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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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.

Episode 10 is out now!

This week on Songs On The Couch, we’re turning it up Aussie-style with Ego Is Not a Dirty Word by Skyhooks — the glam-rock anthem that dared to celebrate confidence, challenge conformity, and raise eyebrows in 1970s Australia.

We explore the bold lyrics, the theatrical sound, and the psychological punch behind Skyhooks’ unapologetic swagger—and why ego might just deserve a little redemption.