Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia

Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia

Slate Podcasts 386 - Decoder Ring: Why Do Actors Act Like They Can Sing?

What makes a song a smash? Talent? Luck? Timing? All that—and more. Chris Molanphy, pop-chart analyst and author of Slate’s “Why Is This Song No. 1?” series, tells tales from a half-century of chart history. Through storytelling, trivia and song snippets, Chris dissects how that song you love—or hate—dominated the airwaves, made its way to the top of the charts and shaped your memories forever.


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386-

Decoder Ring: Why Do Actors Act Like They Can Sing?

04 Sep. 2026
385-

The Harrisong Edition

21 Aug. 2026
384-

Her Heart Will Go On Edition

08 Aug. 2026
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The Run This Town Edition

25 Jul. 2026
382-

The Chart Side of the Moon Edition

16 Jul. 2026