Hit Parade: The Bridge — "Queens Bey, Rih and Robyn Reign Different Kingdoms"

Slate Podcasts | December 13, 2019
Host: Chris Molanphy
Guest Producer: Asha Saluja

Episode Overview

This Bridge episode, hosted by chart analyst Chris Molanphy with producer Asha Saluja, explores the concept of what defines a "smash hit" in the 2010s, while diving deep into why major artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Robyn had such distinct chart and cultural impacts during the decade. The hosts reflect on listener feedback to previous episodes, notably Beyoncé’s changing role in pop, survey some personal favorite tracks of the 2010s, and share music trivia. The episode concludes with listener-driven corrections to previous episodes, maintaining the series’ commitment to music history accuracy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Beyoncé Question — Chart Domination vs. Cultural Impact

• Listener Feedback: Many listeners asked why Beyoncé was left out of the "Hits of the 2010s" episode, especially as Rihanna was celebrated for navigating the decade best.

• Beyoncé’s Pivot:

  • Chris explains that Beyoncé evolved from a hit single generator to a visionary album artist and cultural force.
  • "[Beyoncé] basically transformed herself from a hit single generator to a cutting edge album artist." (03:02 - Chris)
  • Her groundbreaking 2013 surprise album release became industry-defining and changed how artists rolled out albums.
  • Despite cultural ubiquity, she had fewer Hot 100 #1s than expected—her only #1 of the decade was as a feature on Ed Sheeran’s "Perfect" (2017).

• Artistic Intent:

  • Asha observes that Beyoncé purposely made her art less accessible, with challenging themes and a refusal to chase Top 40 radio conventions.
  • "She made her music kind of hard to access and she included themes that weren't gonna play on...radio in the middle of the day. Her songs were raunchy, they were activist themed. So she sort of just took herself away from the top 40 environment and said this is what I want to be making. She really became an auteur." (05:10 - Asha)
  • Chris agrees: "Auteur is actually exactly the right word. That's how Beyoncé transformed herself this decade." (05:35 - Chris)

2. Standout Singles of the 2010s—Personal Picks

• Justin Bieber’s "Where Are Ü Now"

  • Chris highlights this as an innovative, non-#1 hit with Skrillex and Diplo, noting its emotional depth and production:
  • "If you've ever listened and wondered what that high trilling sound is, that is actually Bieber's own voice...made into kind of this dolphin-like sound...It was this...very affecting single that kind of changed the game both on the radio and in Justin Bieber's career." (06:25 - Chris)

• Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney's "FourFiveSeconds"

  • Asha praises it as an all-time favorite; Chris discusses its cross-generational, genre-blending appeal.
  • "It's such a wonderfully strange record...a very Kanye record...probably the most straightforward and accessible song that Kanye West worked on this decade." (07:44 - Chris)

• Robyn’s "Dancing on My Own"

  • Chris notes Robyn’s transition from mainstream pop to indie darling:
  • "Robyn turned herself into an indie artist...the coolest, catchiest indie pop star of her era... 'Dancing on My Own' is such an amazing song." (09:13 - Chris)
  • Asha: "Deservedly making the top spot on some end of decade lists." (09:56 - Asha)

• SZA’s "Garden" (from Ctrl)

  • Asha draws a Joni Mitchell comparison, emphasizing SZA’s choice for adventurous, non-radio-friendly melodies:
  • "She has the vocal power to produce a pop hit, but she's usually choosing to go in such a mysterious direction with her melodies that it just doesn't hit like a pop song." (10:46 - Asha)
  • Chris: "That's a wonderful analogy. I couldn't think of a better one because Joni Mitchell was exactly that kind of artist..." (11:31 - Chris)

3. Hit Parade Trivia—Listener Segment

(12:07-18:32)
Guest: Alec, a Slate Plus member and superfan

• Questions & Answers:

  • Q1: Pivot record of the 2010s that spent 14 weeks at #1?
    A: "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (14:11)
  • Q2: Most recent Christmas song to hit #1?
    A: "The Chipmunk Song" by The Chipmunks with David Seville (15:06)
  • Q3: How many #1 hits does Mariah Carey have in the US?
    A: 18 (16:14)

• Contestant’s Trivia for Chris:

  • Q: Which rock group had a Christmas song on the Hot 100 in 2006, peaking at #54?
    A: The Killers, “A Great Big Sled” (17:15)
  • Chris misses (guesses Coldplay), learns about bands’ Christmas songs.

• Notable Moments:

  • "Chris, I am a lamb so I know the answer to this question and it is C18 and you have run the table." (16:14 - Alec)

4. Corrections & Clarifications — Hit Parade Housekeeping

(19:59-26:08) Chris rounds up factual and script errors from previous episodes:

• Genesis Episode:

  • Played wrong version of "The Carpet Crawlers" (used 1999 re-recording instead of the 1974 original).
  • Misattributed the writing of "Your Own Special Way" to Phil Collins; it was written by Mike Rutherford.

• Woodstock Episode:

  • Incorrectly identified Bowser (John Bauman) as a member of Sha Na Na at Woodstock; he joined later.
  • Checks his pronunciation of "Coachella" throughout episodes, admits occasional error.

• Post Punk Episode:

  • Clarifies New Order's “Blue Monday” was not on the original Power, Corruption & Lies album.

• Broadway Episode:

  • Incorrectly stated Jennifer Holliday’s "And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going" wasn’t a Top 40 hit (it peaked at #22 in 1982).
  • Most regretted error: Described Timon from The Lion King as a "meek rat" instead of "meerkat."
    • "This reminds me, Asha, a little bit of the movie Anchorman. I feel like I had a Ron Burgundy moment where any word that's put in my teleprompter is exactly what I say." (25:18 - Chris)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Beyoncé’s Influence:

  • "Beyoncé was also almost single-handedly responsible for something we now take for granted, which is the surprise album drop." (02:15 - Chris)

• On Robyn’s Lasting Legacy:

  • "She was first produced by Max Martin...then she transformed herself into the coolest, catchiest indie pop star of her era." (09:20 - Chris)

• On SZA’s Appear:

  • "SZA almost reminds me of a Joni Mitchell...capable of writing a hit song, but that's not what I'm doing right now." (11:31 - Chris)

• On Making Corrections:

  • "It's heartbreaking to screw up on a 50-50 shot." (19:54 - Chris)
  • "There is no error in 2019 that I regret more...than calling Timon from The Lion King a 'meek rat.'" (25:18 - Chris)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Beyoncé Discussion: 01:30–05:41
• Favorite 2010s Singles: 05:41–11:46
• Trivia Segment: 12:07–18:32
• Corrections & Anecdotes: 19:59–26:08

Episode Tone & Style

Friendly, nerdy, and humorous — Chris and Asha blend deep music history expertise with playful banter and fan-level enthusiasm, making chart trivia both accessible and fun. Their meticulous attention to detail, willingness to acknowledge missteps, and infectious passion for pop music make this a welcoming listen for casual and chart-geek listeners alike.

For more history, trivia, and chart deep-dives, visit Slate’s Hit Parade archive or subscribe for bonus content and ad-free episodes.