Explore every episode of the podcast One Song
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart's "Barracuda" | 29 Aug 2024 | 01:06:13 | |
You're gonna burn, burn, burn to the wick if you don't recognize this song as one of the greatest rock anthems of all time! On this episode, Diallo and LUXXURY break down "Barracuda," a rally cry for empowerment and defiance that broke barriers for women in rock in the 1970s. They dive into Ann and Nancy Wilson's masterful vocal and guitar work respectfully, discuss how the song was fueled by anger and frustration over sexist activity they faced, and talk about how Heart became one of the first successful women-led rock bands. | |||
| Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" | 22 Aug 2024 | 01:03:03 | |
Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad, Diallo & LUXXURY are here to comfort you by breaking down one of the most memorable R&B songs of all time. On this episode, the guys discuss how Al Green wrote the “Let’s Stay Together” so quickly, why producer WIllie Mitchell’s influenced Green’s singing style, and share Green’s sweet, isolated falsetto vocals. | |||
| The Response Episode: Listener Mailbag + Songs of the Summer | 20 Jun 2024 | 00:49:46 | |
What good is a format if you can’t break it every now and then? On this special episode of One Song, Diallo & LUXXURY break out the listener mailbag, answer some DMs, and bring an entirely new angle to the "Buffalo Soldier"/"The Banana Splits" theme song connection. Finally, they react to the early contenders for the Song of the Summer from Tommy Richman, Sabrina Carpenter, and more. | |||
| Miley Cyrus' "Flowers" | 13 Jun 2024 | 00:58:26 | |
This week on One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY frolic through "Flowers" -- Miley Cyrus' smash hit from 2023. Along the way, they discuss the track's importance as an self-love and empowerment anthem, its connection to Bruno Mars' "When I Was Your Man," and pose a very important question: Can Diallo say “I can love me better than you can” without sounding narcissistic? | |||
| Britney Spears' "Toxic" | 06 Jun 2024 | 00:52:39 | |
On this special rerun, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY get Toxic! Join for LUXXURY’s thesis on why the song is a pop masterpiece that weds high art and obscure sonic references with Britney Spears’ bubblegum vocals. There’s also all of the usual deep dives, rabbit holes, and interpolations — Including a James Bond connection. | |||
| Blondie's "Call Me" | 30 May 2024 | 01:10:44 | |
The importance of Blondie’s “Call Me” can’t be quantified in sales alone. Sure, it was a global hit. But it’s also a part of cinematic history: It’s played during the iconic opening sequence of the movie American Gigolo, starring Richard Gere. It is one of the signature compositions of the man they call the “godfather of disco”, Giorgio Moroder. And let’s not forget the vocal and lyrical contributions of the legendary singer, Debbie Harry. Join hosts Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY as the break down this classic track. | |||
| A Brief History of Diss Tracks | 23 May 2024 | 00:56:28 | |
This week on One Song, WE BEEF! Join LUXXURY and Diallo Riddle as they unpack the history and evolution of diss tracks, break down the Drake v Kendrick Lamar spat, and explore how disses work in other genres because, lest we forget, white people are messy too. The chaps are not alone on this journey: They are joined by comedian King Willonius who scored a viral hit with his contribution to the Drake v Kendrick battle, BBL Drizzy. | |||
| Introducing: Broken Record | 16 May 2024 | 00:59:11 | |
This week on One Song we’re sharing another music podcast that LUXXURY and Diallo Riddle both love: It’s called Broken Record. The tagline for the show is “liner notes for the digital age” and each episode features a different in-depth conversation with an iconic artist. This time it’s Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament from Pearl Jam. Broken Record is hosted by Justin Richmond, with interviews by producer Rick Rubin, writer Malcolm Gladwell, former New York Times editor Bruce Headlam, and Leah Rose. | |||
| Public Enemy's "Cold Lampin' with Flavor" live with Questlove | 09 May 2024 | 01:09:19 | |
On this very special episode of One Song, Diallo Riddle & LUXXURY are joined by hiphop legend Questlove, and a live studio audience packed with the One Song Nation. Questlove chose this week’s song, Cold Lampin’ with Flavor, and the great man guides us through its place in hip-hop history, the Bomb Squad’s prodigious use of sampling, and how it represents a masterclass in production. | |||
| Dolly Parton's "Jolene" with Andy Richter | 02 May 2024 | 01:03:39 | |
In 1973, Dolly Parton released her seminal track “Jolene”. In the years that have followed, the song has been reinterpreted and reimagined by many artists including Olivia Newton John, Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, the White Stripes, and, of course, Beyonce. On this episode of One Song, LUXXURY and Diallo Riddle are joined by comedy legend Andy Richter to talk through the history and impact of this singular anthem, and the many Jolenes. | |||
| Tears for Fears' "Head Over Heels" | 25 Apr 2024 | 01:02:05 | |
This time on One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY not only tackle a song that, arguably, possesses the ultimate accolade: It is Diallo’s favorite song to sing at karaoke. “Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears is not the British synth pop group’s biggest hit – that would be “Mad World”, “Sowing the Seeds of Love”, or “Shout” – but Diallo makes a strong case for why there’s no better song to belt out at 2am in a karaoke booth. Join the guys as they break open the stems and walk through the song’s unforgettable melody and haunting lyrics in a special episode that was shot in the Hartbeat podcast studio after a sustainable makeover. As part of the makeover, soy-based products were used, including chairs upholstered with the soy-based material produced by Modern Meadow, wall mounted photographs printed with soy-based ink, and upcycling a drum into a coffee table with wood supplied by HempWood, which contains soy-based resin. This episode was produced with the support of U.S. Soy. | |||
| De La Soul's "Buddy" | 18 Apr 2024 | 01:11:10 | |
Back in the late 80s gangsta rap was booming. But three kids from Long Island emerged to spread a message of peace, love, and unity. Those three kids -- Posdnuos, Maseo, and Trugoy the Dove -- were De La Soul and together they broadened the perception of hip hop: They made it funny, weird, and psychedelic. This time on One Song, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY break down “Buddy” from De La Soul’s seminal album Three Feet High and Rising. | |||
| Juice WRLD's "Lucid Dreams" | 15 Aug 2024 | 01:11:22 | |
On One Song, we do our best to give flowers to artists we admire, especially those who left us far too soon. On this episode, Diallo and LUXXURY break down Juice WRLD’s monster hit from 2018, “Lucid Dreams.” They dive into what influenced Juice to channel his emotions into his music, how his signature song brought emo rap to the mainstream, and why the song’s lyrics about heartbreak and mental health inspired a younger generation to comprehend their emotions. | |||
| Radiohead's "Creep" | 11 Apr 2024 | 00:54:37 | |
You love this song. But the band who wrote it? They hate it. And in many ways, that’s entirely appropriate. Because on this episode of One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are wading deep into a song that ’s an ode to self-loathing, anxiety, obsession, neurosis, self-lacerating rage, and … being kind of a creep. | |||
| Rihanna's "Umbrella" | 04 Apr 2024 | 01:08:16 | |
Usually on One Song we focus on the music's cultural impact. But this time we're talking about the meteorological impact! When Rihanna's Umbrella topped the charts in the UK, it coincided with a period of heavy rain and flooding. The same thing happened in Romania and New Zealand. Coincidence, or did Rihanna's hit change the weather? On this episode of One Song, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY explore the song's backstory, delve into the stems, and get to the bottom of how Rihanna arrived as a global megastar and made it rain. Literally. | |||
| Bob Marley's "Jamming'" | 28 Mar 2024 | 01:12:00 | |
Bob Marley’s music is everywhere. And, in a sense, so is Bob Marley: He was the subject of a recent biopic, there are murals painted of him around the world, and his poster is still common in college dorm rooms. But has that ubiquity taken away from his music? On this episode of One Song, you’ll hear Bob Marley’s Jamming like never before. LUXXURY has the stems, the interpolations, and the contrafacts; and Diallo Riddle has the Bob backstory and some hot takes on music biopics. | |||
| Daft Punk, Part Two: "Get Lucky" | 21 Mar 2024 | 00:44:42 | |
It’s time: The peak of the pyramid! On this episode of One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY explore what is, arguably, Daft Punk’s creative and commercial zenith: Get Lucky. Together with generational defining acts, Pharrell and Nile Rodgers, Daft Punk craft a song that became an instant classic. Luxxury, of course, has the stems. And is ready to take you inside this infectious slice of funk. | |||
| Daft Punk, Part One: The Road To Get Lucky | 14 Mar 2024 | 00:45:18 | |
Hey One Song listener, did you ever wonder how much Diallo and LUXXURY like Daft Punk? Well, the answer is a lot. So much, in fact, that one episode could not contain their love of robot helmets, French house music, obscure samples, and pyramids. So we’re doing a special Two Part deep dive into Daft Punk and their feel-good pop masterpiece, "Get Lucky". This is Part One: The early years of Daft Punk, their inspirations, and how they changed pop music with their triumphant Coachella performance in 2007. | |||
| Empire of the Sun's "Walking on a Dream" | 07 Mar 2024 | 00:55:53 | |
Today on One Song the ultimate pop music dichotomy: It’s a record that is simultaneously huge. But also very niche. The chances are you know the breezy synth pop masterpiece, Walking on a Dream. But how much do you know about Empire of the Sun, the duo who made that song? Probably not a lot. Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are here to right that wrong. The duo will also take you on a tour of 2000s synth pop, and break down the making of the Pnau remix of Cold Cold Heart (it ties in! We promise!). Artist: Empire of the Sun
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| Doja Cat's "Paint the Town Red" with Laci Mosley | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:59:57 | |
This time on One Song, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY discuss an instant classic: Doja Cat’s 2023 hit, Paint the Town Red. The fellas are joined on the podcast by the Scam Goddess herself, Laci Mosely. Join the trio as they break down Dojo’s journey from Mooo! to her critically acclaimed album, Scarlet. Artist: Doja Cat | |||
| Deee-Lite's "Groove Is In The Heart" | 22 Feb 2024 | 01:05:06 | |
This time on One Song it’s a jam that Luxxury describes as “musical potpourri”. Join him, and co-host Diallo Riddle, as they unpack Deee-Lite’s Groove Is In The Heart. It’s a song that is packed with samples taken from house, disco, funk, jazz, dance, and exotica. Come for the groove, stay for the Bootsy Collins outtakes. Artist: Deee-Lite | |||
| Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" | 15 Feb 2024 | 01:05:07 | |
This is THE sexiest One Song episode yet! To celebrate Valentine’s Day LUXXURY and Diallo are dissecting Marvin Gaye’s classic ode to lust: Let’s Get It On. Come for the exquisitely horny wa wa pedal, stay for the supremely lush vocal stems. | |||
| The Response Episode: Listener Mailbag & New Music Reactions | 08 Feb 2024 | 00:33:45 | |
On this special episode of One Song, Diallo & LUXXURY answer listener DMs and react to new music from Megan Thee Stallion, Justin Timberlake, and Justice (with Tame Impala). | |||
| ABBA's Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! "(A Man After Midnight)" with John Early | 08 Aug 2024 | 01:12:51 | |
If there’s not a soul out there, or someone to hear your prayer, just turn to one of the most popular and successful musical groups of all time – ABBA. On this episode of One Song, actor and comedian John Early (Now More Than Ever; The Afterparty) joins Diallo & LUXXURY to break down the Swedish disco supergroup’s hit “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)." They discuss how the members of ABBA managed to craft the song in the middle of a divorce, how their meticulous production process makes their songs so catchy, and why the Swedes are so incredible at songwriting. | |||
| New Order's "Blue Monday" | 01 Feb 2024 | 00:48:50 | |
On this special rerun, Diallo and Luxxury dig into the biggest selling 12 inch single of all-time: Blue Monday, by New Order. The guys break down how the song was created, its surprising disco influences, and one of the most nonchalant vocal performances ever recorded. | |||
| The Notorious B.I.G's "Mo Money Mo Problems" | 25 Jan 2024 | 00:51:49 | |
On this special rerun, Diallo and Luxxury dive deep into the Notorious B.I.G classic, Mo Money Mo Problems. Join the guys as they break down the song's use of a disco beat, Stevie J's unique contributions, and prepare to feel chills when you hear Biggie's isolated vocals. Album: Life After Death | |||
| Queen & David Bowie's "Under Pressure" | 18 Jan 2024 | 01:06:00 | |
This week on One Song, hosts Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are “Under Pressure”. That’s right, the guys are bringing you Queen’s rock monster: A song that was number 1 in three countries, has been ranked as one of the 500 greatest songs of all-time by Rolling Stone magazine, and is often cited as one of the greatest collaborations of all-time … And that’s before we get to the iconic vocals, that bassline, and the story of how “Under Pressure” went from rock history, to hip hop infamy. | |||
| Madonna's "Into the Groove" with guest Guillermo Díaz | 11 Jan 2024 | 01:04:02 | |
This week on One Song we’re getting “Into the Groove”. Hosts Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are joined by Madonna superfan — and star of hit show, Scandal — Guillermo Díaz to discuss the iconic dancefloor-filler. Come for the isolated Madonna vocals, lore surrounding the recording, and all of the synths. Stay for a breakdown of Guillermo’s many Madonna tattoos and his recollection of the time he met the Queen of Pop. Artist: Madonna | |||
| 2023 Recap & 2024 Trends | 04 Jan 2024 | 00:55:38 | |
Join hosts Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY as they recap their favorite (and least favorite!) things of 2023, and look ahead to new music they’re excited for in 2024. | |||
| Sly and the Family Stone's "Thank You" with guest Novena Carmel | 21 Dec 2023 | 01:19:20 | |
This episode of One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are joined by DJ and KCRW radio host and Sly Stone's daughter Novena Carmel in a special “Thank You” episode. We’re saying thank you to a songwriter, producer and multi instrumentalist who has made us dance to the music, taken us higher, and made us - the everyday people - appreciate the infectiousness of singing a simple song. Artist: Sly and the Family Stone | |||
| Sister Nancy's "Bam Bam" | 14 Dec 2023 | 01:00:58 | |
Today on One Song we’re going to be telling you a story. It’s a story about rhythms and remixes, interpolations and sampling. It’s a story about a song that became huge – it’s been in movies, commercials, and it’s one of the most sampled Reggae songs ever. But one of the last people to find out about its success was the singer. This time on One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY bring you the story of Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam. | |||
| Outkast's "Ms. Jackson" | 07 Dec 2023 | 01:04:23 | |
This time on One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are doing a deep dive into possibly the greatest ever apology song ever recorded: It’s OutKast’s multi-platinum ode to a complicated relationship and “baby’s drama mama”, Ms. Jackson. | |||
| Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Maps" | 30 Nov 2023 | 00:59:33 | |
This time on One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are breaking out their skinny jeans, thrifted leather jackets, and statement hairstyles as they breakdown classic indie banger, Maps. The duo explore everything from the origins of the New York indie scene, to the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s writing process, to Karen O’s incredible onstage presence. Come for the fuzzy guitars, stay for the bangs. Album: Fever to Tell | |||
| Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” with guest Durand Bernarr | 16 Nov 2023 | 01:01:57 | |
This time on One Song, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are joined by singer, Durand Bernarr. The trio explore Mariah Carey’s Fantasy (Bad Boy Remix ft. ODB), and talk through every single one of Mariah’s five octaves — not to mention her whistle registers. But, because we’re talking the Bad Boy Remix version of Fantasy, there’s also a lot of ODB high jinx. Including Diallo’s story about the time he had a brush with the ol’ dirty doggy himself. Artist: Mariah Carey | |||
| Dr. Dre's "Nuthin' but A 'G' Thang" | 01 Aug 2024 | 01:14:04 | |
One, two, three, and to the fo' -- Diallo & LUXXURY is at yo' do'...ready for another One Song episode! And on this episode, they break down Dr. Dre's hit that introduced the world to g-funk, tell the story of how Dre recruited Snoop to be a featured artist, and discuss why "'G' Thang" has become one of the most influential hip-hop tracks of all time. | |||
| Massive Attack's "Teardrop" | 09 Nov 2023 | 01:00:27 | |
Love is a verb, love is a doing word: And this week on One Song Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY are not short on things to say about Massive Attack’s trip-hop anthem, Teardrop. Join the fellas as they trace the group’s history from curious kids to electronica pioneers, take a look inside the song’s haunting melody, and the “voice of God” vocal supplied by Elizabeth Fraser.
Come for the teardrops on the fire, stay for the breakdown one of 90s pop music’s greatest what-ifs: What would it have been like if, as one of Massive Attack’s producers intended, Madonna had sung the track. | |||
| Janet Jackson's 'Control' album (w. special guest Jimmy Jam) - Pt. 2 | 02 Nov 2023 | 01:07:55 | |
Diallo and LUXXURY continue their conversation with legendary producer Jimmy Jam in part two of this special double episode of One Song. They break down the making of Janet Jackson’s classic album “Control” with deep dives into the writing and production of Miss Jackson’s classic songs: “Nasty” “Control” and “When I Think of You." This is the second episode of a two-part special with Jimmy Jam. | |||
| Janet Jackson's 'Control' album (w. special guest Jimmy Jam) - Pt. 1 | 26 Oct 2023 | 00:50:12 | |
Legendary producer Jimmy Jam joins Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY to break down the making of Janet Jackson’s classic album, “Control”. Jimmy takes us inside the studio and breaks down the process of getting to know Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty) and creating a sound and attitude that worked for her. This is the first of a two-part special with Jimmy Jam. | |||
| Metallica's "Master of Puppets" | 19 Oct 2023 | 01:01:37 | |
Are you ready to go metal, listener? Because this time on One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY are here with a real riff monster: Master of Puppets by Metallica. It’s a song that is bursting with musicianship and angst and intricate instrumentals. Come for the stems of Lars Ulrich bashing away at his drums, and stay for LUXXURY’s metal origin story and his thoughts on the infamous ‘Some Kind of Monster’ documentary. | |||
| Britney Spears “Toxic" | 12 Oct 2023 | 00:51:29 | |
This week on One Song, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY get Toxic! Join for LUXXURY’s thesis on why the song is a pop masterpiece that weds high art and obscure sonic references with Britney Spears’ bubblegum vocals. There’s also all of the usual deep dives, rabbit holes, and interpolations — Including a James Bond connection.
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| Beyoncé “Break My Soul” with guest Bresha Webb | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:46:28 | |
Listeners: Press play and release your stress, and the rest, because on this episode of One Song we’re celebrating all things house, and all things Beyoncé! The fellas are joined by card-carrying Beyhive member, actress Bresha Webb, as they break down Break My Soul. Come for the stems and the Show Me Love interpolation discourse, stay for the wiggles. Artist: Beyoncé | |||
| Prince “Let’s Go Crazy” with guest Bashir Salahuddin | 28 Sep 2023 | 00:58:39 | |
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today for another episode of One Song. This time, Diallo and LUXXURY are joined by Diallo’s longtime writing partner and friend, Bashir Salahuddin. The trio go on a musical journey through Prince’s 1984 classic, Let’s Go Crazy. Follow along while LUXXURY plays Prince’s wild guitar solos, his iconic vocals, and buckle up for a highly controversial conversation when the fellas choose which song they’d drop off Purple Rain. Artist: Prince and The Revolution | |||
| Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit” | 21 Sep 2023 | 00:49:25 | |
This time on one song: Mosquitos and libidos. That’s right, Diallo and LUXXURY are off on a sonic adventure with Nirvana’s 1991 grunge rock juggernaut, Smells Like Teen Spirit. Hear why Diallo thinks it’s one of the most important songs in pop culture, and strap in for some rarely heard Kurt Cobain vocal stems. There’s also a lot of talk about blap-um-blap-um drum patterns. Artist: Nirvana | |||
| Missy Elliot “Work It” with guest Punkie Johnson | 14 Sep 2023 | 00:57:50 | |
Diallo and LUXXURY are joined this week by comedian and friend of the pod, Punkie Johnson. Together, they go on a quest to flip it and reverse it and unpack the many layers of samples and interpolations that went into Missy Elliott’s 2002 banger, Work It. Come for the badonkadonk, stay for the obscure Paul Simon sample. Album: Under Construction | |||
| Stevie Wonder “Superstition” | 07 Sep 2023 | 00:54:15 | |
This time on One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY are taking a long hard look at Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and asking the questions that really matter: Is washing your face and hands a superstition or just good hygiene? What’s a clavinet? And, crucially, what does LUXXURY mean by “Stevie slop”? Album: Talking Book | |||
| The Smashing Pumpkins - Cherub Rock | 25 Jul 2024 | 01:04:14 | |
Hipsters Unite? This week on One Song, Diallo Riddle and Luxxury are tackling a confrontational track from one of the most successful alt rock bands of the 90’s — “Cherub Rock” by The Smashing Pumpkins. The guys go deep on the early 90’s indie rock scene, band frontman Billy Corgan’s quest for musical family, and the Pumpkins’ complicated relationship with the indie rock community. | |||
| The Beatles “Come Together” | 31 Aug 2023 | 00:55:29 | |
This week on one song we’re talking all things joo joo eyeball, walrus gumboot, and monkey finger — That’s right, Diallo and LUXXURY are peering into The Beatles word salad masterpiece, Come Together. Come for John Lennon’s breathtaking isolated vocal stems, stay for LUXXRY’s hot takes on Ringo Starr’s drumming skills. Album: Abbey Road | |||
| The Music That Made Us | 24 Aug 2023 | 00:58:57 | |
This time on One Song we’re flipping the script and doing something different: LUXXURY and Diallo will be sharing the songs that changed the way that they listen to music. So come along for the ride and hear about the song that convinced Diallo that he was no longer young, and one that still brings LUXXURY to tears.
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| Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk” | 17 Aug 2023 | 00:41:38 | |
This time on One Song we’ve got a real interpolation-palooza for you! Join Diallo and Blake as they wade through all the different layers of inspiration and interpolation that went into Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ modern classic: Uptown Funk. | |||
| The Smiths “How Soon is Now” with guest Kaskade | 10 Aug 2023 | 00:39:39 | |
Live from Las Vegas, Diallo and Blake are joined for this special episode of One Song by superstar DJ, Kaskade. Kaskade chose the song he wanted to explore and he went with a surprising choice for an EDM pioneer: The Smiths 1984 banger, How Soon Is Now. Listen along to find out why the song means so much to Kaskade, and hear team One Song's analysis. | |||