Can't Stop The Pop

Matty Atkins & Craig Herman

In each episode of Can't Stop The Pop, Matty Atkins and Craig Herman discuss a pop song from the '90s and '00s, offering facts, insight and some occasionally unconventional thoughts.

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Website: www.cantstopthepop.com
E-mail: admin@cantstopthepop.com

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20 episodes
Updated June 18

Episodes20

Newest first

June 18 · 31 min
The Saturdays – Ego
Don't tell us that you're done as far as we go because in this episode of Can't Stop The Pop, we're sitting down to have a chat about The Saturdays' 'Ego' – which snuck into the UK chart at the very end of 2009. 'Ego' was a pivotal moment in The Saturdays' career. The second single from the group's second album, 'Wordshaker' – and later included on the 'Headlines!' EP – marked a point where commercial success wasn't solely defined by peak chart position and album campaigns shifted from traditional models. Matty and Craig reflect on what it is about 'Ego' that connected so well after 'Forever Is Over', break down the superhero-themed music video and examine the chart stats. We also discuss the B-side 'Flashback' and look at where this single fits into The Saturdays' career overall, which features a wide-ranging and occasionally divisive discussion that includes 'Notorious', 'Gentleman', and even 'What Are You Waiting For?'. Buckle up – it's quite the journey! If you like what we do, please leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon and subscribe from as little as £1 a month: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
May 14 · 28 min
Gina G – Ooh Aah...Just A Little Bit
In this episode of Can't Stop The Pop, we commemorate (or should that be commiserate) 30 years since the UK entered 'Ooh Aah…Just A Little Bit' into the Eurovision Song Contest 1996 and finished in…eighth place!? Matty and Craig discuss how Gina G's debut single tore through the UK chart for months prior to Eurovision, then became an international hit and even reached the top 20 of the US Billboard Hot 100, earning a Grammy nomination in the process. Yes, you read that correctly. But what happened at Eurovision? We speculate on possible reasons why the track didn't sweep to victory – or indeed even come close – but how impactful it was on the contest in the following years, nonetheless. As well as talking about the rather basic music video and those all-important chart stats, Matty shares a surprising fact about 'Ooh Aah…Just A Little Bit' and Top Of The Pops, while Craig explains the legal drama that stemmed from the song and left Gina G stuck in a bad record deal. To read about 'Ooh Aah…Just A Little Bit' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/03/23/gina-g-ooh-aah-just-a-little-bit/ If you like what we do, please leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon and subscribe from as little as £1 a month: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
April 23 · 28 min
Dannii Minogue vs. Flower Power – You Won't Forget About Me
Get your vibe on because Can't Stop The Pop is back for a new year-long series of monthly episodes, and where better place to start than with Dannii Minogue vs. Flower Power's mid-'00s anthem, 'You Won't Forget About Me'. Matty and Craig explore how the track represented a timely evolution of the 'Neon Nights' formula and marked a new era for Dannii Minogue's career as she signed with All Around The World (AATW). Yet, despite high expectations commercially, the fallout of what actually happened when the single was released, and the subsequent stop-start album(s) campaign leaves much to discuss – including an impassioned rant from Craig about the ineptitude of AATW and a wild comparison by Matty. As ever, we cover the song, its unflattering video (Dannii Minogue should *not* be cleaning up drink spillages), the chart stats and a notable remix that reimagines 'You Won't Forget About Me' as elevator music. No, really. To read about 'You Won't Forget About Me' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2022/10/24/dannii-minogue-you-wont-forget-about-me/ If you like what we do, please leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Dec 26, 2025 · 34 min
Spice Girls – Viva Forever
It's the season three finale of Can't Stop The Pop, and as befitting such an occasion, we're looking back at 'Viva Forever' by the Spice Girls. Matty and Craig reflect on how this – the fourth single from the 'Spiceworld' album – marked the end of the group's imperial era as Geri Halliwell quit. We examine what makes the song so sonically and structurally different from any other Spice Girls ballad, how the surrounding context elevated its impact and offer interpretations of the music video featuring those infamously creepy fairies. Matty also gives a thorough critique of the ill-fated 'Viva Forever!' jukebox musical and what went so wrong. Along with the all-important chart stats, we discuss how Geri Halliwell's departure altered the plans for 'Viva Forever' to be a double A-side with 'Never Give Up On The Good Times' and how the song stacks up in the list of best-selling Spice Girls singles. To read about 'Viva Forever' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2019/07/15/spice-girls-viva-forever/ If you like what we do, please leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Dec 19, 2025 · 27 min
Goldfrapp – Ooh La La
Things take a supernatural turn in this episode of Can't Stop The Pop as Matty and Craig discuss Goldfrapp's 2005 hit, 'Ooh La La'. We examine how the duo's sound evolved from their earlier material, resulting in a breakthrough that propelled them to new commercial heights and helped shape the charts. It seems only fitting that in approaching the work of such a creative, diverse act, the episode contains tangential references to Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, 19th-century poetry, Rachel Stevens and a well-known Soho sauna. But it's all (mostly) relevant to contextualise and celebrate the quality of 'Ooh La La', its visually striking music video and those all-important chart stats…before closing with a rant about the Grammys. This episode is anything but Baudelaire! If you like what we do, please leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Dec 12, 2025 · 25 min
Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston – When You Believe
In this episode of Can't Stop The Pop, two divas join forces to deliver a vocal masterclass as Matty and Craig discuss Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston's superstar duet: 'When You Believe'. We look at the manufactured rivalry between the two singers and how their duet for the soundtrack to the animated movie 'The Prince Of Egypt' was an almost inconceivable prospect in the '90s. There's some convincingly technical discussion about how their voices complement one another both on the track and in the live performances. Plus, we get into the Oscars drama where Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds – who co-wrote the 'pop' version of the song that Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston performed at the ceremony – missed out on an Academy Award for his contribution. And, while 'When You Believe' wasn't a chart-topping hit for Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, the track did later reach #1 when Leon Jackson released it as his X Factor winner's single. So, we felt compelled to talk about that, too (be warned: strong opinions are expressed). To read about 'When You Believe' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2022/12/05/mariah-carey-whitney-houston-when-you-believe/ If you like what we do, please leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Dec 5, 2025 · 22 min
I Dream (Feat. Frankie and Calvin) – Dreaming
The S Club bandwagon comes to a crashing halt in this episode of Can't Stop The Pop as we look back at the bizarre turn of events that was I Dream. Find out what happens when you merge S Club 8 with five additional aspiring singers/actors, cast them all in a TV show and then release a single featuring just two members of the group. It's fair to say that Matty and Craig have very different opinions on the resulting product that was 'Dreaming (Feat. Frankie and Calvin)'. As well as the song itself, we discuss the muddled marketing for I Dream, share some first impressions of the TV show, try to work out what the ambition of the project was and vent our frustrations at S Club 8 being thrown under the proverbial bus in such a peculiar manner. Plus, we have the all-important chart stats for both 'Dreaming' and the accompanying album, 'Welcome To Avalon Heights' (brace yourselves for the peak position…). To read about 'Dreaming' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/11/09/i-dream-frankie-calvin-dreaming/ If you like what we do, please leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Nov 28, 2025 · 46 min
Phixx – Hold On Me (Feat. Peter Smith)
In this episode, Matty and Craig revisit the electrophonic revolution that was Phixx and their very '80s, very (homo)erotic debut single: 'Hold On Me'. We're joined by Peter Smith from the group to discuss his dramatic exit from Popstars: The Rivals, how the sound and image for Phixx came together and what went wrong with One True Voice. In a brutally honest interview, Peter also reveals the truth about his experience in the music industry, his departure from the group and what he's been up to since. To read about 'Hold On Me' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2023/09/04/phixx-hold-on-me/ If you like what we do, please leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can follow Peter Smith on Instagram: @petermsmithofficial and Facebook You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Nov 21, 2025 · 19 min
Louise – Naked
We feel your lips, your fingertips...in this episode of Can't Stop The Pop, Matty and Craig are revisiting 1996 when Louise released her third solo single, 'Naked'. This is one of those perfect songs that gets everything right in terms of sound, production, styling and visuals. In fact, Craig declares one moment as his favourite in any pop track...ever! And what on earth has Peppa Pig got to do with 'Naked'? Listen to find out how the anthropomorphic piglet landed herself a lawsuit from the songwriters for copyright infringement. Yes, really. To read about 'Naked' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/05/18/louise-naked/ If you like what we do, please leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Nov 14, 2025 · 28 min
Taylor Swift – Love Story
Are you…ready for it? In this episode, sparks fly as Matty and Craig discuss Taylor Swift's breakthrough (and, for several years, only) hit in the UK: 'Love Story'. Join us as we look back at the lead single from the 'Fearless' album, a music video that left us both enchanted and a relentless promotional campaign that went out of the woods to include appearances on The Paul O'Grady Show and Loose Women. After running through some crazier chart stats, Matty and Craig each name their favourite Taylor Swift song, plus there's some overdue exoneration for 'Me!' If you like what we do, please make sure there's no bad blood and leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Nov 7, 2025 · 28 min
Glitter & Gold vs Can't Stop The Pop – Live In Manchester
Presenting Glitter & Gold vs Can't Stop The Pop – LIVE! This special episode was recorded live at the Here & Now Gala Night pre-show fan event on September 4th 2025, as we set out to determine our favourite Steps single. The rules were simple (after Craig explained them several times): every Steps single* went head-to-head, with the winner staying on until each podcast was left with their favourite. Then it was down to the audience to choose between them and declare the ultimate Steps single. Which song won? Listen to find out. Craig, Matty, Shane and Brad also answered some listener-submitted questions, including our favourite Steps B-sides, thoughts on Eurovision, any notable misfires and our hopes for the 30th anniversary. Thank you to Ultimate Steps and Claire Richards Central for co-hosting the event, Banyan Bar & Kitchen at Spinningfields, Manchester, for being such a welcoming venue, and to all the fans who came along to the pre-show event, helping us raise more than £1,000 for charity. You can follow Can't Stop The Pop at: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop You can follow Glitter & Gold at: Linktree Instagram: @glitterstepspod TikTok: @glitterstepspod You can follow Ultimate Steps at: Facebook Instagram: @ultimatesteps You can follow Claire Richards Central at: https://clairerichardscentral.com/ Instagram: @clairerichardscentral
Aug 7, 2025 · 18 min
Geri Halliwell – It's Raining Men (Live at the Kings Arms for London Pride 2025)
Presenting Can't Stop The Pop...LIVE! On July 2nd, 2025, we hosted our first live podcast at the Kings Arms in Soho as part of the London Pride celebrations. For this very special occasion, we discussed 'It's Raining Men' by Geri Halliwell, and in this episode, you can hear the audio from the event. We talk about Geri Halliwell's interpretation of the song for the soundtrack to Bridget Jones' Diary (and some of the adjustments from the original), the music video, which has nothing to do with the movie, the chart stats, and Craig rants about the concept of the 'Scream If You Wanna Go Faster' album. Thank you to the Kings Arms for hosting the event, and everyone who came along to support us. If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop To read about 'It's Raining Men' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2021/04/26/geri-halliwell-its-raining-men/ You can find out more about the Kings Arms, Soho by visiting: https://www.kingsarms-soho.co.uk/london and following them on Instagram: @kingsarms.soho You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Jul 31, 2025 · 24 min
Sugababes – About You Now
In this episode, Matty and Craig bring yesterday back around to discuss the Sugabab-babes' (seriously, what was with the typography for this campaign?) biggest hit: 'About You Now'. Despite unanimous praise for the song and a consensus that the music video was slightly underwhelming, there are wildly different opinions on what 'About You Now' meant for where the group were at this point, and how it potentially influenced their subsequent career. We also talk about the Miranda Cosgrove version of the track (begrudgingly, in Matty's case), which charted in America. And, of course, no discussion of 'About You Now' would be complete without mentioning that iconic 'Hollyoaks' scene... If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Jul 24, 2025 · 47 min
Ambitions (Feat. Joe McElderry)
For this episode, we've ventured (just) outside the '90s and '00s to discuss Joe McElderry's 2010 single, 'Ambitions'. And we've bent the rules with good reason because the man himself joins us to look back at his first post-X Factor release. Joe gives us all the background on the song's origins as a chart-topping hit for the Norwegian band Donkeyboy and how it helped shape the sound of his debut album, 'Wide Awake'. We discuss the making of the music video (including that iconic choreography) and how the record label reacted to the commercial performance of 'Ambitions'. Joe also talks to us about his subsequent success becoming a triple-reality TV show winner, the inspiration behind his recent material, honouring George Michael's musical legacy and much more. We hope you enjoy listening to the episode — and discovering what life is like inside and outside the X Factor bubble — as much as we did recording it. If you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can follow Joe McElderry on Instagram: @joemcelderryofficial and TikTok: @joemcelderryofficial You can also follow us on Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop
Jul 17, 2025 · 21 min
Five – Let's Dance
In this kingsize episode, Matty and Craig look back at 'Let's Dance', which earned Five their third #1 hit while simultaneously becoming the backdrop to the group's sudden implosion as they split before the single had even left the top 40. There are differing opinions on the song, and a music video that hasn't aged particularly well for several reasons. We also revisit how Five announced their split on MTV just four weeks after releasing their third album, 'Kingsize'...it's not an easy listen. Plus, fans of 'Inspector Gadget' rejoice because we even found time to talk about that, too! If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop To read about 'Let's Dance' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2021/08/09/five-lets-dance/ You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Jul 10, 2025 · 23 min
Will Young – Leave Right Now
This week, Matty and Craig look back at a seminal moment for pop music, when Will Young released Leave Right Now and proved there was life after TV talent shows with a critically and commercially acclaimed second album. We examine the origins of the track and how Eg White began by trying to write a Christmas song for Gareth Gates. We also discuss the single-shot music video and share some quirky chart stats, which saw Leave Right Now almost beaten to the #1 spot in the UK and belatedly enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2010. Plus, this was the era of the infamously terrible World Idol, and you'd better believe we have thoughts on that... If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Jul 3, 2025 · 21 min
Melanie C – I Turn To You
In this episode, Matty and Craig hit the Ibiza dancefloor to look back at Melanie C's I Turn To You. The fourth single from the Northern Star album received a remix by Hex Hector, which helped propel it to the top of the charts. We discuss misheard lyrics in the song, an unintentional Jurassic Park reference in the music video, and those all-important stats, which saw Melanie C become the first woman to score a #1 hit as part of a quintet, quartet, duo, and as a solo artist. If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop To read about I Turn To You on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/08/03/melanie-c-i-turn-to-you/ You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Jun 26, 2025 · 24 min
H & Claire – All Out Of Love
In this episode, we're looking back at H & Claire's third (and final) single, All Out Of Love. It's a song that, in many ways, marked a full-circle moment for the duo, reuniting them with a familiar team of Steps songwriters as they prepared to release their debut album. There's so much to discuss, not least a Jumanji-inspired dance break from the music video. Plus, Matty questions whether the track's key change is real, and the evidence against is compelling. Let us know your thoughts on that one...! If you like what we do, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you want even more exclusive Can't Stop The Pop content, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cantstopthepop To read about All Out Of Love on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/11/02/h-claire-all-out-of-love/ You can also follow us on: Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop YouTube: @cantstopthepop
Jun 6, 2025 · 29 min
Supersister – Coffee (Feat. Louise Fudge)
In this episode, we're joined by Louise Fudge - one third of Supersister - to talk about the group's iconic '00s hit, Coffee. Find out what inspired the lyrics, what the song's got in common with It's Raining Men, and which act were chosen to perform on Top Of The Pops instead of Supersister. We also discuss their recently released Lip Service album, the group's triumphant live comeback at Mighty Hoopla 2025 and what's next for Supersister. We had a latte fun (sorry) recording this one, so we hope you enjoy it! To read about 'Coffee' on Can't Stop The Pop: https://www.cantstopthepop.com/2020/09/28/supersister-coffee/ You can follow Supersister on Instagram: @supersister_official and TikTok: @supersister_official You can also follow us on Instagram: @mat_atkins9, @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast, @cantstop_thepop
Apr 25, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Pop-Off: Steps vs. S Club (Part 4)
Welcome to the fourth and final episode of a special series of Can't Stop The Pop X CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show, where we pit Steps against S Club in an almighty pop-off. Here's how it works: The singles from both acts were paired chronologically from their debut onwards, and we picked our favourite for each round. By this point, we're deep into the S Club Juniors/8-era of the S Club brand, as we compare and discuss: Here and Now vs New DirectionYou'll Be Sorry vs Puppy LoveChain Reaction vs Fool No MoreWords Are Not Enough vs SundownI Know Him So Well vs Don't Tell Me You're Sorry Which act will triumph? Listen to the full series of episodes to find out. Follow CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show on X: @cctvpops, Instagram: @cctvpops and on YouTube: @cctvpops Follow Craig on X: @cantstoppop, Instagram: @cantstop_thepop and TikTok: @cantstop_thepop Follow Matty on Instagram: @mat_atkins9 and TikTok: @cantstopthepoppodcast