Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond - Pushkin Loves Love Songs: Babyface, Broken Hearts, and the Best Genre for Love

Pushkin Loves Love Songs: Babyface, Broken Hearts, and the Best Genre for Love

02/14/25 • 36 min

Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond

Nothing says romance like a perfect playlist—except, maybe, a special network-wide episode about love songs.

In this Valentine’s Day special, Broken Record hosts Justin Richmond and Leah Rose make their cases: is R&B the undisputed sound of love? Are sad songs more romantic? Can country win the day?

Plus, the legendary songwriter Babyface talks about how young love shaped his most enduring ballads, Malcolm Gladwell breaks down the perfect break up song, and Ben Naddaff-Hafrey writes a love song of his own.

Whether you're mid-swoon or nursing a broken heart, this episode is our valentine to you.

Listen to Broken Record’s interview with Babyface.

Listen to a Revisionist History episode about sad songs.

And hear more from Ben’s band, Rookin.

Plus, our battle of the playlists continues... here’s Leah’s sad songs playlist. And Justin’s for love songs. Pick your fighter and... enjoy!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nothing says romance like a perfect playlist—except, maybe, a special network-wide episode about love songs.

In this Valentine’s Day special, Broken Record hosts Justin Richmond and Leah Rose make their cases: is R&B the undisputed sound of love? Are sad songs more romantic? Can country win the day?

Whether you're mid-swoon or nursing a broken heart, this episode is our valentine to you.

Listen to Broken Record’s interview with Babyface.

Listen to a Revisionist History episode about sad songs.

And hear more from Ben’s band, Rookin.

Plus, our battle of the playlists continues... here’s Leah’s sad songs playlist. And Justin’s for love songs. Pick your fighter and... enjoy!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Previous Episode

Smokey Robinson

As if having one of the most beautiful and distinctive voices of all time weren’t enough, Smokey Robinson is also one of the greatest songwriters ever, a top-notch producer, engaging performer, and an indispensable part of Motown's legacy. In other words: he’s an institution of American music unto himself.

On February 19th, Smokey turns 85, and as he prepares to head out for another run on the road including a three night engagement at the Venetian in Las Vegas, Smokey sat down with Justin Richmond for a conversation about his incredible life and legacy.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Smokey Robinson songs HERE.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next Episode

Will Smith

Big Willie is back! He's traded his larger than life, excessively positive raps for something more dark and complex but equally inspiring. Anyone following Will’s trajectory the last handful of years, or those who've read his wonderful autobiography knows he’s been on a journey of self-discovery and healing. That’s left him wide open to be a bit of a different artist than he’s been in the past. It also drew him back into music. Will’s new project Based On A True Story will be coming out in three parts this year with part one dropping in March.

Justin Richmond discusses where Will's at as a creator on this new album, and goes through his decades long career in music, which dates back in his teen years in Philly.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Will Smith songs HERE.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.