HIT IT! Few tracks ignite a dance floor like Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s 1988 classic, “It Takes Two.” Built around an infectious sample from Lyn Collins’ “Think (About It),” this platinum-certified anthem didn’t just dominate clubs—it helped hip-hop cross over into the mainstream. Despite the duo’s explosive debut, follow-up efforts like Rob Base’s solo album The Incredible Base and their 1994 reunion Break of Dawn failed to recapture that magic. This week, we dig into the legacy of “It Takes Two” and ask: is it fair to call the duo known for “It Takes Two” a ONE hit wonder?

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This week, our good friend Paul Menotiades returns to help us unpack the unlikely rise of Soft Cell’s 1981 synth-pop smash, “Tainted Love.” Originally a 1965 Northern Soul obscurity by Gloria Jones, Soft Cell's eerie, slowed-down cover became a global sensation, topping charts in 17 countries and spending a record-breaking 43 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 . But beyond the hit, Marc Almond and David Ball were more than just pop stars—they were art school provocateurs with a flair for the theatrical, as heard on their debut album Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, which explored themes of urban isolation and seedy nightlife . Join us as we dive into the duo's bizarre back catalog and ask: does Soft Cell’s music deserve more love, or is it all just a bit too tainted?

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In this episode, we're joined by special guest Scott Mellinger to explore Del Shannon's 1961 chart-topping hit, "Runaway." This early rock and roll classic is renowned for its haunting falsetto vocals and the groundbreaking Musitron solo—a keyboard instrument invented by Shannon's collaborator, Max Crook, that added a futuristic flair to the track. Beyond this iconic song, we explore Del’s deep connections within the music industry, including collaborations with legends like Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, and Bob Seger. Join us as we uncover why Del Shannon remains a "musician's musician" and discuss whether his musical legacy extends beyond his most famous hit.

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Twenty-five years ago, Baha Men unleashed “Who Let the Dogs Out” on the world—and whether you loved it or hated it, there’s no denying its impact. This week, we’re joined by our friend Jim Logrando to celebrate the song’s silver anniversary and dig into everything we never knew about this Bahamian group's wild ride. From Grammy wins and Kids' Choice Awards to its surprising roots as a feminist anthem calling out creeps, this now CLASSIC SONG is a lot more than just a jock jam. And with the doggy door wide open, we dig through the rest of their catalog to find out—did Baha Men have more music with bite, or was this their one and only bark?

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This week, we're finally diving into the unhinged surf-rock chaos of The Trashmen’s “Surfin’ Bird”—a Patreon pick that, frankly, we can’t believe we haven’t covered until now. This 1963 burst of raw energy, stitched together from two Rivingtons songs, has been called everything from a novelty hit to an early blueprint for punk rock. With its unforgettable “bird is the word” hook, the track gained renewed fame decades later thanks to its relentless presence on Family Guy. Jim Logrando and Trevor Leonard are both here to celebrate this gloriously absurd song, so catch a wave and join us for a wild ride through one of the most bizarre hits in rock history.

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This week, Johnny Yetsconish joins us to celebrate The Outfield’s timeless 1986 hit, “Your Love.” Though the British trio enjoyed a string of modest successes in the '80s, it's this power-pop anthem—with its unforgettable opening lyric and soaring vocals—that has etched itself into the fabric of pop culture. From its origins on the triple-platinum debut album Play Deep, “Your Love” has transcended generations, recently experiencing a resurgence thanks to Kelly Clarkson’s viral cover on her “Kellyoke” segment, which sparked widespread attention and playful commentary about its impact . Johnny continues his streak of undeniable bangers with this one, so join us as we explore all the reasons why you should be a much bigger fan of The Outfield than you probably are.

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Get ready for a battle of musical nostalgia in The 1985 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft, where Chris and Matt are joined by fellow music lovers Matthew Milligan and Tony Hartman to bid on the best albums of a stacked year in music. From blockbuster releases like Songs from the Big Chair and No Jacket Required to cult favorites like Tim and Dare to Be Stupid, the draft sparks passionate debates, personal stories, and plenty of surprises. With picks spanning punk, pop, metal, goth, and even movie soundtracks, this episode is a fun, fast-paced dive into the unforgettable sounds of 1985—and yes, some legendary albums get left on the board.

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This week, Jim Logrando sits in to discuss the spaced-out swagger of Monster Magnet’s 1998 hit “Space Lord.” As a loyal listener since discovering the band in the late '90s, Jim brings his passion for these groove metal pioneers to the table as we dig into their unlikely brush with mainstream success. With its psychedelic riffs, tongue-in-cheek bravado, and a hook that crashed into the mainstream rock charts, “Space Lord” became the very first video ever played on MTV’s Total Request Live. But despite that moment in the spotlight, we’re left wondering—does this even count? Join us as we examine whether Monster Magnet’s cosmic trip qualifies as a true one-hit wonder.

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Back in the fall of 2009, an unexpected voice from the UK took over American radio when Jay Sean’s “Down” (featuring Lil Wayne) knocked the Black Eyed Peas off the top of the charts after their epic run. This week on One Hit Thunder, Andrés joins us to revisit that moment in time—when ringtone sales mattered, Cash Money Records was everywhere, and Jay Sean seemed poised to become a global star. We dig into the rise and stall of his career, the lasting power of a great melody, and whether or not his smooth style should’ve taken him even further. Along the way, we also reflect on the shifting sounds of pop and hip-hop, the legacy of Lil Wayne’s feature run, and why some hits live on while others fade fast. Most importantly, are we down with Jay Sean? You’re just gonna have to listen to find out.

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This week, we explore the surprising journey of Ghost Town DJs’ 1996 single “My Boo,” a track that quietly debuted on the So So Def Bass All-Stars compilation before becoming a Top 40 hit. Though the group disbanded after two underperforming albums, this smooth blend of R&B vocals and Miami bass beats found new life two decades later, thanks to the viral “Running Man Challenge” that sent it back up the charts in 2016. With its hypnotic production and impossibly catchy chorus, the question remains—do we truly love this song, or are we just under its hook’s irresistible spell?

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