One Song Podcast

Michael Jackson's "Thriller"

17K views · 4d ago · 1:06:46

As Spooky Season falls across the land, no mere more can resist the power of this 1983 smash hit. On this very special Halloween episode of One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY break down Michael Jackson’s spookiest pop song, “Thriller.” They discuss how the King of Pop teamed up with Quncy Jones to make the iconic title track for the best-selling album of all time (70 million+ copies!), and how its cinematic music video redefined what a music video can even be.

Pete Rock and CL Smooth’s “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)”

17K views · 1w ago · 1:09:29

What song taught you how to grieve? We’re getting emotional on this one as we dive into the foundational 90s hip hop track and dedication song: “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” by Pete Rock and CL Smooth. Diallo and LUXXURY discuss the emotional nature of the song’s production as a tribute to Pete Rock’s close friend, before getting into their own personal stories of connecting music and the loss of loved ones.

Sade's "Smooth Operator" | One Song Podcast - Full Episode

36K views · 2w ago · 1:32:01

How many words can we use to describe Sade’s voice? Hint: the answer is more than ten. We’re kicking off a new season of One Song with an all-timer: Sade’s 1984 jazz-soul-pop classic, “Smooth Operator”. Diallo and LUXXURY discuss the origin and evolution of Sade from a backing singer to a star who blended style, sophistication, and sexiness in one iconic force of nature. We also argue a lot about how to pronounce her name (and there’s technically one correct answer).

Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" Part 2

6.5K views · 3w ago · 1:04:48

We’re revisiting an episode with all you ever wanted and all you ever needed from Diallo and LUXXURY. Okay, well, not everything, but in Part Two of our Depeche Mode special, the guys break down the band’s biggest hit, “Enjoy the Silence.” Get ready to learn Depeche Mode’s techniques for crafting moodier, darker, and more atmospheric sounds, why this song took them to global superstar status, and how they paved the way for countless bands to create synth-driven, danceable…

Depeche Mode's "People Are People"

11K views · 1mo ago · 1:12:28

This week, we’re revisiting an important question: How much do Diallo and LUXXURY love Depeche Mode? Answer – so much that they couldn’t pack it all into one episode. So get ready for a thorough two-part deep dive on these pioneers who defined the sound of electronic music! In Part One, the guys discuss Depeche Mode’s early years and their dynamic approach to using synthesizers and drum machines to make their music.

Rihanna's "Umbrella"

6.8K views · 1mo ago · 1:10:59

We’re revisiting an episode that goes beyond music’s cultural impact to talk about its 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?

James Brown’s “Funky Drummer” (Part 2)

15K views · 1mo ago · 1:10:24

Why did the drum beat that birthed hip hop only cost 50 bucks? In Part 2 of our “Funky Drummer” breakdown, Diallo & LUXXURY devote an entire episode to the genius and legacy of the funky drummer himself: Clyde Stubblefield. It’s our “Oops! All Drummers!” episode, so strap in for some syncopations, paradiddles, breaks, ghost notes, backbeats, ostinados, tresillos, and the eight simple bars of hi-hat, snare, and kick that birthed decades of great (and not-so-great) samples.

James Brown’s “Funky Drummer" (Part 1)

28K views · 2mo ago · 1:13:21

Was James Brown the inventor of funk? Diallo & LUXXURY dive into “Funky Drummer (Part 1)” the first half of the nine-minute funk epic that cemented James Brown as a true master of the genre. They get into the song’s legacy as a treasure trove for hip hop samples, James Brown’s unique presence as a bandleader, and what makes the song fit in the pantheon of perfect wedding DJ songs.

Dolly Parton's "Jolene"

15K views · 2mo ago · 1:21:38

In memory of Dolly Parton, we’re revisiting our episode about her seminal 1973 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.

Bob Marley's "Jamming'"

11K views · 2mo ago · 1:22:56

This week, we’re revisiting a One Song favorite. Bob Marley’s music is everywhere. And, in a sense, so is Bob Marley: His image appears in murals around the world, on college dorm-room posters, and in a recent Hollywood biopic. But has that ubiquity changed the way we hear his music? On this encore episode of One Song, revisit Bob Marley’s “Jamming” as you’ve never heard it before.

Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings”

2.3K views · 2mo ago · 1:12:02

We revisit this classic episode where Diallo and Luxxury break down “7 Rings,” Ariana Grande’s smash hit that puts a modern twist on the classic Broadway tune “My Favorite Things.” Grande has since become one of pop’s most reliable chart-toppers, tying the record for the most songs by a woman to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Killers’ "Mr. Brightside"

4.2K views · 2mo ago · 1:27:32

Destiny has called us to revisit one of our favorite One Song episodes about the making of an unforgettable jam you’ve heard at countless weddings, karaoke bars, and sporting events. So open up your eager eyes (and ears)! On this episode of One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY break down The Killers’ 2003 hit, “Mr.

"Can You Feel It" by The Jacksons

25K views · 3mo ago · 1:06:45

The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back"

20K views · 3mo ago · 1:08:00

How do five brothers from Gary, Indiana walk into Motown and change pop music almost overnight? This week, Diallo & LUXXURY dive into the Jackson 5’s explosive debut, “I Want You Back,” and break down the impossible chemistry behind the record that introduced Michael Jackson to the world.

Metallica's "Master of Puppets"

5.8K views · 3mo ago · 53:24

From the One Song archives, we’re going metal with one of the biggest riff monsters ever recorded: Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.” Diallo and LUXXURY break down a song bursting with musicianship, angst, and intricate instrumentation. Come for the stems of Lars Ulrich bashing away at the drums, and stay for LUXXURY’s metal origin story and his thoughts on the infamous Some Kind of Monster documentary.