicker than she might have wished.

"I've never thought of that before, but I agree, and I can see how that (Song 2) makes a lot of sense" - Chino Moreno In this week's song 2 we are having a quick turnaround for our chat with Chino Moreno (of Deftones of course) and Shaun Lopez (formerly of the band Far)… ahead of their scheduled show at den A performing as Crosses – there's a full length interview with them available on RTL Play. Here, I am delighted to report that I have full support, with Chino very much on side and Shaun happy to be on that train too… after last week's Chastity Belt flat refusal, I was due a win… check out what Shaun and Chino have to say on the matter. (image: Brian Ziff)

"I don't think there is a definitive answer to this... the second song is often times a single but I don't think a single is the best song" - Julia Shapiro Having only recently performed in Luxembourg at the Rotondes no less, Chastity Belt are on a European leg of promotion for the current LP, the really rather splendid, Live, Laugh Love, here we quiz Julia and Lydia on the importance of the second song. Please also check out the two-part interview available on RTL Play.

"El Beach" by the Limiñanas is a masterclass in captivating its audience. Hello and welcome to another episode of Song 2, the podcast where we take a look into why the second track on an album holds such significance, and in many cases the first track often serves as an introduction, a way to hook the listener. The second track, however, is where the artist starts to reveal their true intentions. It's a critical moment, where the listener decides whether to continue the journey or not.

Today, we're diving into a song that perfectly exemplifies the Song2 concept: "If You Wanna" by The Vaccines. This track is the second song on their debut album, "What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?", which was the best selling album of 2011 and the song is nothing short of iconic. Released in 2011, "If You Wanna" quickly became an anthem for indie rock fans with its infectious energy. So sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into the brilliance of The Vaccines and their unforgettable second track.

"I leave it to Carl to sort that out (track listing), I just write the fucking songs" Pete Doherty A rather ramshackle and impromptu take on Song 2 featuring Pete Docherty and Gary Powell, Charlie does his best to get back from QPR, 'Purple Pig Puppies', Lichtenstein and landlubbers.

We are looking at a song that if you don't enjoy, then you are simply lying to yourself because it is an absolute banger! Welcome back to another episode of the musical bible that is our podcast song 2 where we discuss the nature of the second song on an album being the best or the most important. By one of the most popular female R&B groups to have ever done it, Destiny's Child and their song Survivor.

On today's show we will be looking at one of the most exciting talents in the UK right now… …the one and only Little Simz and her inspiring song “Woman” off the album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. She described it on her Tiny Desk performance as one of the best songs she has ever written. SO without further ado let's take a look at what makes her and that song so special!

“The story I want to tell on an album is more about the overall adventure” We are a couple of days behind, but Poppy is a great guest on the Song 2 problem. Having worked with Bad Omens and Knocked Loose of late, the diverse star is adding more and more strings to their bow.

You are tuned in to Song 2, the podcast where we go by the doctrine that the second song is either the most important or the best on an LP. People are philistines and don't listen to full albums as much anymore but we say long live the purists that know the importance of bands creating their own identities through storytelling and track listings. On today's show we will be looking at one of the albums of 2023, namely Heavy Heavy by Young Fathers and their song “I Saw".

"Curating the journey of an album is everything to me. EVERYTHING" We interviewed Des Rocs earlier this year, being that we were super dialed into the raw riffs and the general appeal of this honest to goodness rock n roll. Check out the chat on RTL Play, here we ask the Song 2 q and we find that we are bang on the money… even if Des Rocs is not going to outstay his welcome, check it out.

On today's episode we will look at the fantastic Kasabian, once described as The Stone Roses and Primal Scream with the swagger of Oasis... ..but they very much have their own style - which is exemplified in their fourth studio album Velociraptor!, released in 2011 and the second track on it is the lead single Days Are Forgotten.

Ahead of debut album Teething's release, I catch up with Nathan and Egg and see what they think about Second Songs Hey there and welcome to this week's edition of Song 2… it's the one you click on, and are immediately saying that this cannot be correct. You'll have examples to hand and, just like Cliff becomes Cave, becomes Arch, becomes Stump, you realize that there is a wee bit of truth to it. Here, Nathan and Egg from the really rather good Porij do exactly this… Check out what they have to say, and while I have your attention, go ahead and pre-order Teething…it's gonna be MEGA.

This week's episode is all about Feeder… my favourite band ever. So, this one could get a little gushy... Oddly, though, we are covering one of my least favourite Feeder tracks, even though it is almost universally loved. It is the song you know by Feeder, even if you don't know that you know Feeder, you know? And it has had millions of people screaming about drinking cider through a ruddy lemon for nearly 30 years. And to think, it was almost a song given to another band altogether.

For this week's episode of Song 2, we are looking at a 90's staple, Sex & Candy from Marcy Playground. Even in this office, we have a 50/50 split of those that love the oddly louche lyrics, and those that hate it with a passion akin to the fires of hell. For me, this one was as ubiquitous as anything from Beck, Dando, Alexakis, Dulli et al.

“If the song 2 doesn't grab you, you're sunk BABY” This week's guest Song 2-er (sic) is the always good value Keith Murray, of the prolifically great We Are Scientists… and while this intro may be longer than Keith's response, it does not contain a now immortal phrase, that, if we could get the rights sorted, we would have on a limited run of Song 2 tees.

In this week's Friday episode we are taking Michelle of the Netherlands by the way of Brighton band CIEL over the SONG 2 coals. Needless to say, she's one foot in, one foot out, but places a lot of importance on the influence of a producer. Check it out.

This week we are dialling the calendars all the way back to 1993 as we are revisiting Jame's breakthrough album, Laid and their standout cut Sometimes. Yes, we all know that the 1990 single Sit Down is still a favourite in student unions and weddings, but Sit Down was not even on the track listing for the original release of Gold Mother… it was track 7 on the 1991 re-release and the opening track on the US version. Sometimes is about as full-throated a singalong as you can possibly get.

"There's a reason why there's an entrée and a main course, you know..." In this week's Song 2, Clémentine Delauney of both Exit Eden AND Visions Of Atlantis offers up her view of where the second song lies in terms of prominence and importance. Exit Eden released their latest LP, Femme Fatale earlier this year, and Visions Of Atlantis have just announced Pirates II – Armada. Check out my interview with Clementine on RTL Play. Cheers.

We've held off for three seasons before breaking the emergency glass on this classic It took till the 5th record and a song written as a joke for blur to temporarily break America. Song 2 inspired this podcast and is, ironically or not, the quintessential Song 2 pudding prover.

"For me track listing is very specific to the album and from album to album, I never order things based on what I think a certain track number should be" What An Enormous Room by Torres (AKA Mackenzie Scott) came out earlier this year and is ace. Torres does not agree with Song 2... At. All. And my dreams are thus shattered.

In this week's Song 2 Episode we are foregoing silly head wear and possibly ill-advised cultural appropriation There's always been the gnawing doubt that the flak Jay Kay got at the time of Jamiroquai's was a little unfair. Sure, the headlines grabbed in the early 00's were not great but Jamiroquai's tunes stand up incredibly well. None more so than Too Young To Die, the second cut lifted from the 1993 album Emergency on Planet Earth.

"How do we hit them hard over the head...right off the bat... here's all our rage... and then, here's where we are crying about it?" Ill Peach's LP, This Is Not An Exit, was one of my picks for 2023. Here, Jess and Pat are on the scenic route to a sort of, possibly, could be answer to Song 2. Track listing is important. Incredibly so. But tone and tempo are key drivers too.

This week we are taking a look at the beautiful, beguiling and breathy White Winter Hymnal from Seattle indie-folk band, Fleet Foxes. "White Winter Hymnal" is the first single from Fleet Foxes released by European label Bella Union on July 21, 2008 and arguably remains to this day the band's best known song.

“I think anyone you will speak to you on this will tell you that very real blood, sweat and tears go into sequencing” Now that we can confirm that they are going to be hitting the Grand Duchy's den Atelier on the 30th May, we can finally get to the dapper The Vaccines frontman Justin Young and his take on the Song 2 merry go round. Don't forget to book tickets for the show on atelier.lu and listen to my two-part interview with Justin available on RTL Play.

On this week's Song 2, we're taking a look at a rather emotional song that was a breakout for its star performer AND the precursor to a much bigger tune. Now, let's be clear here, I am not the authority to speak on Juice WRLD, that honour would to my two teenage sons – who may yet be struck down with MEGA cringe upon hearing this – fortunately I have had some assistance in getting this piece but together by Maja (our clued-up intern).

“If the first track is like a punch in the face, the second one needs to be a little calmer… at least for a couple of minutes” This one has been a little while in the Song 2 queue, Haken's most recent LP Fauna came out in 2023 and when the band passed by the Grand Duchy for a show at the Rockhal we of course caught up with riff master Richard Henshall, who finds the second song concept interesting, if not conclusive. We will file this one in the maybe folder... for now.

For episode 3, season 3 of Song 2, we are this week heading into double-denim-ed poodle rock territory. New Jersey bound we go as we lap up the monumental rock anthem You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi. This iconic track captured the hearts of many in 1986 when it was released as the lead single from their classic album Slippery When Wet, cementing its way into the foundations of rock and roll history.

The Clockworks released an under the radar classic in 2023... do they agree with the Song 2 theory? For our second episode of Season 3 we are chatting with Sean Connelly of the exciting Irish band The Clockworks, whose debut album Exit Strategy, is a tightly woven collection of atmospheric indie rock tunes, that will find a much wider audience as more and more fans get onboard. Sean is, though, not joining our club, stating quite succinctly that the penultimate song on a record is easily the best. So, I am one-nil down and one week into the season. Let's hear what Sean had to say…

Back with our first episode of season 3, we are kicking things off with the enormous smash (sorry) hit from The Offspring… Self Esteem. The Offspring's third album Smash remains one of the greatest ‘little band gone big' stories ever. While it is true that Come Out And Play was the first time the mainstream media suffered whiplash in relation to The Offspring - the band Themistocles never undersell its importance - it was Self Esteem that received blanket coverage on MTV and catapulted a popular, but not yet huge punk band, to international stardom.

The third season of our (sometimes) chart-topping podcast is coming soon... Season 3 is on its way. Why is that big news, well it isn't if you think any other song other than the second one on a record is the best. We have guests including Poppy, P.O.D, Des Rocs, Shed Seven, Marika Hackman, Ill Peach, Porij, Chastity Belt, Torres, Gruff Rhys, Sprints, Mando Diao, Alkaline Trio, Staind, Vaccines and many more…

Season 2 of Song 2 comes to an end We will back in Jan 2024 with a whole heap of new (and not so new) Song 2 offerings....

In this week's, and this year's last, episode of Song 2 we are again tripping up over the warped stairwell of intros 3 Feet High and Rising is the debut studio album by the American hip hop group De La Soul. Released on February 6, 1989, by Tommy Boy Records which also had Digital Underground and Naughty By Nature on their roster, it was the first of three collaborations with the producer Prince Paul, and remains the critical and commercial peak of both parties.

Santigold - one of the nicest people in music. FACT. Also, does not think her second track is the best one. FACT. Sam Steen talks with the global star on track listing and her own song 2, Nothing.

“This is such a hard question…curse you” Wednesday's album Rat Saw Good is beginning to crop up on a number of end of year best of lists…it is a fantastic record full of feeling and texture and deserves such a positive response. I had the pleasure of catching up with Karly earlier this year, before the record was released and before the band performed a brilliant show at the Rotondes, Karly had this to say about the legitimacy of a Song 2 rule…

In this week's episode, I hereby give my advance apologies for the fact you'll be singing this one till the cows come home... ….and if they don't return at curfew, I am sorry for that too. We are talking about Foreigner's Cold As Ice… Now, I've checked lists, lots of them, and they say mostly the same thing, Juke Box Hero is Foreigner's best song. It too, is a Song 2, but is taken from their fourth album, where as Cold As Ice is lifted from their eponymous debut, released a full 4 years earlier.