A discussion of unlikely, perplexing, and positively bizarre hit songs that swept the nation, and often the world. Have you ever heard a classic song and thought, "why on Earth was this popular?" Or "How did this even get played on the radio?" Well, we're here to answer these questions for you. Each episode we will explore the backstory, creation, and success of one unlikely smash hit. The catch? Only one host knows which song will be the topic. Hosted by music fanatics and pop culture enthusiasts Michael Smith and Theo Beidler. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The You Wanted a Hit! podcast is an absolute gem for any music enthusiast or pop culture fanatic. If you're someone who already listens to several podcasts, it's understandable that adding yet another one to your rotation might seem like a big deal. But let me assure you, this podcast is worth making time for.
One of the best aspects of The You Wanted a Hit! podcast is its deep dive into the more idiosyncratic bangers of pop history. Each episode takes a closer look at a song that may have been forgotten or overlooked, and brings it back to the forefront of our minds. The hosts, Michael and Theo, have incredible chemistry together and their passion for the subject matter shines through in every episode. They put in the work to research and dissect each song they cover, offering smart and funny retrospectives that will forever change the way you hear these weird hits.
The storytelling in this podcast is fantastic. The hosts do an excellent job of entertainingly conversing while also providing insightful information on how each song made it to the top of the charts. It's not just surface-level analysis; they take you on a journey through the history and context of each song, allowing you to truly understand its significance. Whether you're a trivia aficionado or simply interested in pop culture, there's something here for everyone.
While there may not be any glaring negatives about The You Wanted a Hit! podcast, one possible downside could be its niche focus on lesser-known songs. If you're someone who prefers listening to podcasts about mainstream hits or popular artists, this might not be your cup of tea. However, I believe that part of what makes this podcast so special is its dedication to shedding light on underrated gems from pop history.
In conclusion, The You Wanted a Hit! podcast is an absolute must-listen for anyone with an appreciation for music and an interest in trivia and pop culture. Its curated content and well-researched episodes make for an engaging and entertaining listening experience. Michael and Theo have created something truly special with this podcast, answering the call for a show that delves into the question of "What were we thinking?" Subscribe to this podcast and prepare to have your mind opened to some unforgettable songs.
Michael tells the story of the Texas singer/songwriter, actor, TV host, and meat purveyor's 1976 sentimental spoken-word ode to moms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the LA-via-Baltimore musical iconoclast and his daughter's 1982 novelty hit that forever changed American vernacular. Nashville singer/songwriter Eliza Thorn joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the New York City alternative rock band's 1996 sarcastic, spoken-word singalong. Podcaster and music journalist Sofia Loporcaro joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the Birmingham, England pop rock band's genre-defying 1989 chart-topper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In light of David Johansen's passing earlier this week, we are revisiting our 2023 episode about his alter-ego's 1987 calypso crossover smash “Hot Hot Hot.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the Indiana singer's 1984 last-minute soundtrack smash Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the Irish actor's 1967 epic pop crooner turn that started a cultural domino effect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the Ecuadorian rapper's 1990 alter-ego bilingual blockbuster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the Ohio new wave band's distinctively cool 1981 Christmas classic, with a bonus dive into Kurtis Blow's 1979 holiday hip hop hit "Christmas Rappin'." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the English alternative rock band's classic, chaotic 1991 chart-topper. Virginia rock band Illiterate Light joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the groundbreaking New York City vocalist/composer/improviser's 1988 a cappella chart-topper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the Georgia singer-songwriter's mysteriously specific 1998 semi-spoken-word smash. Nashville folk duo Golden Everything joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the British musician's epic, genre-spanning 1973 opus that went on to become part of horror film history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the Bay Area pop rock band's 1983 funky heartbreak hit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the California Christian adult contemporary singer's 1997 crossover ballad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the American pop-rock duo's short-but-sweet 1995 TV-theme smash Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the Washington, DC singing group's 1976 epochal, deceptively low-brow chart-topper. [WARNING: Contains explicit content; listener discretion is advised.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the California prog proto-metal band's epic 1968 sleeper hit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the Massachusetts boy band's head-scratching, pop-culture-referencing 1999 rap-pop surprise hit. Novelist Liz Riggs joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the Orange County singer's 2011 polarizing, perhaps misunderstood, viral phenomenon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the quirky Brooklyn-via-Massachusetts cult alt-rock band's 2000 ska-inflected, Grammy-winning TV theme song. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the UK big beat DJ and producer's sample-heavy, star-making 1998 smash. Steve Reidell of The Hood Internet joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Double episode! Theo tells the stories of the coincidentally(?) competing 1993 hip-hop hits. [WARNING: Contains explicit content; listener discretion is advised.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the Georgia country superstar's 1993 slangy summertime calling card Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of Queens folk singer-songwriter Melanie's whimsically controversial 1971 chart-topper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the Toronto slacker rap-rock band's 1999 disco-sampling hangover hymn. Courtney E. Smith joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the Los Angeles singer/songwriter's 1981 movie star name-dropping synth-rock chart-topper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the New Zealand Pasifika group's distinctive 1995 global triumph. Husbands frontman Danny Davis joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the Irish/English Celtic folk-punk band's legendary Christmas classic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the wry American folk prince's long-winded 1967 talking-blues Thanksgiving classic. Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the San Francisco queer, feminist rock band's synonymous 1993 singalong smash Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the New York rock band's unexpectedly complex 2000 alternative anthem. Jason Hawk Harris joins the conversation. [WARNING: Contains descriptions of gruesome violence; listener discretion is advised.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the Sydney post-punk band's electrifying, uniquely Australian 1987 social justice anthem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the Chicago house DJ's 2000 instructional line dance phenomenon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of Australian singer/songwriter/actor/model Natalie Imbruglia's fateful, circuitous 1997 global pop megahit. Georgia Mooney joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the English glam rock revival band's 2003 flashy, falsettoed smash Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the New-York-City-by-way-of-Kentucky singer/songwriter's 1995 contemplative, existential radio staple. Franny Thomas joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the improbable 1999 sensation by San Francisco genre-spanning rock band Santana and Matchbox 20 frontman Rob Thomas. Dave Holmes joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the improbable 1999 sensation by San Francisco genre-spanning rock band Santana and Matchbox 20 frontman Rob Thomas. Dave Holmes joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In time for the 'Barbie' movie release, we are revisiting our 2022 episode about the Danish-Norwegian bubblegum dance/Europop group's 1997 global smash "Barbie Girl," with a new addendum about the song's involvement in the film's soundtrack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the British-American soft rock jack-of-all-trades' clever, breezy 1979 chart-topper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the New York City musical chameleon's 1987 calypso crossover smash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of Austin, Texas alternative rock band Fastball's peculiar and tragic 1998 hit "The Way," with special guest: music journalist Josh Terry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the South Korean educational corporation mascot's American folk-song-turned-digital-age-kids-music phenomenon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the Australian film director's 1999 inspirational spoken-word, slow-burn hit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the Italian Eurodance trio's hypnotically goofy 1998 global smash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the eccentric American singer/songwriter, musician, composer, and producer Jerry Samuels a.k.a. Napoleon XIV's offbeat 1966 hit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the enigmatic Los Angeles alternative rock band's iconic 1994 breakout hit, with special guest Amr Kotb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the Indonesian-Dutch singer's 1982 version of Irving Berlin's complicated 1927 song. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Theo tells the story of the LA power pop band's low-brow 1979 phenomenon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael tells the story of the unlikely 1990 "collaboration" between New York folk-rocker Suzanne Vega and British production duo DNA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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