Episodes
July 24, 2024
“Mississippi Queen” by Mountain (f/Scott Mellinger)
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 ic…
July 17, 2024
"Wasting my Time" by Default
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 thi…
July 10, 2024
"Mother Mother" by Tracy Bonham (f/ Joe and Toby of Riffs on Riffs)
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 …
July 3, 2024
"Axel F" by Harold Faltermeyer
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 instrumenta…
June 26, 2024
The 1984 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft
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 th…
June 19, 2024
"Party All the Time" by Eddie Murphy (f/Chris DeMakes)
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-pe…
June 12, 2024
"Shattered Dreams" by Johnny Hates Jazz
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 …
June 5, 2024
"Supermodel (You Better Work)" by RuPaul (f/ Joe Ferejan)
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 …
May 29, 2024
"Regulate (f/Nate Dogg)" by Warren G
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 wo…
May 24, 2024
Apple Music 100 Best Albums Reaction Episode
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 Björ…
May 22, 2024
"Right Here Right Now" by Jesus Jones (f/Mike Doyle)
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 alternativ…
May 15, 2024
“Lovin’ You” by Minnie Riperton
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 …
May 8, 2024
"Faded" by soulDecision (f/Jenae Thompson)
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 y…
May 1, 2024
"Closer to Free" by Bodeans
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". …
April 24, 2024
"Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners (f/John Franklin)
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…
April 19, 2024
Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department" Reaction
Taylor Swift released The Tortured Poets Department this morning as well as a bonus disc 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…
April 17, 2024
"Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle
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 melo…
April 10, 2024
“So Alive” by Love and Rocket (f/ Colin Clive)
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 the…
April 5, 2024
Singles From 1994 March Madness Championship Round Results
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 f…
April 3, 2024
“Give It To You” by Jordan Knight
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. Despi…
March 29, 2024
Singles From 1994 March Madness Fifth Round Matchups
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!
March 27, 2024
"Drinking in LA" by Bran Van 3000 (f/Spose)
This week, we're welcoming back a One Hit Thunder favorite—indie rap sensation Spose. He has brought with him the deepest cut we've discussed in ages: Bran Van 3000's "Drinking in L.A.," a song that soared in Canada but made…
March 22, 2024
Singles From 1994 March Madness Fourth Round Match-Ups
We are into the Final Four! Who won last week and who do we have the highest odds on for this week!?
March 20, 2024
"Are You Jimmy Ray?" by Jimmy Ray
Are we One Hit Thunder? Who wants to know? Jimmy Ray seemed to possess all the makings of superstardom in the late 90s: a striking appearance, an unforgettable chorus that echoed his identity, and the backing of a renowned m…