One Hit Thunder

Happy New Year from One Hit Thunder! To kick off 2025, Chris and Matt are joined by special guest Johnny Yetsconish for a countdown extravaganza like no other. Together, they rank the past 50 songs featured on the show, from the undeniable hits to the ones that just didn’t strike the right chord. Will Skee-Lo's "I Wish" or Right Said Fred's "I'm Too Sexy" reign supreme? How do heartfelt tracks like Bob Carlisle's "Butterfly Kisses" and The Waterboys' "The Whole of the Moon" stack up against quirky gems from Johnny Hates Jazz, Neneh Cherry, Cornershop, and beyond? Listen in for a lively debate filled with laughs, nostalgia, and maybe a few surprises! One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in four years, we don't have a new episode for you, as it’s Christmas morning. However, we think you might be missing out on roughly three years of great Patreon content! So, enjoy this collection of some of our favorite Patreon episodes from the past few weeks, and consider subscribing to hear even more! Join our Patreon One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out Matt's new podcast "Christian Cringe" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by Hunter DeBlanc to talk about his hometown heroes, Cowboy Mouth, and their high-energy 1997 single “Jenny Says.” Against the odds, this Louisiana band broke into the modern rock scene with a song that was as relentless and rowdy as their live shows, led by drummer and lead singer Fred LeBlanc’s electric stage presence. Though “Jenny Says” opened doors to movie soundtracks, Cowboy Mouth couldn’t find another radio hit and eventually parted ways with their major label. But in Louisiana and all throughout the country, they’re still packing shows—even county fairs, where Hunter saw their unforgettable live act. Join us as we dig into Cowboy Mouth’s legacy and debate whether they’re worth knowing beyond “Jenny Says.” One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patreon voted, and this week we’re diving into Cornershop’s 1997 single “Brimful of Asha”—a song that producer Matt, a true fan, has been waiting for us to cover. Known for blending Indian influences with indie rock, Cornershop crafted a unique song that’s a heartfelt tribute to a beloved Bollywood playback singer. Though a remix by Fatboy Slim unexpectedly brought the track to modern rock radio, Cornershop stayed largely in the underground, never hitting the charts again. Join us as we explore this one-of-a-kind band’s lasting impact and debate whether they deserved more time in the spotlight. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Chris and Matt are joined by yacht rock aficionado Jim Logrando to discuss the new HBO Music Box documentary, Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary. The trio dives into their favorite moments from the film, which explores the smooth, soulful sound of artists like Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Christopher Cross, who defined the genre in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They share insights and takeaways, reflecting on how the genre’s polished melodies and heartfelt lyrics became iconic, while also addressing the misconceptions about what truly makes a song “yacht rock.” Tune in for a conversation that’s as smooth as the sound itself! One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Chris and Matt dive into the excitement of Spotify Wrapped, celebrating the podcast’s impressive 85% growth and its reach across 115 countries. They discuss how 89% of their listeners discovered the show this year, highlighting the importance of engagement in building a global community of music lovers. The duo also shares their personal Wrapped stats, reflecting on their top songs and artists of the year, and laugh as they jokingly ponder their role as music influencers. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Go check out our Patreon! It’s at https://www.patreon.com/ohtpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by Jacob Godbey, who’s ready to belt out his go-to karaoke hit, “Lips of an Angel” by Hinder—a song that’s recently found new life (and irony) on TikTok. But as we dive into this unapologetic butt rock ballad, one question keeps coming up: is this the worst song we’ve ever covered? With a storyline that’s practically a love letter to infidelity, “Lips of an Angel” has all the makings of a track we’d love to hate. But could the rest of Hinder’s catalog change our minds? Tune in to find out if there’s more to this band than their bittersweet, forbidden anthem. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final installment of THE THUNDRED, Chris and Matt reveal the Top 20 Albums of All Time, closing out their five-part countdown with the most legendary records ever made. Without giving anything away, expect albums packed with unforgettable guitar riffs, raw lyrics that hit straight to the heart, and genre-defining songs that shaped entire eras. From game-changing alt-rock classics to soul-stirring records that brought confessional songwriting to the forefront, these albums represent the absolute best of the best, handpicked by over 100 friends and listeners. Join in as Chris and Matt unveil the final 20-1 countdown, sharing their excitement, debate, and maybe a surprise or two along the way. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Go check out our Patreon! It’s at https://www.patreon.com/ohtpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been 10 years since WALK THE MOON released “Shut Up and Dance,” a song that’s become a wedding staple and an unstoppable earworm. But what happens when you dig past the hit? This week, we’re diving into the band’s catalog to see if there’s more to love beyond the infectious, overexposed anthem that had everyone on their feet. Known for their indie roots and die-hard dedication to music, WALK THE MOON brings a lot to the table—but does “Shut Up and Dance” overshadow it all? Listen in and find out if WALK THE MOON deserves another dance. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE THUNDRED is back! In this exciting installment, Chris and Matt count down from #40 to #21 of the greatest albums of all time, celebrating records that have left a mark across musical history. From an album that defined a band’s breakup to another that set new standards for experimental production, this episode covers a hip-hop masterpiece made from over 100 samples, a concept album about the human condition, and a record that put emo on the map. Whether they’re covering anthems of rebellion, an iconic coming-of-age R&B debut, or an arena rock record that took years to perfect, Chris and Matt guide listeners through a countdown packed with stories, insights, and surprises. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by Joel Reader to talk about Neneh Cherry’s 1989 hit “Buffalo Stance,” a bold, genre-blending anthem that poses the age-old question, “Who’s that gigolo on the street?” In an era when female hip-hop was just breaking into the mainstream, Neneh brought a fiercely feminist tone that feels more relevant now than ever. Together, Joel, Matt, and I dig into the song’s fearless style and attitude, asking whether Neneh Cherry deserves to be celebrated beyond this iconic track. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 17 weeks, the number one song in America has been "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey, which interpolates the song "Tipsy" by J-Kwon—a track we covered a few years ago with G1 to the Rescue. In honor of that, we are re-releasing the episode! Enjoy! One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part three of THE THUNDRED, Chris and Matt continue their epic countdown of the Top 100 albums of all time, with rankings based on the Top 20 lists of over 100 contributors. This episode covers albums 60 through 41, diving into a wild variety of genres and eras. From an artist’s leap into a full-blown pop transformation to a massive solo debut, hard-hitting funk, classic rock, hip-hop, and beyond, this installment is packed with both expected classics and surprising picks. Tune in and get ready for an exciting journey through some of the best albums ever made. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Patreon voted, and the choice is Shanice’s 1992 hit “I Love Your Smile”—a song that somehow escaped producer Matt Kelly’s radar! We dig into the early start of Pittsburgh’s own Shanice, whose incredible talent led her to a massive Top 5 single that had everyone “doo-doo-dooing” along. While she had a few follow-up hits, none reached the same iconic status as her breakout track. Join us as we dive into the charm, charisma, and sheer joy that made “I Love Your Smile” unforgettable and ask the big question: did Shanice deserve more? One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE THUNDRED continues! In this second episode of the five-part series, hosts Chris Fafalios and Matt Kelly crack into the next set of albums on the top 100 list, covering #80 through #61. Compiled from the votes of over 100 music industry insiders and dedicated listeners, this list spans an impressive array of genres and decades. Chris and Matt share their insights, stories, and friendly debates on each pick, building anticipation as they work their way toward the top of the countdown. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're like me, the first time you heard The Champs' "Tequila" was probably when Pee-wee Herman danced on a bar in the 1985 film Pee-wee's Big Adventure. This week’s guest, Tommy Avallone, is a die-hard cinephile and prolific documentary filmmaker. His latest documentary The House From... is currently streaming on Fubo and Ryan Reynolds' Maximum Effort channel. Since Pee-wee’s house from the iconic Tim Burton movie is heavily featured, we thought now was the perfect time to discuss this single-word hit song! One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this supplemental episode to THE THUNDRED, host Chris Fafalios takes the spotlight to explore some fun facts and trivia about the albums ranked #100 through #81 on the definitive countdown of the top 100 albums of all time.  The list so far... #100: The Cranberries Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? #99: Outkast Speakerboxxx/The Love Below #98 Ween Chocolate and Cheese #97 Piebald We Are The Only Friends That We Have #96 Green Day Insomniac #95 The Streets Original Pirate Material #94 Jellyfish Spilt Milk #93 Phoebe Bridgers Stranger in the Alps #92 Bon Iver 22, A Million #91 Eels Electro-Shock Blues #90 The Weakerthans Left and Leaving #89 Bob Dylan Blood On the Tracks #88 Boyz II Men II #87 Bruce Springsteen Born In the U.S.A. #86 Queen A Night at the Opera #85 Huey Lewis & The News Sports #84 N.W.A. Straight Outta Compton #83 They Might Be Giants Lincoln #82 TLC CrazySexyCool #81 R.E.M. Automatic For The People One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE THUNDRED is here! This five-part series kicks off in this episode, where hosts Chris Fafalios and Matt Kelly begin the countdown of the top 100 albums of all time. Compiled from the input of over 100 music industry insiders and passionate listeners, the list spans a diverse range of genres and eras. In this first installment, Chris and Matt dive into albums ranked #100 through #81, sharing their insights, stories, and debates on each selection, setting the stage for an exciting journey through the rest of the countdown. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you believe the novelty song “The Purple People Eater" was a number 1 hit? Did you know that 30 years after its release, a movie was made based on the song? And here's something even crazier: songwriter and vocalist Sheb Wooley recorded a stock audio scream that’s been used in thousands of films and TV shows! It's Halloween at One Hit Thunder, and we're diving into Mr. Wooley’s bizarre and fascinating career! One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices