Wesley Morris sits down with the editor Niela Orr to dissect the lyrics, influences and drama behind the eight songs nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammys. Plus, the Beyoncé of it all.

On today’s episode

• Wesley Morris, a critic at large for The New York Times.

• Niela Orr, an editor for The New York Times Magazine.

The New York Times Audio app is home to journalism and storytelling, and provides news, depth and serendipity. If you haven’t already, download it here — available to Times news subscribers on iOS — and sign up for our weekly newsletter.