Chris Molanphy
@cmolanphy.bsky.social
Chart analyst/pop critic. Host of podcast #HitParadePod. Writer of Slate's #WhylsThisSongNo1? Author of book #OldTownRoad. Feet on the ground, reaching for the stars. (Pronouns—he/him/his.)
All my thanks to #HitParadePod listeners & subscribers for enjoying my labor of love in 2025 (+a special shoutout to the @slate.com Plus community). As always, we covered a lot—spanning genres and decades. Now’s a good time to catch up on any Hit Parade episodes you missed! slate.com/podcasts/hit...
December 31, 2025 at 10:32 PM
All my thanks to #HitParadePod listeners & subscribers for enjoying my labor of love in 2025 (+a special shoutout to the @slate.com Plus community). As always, we covered a lot—spanning genres and decades. Now’s a good time to catch up on any Hit Parade episodes you missed! slate.com/podcasts/hit...
Sure, today’s #NYTStrands is fun for my fellow Billboard nerds but be warned:
• Think “Top 20 *in* 2025” not “Top 20 *for all of* 2025”
• Proper names don’t count (e.g., no "Luther”)…but…
• To my surprise, a certain Sabrina-related word *is* a dictionary word.
Strands #667
“2025 Top Twenty”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵
• Think “Top 20 *in* 2025” not “Top 20 *for all of* 2025”
• Proper names don’t count (e.g., no "Luther”)…but…
• To my surprise, a certain Sabrina-related word *is* a dictionary word.
Strands #667
“2025 Top Twenty”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵
December 30, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Sure, today’s #NYTStrands is fun for my fellow Billboard nerds but be warned:
• Think “Top 20 *in* 2025” not “Top 20 *for all of* 2025”
• Proper names don’t count (e.g., no "Luther”)…but…
• To my surprise, a certain Sabrina-related word *is* a dictionary word.
Strands #667
“2025 Top Twenty”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵
• Think “Top 20 *in* 2025” not “Top 20 *for all of* 2025”
• Proper names don’t count (e.g., no "Luther”)…but…
• To my surprise, a certain Sabrina-related word *is* a dictionary word.
Strands #667
“2025 Top Twenty”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵
Some buried news at the bottom of this week’s @billboard.com report on the new #Hot100 …yes the all-Xmas top 24 is a big deal but to me the bigger news is HUNTR/X’s “Golden” finally reaching No1 on the Radio chart—Kpop’s 1st time topping the all-format airplay list. www.billboard.com/lists/mariah...
December 29, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Some buried news at the bottom of this week’s @billboard.com report on the new #Hot100 …yes the all-Xmas top 24 is a big deal but to me the bigger news is HUNTR/X’s “Golden” finally reaching No1 on the Radio chart—Kpop’s 1st time topping the all-format airplay list. www.billboard.com/lists/mariah...
You know together we're glowing: Now live in your @slate.com podcast feed @carlzoilus.bsky.social takes over #HitParadePod –The Bridge to host a year-end Slate Music Club w/guests @jawnita.bsky.social @lindsayzoladz.bsky.social & me. We talk ’25 from Bad Bunny & Rosalía to Gaga & KPop Demon Hunters.
The Year in Music, From Bad Bunny’s Imperial Phase to Gaga’s Mayhem to the Ascendance of Geese.
The unanimity of DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. Plus: Rosalia’s lush Lux, the irresistible KPop Demon Hunters, and the polarizing power of Getting Killed.
slate.com
December 26, 2025 at 11:00 PM
You know together we're glowing: Now live in your @slate.com podcast feed @carlzoilus.bsky.social takes over #HitParadePod –The Bridge to host a year-end Slate Music Club w/guests @jawnita.bsky.social @lindsayzoladz.bsky.social & me. We talk ’25 from Bad Bunny & Rosalía to Gaga & KPop Demon Hunters.
Troubling—YouTube & Billboard at war over inclusion of YT data on the BB charts so YT is pulling out in January. Hard to say what impact this will have—left-field video-driven hits on the #Hot100 tapered off in the ’20s after Billboard eliminated user-driven content. But YT is still massive, so…
A Change to YouTube’s Inclusion on the U.S. Billboard Charts
YouTube data will no longer factor into U.S. Billboard charts starting January 15, 2026. This change follows discussions regarding how Billboard weights subscription versus ad-supported streams. You c...
blog.youtube
December 17, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Troubling—YouTube & Billboard at war over inclusion of YT data on the BB charts so YT is pulling out in January. Hard to say what impact this will have—left-field video-driven hits on the #Hot100 tapered off in the ’20s after Billboard eliminated user-driven content. But YT is still massive, so…
First scene in his first movie, he parodies the self-regard of a hack director. And then in real life, he goes on this insane run: 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘐𝘴 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘯̈𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘢𝘱. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘔𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘔𝘦𝘵 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺… 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘺. 𝘈 𝘍𝘦𝘸 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘔𝘦𝘯. In a row! To START his career! Not a dud in the bunch.
December 15, 2025 at 5:26 AM
First scene in his first movie, he parodies the self-regard of a hack director. And then in real life, he goes on this insane run: 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘐𝘴 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘯̈𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘢𝘱. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘔𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘔𝘦𝘵 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺… 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘺. 𝘈 𝘍𝘦𝘸 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘔𝘦𝘯. In a row! To START his career! Not a dud in the bunch.
Laugh about it, shout about it: new #HitParadePod on @slate.com is about the chart history of soundtracks—from Bing&Judy to Barbie&Huntr/x. How did The Graduate reboot movie music in the ’60s, Flashdance in the ’80s? Will KPop Demon Hunters spark a soundtrack comeback? Come to this place for magic.
For Nearly a Century, Hollywood Has Left Its Mark on the Pop Charts
Movie soundtracks have sometimes eclipsed the films that inspired them in the first place.
slate.com
December 14, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Laugh about it, shout about it: new #HitParadePod on @slate.com is about the chart history of soundtracks—from Bing&Judy to Barbie&Huntr/x. How did The Graduate reboot movie music in the ’60s, Flashdance in the ’80s? Will KPop Demon Hunters spark a soundtrack comeback? Come to this place for magic.
Just for the record, before @billboard.com drops their year-end charts Tuesday…I’ll be happy w/any—ANY— #Hot100 result up to&including A.Warren’s “Ordinary” being 2025’s top song—as long as Teddy Swims doesn’t take it a 2nd year in a row w/his unkillable hit. But…we should brace for that possibility
December 8, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Just for the record, before @billboard.com drops their year-end charts Tuesday…I’ll be happy w/any—ANY— #Hot100 result up to&including A.Warren’s “Ordinary” being 2025’s top song—as long as Teddy Swims doesn’t take it a 2nd year in a row w/his unkillable hit. But…we should brace for that possibility
Reposted by Chris Molanphy
ICYMI: Several Eurovision hopefuls tend to be lumped into the category of “joke entries.” We explore some examples and try to “get it” in terms of what might be happening under the hood of these songs with @cmolanphy.bsky.social from Slate’s Hit Parade www.eurowhat.com/284
December 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM
ICYMI: Several Eurovision hopefuls tend to be lumped into the category of “joke entries.” We explore some examples and try to “get it” in terms of what might be happening under the hood of these songs with @cmolanphy.bsky.social from Slate’s Hit Parade www.eurowhat.com/284
Reposted by Chris Molanphy
🤪 NEW EPISODE 🤪
Several Eurovision hopefuls tend to be lumped into the category of “joke entries.” We’ll explore some examples and try to “get it” in terms of what might be happening under the hood of these songs with @cmolanphy.bsky.social from Slate’s Hit Parade www.eurowhat.com/284
Several Eurovision hopefuls tend to be lumped into the category of “joke entries.” We’ll explore some examples and try to “get it” in terms of what might be happening under the hood of these songs with @cmolanphy.bsky.social from Slate’s Hit Parade www.eurowhat.com/284
December 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM
🤪 NEW EPISODE 🤪
Several Eurovision hopefuls tend to be lumped into the category of “joke entries.” We’ll explore some examples and try to “get it” in terms of what might be happening under the hood of these songs with @cmolanphy.bsky.social from Slate’s Hit Parade www.eurowhat.com/284
Several Eurovision hopefuls tend to be lumped into the category of “joke entries.” We’ll explore some examples and try to “get it” in terms of what might be happening under the hood of these songs with @cmolanphy.bsky.social from Slate’s Hit Parade www.eurowhat.com/284
On a new #HitParadePod –The Bridge, now live on
@slate.com, my guest, Nashville journalist @brianmansfield.bsky.social, says Mutt Lange & Shania Twain reinvented ’90s country music twice—pumping it up, then crossing it over. Plus…trivia—and a next-episode preview that’s hooked to the silver screen.
@slate.com, my guest, Nashville journalist @brianmansfield.bsky.social, says Mutt Lange & Shania Twain reinvented ’90s country music twice—pumping it up, then crossing it over. Plus…trivia—and a next-episode preview that’s hooked to the silver screen.
How Shania Twain and Mutt Lange Redefined Country Music (Twice!)
Music journalist Brian Mansfield explains how a Nashville superstar and an arena-rock superproducer reinvented ’90s country radio.
slate.com
November 29, 2025 at 1:05 AM
On a new #HitParadePod –The Bridge, now live on
@slate.com, my guest, Nashville journalist @brianmansfield.bsky.social, says Mutt Lange & Shania Twain reinvented ’90s country music twice—pumping it up, then crossing it over. Plus…trivia—and a next-episode preview that’s hooked to the silver screen.
@slate.com, my guest, Nashville journalist @brianmansfield.bsky.social, says Mutt Lange & Shania Twain reinvented ’90s country music twice—pumping it up, then crossing it over. Plus…trivia—and a next-episode preview that’s hooked to the silver screen.
Your friendly chart nerd—on video! I had a blast w/musicians & fellow record nerds Peter Martin & Adam Maness on their video+audio podcast #YoullHearIt dissecting Stevie Wonder’s masterwork 𝘚𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦. How did Wonder integrate funk+jazz+pop? How was it a chart phenom? Feel it all over.
All the HITS on Songs in the Key of Life (with Hit Parade)
YouTube video by You'll Hear It
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Your friendly chart nerd—on video! I had a blast w/musicians & fellow record nerds Peter Martin & Adam Maness on their video+audio podcast #YoullHearIt dissecting Stevie Wonder’s masterwork 𝘚𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦. How did Wonder integrate funk+jazz+pop? How was it a chart phenom? Feel it all over.
I enjoyed talking to @jmkarmstrong.bsky.social for her Substack #TheMinistryofPopCulture, about how I invented my charts&criticism beat and launched #HitParadePod. We had such a good chat she issued it in 2 parts. Here’s part 1, including the story of how the podcast got longer than a feature film.
How to Geek Out About the Billboard Charts ... as a Profession
Chris Molanphy made a niche for himself to finally put decades of Billboard chart obsession to good use. The result was the engrossing podcast "Hit Parade."
ministryofpopculture.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:46 AM
I enjoyed talking to @jmkarmstrong.bsky.social for her Substack #TheMinistryofPopCulture, about how I invented my charts&criticism beat and launched #HitParadePod. We had such a good chat she issued it in 2 parts. Here’s part 1, including the story of how the podcast got longer than a feature film.
A fast machine, kept his motor clean: My new #HitParadePod on @slate.com is about superproducer “Mutt” Lange, mystery man of arena-rocking überpop. Mutt’s anthemic sound worked across genres—AC/DC to the Cars, Foreigner to Billy Ocean, Def Leppard to Shania. Let the magic man pour some sugar on you.
The Reclusive Producer Who Shook the Charts All Night Long
Mutt Lange avoided the spotlight while crafting some of the loudest, catchiest, and bestselling records of all time.
slate.com
November 16, 2025 at 4:09 AM
A fast machine, kept his motor clean: My new #HitParadePod on @slate.com is about superproducer “Mutt” Lange, mystery man of arena-rocking überpop. Mutt’s anthemic sound worked across genres—AC/DC to the Cars, Foreigner to Billy Ocean, Def Leppard to Shania. Let the magic man pour some sugar on you.
On a new #HitParadePod –The Bridge—now live on @slate.com—my guest @gedge1.bsky.social, author of an upcoming book on the Police, says the surprise isn’t how briefly but how long the skilled trio stayed together. Plus trivia—& a next-episode preview that pours some sugar & shakes you all night long.
Sting and the Police: Adventurous Hitmakers, Combustible Bandmates
Writer Geoff Edgers unravels the tension within the Police and why Sting's “pretentious” years might actually be his most authentic.
slate.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:56 AM
On a new #HitParadePod –The Bridge—now live on @slate.com—my guest @gedge1.bsky.social, author of an upcoming book on the Police, says the surprise isn’t how briefly but how long the skilled trio stayed together. Plus trivia—& a next-episode preview that pours some sugar & shakes you all night long.
Keep it💯on the land…thе sea…the sky—2wks into Taylor’s latest Era my @slate.com series #WhyIsThisSongNo1? considers“The Fate of Ophelia.” We were promised ‘Showgirl’ bangers but the song adapts Swift’s broody ’20s mode for the return of Max. Plus…the album’s chart feats+an asterisk on besting Adele.
America Is Already Moving On From Taylor Swift’s New Album—With One Major Exception
The Life of a Showgirl’s massive opening has proven short-lived, but one part has real staying power.
slate.com
October 25, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Keep it💯on the land…thе sea…the sky—2wks into Taylor’s latest Era my @slate.com series #WhyIsThisSongNo1? considers“The Fate of Ophelia.” We were promised ‘Showgirl’ bangers but the song adapts Swift’s broody ’20s mode for the return of Max. Plus…the album’s chart feats+an asterisk on besting Adele.
The big #Hot100 news isn’t that Tay’s “Ophelia” is No1 a 2nd week—it’s at the end of the story where @billboard.com announces a big change to the chart’s recurrent rule that I expected. Bottom line, songs will pulled sooner & I say thank heaven—& bye “Lose Control” which shoulda been gone eons ago.
October 20, 2025 at 7:08 PM
The big #Hot100 news isn’t that Tay’s “Ophelia” is No1 a 2nd week—it’s at the end of the story where @billboard.com announces a big change to the chart’s recurrent rule that I expected. Bottom line, songs will pulled sooner & I say thank heaven—& bye “Lose Control” which shoulda been gone eons ago.
He’ll be earworming you: My new #HitParadePod on @slate.com is about Sting, the jazzy pop-generator who keeps getting paid. In the Police he blended reggae+new wave. Solo, he tried jazz, classical, funk, rap…even Raï. Whether on your radio or getting sampled, every little thing Sting tries is magic.
Every Breath Sting Takes, Every Hit Sting Makes—We’ve Been Watching Him.
Everyone knows "Every Breath You Take"—but Sting's legacy is built on hits from the unexpected genres.
slate.com
October 19, 2025 at 11:56 PM
He’ll be earworming you: My new #HitParadePod on @slate.com is about Sting, the jazzy pop-generator who keeps getting paid. In the Police he blended reggae+new wave. Solo, he tried jazz, classical, funk, rap…even Raï. Whether on your radio or getting sampled, every little thing Sting tries is magic.
Reposted by Chris Molanphy
It’s hard to put into words what it means to lose D’Angelo. Not just the man, but the sound, the feeling, the very essence of soul that he embodied.
Remembering D’Angelo and the Eternal Rhythm of Neo-Soul | Black Girl Nerds
It’s hard to put into words what it means to lose D’Angelo. Not just the man, but the sound, the feeling, the very essence of the man
blackgirlnerds.com
October 14, 2025 at 6:02 PM
It’s hard to put into words what it means to lose D’Angelo. Not just the man, but the sound, the feeling, the very essence of soul that he embodied.
On a new #HitParadePod –The Bridge—now live on @slate.com —my guest Chris Dalla Riva, author of ‘Uncharted Territory,’ says songs that debut@No1 usually have an extra-musical X-factor. But the song is the song—whether good Drake or bad Drake. Plus, trivia & a next-episode preview sending out an SOS.
The Secret Sauce Behind No. 1 Debuts.
Can a hit single be simultaneously a chart-topper … and a misfire?
slate.com
September 29, 2025 at 6:25 AM
On a new #HitParadePod –The Bridge—now live on @slate.com —my guest Chris Dalla Riva, author of ‘Uncharted Territory,’ says songs that debut@No1 usually have an extra-musical X-factor. But the song is the song—whether good Drake or bad Drake. Plus, trivia & a next-episode preview sending out an SOS.
Just a sweet sweet fantasy: My new #HitParadePod at @slate.com is on the history of No1 debuts. How do songs score a fast pass to the penthouse? They’re not always classics—Idol coronations…rap beefs…boy-band soloists…superstar throwaways. For every “Fantasy” “Hello” or “Vampire” there’s a “Trollz.”
The Odd Alchemy That Sends a Brand-New Song to the Top of the Charts
For decades, No. 1 debuts were unheard of in America. Then the record labels and digital music hacked the Hot 100.
slate.com
September 13, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Just a sweet sweet fantasy: My new #HitParadePod at @slate.com is on the history of No1 debuts. How do songs score a fast pass to the penthouse? They’re not always classics—Idol coronations…rap beefs…boy-band soloists…superstar throwaways. For every “Fantasy” “Hello” or “Vampire” there’s a “Trollz.”
On the latest episode of #BeyondYachtRock2000 I join @jdryznar.bsky.social, @hollywoodsteve.bsky.social & Dave Lyons for a countdown of some of the oddest videos from MTV’s first day. From the Buggles (no…not that one) to Pete Townshend…Kate Bush to Todd Rundgren…it’s an all-new way to #KeeptheFire.
125. What the Heck? MTV’s First Day
Podcast Episode · Beyond Yacht Rock 2000 · 09/04/2025 · 1h 4m
podcasts.apple.com
September 5, 2025 at 4:40 AM
On the latest episode of #BeyondYachtRock2000 I join @jdryznar.bsky.social, @hollywoodsteve.bsky.social & Dave Lyons for a countdown of some of the oddest videos from MTV’s first day. From the Buggles (no…not that one) to Pete Townshend…Kate Bush to Todd Rundgren…it’s an all-new way to #KeeptheFire.
Hey @augetoffmygold.bsky.social —this is an entertainingly debatable ranking (eg if you weren’t gonna give PG No1 I’d have flipped your 1 & 3).But my big quibble: You mention the Cars’ shadow from defeated “Thriller” but the same goes for VH beating Nirvana. I’d put “Right Now” lower for that alone.
Every VMA Winner for Video of the Year, Ranked
Here's how Billboard ranks the 41 music videos that have won video of the year at the MTV Video Music Awards so far.
www.billboard.com
September 3, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Hey @augetoffmygold.bsky.social —this is an entertainingly debatable ranking (eg if you weren’t gonna give PG No1 I’d have flipped your 1 & 3).But my big quibble: You mention the Cars’ shadow from defeated “Thriller” but the same goes for VH beating Nirvana. I’d put “Right Now” lower for that alone.
I spoke w/Dane Haiken for his Substack interview series #HowWeRead, focusing on how I research episodes of my @slate.com podcast #HitParadePod —from Billboard chart books to memoirs by Nile Rodgers, John Fogerty & Phil Collins. Also, my origin story a la Paul McCartney’s apocryphal “Scrambled Egg.”
HWR #11: Chris Molanphy
A pop historian in New York City
howweread.substack.com
August 27, 2025 at 6:49 AM
I spoke w/Dane Haiken for his Substack interview series #HowWeRead, focusing on how I research episodes of my @slate.com podcast #HitParadePod —from Billboard chart books to memoirs by Nile Rodgers, John Fogerty & Phil Collins. Also, my origin story a la Paul McCartney’s apocryphal “Scrambled Egg.”
I spoke w/Russ Martin for a @theglobeandmail.com article on why US/Canada had no galvanizing #SongoftheSummer this year. I distinguished charts-based vs cultural SoS’s—but @annkpowers.bsky.social had the best quote, on the problem w/SoS ’25 winner “Ordinary” by Alex Warren: “It doesn’t effervesce.”
Why is there no Song of the Summer for 2025?
After Charli XCX’s ‘brat summer’ last year, none of this year’s hits have captivated the collective imagination to become the obvious hot-weather anthem
www.theglobeandmail.com
August 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM
I spoke w/Russ Martin for a @theglobeandmail.com article on why US/Canada had no galvanizing #SongoftheSummer this year. I distinguished charts-based vs cultural SoS’s—but @annkpowers.bsky.social had the best quote, on the problem w/SoS ’25 winner “Ordinary” by Alex Warren: “It doesn’t effervesce.”