One Hit Thunder

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...

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