Podcasts

Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia

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.

Latest episodes

All Apologies Edition Part 1

4 days ago - 69 mins

Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia

Only Girl in the World Edition Part 2

25 days ago - 58 mins

Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia

Only Girl in the World Edition Part 1

a month ago - 60 mins

Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia

Singing Nuns and Green Tambourines Edition Part 2

2 months ago - 61 mins

Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia

Singing Nuns and Green Tambourines Edition Part 1

2 months ago - 54 mins

Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia

Singing Nuns and Green Tambourines Edition Part 1

2 months ago - 47 mins

Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia