You Wanted a Hit!

By Michael Smith & Theo Beidler

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 "... more

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How many episodes does You Wanted a Hit! have?

The podcast currently has 107 episodes available.

Best of You Wanted a Hit!

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Harvey Danger "Flagpole Sitta" Part 2 (w/ Matt Gudernatch)
2 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the journalistic Seattle alternative rock band's snarky yet snappy 1997 smash. Actor, writer, and comedian Matt Gudernatch joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 21, 20251h 9min
Number 2: Jill Sobule "I Kissed a Girl"
Theo tells the story of the Denver singer-songwriter's witty, groundbreaking 1995 gay anthem Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 28, 20251h 2min
Number 3: Jimmy Dean "I.O.U."
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.
May 08, 202559min
Number 4: Frank & Moon Zappa "Valley Girl" (w/ Eliza Thorn)
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.
April 24, 20251h 29min
Number 5: Nada Surf "Popular" (w/ Sofia Loporcaro)
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.
April 01, 20251h 23min