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.
| Title | Date published | ||
| Hit Parade: The B-Sides Edition | 2018-01-26 | ||
| Hit Parade: The Silver Medalists Edition | 2017-12-28 | ||
| Hit Parade: The Queen of Disco Edition | 2017-11-24 | ||
| Hit Parade: Le Petty Prince Edition | 2017-10-30 | ||
| Hit Parade: The Great War Against the Single Edition | 2017-09-29 | ||
| Hit Parade: The Charity Megasingle Edition | 2017-07-28 | ||
| Hit Parade: The Imperial Elton and George Edition | 2017-06-30 | ||
| Hit Parade: The Fab Four Sweep Edition | 2017-05-26 | ||
| Hit Parade: Red, Red Wine Edition | 2017-04-28 |