I use another podcast app, and I downloaded Apple Podcasts just to leave a review for this show. That’s how much I love it! Kirk brings so much joy and enthusiasm to his music analysis, it is absolutely infectious. He makes me hear some of my favorite songs in a new and exciting way. And while I originally planned to listen only to the episodes on songs I already like, I now plan to listen to all of them, because I trust that Kirk will help me to enjoy them.

Kirk does such an amazing job with this podcast. The mark of a truly effective educator is not to simply state facts or point out salient features (this chord over that bass-line, etc) and then move on — looking at you, Rick B. — without regard for whether and how naive listeners will be able to absorb and understand the import, but to patiently break it down to the most basic level, with abundant repetition, adding layers of complexity only as and — most importantly — when it will be understandable for a non-musician. Kirk’s analysis is totally accessible and really hits home. At times, I find it emotionally overwhelming to be within the song or particular parts of a song for so long. The episodes on “Everybody wants to rule the World (TfF) & Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights” are truly outstanding acheivements; almost like pieces of art in and of themselves, worth repeat listens like the strong songs they feature. Aside from his musical and technical insights, Kirk also displays a remarkable ability to describe the emotional resonance of the music or lyric, and how it taps in to our personal vulnerabilities. After all, isn’t that what really makes music special? Now, if only he would do some Talk Talk …

I mean, really good. Check it out now

Kirk is such a master of breaking down that makes a song great. Episodes of this show have made me adore songs that I’ve never heard of in genres I’ve never liked. By breaking down the masterful work that the artists put into each song, you really start to appreciate the craft in a way that simply listening to music won’t give you. 5/5

As a music nerd, it’s nice to listen to a podcast that really dives deep on some great songs. I’ve loved to support this show since the beginning. 🖤

Come for the song; stay for Kirk Hamilton’s contagious enthusiasm, eloquent narrative, educational deconstruction, and masterful reconstruction!

I am a almost twelve years old but listen too tons of music that was recorded before I was born and I love the in depth dives into my favorite songs also can you do a episode on a new pornographers song or beatles I also listen too some of the more child appropriate triple click eposodes Totk for ever

So impossibly good, I need more!!! It covers so much!!! I play guitar and trumpet, but this podcast has made me think about music so different. Please do Weezer!!!!!! Preferably My Name is Jonas. Also maybe some AC/DC or Metallica. But definitely Weezer!!! (And by the way, the G7 in my name does reference the chord, it was the very first one I learned many many years ago.☺️)

I found this show by way of the podcast Twenty Thousand Hertz on their Dies Irae episode. And this is just the kind of podcast that I love to listen to. There’s so much good music, and Kirk is such a fun host- smart and playful. All of the listener Q&A episodes are very instructive, it’s so fun to hear Kirk answer questions from other music fans and musicians. I have learned SO much about music and music theory from every episode. This is the kind of podcast that the world needs. It’s pure, joyful, and instructive. So thank you, Kirk, for all of the work that you put into making this wonderful show!! It is very much appreciated.

Your TOTK episode just left me inconsolable, it’s exactly what I needed 6 months after the game. Thank you for the reminder of how incredible that game was to experience for the first time. If you ever feel the burning need to do a 6 hour intense breakdown of Zelda music, you’ll have listeners I promise.

My favorite time of the day is when I listen to this podcast when cooking meals. I like how Kirk breaks down songs and shows their nuances. Unfortunately, I’m not knowledgeable enough in terms of music to understand all the details. I’ve also discovered a lot of great songs through this podcast and learnt to appreciate the songs I knew more.

My favorite podcast in the world

This is a great podcast for both musicians and non-musicians alike. The host Kirk Hamilton dissects songs piece by piece to discuss how they were created and what makes them interesting, unique, and great. While he gets into composition and performance details that musicians will appreciate, he’s very articulate and makes it approachable for non-musicians. Mostly though his love for ‘strong songs’ comes through and each episode makes me appreciate the song he’s covering more deeply. I discovered this podcast about a month ago and have been tearing through the archive of episodes and I joined his Patreon.

This is an astonishing podcast. The host knows his stuff and his earnest, positive approach is a breath of fresh air. So many music history podcasts spend their time tearing music down while breaking it into key components, but Kirk shows a true appreciation for all the elements, regardless of how artists chose to put it together. You’ll never listen to your favorite song the same way again - you’ll like it even more.

Long time listener, that opera ep sent me right to your Patreon. That was INCREDIBLE.

Discovered this show recently (through a 20K Hertz episode about Zelda) and am very excited about it. I’m going back and listening to all the episodes. I am a hobby guitarist and songwriter, and this is just the perfect mix of music theory, cool things in the mix you probably didn’t notice, good explanations backed up by accurate recreations on his own instruments, a personable and professional host, and general enthusiasm for music. I learn something worth writing down from pretty much every episode.

I’ve always wondered if people hear beautiful, perfect songs the way I do, and the answer is “Yes!” I love the breakdowns here

... is that it will make you wish you were a better musician, and then very aptly remind you of the various tried-and-true methods of improving as a musician, thereby leaving the onus of effort on you, the desperately inspired listener. I love this show. I found it because another podcast (A More Civilized Age) mentioned Kirk's Strong Songs episode about the music of Andor. After listening to that and being drawn in by Kirk's cheerily optimistic (but not saccharine) tone, his earnest-seeming love for music and the various musical phenomenon he discusses. If you enjoy listening to music, learning about music history (biographical AND technical) but don't have a musical bone in your body (outside of your inner ear), I still think Strong Songs has a lot to offer, and who knows? Maybe Kirk will convince you to start voice lessons or pick up a guitar, or even a synthesizer.

Fantastic breakdown of songs, instrumentation, production techniques and even a little theory mixed in. A must listen for musicians wanting to produce their own or others music.

I’m a new listener—came over because this show was referenced in an episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz—and I’m an instant fan! Kirk’s voice is pleasant to listen to and he speaks in a friendly, easy way. I’m not a musician (aside from playing an instrument in high school) but I still feel like I understand even when he talks about nitty gritty musical theory stuff. I can’t wait to dive into the past episodes!

Kirk does a great job of making things accessible for casual music fans but still interesting for those with a little more depth of knowledge. He doesn't just stick with one type of music; he really knows and loves it all, which not only makes each episode new an interesting but also helps him make connections between different songs and artists.

Have you listened to the song “Fireflies” by Owl City? I think it’s a great song and would like it if you made an episode about it!

This has become my favorite podcast about music. Kirk Hamilton analyzes what makes songs great by deconstructing and reconstructing them from the bottom up. He digs down into the depths to isolate individual tracks but then swoops up to show how the unified whole works. It’s fun to hear some of my own faves get the Kirk treatment while also being introduced to songs I’ve never paid much attention to. I’ve gained new insights into music production. I’ve also learned how the best songs marry lyrics, harmony and melody in a perfect union. (Extra points for being from my hometown, PDX!)

Kirk hits the sweet spot for the well-informed, yet still amateur, music lover. So positive, so appreciative, so strong!

I’ve long believed every great song is a songwriting lesson, if you listen closely enough. Lovely to find someone else who believes the same. Listening to great writers in the round in Nashville is like graduate school, I found, and I treasure podcasts like this that helps us listen with discernment!

I love this podcast, and am looking forward to seeing for new episodes! My favorites are the Zelda and Dark Side Of The Moon episodes.

This podcast is incredible. It’s gotten me back into playing guitar and learning the piano. It has also been a great conversation starter for my daughter and me about what makes great music and listening to different aspects of a song. Thank you and keep up the great work!

I love it! I love all your episodes! Especially the Hamilton one!

This show is entertaining, educational, and simply joy inducing. Kirk Hamilton is an incredibly personable and knowledgeable host and musician. Every episode is fascinating and I find myself binge listening several at a time. I can’t get enough!

I recently discovered this podcast and I find it fantastic. I happy and appreciative to have found it. Maybe we can look forward to an episode about the curiously hypnotic Michael McDonald song I Keep Forgetting?

Kirk…you have a wonderful show! Thank you!

Top content on style and substance. Too much intro small talk.

Kirk is well-trained and has a load of experience and it shows. He uses this deep well of expertise to walk listeners through the ins and outs of songs without ever talking down to them. Regardless of your background, he serves as a guide to not only music theory but how contemporary music gets made.

The way he picks apart the music is so informative, yet entertaining! After an episode I’ll never hear the songs he’s discussed the same any more. He opens up so many dimensions of the songs!

This is such a fun way to learn about music

Love this podcast, it’s on of my favorite podcasts I’ve ever listened to in my life. Keep the work going👍🏼❤️.

Kirk is a gem, knowledgeable and humble and genuinely in love with music. It gets you hyped on the song all over again.

I’m not a musician but I love music, and this podcast is SO good. The variety of music is excellent, but the best part is Kirk’s genuine enthusiasm and positive attitude!

A family member just told me about this podcast. One listen and I’m hooked. Kirk is such a great listener and teacher. I’ve been making and studying music for 63 years and I’m thrilled by Kirk’s ability to analyze a song, and take me into a deeper appreciation of so many songs that have been the soundtrack of my life. I can’t remember ever being this jazzed by finding a new podcast!!!

If you love music and love to explore all the elements of what makes a song a song-this is a killer podcast. Kirk really knows his stuff and it’s easy to see that he is really a music fan, which makes the show super fun. Great variety of songs dissected.

Kirk explains every aspect in the song that is enjoyable for people who know a lot about music to people who know very little. The dark side of the moon episode is definitely my favorite, would love to see an episode on the wish you were here album someday

I’ve been listening to this podcast for about a month now. Along with improvising on the piano, this is my GO TO for finding musical inspiration!! I’m just so glad I found this podcast and that others are as passionate about music as I am. A typical couple of hours listening to this podcast I find myself smiling like a kid because of all the things I’m learning. Recommended for…ANYONE!!!

Kirk is a delight and this podcast rules! It’s like having your middle school music teacher hanging out with you and talking about “grooves.” Love this, love Kirk, and I’m always happy to hear about Appa!

Very insightful show about music.

Kirk Hamilton is a pleasure to listen to. He explains music theory in an understandable format. He showcases songs & delves not the details so you can enjoy them even more.

I just started listening to Strong Songs and it’s quickly shooting to the top of my list of favorite podcasts.

I started listening to Strong Songs after a friend recommended it. He suggested that I listen to some songs that I knew and loveed already to get Kirk’s excellent insights into them.That was great advice, and I learned so much more about songs I’d heard a hundred times or more. Then I went beyond that and decided to listen to Kirks show from the first episode onwards, paying special attention to songs I’d never heard of or actively disliked - for example, growing up in the late 60s and 70s I always thought of “Dancing Queen” as vapid bubblegum pop. Listening to Kirk’s exploration of these songs however I began to appreciate things I had never thought of before. I have come to see this podcast as a course in music theory and music appreciation, taught through songs, and I am so grateful for it. Bottom line, definitely a Strong Podcast. Thank you!!!

I have told everyone I know about this show. I would recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed popular music over the years. If you have any doubt, just listen to the episode on Prince’s “Kiss.” Absolute tour de force. Kirk is super-knowledgeable, broad-minded, multi-talented, and manages to explain the technical aspects of music and production in a way that enhances the sheer joy of it rather than over-intellectualizing it.

I never hear a song the same way again. Its like reading a book with your English teacher. You hear the song in ways you would not hear on your own. I love it!

This is a podcast that gives me joy. I’m not musically trained, hence Kirk Hamilton has helped me to appreciate details and nuances that I would otherwise be totally oblivious to. Some of my favorite episodes include The Wichita Lineman, Steely Dan, Hamilton, God Only Knows. And thank you for finally covering Joni Mitchell!!!