Hit Parade | Music History and Music ...
What makes a song a smash? Talent? Luck? Timing? All that—and more. Chris Molanphy, pop-chart analyst and author of Slate’s “Why Is This Song No. 1?” series, tells tales from a half-century of chart history. Through storytelling, trivia and song snippets, Chris dissects how that song you love—or hate—dominated the airwaves, made its way to the top of the charts and shaped your memories forever.
Get more Hit Parade with Slate Plus! Join for monthly early-access episodes, bonus episodes of "The Bridge," and ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Hit Parade show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/hitparadeplus to get access wherever you listen.
1
Mighty Real Edition Part 2
From Little Richard to Chappell Roan, queer artists have always been vanguards of pop, even when they have not been out.
59 min
2
Mighty Real Edition Part 1
From Little Richard to Chappell Roan, queer artists have always been vanguards of pop, even when they have not been out.
56 min
3
All Apologies Edition Part 2
Nirvana and grunge pulled alternative rock from the left of the dial to the center of the charts.
57 min
4
All Apologies Edition Part 1
Nirvana and grunge pulled alternative rock from the left of the dial to the center of the charts.
62 min
5
Only Girl in the World Edition Part 2
Rihanna was the most prolific 21st century chart-topper before bowing out of the game.
51 min
6
Only Girl in the World Edition Part 1
Rihanna was the most prolific 21st century chart-topper before bowing out of the game.
53 min
7
Singing Nuns and Green Tambourines Edition Part 2
The 1960s will always be associated with counterculture and the Summer of Love, but the decade’s pop charts were full of novelty, schlock and bubblegum.
54 min
8
Singing Nuns and Green Tambourines Edition Part 1
The 1960s will always be associated with counterculture and the Summer of Love, but the decade’s pop charts were full of novelty, schlock and bubblegum.
47 min
9
Material Girl in an Imperial World Edition Part 2
Pet Shop Boys coined the term “imperial phase” to describe a pop star’s untouchable era. In the ’80s, Madonna lived it.
40 min
10
Material Girl in an Imperial World Edition Part 1
Pet Shop Boys coined the term “imperial phase” to describe a pop star’s untouchable era. In the ’80s, Madonna lived it.
61 min
11
The Freewheelin’ Edition Part 2
A Complete Unknown depicts Bob Dylan’s ’60s cultural explosion—but all his chart-topping albums came decades later.
56 min
12
The Freewheelin’ Edition Part 1
A Complete Unknown depicts Bob Dylan’s ’60s cultural explosion—but all his chart-topping albums came decades later.
58 min
13
Introducing Broken Record: "Norah Jones Begins ...
82 min
14
The Bridge: Slate Music Club 2024
35 min
15
I’d Like to Teach the World to Buy Edition Part 2
38 min
16
I’d Like to Teach the World to Buy Edition Part 1
53 min
17
Say a Little Prayer Edition Part 2
How Aretha Franklin became not only the Queen of Soul but a massive pop star, earning respect with amazing grace.
52 min
18
Say a Little Prayer Edition Part 1
How Aretha Franklin became not only the Queen of Soul but a massive pop star, earning respect with amazing grace.
55 min
19
With or Without U2 Edition Part 2
How Bono and the boys pivoted from the earnest ’80s to the ironic ’90s. They’ve always been both cool and cringe.
52 min
20
With or Without U2 Edition Part 1
How Bono and the boys pivoted from the earnest ’80s to the ironic ’90s. They’ve always been both cool and cringe.
59 min
21
What’s 1984 Got to Do with It Edition Part 2
57 min
22
What’s 1984 Got to Do with It Edition Part 1
61 min
23
Building a Herstory Edition Part 2
42 min
24
Building a Herstory Edition Part 1
46 min
25
Song(s) of the Summer Edition Part 2
55 min