# 1 Introduction [30 seconds]:

Intro Music/ Sound Effects

Carstens: Welcome back to the Pandora’s Box podcast, where we open a trending song up and see whats inside. I’m Sean Carstens, and I’m David Brown, DJ’s at Pandora here to offer analysis to help you better connect with your favorite songs.

# 2 Intro Music/sound effects [30 seconds]

# 3 Explanation of what's in store [30 seconds]

Brown: Today we’re taking a closer look into Usher’s hot new track, Kissing Strangers. Fresh off an incredible half-time show, this track is currently the second most-thumbed-up song on Pandora, right after HISS, which we unboxed last week.

# 4  Verse 1 [Duration__2 mins__ ]

Brown: Starting with the opening verse, Usher sings, “Is it messed up I hope you would be here Only so I could act like I don’t care?”

Carstens: From the get-go Usher is setting the tone of this track as one of unrequited love, something I’m sure we all know all too well.

Brown: Acting like we don’t care seems to be almost a universal human experience at this point right?

Carstens: Ain’t that the truth for real, its valentines day this week and I know we’re all gonna be thinking about the one that got away. Good think I have a Pandora playlist to keep me company this year. (Chuckle)

Brown: That’s more than can be said about you last year so I’d count it as a win. The next line, “Been a blur for the last two months” really ties this feeling into place I think.

Carstens: I agree for sure, it shows where the speaker’s mind is at as they recall everything that’s happened to get to this point.

Brown: I can relate for sure because its like when you realize its almost March and think to yourself that the year just started.

Carstens: No because I’m going to lose my mind over that, twenty-twenty four is going by so fast.

# 4 Pre-Chorus  [Duration 3 mins ]

Brown: Moving onto the Pre-Chorus, Usher is getting visceral

Carstens: That’s for sure, “got a glass on my lips and a burn in my chest” makes me FEEL

Brown: I can picture it so vividly it might take me out

Carstens: If you pass out in this studio the first thing I’m doing is take your DJ station off the air