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.

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.

State of the World Edition

Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation redefined pop style 30 years ago—and generated more hits than any album, ever.

The Bridge: Ladies of the Canyon and the Rhythm Nation

How a couple of major hit-makers fulfilled their chart destinies from the ’60s to the ’90s.

We Are Stardust, We Are Gold-Certified Edition

Sure, Woodstock was a legendary festival—but it also turned several performers into chart-topping stars.

The Bridge: Nostalgic for No. 1s

How soon is too soon to mine pop’s past for a new hit?

Without the Beatles Edition

Only three Lennon-McCartney songs not by the Beatles topped the Hot 100. And they’re all strange.

The Bridge: Farewell, Lilith Fan

A new female-focused concert series could include alt-rockers like Alanis Morisette and rising hip-hop stars like Lizzo.

Hit Parade: The Lullaby of Broadway Edition

Music from Broadway used to top the charts before rock and rap made the musical old hat—but show tunes are making a comeback.

The Bridge: The Give My Regards Edition

Slate’s music history podcast is here to quiz you with some Broadway trivia.

Hit Parade: The Invisible Miracle Sledgehammer Edition

Meet chart overachievers Genesis: ’70s prog rockers turned ’80s pop juggernaut, spinning off multiple careers, countless hits, and thundering drums.

The Bridge: The Monster Drums Edition

Slate’s music history podcast is here to quiz you with some trivia.

Hit Parade: The Posthumous Hits Edition, Live From Seattle

Dearly beloved, we gather on the charts to get through this thing called life … and death. Live from MoPOP in Seattle, Hit Parade tells the stories of some of the biggest chart toppers from beyond the grave.