Hit Parade

What makes a song a smash? Talent? Luck? Timing? All that—and more.

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About the Show

Chris Molanphy, a 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.

Host

  • Chris Molanphy is a feature writer and critic who writes widely about music and the pop charts.

What a Fool Believes Edition

How Yacht Rock, a genre invented in the ’00s, gave a name to the smooth West Coast music of the ’70s and ’80s.

The Bridge: Lilith’s Winding Road

Chris Molanphy talks to critic Jessica Hopper about how the all-women ’90s festival beat the live-music odds.

Building a Herstory Edition

Lilith Fair broke through music’s glass ceiling and affirmed women’s command of ’90s rock, pop and hip-hop.

The Bridge: Many Ways to be OutKasted

Chris Molanphy talks to OutKast expert Regina Bradley about what they meant to Southern hip-hop.

Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture Edition

How OutKast rose above the ’90s rap feud between East and West by redirecting the music South.

The Bridge: Piano Man, Everyman

Chris Molanphy talks to special musical guest Julian Velard about Billy Joel’s singular authenticity.

Still Billy Joel to Me Edition

The so-called Piano Man often avoided the ivories, turning a range of styles and genres into Billy Joel music.

The Bridge: Hits Don’t Lie

Chris Molanphy talks to guest Eduardo Cepeda about Latin music’s journey to the center of American pop.

La Vida Loca Edición

How Ricky, J.Lo and Shakira changed Latin crossover—taking America from “La Bamba” to “Despacito”

The Bridge: Wesley on Whitney

Chris Molanphy talks to guest Wesley Morris about Whitney Houston’s vocal genius and crossover means.

I’m Your Whitney Tonight Edition

Whitney Houston’s chart history helps explain why she was so unprecedented—and remains so controversial.

The Bridge: Living in an Amish Paradise

Chris Molanphy talks to preeminent Weird Al chronicler Nathan Rabin about Yankovic’s many phases, monocultural satire, and use of nostalgia to stay relevant over a decadeslong career.

The White and Nerdy Edition

Novelty songs were a tough way to make a music career. Until one self-proclaimed Weird guy turned parodies into pop classics.

The Bridge: Legacy of the Elusive Chanteuse

Chris Molanphy and guest Rich Juzwiak on Mariah Carey’s chart history, whether she’ll score that 20th No.1 hit, and why imperfect pop stars are the best kind.

Make My Wish Come True Edition

How Mariah Carey overcame the chart bias against Christmas music to score a No. 1 holiday song after 25 years.

The Bridge: Queens Bey, Rih, and Robyn Reign Over Different Kingdoms

Chris Molanphy and Bridge producer Asha Saluja discuss who won the 2010s in music.

Rolling in God’s Royal Uptown Road Edition

How memes, streams, and crossover dreams drove the hits of the 2010s.

The Bridge: Genre vs. Generation, ’80s to ’10s

Chris Molanphy and Ned Raggett discuss the ’80s wave of British alt-rock.

The Lost and Lonely Edition

Three decades ago, the biggest alternative rock came with a British accent—and morose lyrics.

The Bridge: Rain Sounds and Moody Goths

Chris Molanphy and Aisha Harris talk about the song template Janet Jackson’s producers spun into five hits.