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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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Check out Matt's new podcast "Christian Cringe"

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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.”

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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.

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In this episode, Chris and Matt are joined by yacht rock aficionado Jim Logrando to discuss the new HBO Music Box documentary, Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary. The trio dives into their favorite moments from the film, which explores the smooth, soulful sound of artists like Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Christopher Cross, who defined the genre in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They share insights and takeaways, reflecting on how the genre’s polished melodies and heartfelt lyrics became iconic, while also addressing the misconceptions about what truly makes a song “yacht rock.” Tune in for a conversation that’s as smooth as the sound itself!

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In this episode, Chris and Matt dive into the excitement of Spotify Wrapped, celebrating the podcast’s impressive 85% growth and its reach across 115 countries. They discuss how 89% of their listeners discovered the show this year, highlighting the importance of engagement in building a global community of music lovers. The duo also shares their personal Wrapped stats, reflecting on their top songs and artists of the year, and laugh as they jokingly ponder their role as music influencers.

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This week, we’re joined by Jacob Godbey, who’s ready to belt out his go-to karaoke hit, “Lips of an Angel” by Hinder—a song that’s recently found new life (and irony) on TikTok. But as we dive into this unapologetic butt rock ballad, one question keeps coming up: is this the worst song we’ve ever covered? With a storyline that’s practically a love letter to infidelity, “Lips of an Angel” has all the makings of a track we’d love to hate. But could the rest of Hinder’s catalog change our minds? Tune in to find out if there’s more to this band than their bittersweet, forbidden anthem.

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

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