Songs On The Couch

Episode 20 - Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You

Love it. Hate it. Hear it against your will every December.
This week on Songs on the Couch, we tackle the most unavoidable Christmas song of all time: Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” We break down how a song written in 1994 became a yearly cultural event, a retail worker’s nightmare, and a festive juggernaut that refuses to die.
On the couch, we explore the psychology behind why this song brings some people joy and sends others into a blind rage. From nostalgia manipulation and overexposure fatigue to forced cheer and seasonal emotional overload, we ask the big question: do people actually hate the song…or what it represents?
Lets unwrap the song everyone pretends they don’t know all the words to!

Episode 19 - Sam Smith - Unholy

In this episode of Songs on the Couch, we dive deep into Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ explosive hit “Unholy.” We break down the song’s dark, industrial-pop production, the choral hook that feels both sacred and subversive, and the musical choices that made this track an instant global phenomenon.
On the psychology couch, we explore the song’s themes of secrecy, shame, rebellion, and empowerment - and this time, we also dive into personal identity. From the public’s shifting perception of Sam Smith to the way Unholy embraces self-expression without apology, we discuss how identity, authenticity, and cultural expectations all collide in this track. We unpack how the song reflects Smith's evolution as an artist and as a person stepping fully into who they are.
Expect humor, music-nerd deep dives, and meaningful reflections as we explore how Unholy became not just a chart-topper, but a statement of self.

Episode 18 - Prince - When Doves Cry

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

Episode 17 - Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer

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

Episode 16 - Lewis Capaldi - Forget Me

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

Episode 15 - Seal - Kiss From a Rose

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

Episode 14 - Billy Joel - Pressure

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

Episode 13 - Green Day - Boulevard of Broken Dreams

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

Episode 12 - Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up

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

Episode 11 - Black Sabbath - Paranoid

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