"Crush" by Jennifer Paige

In honor of an altogether dreadful Inauguration Day, we’re tackling what might just be the worst song in music history: Lee Greenwood’s bombastic ode to patriotism, “God Bless the U.S.A.” Sure, Greenwood had other country hits, but let’s face it—this is the only song he’s remembered for, and not for great reasons. Beyond the overly saccharine lyrics and predictable melody, we uncover the less-than-rosy details about Greenwood himself, including his stint as a grifter Bible salesman. Join us as we dive into why this song’s unearned legacy and its composer’s questionable backstory make it a strong contender for the most cringe-inducing track ever written. 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

15 Tammi 49min

We’ve finally hit 250 episodes, so what better time to talk about CeCe Peniston’s unforgettable 1991 dance anthem, “Finally”? While some may argue this is a controversial pick—Peniston did have a few other Top 20 hits—her name often lands on lists of ‘90s one-hit wonders. How did this powerhouse vocalist, whose talent and charisma were undeniable, end up with her career so tightly associated with just one song? In this episode, we dive into CeCe’s career, explore the enduring legacy of “Finally,” and uncover why her other successes were quickly overshadowed by this timeless classic. 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

9 Tammi 38min

In this special live episode of One Hit Thunder recorded on January 3, 2025, Chris and Matt dive into the fiery world of The Thundred—the podcast’s list of the top 100 albums of all time, as voted by listeners, friends, and past guests. With emails pouring in from fans ready to share their hot takes, the duo reads through critiques, complaints, and cheers about the rankings, the snubs, and the surprises. From spirited defenses of favorite albums to passionate rants about what didn’t make the cut, the live interaction keeps things lively and unpredictable. It’s a fun, candid celebration of music fandom where listeners got to say exactly how they felt, and Chris and Matt embraced every bit of the chaos. 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

4 Tammi 1h 10min

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

1 Tammi 47min

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

25 Joulu 202450min

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

22 Joulu 202421min

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

18 Joulu 202446min

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

11 Joulu 202438min