One Hit Thunder

This is a Patreon episode we released almost 2 months ago that we liked so much we wanted to share this on the main feed! Get more conversations like this every single week at www.patreon.com/ohtpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're taking a little turn on the catwalk with special guest PJ Caruso as we dive into the early '90s phenomenon that is Right Said Fred's "I'm Too Sexy." PJ decided it had been too long since we last covered a truly novelty track, and this one tops the charts in that category. It's almost baffling that we have to say this, but if you're listening in the UK, you already know that Right...

It's no secret to long time listeners that Matt is a MASSIVE fan of the New Radicals and their lone album "Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too", so when he heard that the band did a surprise drop of 2 new songs after 25 years he couldn't want to talk about it. Join him and Chris on their immediate reactions to the new songs "Lost Stars" and "Murder on the Dancefloor" Learn more about your ad choices...

We've covered Deion Sanders and Eddie Murphy on the podcast, but there's still a treasure trove of celebrities turned musicians to discuss. However, the case of Bruce Willis is extra strange. A year before Die Hard transformed him from a TV star to a full-blown movie star, he released the album The Return of Bruno, featuring the Top 10 hit "Respect Yourself." This album of mostly cover songs was r...

Matt really let this one slide for no other reason than it's one of his favorite songs, but there's a pretty good chance you don't know "The Whole of the Moon" by The Waterboys. In this episode of One Hit Thunder, we dive into this overlooked gem from 1985. Matt discovered the song through a Netflix Christmas movie, while our guest Paul Menotiades heard it through a friend, and for both of them, i...

With the 25th anniversary of Jimmie's Chicken Shack's album Bring Your Own Stereo upon us, we're diving into their eclectic catalog, spotlighting their 1999 single "Do Right." Known for running the full gamut of musical styles—sometimes to the point where it might be too much—the band's versatility is both a strength and a challenge. Depending on your perspective, Jimmie's Chicken Shack might be a...

This week, Gene the Werewolf frontman Jon Belan joins us to dive into Nicolette Larson's 1978 hit "Lotta Love." As a young dreamer, Larson headed to San Francisco, where her talent quickly caught the attention of noteworthy artists, leading to collaborations with legends like Neil Young. As luck would have it, she discovered "Lotta Love" on a demo tape lying on the floor of Neil's car. Her voice p...

Patreon voted for this, so we're diving deep into the world of weed and hip-hop with Luniz (yes, their name is pronounced "Loonies") and their 1995 hit "I Got 5 On It." Both Matt and I were blown away by just how massive this song was when it dropped—contrary to what you might think, it was already a Top 10 hit long before it was resurrected by Jordan Peele’s movie Us. And let's not forget, Luniz...

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by my longtime friend and music aficionado Shaun Rohland to celebrate the 1969 flower power anthem “Something In the Air” by Thunderclap Newman. We dive into how this song - with its reminder that “we got to get together sooner or later” - perfectly embodies the spirit of its era. Exploring the band’s intriguing history and its connections to The Who, we ponder...

This week, Zao guitarist Scott Mellinger joins us to explore Mountain's 1970 smash hit "Mississippi Queen." We ride the musical train back to the roots of metal, exploring how this southern rock anthem, with Leslie West's iconic guitar riffs and raw vocals, helped shape the heavy metal landscape. We trace the genre's evolution from its gritty beginnings to its modern, head-banging incarnations, an...

In this week’s episode, we dive into the Canadian rock band Default and their 2001 hit "Wasting My Time," a song that left an indelible mark on what many would call the "butt rock" genre. Our Patreon supporters voted for this track, so Matt and I are breaking down the elements that make this tune both memorable and, in some ways, quintessentially generic rock. Default's name feels fitting as we st...

This week, we’re thrilled to be joined by Joe and Toby of the Riffs on Riffs podcast to dive into the compelling story of mid-90s artist Tracy Bonham and her iconic hit “Mother Mother.” Tracy, a classically trained musician for over a decade, collaborated with producers who had helped bring Radiohead and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones to the ears of millions, infusing her music with a unique blend of...

Today, the new Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F movie has dropped on Netflix, and in honor of that, Matt and I decided to dive into the iconic theme song "Axel F," written by Harold Faltermeyer. This breakdance-inspired instrumental not only became a Top 5 hit but also defined the sound of the '80s. We explore the artistry behind this unforgettable tune, marvel at the intense talent of composer Harold Fa...

In this exciting episode, Chris Fafalios, Matt Kelly, Tony Hartman, Matthew Milligan, and Matt DiStefano dive into an auction draft to see who can curate the best batch of albums from the iconic year of 1984. Armed with a theoretical $100 each, the guys strategically bid on classics from Madonna, Prince, Springsteen, Van Halen, Metallica, and The Cars, while also trying to snag some hidden gems fr...

Ah, the 80s—a time when every celebrity had a secret (or not-so-secret) desire to dominate the music charts. But no actor-turned-singer had a more meteoric rise—and equally swift backlash—than Eddie Murphy. His Rick James-penned chorus for "Party All the Time" might be an earworm you can't escape, but let's be real: the rest of the song is as forgettable as a VHS tape in a Netflix era. This week,...

In the year 1988, Johnny Hates Jazz came just shy of having the number one song in America. Despite their rapid rise to fame, the band disbanded before the year had even ended. This week, we dive into the short-lived career of the band, exploring their international success, the sudden end of their journey, and how it feels impossible that Matt had never heard this song before. Join us as we piece...

Labeling RuPaul as a one-hit wonder seems preposterous in theory. RuPaul has not only hosted a successful talk show and appeared in multiple hit films but also helms the immensely successful RuPaul’s Drag Race. However, all of this success was catalyzed by the song “Supermodel”, RuPaul’s lone charting hit. Joining us this week is Joe Ferejan, host of Fright School, who helps us strut out stuff on...

In this episode, we dive into the infectious groove of Warren G's 1994 smash hit "Regulate," featuring the smooth vocals of the "King of Hooks," Nate Dogg. While we're taking some liberties with what constitutes a one hit wonder, we're willing to wager that amidst a few other notable chart appearances, you're most familiar with the iconic "Regulate." It's a perfect storm of a great sample, Warren...

In this episode of One Hit Thunder, we dive headfirst into the freshly released Apple Music 100 Best Albums list, offering our unfiltered, instant reactions to the selections. From timeless classics like The Beatles and Björk to modern trailblazers like Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish, we dissect each choice with a blend of praise and critique. We don't hold back as we highlight where we think Ap...

If you were putting together an informercial for a compilation of ‘90s hits, it’s almost certain that a clip of Jesus Jones “Right Here Right Now” would snag a good 8 second chunk of it. This incredibly optimistic alternative rock anthem captured the essence of revolutionary change in Europe and beyond, just a few months before the rise of grunge music made apathy seem decidedly cooler. Joining us...

In this week's episode, we embark on a journey through the melodic landscape of Minnie Riperton's unforgettable 1975 hit "Lovin' You," where every note carries the essence of her unparalleled vocal mastery. While the song's presence in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials keeps it firmly in the public consciousness, facets of the life of the woman behind it may be surprising. More than a si...

During an era dominated by TRL and boy bands, soulDecision's "Faded" resonated with its infectious melody, showcasing the band’s unique fusion of musicianship and pop sensibilities (a formula that worked wonders only a few years later for Maroon 5). Setting themselves apart from the manufactured acts of the time, the band not only wrote their own songs but also skillfully played their own instrume...

You may remember this week's song as the theme song to a 90s teen drama, but buckle up because you're about to learn about the long and prolific career of BoDeans before they broke into the mainstream with "Closer to Free". Believe it or not, this influential jangle pop staple were a favorite of fans and critics alike for well over a decade before their big break. Thanks to our Patreon supporters,...

Join us this week as we welcome back comedian and reality show star John Franklin to explore the irresistible "Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners. While you may only remember them for their one US hit and for dressing in overalls, Dexys Midnight Runners are far more than just a novelty act. Led by the visionary Kevin Rowland, the band is a fully fledged concept group, revered by critics and...

Taylor Swift released THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT this morning as well as a version with 15 bonus tracks called THE ANTHOLOGY. Chris and Matt woke up at 5:30am to listen to it and give you their immediate reactions on it. The world has been begging for two guys with a podcast about one hit wonders to weigh in on Taylor Swift's eleventh album and we were happy to oblige! Learn more about your ad...