#15 TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY - Kendrick Lamar (Part 1)

#15 TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY - Kendrick Lamar (Part 1)

EPISODE 15! It's been awhile, but WE ARE BACK & ready to dive into the next album. We’re talking To Pimp a Butterfly — Kendrick Lamar’s sprawling, ambitious masterpiece that blends hip-hop, jazz, funk, soul, and spoken word into one of the most important albums of the 21st century. It’s personal, political and relentlessly creative, tackling everything from race, identity, fame, depression, and self-worth to the complexities of success in America. In Part 1, we journey through the first 8 tracks, unpacking its layered storytelling, powerful themes, and groundbreaking production. From explosive anthems and razor-sharp social commentary to moments of vulnerability and self-reflection, every song adds another piece to Kendrick’s larger narrative. Whether you've loved this record for years or you're experiencing its brilliance for the first time, this is an album that rewards every listen—and we're diving deep into what makes it such a landmark achievement in modern music. Show links: - Kendrick Lamar & Rick Rubin Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lPD5PtqMiE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lPD5PtqMiE] - Kendrick Lamar Interviews N.W.A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJyss8iTWVw [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJyss8iTWVw] Follow Us: Instagram — @thebudspoduk YouTube — / @thebudspodcastuk Email — ⁠thebudspodcastuk@gmail.com [thebudspodcastuk@gmail.com] (we want to hear from you and find out your favourite, most loved albums to cover in a future episode!) ⁠ Hit follow/subscribe to catch more weekly album deep dives, breakdowns, and unapologetic music nerdery.

#14 SOME DEVIL - Dave Matthews

Episode 14 is upon us, and spending some time with Some Devil by Dave Matthews* — a record that feels less like a big statement piece and more like sitting across from someone telling you exactly where they’re at in life. Released in 2003 as Dave Matthews’ only true solo studio album, Some Devil strips away a lot of the huge live-band energy people associate with him and replaces it with something quieter, warmer, and way more vulnerable. It’s reflective without feeling overly polished, emotional without trying too hard, and full of the kind of songwriting that sneaks up on you after a few listens. We talk about how the album blends folk, soft rock, and subtle Americana influences into something that feels incredibly human — especially on tracks like “Stay or Leave,” “So Damn Lucky,” and “Gravedigger.” There’s this constant tension between hope and sadness running through the whole thing, and it’s probably why the album still connects with people more than 20 years later. We also get into the legacy of the record, including “Gravedigger” winning the Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 2004, and why Some Devil still feels like one of the most honest and underrated projects Dave Matthews has ever released. More than anything, this episode is really about why albums like this stick with us — the records that don’t need to shout to leave an impact. Expect honest reactions, favourite moments, deep dives into the lyrics and production, and the usual unapologetic music nerdery. If you’ve loved this album for years, or you’re hearing it for the very first time, this one’s for you. 🎧 Episode links: - "Sister" - Dave Matthews: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuxQUQaAe0c⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuxQUQaAe0c] - Dave & Tim Live at Radio City Music Hall: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNmJoLyivIc&list=RDGNmJoLyivIc&start_radio=1⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNmJoLyivIc&list=RDGNmJoLyivIc&start_radio=1] Follow / Like / Subscribe: Instagram — @thebudspoduk YouTube — @thebudspodcastuk Email — thebudspodcastuk@gmail.com Hit follow or subscribe to catch more weekly album deep dives, breakdowns, and passionate overanalysis of the music we love.

#13 KISS ALL THE TIME, DISCO OCCASIONALLY - Harry Styles

After a significant break, we are back with Episode 13, and it’s all about Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally by Harry Styles — a record that leans hard into dance, glamour, and electronic late-night energy. From the first listen, it feels like a blend of hazy disco floors, soft-focus synth pop, and that signature modern pop polish. We’re breaking down how Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally pulls from retro influences — think shimmering ‘70s disco textures, ‘80s pop sensibilities, and understated funk rhythms — while still keeping things intimate and emotionally grounded. There’s a push and pull between carefree, danceable moments and more reflective, lovestruck lyricism, giving the album a dual personality that really stands out. We get into the production choices, the songwriting, the standout tracks, and whether this blend of nostalgia and modern pop evolution actually lands. Expect hot takes, honest reactions, and the usual unapologetic music nerdery. If you’re deciding whether to dive into this album or just want to hear two friends dissect it track by track… this one’s for you. 🎧 Follow / Like / Subscribe: Instagram — @thebudspoduk YouTube — @thebudspodcastuk Email — thebudspodcastuk@gmail.com Hit follow or subscribe to catch more weekly album deep dives, breakdowns, and passionate overanalysis of the music we love.

#12 CLOSER TO HAPPY - Joseph

This week, we’re back to our long form episodes giving this one the full deep-dive treatment 👀 Episode 12 is all about Closer to Happy by Joseph — a record that’s caught our attention and refuses to let go. From first impressions to standout moments, we’re breaking down what works, what surprised us, and where this album really hits. We get into the sound, the songwriting, the emotional core of the project, and whether Closer to Happy lives up to its name. Expect hot takes, honest reactions, and the usual unapologetic music nerdery. If you’re deciding whether to dive into this album or just want to hear two friends dissect it track by track… this one’s for you. 🎧 Follow / Like / Subscribe: Instagram — @thebudspoduk YouTube — @thebudspodcastuk Email — thebudspodcastuk@gmail.com Hit follow or subscribe to catch more weekly album deep dives, breakdowns, and passionate overanalysis of the music we love.

#11 NEW & UPCOMING ALBUMS (2026)

This week, we’re diving headfirst into the future of our playlists 👀 It’s all about new and upcoming albums — the releases we’re counting down to, the projects we’re cautiously optimistic about, and the ones we already know are about to dominate our rotation. From long-awaited returns to surprise announcements, we’re breaking down what’s landing soon, what’s got us excited, and what might just reshape the music conversation over the next few months. Expect predictions, expectations, wild speculation, and the usual unapologetic music nerdery. If you’re wondering what to pre-save, what to circle on the calendar, and what to emotionally prepare for… this one’s for you. 🎧 Follow / Like / Subscribe: Instagram — @thebudspoduk YouTube — @thebudspodcastuk Email — thebudspodcastuk@gmail.com Hit follow or subscribe to catch more weekly album deep dives, breakdowns, and passionate overanalysis of the music we love.