Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia

Slate Podcasts
Fortnightly podcast. Next episode on Friday, April 24.
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.

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211 episodes  •  0 archived  •  
E267·
February 27
February 27
55 mins
E266·
February 14
February 14
1h 4m
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January 30
January 30
57 mins
E263·
January 17
January 17
1h 4m
E262·
Dec 26, 2025
Dec 26, 2025
40 mins
E261·
Dec 26, 2025
Dec 26, 2025
56 mins
E260·
Dec 12, 2025
Dec 12, 2025
1h 6m