Live From Mars (Alex Mars)
Explore every episode of Live From Mars
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Nov 2024 | My Journey to Mars | 00:21:16 | |
In the very first episode of Live from Mars, I (Alex, aka Mars) take you on a personal journey through the moments that ignited my lifelong passion for music. From early memories of childhood road trips fueled by Britney Spears to the Top 40 days of Z100 radio and the rise of social media, this episode is all about how music became more than just a hobby—it became a lifestyle. I recount my evolution from a devoted fan tracking pop charts and album rollouts to creating my own content, and the bold leap of finally showing my face on TikTok to build a connection with my community. You’ll hear about the early days of my vinyl collection, the challenges of staying authentic in a rapidly changing social media landscape, and the birth of my popular series "Best, Worst, Fav" that propelled my journey as @vinylbymars. Through every step—from running a Britney fan account that caught her attention to the transformative power of Spotify playlists—this episode reveals the story behind the music, the passion, and the platform. Grab a record, settle in, and let’s kick off Live from Mars with a look at where it all began. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 11 Nov 2024 | Breaking Down the Grammy Nominations: The Big Surprises and Snubs | 01:01:41 | |
Dive into Live from Mars with host Alex as we dissect the biggest music event of the year: the Grammy nominations! In this episode, Alex, known on social media as @vinylbymars, brings a fan’s excitement and a critic's eye to each nomination, discussing which artists and albums hit the mark and which may have missed. From Record of the Year to Album of the Year and beyond, Alex breaks down each category and gets candid about the unexpected snubs and surprises in the Grammy race. Plus, listeners weigh in with their thoughts, sharing hot takes on whether the Grammys nailed it or missed the mark. Don’t miss this Grammy-special episode—your inside look at this year’s most talked-about nominations! Check out Alex's social media at: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6NiOrfN5V5P-99PiJ1qMA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896?si=7e73ab04df564b14 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vinylbymars Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 25 Nov 2024 | Reacting To Your Taylor Swift Hot Takes | 00:41:47 | |
In this episode of Live from Mars, I dive into your hottest takes on Taylor Swift, straight from the DMs and Instagram Q&A! From the chaotic genius of Red (Taylor's Version) to the Grammy-winning masterpiece Folklore, we're unpacking every opinion with passion, humor, and a pinch of controversy. Mars kicks things off with a personal recap: two back-to-back concerts at Madison Square Garden—Billie Eilish and Maggie Rogers! Hear all about the highs and lows of these electrifying shows and what makes a live performance unforgettable. Then, we jump into the hot takes, including:
Mars shares his own spicy takes, breaks down what makes Taylor's storytelling so unique, and reimagines some of her biggest songs. This episode is packed with thought-provoking debate and a celebration of Taylor’s artistry! Don’t miss this deep dive into all things Taylor Swift on the latest episode of Live From Mars! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 09 Dec 2024 | Top 5 Albums of 2024: Sabrina Carpenter's "Short n' Sweet" (with Nick Palmai) | 00:43:04 | |
Join me, Mars (@vinylbymars), and my very first guest, Nick Palmai, as we dive into one of my top five albums of 2024—Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet. From record-breaking chart success to lyrical wit and iconic performances, we discuss why this album is a masterclass in pop artistry. Nick shares his unforgettable encounter with Sabrina at the Short n’ Sweet tour and insights into his journey as a music content creator. Plus, we debate Grammys, Sabrina’s artistic evolution, and what’s next for her in 2025. Whether you’re a pop fanatic or new to Sabrina’s music, this episode will have you streaming Short n’ Sweet on repeat. 💬 Share your thoughts below—what’s your favorite song from Short n’ Sweet? ⏰ Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: Top 5 Albums of 2024 Series 1:45 - Welcoming Nick Palmy to the Podcast 3:44 - Nick’s Journey as a Content Creator 9:12 - Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet Tour Highlights 11:34 - Album Stats & Achievements 18:22 - Sabrina’s Evolution: Pop Sensibilities & Lyrical Wit 22:14 - Track-by-Track Discussion: Singles, Humor, & Witty Lyrics 27:49 - Our Favorite Tracks: "Taste," "Don’t Smile," and More 34:24 - Sabrina vs. Other Pop Artists: Longevity & Evolution 36:14 - Grammy Predictions: Album of the Year, Song vs. Record 39:11 - Best New Artist Debate 41:51 - Closing Thoughts & What’s Next for Sabrina 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more pop music deep dives! 🎤✨ Follow Mars! Follow Nick! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 16 Dec 2024 | Top 5 Albums of 2024: Taylor Swift’s “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT" (with Seth Betzler) | 00:59:51 | |
🎶 Top 5 Albums of 2024: Taylor Swift’s “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT" (with Seth Betzler) 🎶 In this episode of Live from Mars, I’m joined by Seth (@DramaKingVinyl, @DramaKingBooks), one of the biggest Taylor Swift fans I know, to break down her monumental 2024 release, The Tortured Poets Department as one of my five favorite albums of 2024. With 31 tracks, groundbreaking achievements, and raw, emotional storytelling, this album demands a deep dive—and we’re here to deliver. We explore:
Packed with analysis, laughs, and a few friendly debates, this episode is perfect for Swifties and pop music lovers alike. Chapters: 01:27 - Welcoming Seth to the Podcast 03:33 - Seth’s Journey with Vinyl & Taylor Swift Fandom 09:20 - Quick Stats on The Tortured Poets Department 10:51 - Why Seth Chose This Album as a Favorite 13:18 - How folklore and Midnights Influenced Tortured Poets 20:18 - Best, Worst, Fav Tracks: Our Picks 25:14 - One-Word Reviews of All 31 Songs 52:11 - Do the Reviews of Tortured Poets Hold Up? 56:54 - What’s Next for Taylor in 2025? 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments or reviews—what’s your favorite track from The Tortured Poets Department? 👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes dissecting the best albums of 2024! Follow Mars! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6NiOrfN5V5P-99PiJ1qMA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896?si=7e73ab04df564b14 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vinylbymars Follow Seth! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dramakingbooks TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dramakingvinyl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramakingbooks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramakingvinyl Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 23 Dec 2024 | Top 5 Albums of 2024: Charli xcx's "Brat" (with Adam the Flop) | 00:38:04 | |
In this episode of Live from Mars, I’m joined by Adam Barrera (@AdamTheFlop), one of the sharpest voices in pop culture commentary, to break down Charli XCX’s groundbreaking 2024 album Brat—a project that dominated both music and pop culture this year. Bold, abrasive, and wildly authentic, Brat redefined the modern album era. Adam and I dive into the music, the marketing, and the cultural impact of this critically acclaimed record to explore why it became the defining album of 2024. We explore:
Whether you’re a Charli superfan or just discovering her music, this episode is packed with analysis, laughs, and a few spicy takes. Chapters: 01:23 - Welcoming Adam to the Podcast 03:33 - Adam’s Journey in Pop Culture Commentary 06:18 - Why Brat Stands Out as Album of the Year 10:52 - Breaking Down the Marketing Genius Behind Brat 15:24 - Best, Worst, Fav Tracks: Our Picks 25:04 - Remix Album Highlights and New Collaborations 33:00 - What’s Next for Charli XCX in 2025? 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments or reviews—what’s your favorite Brat track? 👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes dissecting the best albums of 2024! Follow Mars! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6NiOrfN5V5P-99PiJ1qMA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896?si=7e73ab04df564b14 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vinylbymars Follow Adam! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adamtheflop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamtheflop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 30 Dec 2024 | Top 5 Albums of 2024: Billie Eilish's "Hit Me Hard and Soft" (with Sam Murphy) | 00:35:33 | |
In this episode of Live from Mars, I’m joined by Sam Murphy (@PopSamCam), music critic and pop culture commentator, to dive deep into my pick for the best album of 2024—Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft. Billie’s latest album delivers emotional depth, sonic surprises, and career-defining moments, from haunting ballads to bold electronic experiments. Sam and I break down the tracks, themes, and Grammy buzz surrounding this unforgettable record. We explore:
Whether you’re a longtime Billie fan or just discovering her music, this episode unpacks why Hit Me Hard and Soft deserves its praise—and why it’s my personal Album of the Year. Chapters: 01:47 - Welcoming Sam to the Podcast 03:53 - Sam’s Journey as a Music Critic and Content Creator 07:46 - Why This Album Resonated with Us 11:22 - Best, Worst, Fav Tracks: Our Picks 16:32 - Quality Over Quantity: The 10-Track Format Debate 20:29 - The Sonic Universe of Hit Me Hard and Soft 27:23 - What’s Next for Billie Eilish? 30:08 - Grammy Predictions—Can Billie Take It All? 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments or reviews—what’s your favorite track from Hit Me Hard and Soft? 👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW for more episodes dissecting the best albums of 2024! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 06 Jan 2025 | Top 5 Albums of 2024: Ariana Grande's "Eternal Sunshine" (with Dan Cash) | 00:36:05 | |
In this episode of Live from Mars, I’m joined by Dan Cash (@DanCashio), a social media star known for his hilarious and insightful takes on pop culture, to dive into Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine. As the fifth and final installment of my Five Favorite Albums of 2024 series, we’re closing out on a deeply personal, meticulously crafted record that deserves all the praise. From heartbreak to healing, Eternal Sunshine captures Ariana’s evolution through divorce, new beginnings, and unmatched vocal artistry. Dan and I unpack every detail, from standout tracks to Grammy snubs and what the future holds for one of pop’s most talented stars. We explore:
This episode is packed with laughter, insight, and love for an artist who continues to redefine herself. Whether you’re a die-hard Arianator or new to her music, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Eternal Sunshine. Chapters: 01:47 - Welcoming Dan to the Podcast 04:50 - Dan’s Journey as a Creator and Pop Culture Expert 09:06 - Eternal Sunshine: Themes and Storytelling 11:26 - Best, Worst, Fav Tracks: Our Picks 16:32 - The Genius of “We Can’t Be Friends” and Ariana’s Production Skills 25:39 - Experimental Sounds and the Magic of “Imperfect for You” 30:14 - Why Critics and the Grammys Overlooked the Album 32:22 - What’s Next for Ariana Grande? 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments or reviews—what’s your favorite track from Eternal Sunshine? 👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes dissecting the best albums of 2024! Follow Mars! TikTok: @vinylbymars Instagram: @vinylbymars YouTube: @vinylbymars Spotify: Mars Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vinylbymars Follow Dan! TikTok: @DanCashio Instagram: @DanCashio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13 Jan 2025 | Most Anticipated New Music of 2025 (with Seth Betzler) | 00:49:59 | |
Most Anticipated New Music of 2025 (with Seth Betzler) In this episode of Live from Mars, I’m joined by my dear friend Seth Betzler (@DramaKingVinyl, @DramaKingBooks) to kick off 2025 by discussing our most anticipated albums of the year! After a packed 2024, the music industry is set to deliver another round of incredible releases, and we’re diving into everything from confirmed drops to rumors that have us buzzing. We explore:
From pop legends to emerging voices, we cover it all in this packed episode. If you love music and want to get hyped for what’s to come, this one’s for you! Chapters: 01:05 - Welcoming Seth and Recapping 2024’s Big Year in Music 03:48 - Taylor Swift’s Reputation and Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version) Vault Predictions 07:45 - The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow: Breaking Down the Trilogy 17:13 - Aly & AJ’s Silver Deliverer 25:28 - Lady Gaga’s LG7: Will It Live Up to the Hype? 30:14 - Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, and Lana Del Rey: What’s Next? 35:45 - Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan: The Next Era 44:43 - Stars on the Rise: Madison Beer and Olivia Dean 47:32 - Wrapping Up with Lorde, Final Thoughts, and Favorites Follow Mars! Follow Seth! 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments or reviews—what’s your most anticipated album of 2025? 👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes exploring the best of music and pop culture! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 27 Jan 2025 | 2025 Grammy Predictions: Who Will Win and Should Win (with Amanda Leopizzi) | 00:40:27 | |
Welcome to Episode 10 of Live From Mars! This week, Alex is joined by his good friend and fellow #MusicTok creator Amanda Leopizzi to kick off the most exciting week in music – Grammy week! In this episode:
Get ready for a fun and opinionated breakdown of who the Recording Academy might crown versus who truly deserves to win. Whether you’re a fan of Billie’s Hit Me Hard and Soft, Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, or Taylor’s The Tortured Poets Department, there’s something for everyone in this episode. Don’t miss Alex and Amanda’s final Grammy predictions before the big night! Be sure to follow Live From Mars on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and subscribe to Vinyl by Mars on YouTube for more music content. Follow Alex:
Follow Amanda:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 04 Feb 2025 | 2025 Grammys Recap: Biggest Wins, Snubs & Wildest Moments (with Amanda Leopizzi) | 00:44:56 | |
This week, Alex is joined once again by his good friend and fellow #MusicTok creator Amanda Leopizzi to break down everything that went down at the 2025 Grammy Awards. From historic wins to shocking snubs, this episode covers all the biggest moments of music’s biggest night. In this episode: • Biggest wins & surprises – Beyoncé finally wins Album of the Year, Kendrick Lamar sweeps Record & Song of the Year, and Chappell Roan takes Best New Artist. • The biggest snubs of the night – Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish walk away empty-handed. • Best performances of the night – Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, RAYE, Doechii, and the Best New Artist showcase. • The Weeknd’s return to the Grammys – After years of boycotting, what does his performance mean for next year’s awards? • Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” premiere – Is Fame Monster-era Gaga officially back? • Records broken & major milestones – Bruno Mars extends his Grammy-winning streak, Doechii makes history in rap, and more! Did the Recording Academy get it right? Or did your favorites get snubbed? This episode is filled with bold takes, heated debates, and plenty of Grammy hot takes! Who was your biggest winner of the night? Leave a comment. 🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL to stay updated with all things Live From Mars! Follow Alex:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vinylbymars Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896 Follow Amanda:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandasplaylist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandasplaylist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amandasplaylisttt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 11 Feb 2025 | Breaking Down Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show (with WillTalksMusic) | 00:47:29 | |
In this episode of Live from Mars, Alex (@vinylbymars) is joined by Will (@willtalksmusic) to dive into all things Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. They break down Kendrick’s career leading up to this moment, analyze the standout moments from the performance—including his powerful collaboration with SZA—and, most importantly, discuss the explosive impact of Not Like Us being performed in front of 120+ million viewers. This diss track, fresh off winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys, solidified Kendrick’s dominance over Drake in their ongoing feud, and Alex and Will break down why this moment was so monumental. Beyond Kendrick’s performance, they explore the deeper political and artistic messaging behind the set, from Samuel L. Jackson’s role as Uncle Sam to the striking visual storytelling. They also touch on Taylor Swift’s undeniable presence at the Super Bowl and how she continues to be part of the cultural conversation, even when she’s not on the stage. After dissecting the halftime show, Alex and Will shift gears to discuss who should headline the Super Bowl in 2026. They debate potential contenders, from pop icons to hip-hop powerhouses, and throw in some wild card picks. Finally, Will shares his latest music recommendations, giving listeners insight into the albums and songs that have been on repeat for him. Topics Covered:
Where to Listen: Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms. Don’t forget to rate and review! Follow Us: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 17 Feb 2025 | New Music Friday Breakdown: Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Selena Gomez & More! (with Seth Betzler) | 00:33:37 | |
In this episode of Live from Mars, Alex (@vinylbymars) is joined by Seth Betzler (@dramakingbooks, @dramakingvinyl) to break down the best releases from this week's New Music Friday! With Valentine's Day as the backdrop, we discuss new music filled with love, humor, and surprises. This week, we're diving into Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe)’, analyzing the standout tracks like ‘15 Minutes’, a clever mix of humor and wordplay, and ‘Please Please Please’ featuring Dolly Parton, a fun, yet divisive remix. We also explore the melodic similarities between ‘Couldn’t Make It Any Harder’ and ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’, Sabrina’s Sandy-inspired aesthetic, and why Busy Woman feels like the clear hit. We also dive into SZA’s ‘LANA’ Deluxe, analyzing her strategy of releasing additional music nearly two years after SOS, and how this creates a "living, breathing" album experience. We contrast this with Sabrina’s six-month deluxe drop and discuss the different purposes deluxe albums serve in today’s streaming era. Plus, we talk about Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s surprise album announcement, the newly released ‘Scared of Loving You’, and Selena’s unexpected return to music despite previously hinting at stepping away. We also break down new singles from Addison Rae (‘High Fashion’), Bon Iver (‘Everything Is Peaceful Love’), and Olivia Dean’s ‘It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be’ for the Bridget Jones soundtrack. 🎧 Listen now and let us know your favorite tracks from this week! Topics Covered:
Where to Listen: Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms. Don’t forget to rate and review! Follow Us: 🎶 @vinylbymars (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) 📚 @dramakingbooks / @dramakingvinyl (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 24 Feb 2025 | Tate McRae's "So Close To What" Album Review & Deep Dive (with Amanda Leopizzi) | 00:30:35 | |
In this episode of Live from Mars, I’m joined by my dear friend Amanda (@amandasplaylist) to break down Tate McRae’s new album So Close to What. After my initial reaction stirred up some strong opinions, we’re diving deep into what makes this album work, where it falls short, and how Tate’s evolution as an artist impacts her place in pop music today. We explore: • Tate McRae’s Career Evolution – From You Broke Me First to Greedy and So Close to What, has she finally found her sound? • Best & Worst Songs – Why Sports Car, Two Hands, and Purple Lace Bra stand out, and which tracks miss the mark. • Tate as a Performer First – How her strength in dance and live performance shapes her music choices. • Production & Songwriting – Does So Close to What push pop forward, or does it play it too safe? • Where She Stands Among Pop’s Biggest Names – How Tate compares to Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa, and more. • Hot Takes & Fan Reactions – What the album means to different listeners and why pop music hits differently for everyone. From viral TikTok hits to her future in pop, we’re unpacking it all. Did So Close to What live up to the hype? Or is Tate still searching for her signature sound? Let’s discuss. 👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives on the biggest new releases in pop music! 📲 Follow me for more: TikTok | Instagram | YouTube → @vinylbymars Amanda: @amandasplaylist on TikTok & Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 10 Mar 2025 | Lady Gaga’s "Mayhem" Album Review & Track-by-Track Breakdown (with Seth Betzler) | 00:46:55 | |
Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Album Review & Track-by-Track BreakdownLady Gaga’s new album Mayhem is here, and we’re breaking it all down! In this episode of Live From Mars, I’m joined by Seth Betzler for a deep dive into Lady Gaga’s 2025 return to pop. We dive into the road to this moment—how Chromatica left its mark, Gaga’s jazz era with Tony Bennett, the fallout from Joker 2, and the unexpected smash success of Die with a Smile. Plus, we unpack the Mayhem rollout: Did Disease truly serve as the “lead” single? How did Abracadabra’s massive Grammy premiere change the game? And why does the album’s grunge-inspired aesthetic not quite match the genre-blending sound Gaga delivered? Then, it’s time for a track-by-track breakdown—analyzing every song, from the industrial grit of Disease and Perfect Celebrity to the euphoric highs of Vanish Into You and Zombie Boy. And of course, we wrap things up with Best, Worst, Fav—choosing the best song, the weakest track, and our personal favorites from Mayhem. Is Mayhem a defining moment in Lady Gaga’s career, or just another unexpected pivot? Let’s talk about it. 🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts on Mayhem! 📲 Follow Alex: @vinylbymars on TikTok | Instagram 📲 Follow Seth: @dramakingvinyl on TikTok | Instagram, @dramakingbooks on TikTok | Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 12 Mar 2025 | Inside Spotify’s $10 Billion Payout: Loud&Clear with Sam Duboff | 00:40:27 | |
How much do artists really make from streaming? Spotify just paid out $10 billion in 2024, but where does that money go—and is streaming actually sustainable for artists? In this episode of Live From Mars, Alex (@vinylbymars) sits down with Sam Duboff, Spotify for Artists’ Global Head of Marketing & Policy, to break down the newly released 2024 Loud&Clear report and what it means for artists, streaming, and the music industry. In this episode, we cover:
Plus, we dive into Lady Gaga’s Mayhem, the magic of Charli xcx and Lorde’s “Girl, so confusing remix,” and play Best, Worst, Fav with Lorde’s Melodrama. Read the full Loud&Clear report: spotify.com/loudandclear Follow Me:
Subscribe, rate, and follow for more deep dives into music, streaming, and the industry’s biggest topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 24 Mar 2025 | Selena Gomez’s "I Said I Love You First": Artistic Breakthrough or Letdown? | 00:30:03 | |
In this episode of Live from Mars, I’m breaking down the biggest stories in pop this week — from Kendrick Lamar dominating the charts to Lady Gaga’s Mayhem debuting at No. 1. But the spotlight is on Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s new album I Said I Love You First, and we’ve got a lot to unpack. We explore: • Billboard Chart Highlights – Why Kendrick is the name all over the Hot 100 and how Gaga just tied Janet Jackson for most No. 1 albums. • Mayhem by Lady Gaga – A breakdown of the album’s chart success, the Grammy conversation, and why “Abracadabra” might be her ticket to Record and Song of the Year nominations. • New Music Friday Picks – Jack Harlow & Doja Cat, Jonas Brothers, and Jon Bellion — the tracks worth your time. • Selena & Benny’s Joint Album – A deep dive into I Said I Love You First: the love story, vocal production issues, and whether it lives up to the hype. • Top Tracks from the Album – Why “Bluest Flame” and “Don’t Wanna Cry” are the standouts and what Charli XCX’s involvement adds to the mix. • The Vision Debate – Why this album plays it a little too safe and what it tells us about Selena’s current artistic confidence. • What’s Next in Pop – Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead and the rising buzz around Miley Cyrus’ Something Beautiful. From personal milestones to massive releases, we’re diving into it all. Is I Said I Love You First a step forward for Selena Gomez? Or is she still playing it too safe? Let’s get into it. 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments! Did I Said I Love You First surprise you — or were the singles a red flag? 👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives on the biggest new releases in pop music! 📲 Follow me for more: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars Instagram: www.instagram.com/vinylbymars Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 31 Mar 2025 | Ariana Grande's "Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead" Album Review & Track-By-Track Breakdown | 00:30:55 | |
We did it — 100,000 followers on TikTok. A huge milestone, a huge thank you, and a huge episode to match. This week on Live From Mars, Alex reflects on the journey from faceless vinyl recs to full-blown music commentary, the wildness of hitting six figures in followers, and what’s coming next for the show (spoiler: it’s an AMA — so send those questions in!). Then we dive into a chart update packed with surprises — including a historic week for Kendrick & SZA, massive first-week numbers for Playboi Carti, and unexpected success from Gaga and Chappell Roan. But the real star of the episode? Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead. With five brand-new songs and one extended version, this release just might solidify Eternal Sunshine as the best album of her career. From “Twilight Zone” to “Dandelion,” Alex unpacks every moment — vocally, emotionally, and sonically. In this episode, we cover:
📲 Follow me for more: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars Instagram: www.instagram.com/vinylbymars Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896 💬 Drop your AMA questions via IG poll, broadcast channel, or comments! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 07 Apr 2025 | Miley Cyrus' "Something Beautiful" Era Begins + Ask Me Anything! | 00:39:15 | |
This week’s Live From Mars is packed! Alex (aka Mars, aka @vinylbymars on TikTok and Instagram) dives into the latest New Music Friday releases, breaks down the perfect release timing for a potential Song of the Summer, and answers your AMA questions in celebration of hitting 100,000 followers on TikTok! In this episode:
Whether you're here for chart talk, new releases, or getting to know Alex better, this episode is your one-stop shop for all things pop. Chapters:00:00 - Introduction 01:58 - Record Store Day Tips & Tricks 05:27 - When to Release a Song of the Summer Contender 10:31 - Miley Cyrus' "Something Beautiful" 15:23 - Ed Sheeran's "Azizam" 18:12 - Djo's "The Crux" 21:15 - Ask Mars Anything 26:01 - The State of VinylTok in 2025 29:00 - Two No-Skip Albums 34:08 - Taylor Swift's 2025 Releases Chime in! What’s your pick for 2025’s song of the summer? What are you planning to grab on Record Store Day? Drop a comment and let Alex know. Follow Alex: TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | SpotifyHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 14 Apr 2025 | Lady Gaga’s Best Performance in a Decade? Coachella 2025 Recap + Lana, Bon Iver & More | 00:26:08 | |
Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, and Bon Iver—oh my. This week on Live From Mars, Alex (aka Mars, aka @vinylbymars) dives into the biggest moments from Coachella 2025 and the best of New Music Friday. From Lana’s orchestral country pivot to Gaga’s career-defining headlining set, it’s a full-on pop culture breakdown you don’t want to miss. In this episode: • Lana Del Rey’s “Henry, come on” — a sweeping, poetic Americana ballad and the mysterious unraveling of her next album. • Bon Iver returns with SABLE, fABLE — a two-part album that blends indie folk with R&B, and is a worthwhile return to the Bon Iver we all fell in love with. • Lady Gaga’s Coachella set stuns the world — theatrical, gothic, unhinged in the best way. Is this her best performance in over a decade? • Charli XCX brings Brat to the desert with surprise guests Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Troye Sivan — and ends her set with a powerful, vulnerable message. • Plus, underrated song picks from Humble the Great, Talia Rae, and a Crux check-in with Djo. If you’re a pop fan, festival lover, or just here for the cultural tea, this is your recap of the week! Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Live from Mars and Coachella Highlights 00:57 - New Music Friday: Lana Del Rey’s “Henry, come on” 06:55 - Bon Iver’s Return: SABLE, fABLE Review 10:30 - Coachella Highlights: Lady Gaga & Charli XCX 13:04 - Lady Gaga’s Career-Best Performance? 20:32 - Charli XCX’s Raw Minimalist Power Next week: A special Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department anniversary episode is coming, and Alex wants your voice memos. Got a hot take or burning question? Email vinylbymars@gmail.com and be part of the show. Follow Alex: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||