You Wanted a Hit! artwork

You Wanted a Hit!

61 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★★ - 29 ratings

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Music Commentary Music Music History pop music pop radio 1980s 1990s one hit wonders hit songs new wave music videos mtv
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Episodes

Alan Jackson "Chattahoochee"

March 14, 2024 08:20 - 1 hour - 154 MB

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.

Melanie "Brand New Key"

February 29, 2024 09:20 - 1 hour - 144 MB

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.

Len "Steal My Sunshine" (w/ Courtney E. Smith)

February 17, 2024 09:20 - 1 hour - 213 MB

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.

Kim Carnes "Bette Davis Eyes"

January 27, 2024 09:20 - 56 minutes - 130 MB

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.

OMC "How Bizarre" (w/ Danny Davis of Husbands)

January 11, 2024 09:20 - 59 minutes - 137 MB

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.

The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl "Fairytale of New York"

December 16, 2023 09:20 - 1 hour - 154 MB

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.

Arlo Guthrie "Alice's Restaurant" (w/ Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie)

November 22, 2023 09:20 - 1 hour - 137 MB

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.

4 Non Blondes "What's Up?"

November 15, 2023 09:20 - 1 hour - 158 MB

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.

Wheatus "Teenage Dirtbag" (w/ Jason Hawk Harris)

October 30, 2023 08:20 - 1 hour - 192 MB

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.

Midnight Oil "Beds Are Burning"

October 20, 2023 08:20 - 1 hour - 173 MB

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.

DJ Casper "Cha-Cha Slide" (or "Casper Slide Part 2")

October 05, 2023 08:20 - 48 minutes - 111 MB

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.

Natalie Imbruglia "Torn" (w/ Georgia Mooney)

September 14, 2023 08:20 - 1 hour - 181 MB

Michael tells the story of the Australian singer/songwriter/actor/model's fateful, circuitous 1997 global pop megahit. Georgia Mooney joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Darkness "I Believe in a Thing Called Love"

August 31, 2023 08:20 - 1 hour - 140 MB

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.

Joan Osborne "One of Us" (w/ Franny Thomas)

August 18, 2023 08:20 - 1 hour - 149 MB

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.

Santana feat. Rob Thomas "Smooth" Part 2 (w/ Dave Holmes)

August 04, 2023 08:20 - 1 hour - 157 MB

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.

Santana feat. Rob Thomas "Smooth" Part 1 (w/ Dave Holmes)

July 31, 2023 08:20 - 41 minutes - 95.6 MB

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.

Re-Hit: Aqua "Barbie Girl"

July 21, 2023 08:20 - 1 hour - 168 MB

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.

Rupert Holmes "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)"

July 12, 2023 08:20 - 37 minutes - 86.6 MB

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.

Buster Poindexter "Hot Hot Hot"

July 01, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 158 MB

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.

Fastball "The Way" (w/ Josh Terry)

June 16, 2023 08:20 - 1 hour - 158 MB

Theo tells the story of Austin, Texas alternative rock band Fastball's peculiar and tragic 1998 hit "The Way." Music journalist Josh Terry joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pinkfong "Baby Shark"

June 01, 2023 02:00 - 1 hour - 144 MB

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.

Baz Luhrmann "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)"

May 09, 2023 08:20 - 1 hour - 194 MB

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.

Eiffel 65 "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" [DJ Ponte Ice Pop Mix]

April 21, 2023 08:02 - 1 hour - 172 MB

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.

Napoleon XIV "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haa!"

April 08, 2023 08:20 - 52 minutes - 119 MB

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.

Weezer "Buddy Holly" (w/ Amr Kotb)

March 17, 2023 06:15 - 1 hour - 157 MB

Michael tells the story of the enigmatic Los Angeles alternative rock band's iconic 1994 breakout hit. Amr Kotb joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taco "Puttin' on the Ritz"

February 27, 2023 09:20 - 1 hour - 157 MB

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.

The Knack "My Sharona"

February 10, 2023 15:28 - 1 hour - 148 MB

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.

Suzanne Vega & DNA "Tom's Diner"

January 19, 2023 09:20 - 1 hour - 149 MB

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.

Band Aid "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

December 22, 2022 09:20 - 55 minutes - 126 MB

Theo tells the story of the star-studded UK pop supergroup's 1984 holiday charity smash Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Devo "Whip It" (w/ Alex Goldman)

December 14, 2022 09:20 - 1 hour - 144 MB

Michael tells the story of the Ohio new wave/post-punk pioneers' deceptively layered 1980 hit. Alex Goldman joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Proclaimers "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)"

November 14, 2022 06:11 - 57 minutes - 132 MB

Theo tells the story of the Scottish twin brothers' 1987 (and 1993) folk-punk pub rock phenomenon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bobby 'Boris' Pickett "Monster Mash"

October 28, 2022 08:20 - 1 hour - 161 MB

Happy Halloween! Michael tells the story of the Massachusetts singer/actor/comedian's 1962 spooky smash Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rednex "Cotton Eye Joe" (w/ Cory Graves of Vandoliers)

October 19, 2022 08:20 - 1 hour - 178 MB

Theo tells the story of the Swedish country novelty collective's 1994 country/Eurodance crossover sensation "Cotton Eye Joe." Vandoliers' Cory Graves joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vangelis "Chariots of Fire"

October 03, 2022 08:20 - 58 minutes - 135 MB

Michael tells the story of the Greek composer's inspiring, epic instrumental 1981 chart-topper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcy Playground "Sex & Candy" (w/ Mariel Buckley)

September 02, 2022 08:20 - 1 hour - 191 MB

Theo tells the story of the Minneapolis/New York alternative rock band's 1997 perplexing downtempo smash "Sex & Candy." Mariel Buckley joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aqua "Barbie Girl"

August 19, 2022 08:20 - 1 hour - 147 MB

Michael tells the story of the Danish-Norwegian bubblegum dance/Europop group's 1997 global smash "Barbie Girl" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trace Adkins "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" (w/ Jay Zawaski)

August 03, 2022 08:20 - 1 hour - 165 MB

Theo tells the story of the accident-prone Louisiana country singer's suggestive 2005 novelty song. Jay Zawaski joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wang Chung "Everybody Have Fun Tonight"

July 12, 2022 08:20 - 53 minutes - 123 MB

Michael tells the story of the British new wave band's silly yet sticky 1986 hit "Everybody Have Fun Tonight" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Presidents of the United States of America "Lump" / "Peaches"

June 28, 2022 08:20 - 1 hour - 139 MB

Our first-ever two-sided episode! Theo tells the story of the Seattle post-grunge band's two cheeky 1995 hits "Lump" and "Peaches." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Los Del Rio "Macerena (Bayside Boys Remix)" (w/ Mary Beth Richardson of Banditos)

June 03, 2022 08:20 - 1 hour - 169 MB

Michael tells the story of the Spain flamenco duo's impossibly massive dance craze, remixed by Miami's Bayside Boys. Banditos' Mary Beth Richardson joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ying Yang Twins "Wait (The Whisper Song)"

May 12, 2022 08:20 - 48 minutes - 110 MB

Theo tells the story of the Atlanta rap duo's salacious 2005 hit. [WARNING: Contains explicit content; listener discretion is advised.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil Collins "Sussudio"

April 22, 2022 13:11 - 1 hour - 150 MB

Michael tells the story of the iconic UK drummer/singer-songwriter's 1985 nonsensical pop smash "Sussudio." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Snow "Informer" w/ DAVIE

March 27, 2022 08:20 - 1 hour - 117 MB

Theo tells the story of the Irish-Canadian reggae rapper's 1992 surprise hit, with special guest DAVIE See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Snow "Informer" (w/ DAVIE)

March 27, 2022 08:20 - 1 hour - 146 MB

Theo tells the story of the Irish-Canadian reggae rapper's 1992 surprise hit. DAVIE joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones "The Impression That I Get" (w/ Stanley Sievers)

March 03, 2022 13:51 - 1 hour - 186 MB

Michael tells the story of the seminal Boston ska-core gang's inescapable 1997 hit. Stanley Sievers joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Men Without Hats "The Safety Dance"

February 02, 2022 09:20 - 48 minutes - 110 MB

Theo tells the story of the brotherly Montreal new wave trio's 1982 dance hit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gotye feat. Kimbra "Somebody That I Used to Know" (w/ Hilary Saunders)

January 13, 2022 09:20 - 1 hour - 195 MB

Michael tells the story of the ubiquitous 2011 Kiwi-Australian folk-pop supernova. Hilary Saunders joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lou Monte "Dominick the Donkey"

December 18, 2021 15:46 - 34 minutes - 78.8 MB

Theo tells the story of the New Jersey crooner's 1960 anthropomorphic Christmas classic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rammstein "Du Hast"

November 23, 2021 22:19 - 55 minutes - 126 MB

Theo tells the story of the German exhibitionist industrial metal band's unlikely 1997 global hit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

October 11, 2021 13:46 - 51 minutes - 118 MB

Michael tells the story of the iconic Washington grunge band's unlikely global blockbuster hit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.