One Hit Thunder

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...

Get ready to step onto the dance floor of nostalgia as we unpack the sentimental anthem of fatherly love, "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle. If you've ever attended a wedding, chances are you've swayed to the heartfelt melody of this timeless track, which has become a staple choice for the cherished Father-Daughter Dance. However, amidst the emotions of this episode, there lies a strong and divis...

Emerging from the haunting echoes of gothic rock pioneered by Bauhaus, Love and Rockets swiftly conquered the college radio scene during the mid-80s. By 1989, the band had made a significant leap into the mainstream with their smash hit "So Alive," inspired by vocalist Daniel Ash's glimpse of a captivating woman across a dimly lit room. Join us this week as we're joined by Mustard Plug guitarist C...

We finally have the conclusion to our March Madness bracket for Singles Released in 1994. Who won the epic battle of Green Day's Basket Case vs. Counting Crow's Mr. Jones. But first we breakdown each song with some fun facts and history behind each song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Five years after New Kids On The Block disbanded, Jordan Knight made a comeback with a lively, carnival-themed song about wild sex. The track boasted a memorable video, a contemporary sound, and an irresistible chorus. Despite knocking it out of the park with “Give It To You”, Knight fell short in comparison to another former boy band member who ventured into solo territory. This week, we explore...

We officially have our final matchup! Who are the last 2 songs to make it? Listen and find out and then vote with the link below! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5FZ2ZMS Also hear some thoughts on Fall Out Boy covering Punchline at a show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're welcoming back a One Hit Thunder favorite—indie rap sensation Spose. He has brought with him the deepest cut we've discussed in ages: Bran Van 3000's "Drinking in L.A.," a song that soared in Canada but made only a small ripple in the States. Yet, for Spose, hailing from Maine where the song's melodies permeated the airwaves, it left an impression on him that remains even decades...

The voters have determined the Final Four of the Singles From 1994 March Madness tournament! Tune in to find out who's in and who's out, and then cast your vote for the Championship round! Vote below: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2HQCQLY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we One Hit Thunder? Who wants to know? Jimmy Ray seemed to possess all the makings of superstardom in the late 90s: a striking appearance, an unforgettable chorus that echoed his identity, and the backing of a renowned manager. He even embarked on a tour opening for one of the biggest boy bands of his time. Yet, as swiftly as he ascended, he vanished without a trace…until a few years ago. This...

We have our elite 8 for our March Madness Match-ups ... who makes it to the final four? Vote to make that decision! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M2PV57G Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we want to thank you all the great drivers out there. Maybe one of you helped inspire Geggy Tah to pen their hit "Whoever You Are". This laid-back track about letting you change lanes was a minor hit in the mid-90s and found itself in car commercials years later but unfortunately Geggy Tah couldn't get another hit. Fan of the band and Bampire director Taylor Morden joins us this week to...

We are moving into the Sweet 16 with the March Madness Poll! Make sure to get your votes in before Wednesday Night! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6VHKJ96 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a remarkable night in 1985, an ensemble of music's brightest stars united to record a benefit anthem. This song soared to become one of the best-selling singles in music history and has since served as a touchstone for parodies and cultural nods. In celebration of the recent Netflix documentary chronicling the recording session, we at One Hit Thunder have chosen to make an episode about this ic...

We decided to join the fun of March Madness by putting various singles from 30 years ago against each other! Please vote and make this the best March Madness. Vote for the 94 Rock Songs and Rap & Other Songs Here Vote for 93 Songs & Pop Music Here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it was from an 80s horror movie, a Simpsons joke, or your dad’s record collection, you have undoubtedly heard the psychedelic sounds of Iron Butterfly’s 17-minute-long opus “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”. This week, we’re joined by Joey Ritter to discuss extended drum solos, wild conspiracies, and the bizarre career of these hard rock pioneers that sold over 30 million copies of their landmark album...

“Crush” became a surprise hit for the previously unknown Jennifer Paige in the fall of 1998. Before her album was even released, she was out on the road, performing the song on television in support of her newfound fame. Unfortunately, she was never able to match the heights of the meteoric rise of her debut single. Our Patreon supporters demanded it, so this week, Matt and I dive into this iconic...

It could be argued that 1994 is the greatest year for music EVER, so the DREAM TEAM of Chris, Matt, Matthew Milligan, and Tony Hartman are once again reunited to try to outbid each other for the best of the best! A fifth drafter - returning guest Jim Logrando - is also added to the mix, adding an extra layer of complexity and competition to this fun exercise in budgeting money while gushing over s...

Last night was the Super Bowl, so naturally, Chris watched for the love of the sport, while Matt tuned in for the love of funny commercials and the halftime show. Today, they break down their thoughts on Usher's Halftime Performance and also quickly go over their favorite commercials. They discuss who will play the Super Bowl halftime show next, commercials for Jesus, and the once-in-a-lifetime ta...

It’s Super Bowl week here at One Hit Thunder, and to celebrate, we’re playing fast and loose with the term “hit” so we can discuss multi-sport athlete turned musician Deion Sanders and his 1994 single “Must Be The Money.” If you were a sports fan in the '90s, you knew how electrifying Prime Time was on the field, but did he match that intensity on the mic? Hammer seemed to think so, even if the pu...

Last night Chris and Matt watched the 66th Annual Grammy Awards and today they're discussing their thoughts. The show was more a collection of performances than anything else so they discuss the best and worst performances and any award upsets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you played Rock Band or Guitar Hero in the mid-2000s, you know DragonForce. If you mastered their power metal classic "Through the Fire and Flames," you'd be the talk of any party (the talk being, "imagine if that guy could actually play that song on a real guitar instead of tapping colors on a piece of plastic"). Joining us this week is One Hit Thunder favorite Matt DiStefano to discuss this c...

This week, we’re joined by my friend (and the only person I know who’s competed on The Voice) Jimmy Mowery to discuss one of his favorite songs from the ‘90s, Dog’s Eye View’s “Everything Falls Apart”. This quickly written song about a hangover was everywhere in 1996, and vocalist and songwriter Peter Stuart seemed to be a favorite of many of his more well-known contemporaries…so why did it all se...