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In episode twenty‑five of Skip’d, Rob & Mike step into the world of Beyoncé’s 2011 masterstroke '4' — the album that marked her boldest artistic pivot yet. Trading in the club‑ready sheen of her earlier hits for a richer, more soulful palette, 4 is a celebration of vocal power, emotional depth, and fearless creative control. From the triumphant blast of “Love On Top” to the simmering heartbreak of “I Miss You,” Beyoncé crafted a record that feels both timeless and intensely personal, a love letter to classic R&B delivered with modern‑day precision. It’s the soundtrack for late‑night reflections, big life decisions, and every moment you need to remind yourself who you are.

What’s inside:

• A breakdown of standout moments like “Love On Top,” “Countdown,” and the soaring balladry of “1+1”
• A deep dive into Beyoncé’s artistic shift — exploring her decision to step away from trends, embrace live instrumentation, and build an album rooted in emotion rather than chart expectations
• Reflections on the album’s initially mixed reception, its long‑term critical reappraisal, and whether 4 represents the true turning point in Beyoncé’s evolution into a full‑fledged auteur
• Plus the moment that Mike draws the dots between Queen Bey and comedian Bo Burnham.

Stream Skip’d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that marks a turning point — for an artist or for you? Send it our way, and Rob & Mike will put it to the test to see if it’s truly unskippable.

Find all the links you need at https://linktr.ee/skipdpod

In episode twenty‑four of Skip’d, Rob & Mike crank up the arena lights and dive into Foreigner’s 1981 juggernaut 4 — the multi‑platinum monster that reshaped the band’s sound and cemented their place in rock history. Packed with glossy production, razor‑sharp songwriting, and Lou Gramm’s powerhouse vocals, 4 is the moment Foreigner evolved from hard‑rock hitmakers into stadium‑filling titans. From the pulse of “Urgent” to the immortal power‑ballad glow of “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” this album became the soundtrack for late‑night drives, neon‑lit jukeboxes, and every moment that demanded extra drama.

What’s inside:

• A breakdown of classics like “Juke Box Hero,” “Urgent,” and the slow‑burn perfection of “Waiting for a Girl Like You”
• A look at how 4 marked a major sonic shift — exploring the band’s altered line-up, Mutt Lange’s high‑gloss production, and the album’s push toward a more radio‑dominant, synth‑enhanced sound
• Reflections on the album’s massive commercial impact, the tensions behind its creation, and whether 4 represents Foreigner at their creative peak or their most calculated reinvention
• Plus the time that Mike attempts to re-create his own synth noises that even Gary Newman would be proud of.

Stream Skip’d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that defined your youth, your record collection, or your idea of what rock should sound like? Send it our way — Rob & Mike will put it to the test and decide if it’s truly unskippable.

Find all the links you need at https://linktr.ee/skipdpod

In episode twenty‑three of Skip’d, Rob and Mike welcome in 2026 in style with Rob’s pick off the back of his somewhat dubious win of the Skip’d Festive Fun podcast.

This week they dive headfirst into the velvet‑drenched darkness of HIM’s 2000 cult classic Razorblade Romance — the album that catapulted the Finnish “love metal” pioneers from underground curiosity to international gothic icons.

Drenched in neon‑pink melancholy, theatrical heartbreak, and Ville Valo’s unmistakable baritone, the record blends doom‑laden riffs with pop‑leaning hooks in a way no band had dared before. From the seductive ache of “Join Me in Death” to the swaggering gloom of “Right Here in My Arms,” Razorblade Romance became the soundtrack for teenage bedrooms, eyeliner‑smudged nights out, and anyone who ever believed heartbreak could be both tragic and glamorous.

What’s inside:

• A breakdown of defining moments like “Join Me in Death,” “Gone With the Sin,” and the anthemic “Right Here in My Arms”
• A look at how Razorblade Romance sharpened HIM’s identity — exploring the band’s shift toward a more polished, melodic, and radio‑ready sound without losing their gothic edge
• Reflections on the album’s creation, how this album shaped HIM’s future sound and Rob recalls the first time he ever heard one of the tracks in a bizarre turn of events.

Stream Skip’d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album that shaped your teenage angst, your first heartbreak, or your entire aesthetic? Send it our way — Rob & Mike will put it to the test and decide if it’s truly unskippable.