One Song

Our full Patreon interview with Kyle Gordon: comedian, musician, and internet sensation ("Mr. Jambo", "Planet of the Bass") emerges from behind the paywall! In the lead up to the release of his new album Kyle Gordon Is Everywhere, we discussed the fine line between music and comedy (and getting both right); parody vs. satire; and the delicate process of composing "Mr. Jambo" (spoiler: he learned some Zulu!) Kyle explains how he drew inspiration from Paul Simon's Graceland, how his tour has evolved from a seated comedy show to a standing concert, and where he fits in the history of musical comedy. Subscribe to the One Song Patreon at patreon.com/onesong to get access to exclusive interviews like this one. Episode produced by Demian Kendall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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).  Then, we dive into the stems and get into a the bass line that never breaks a sweat, the chords that make you feel sexy even when you’re alone, the epitome of 80s saxophone, and of course, the unmistakable vocals of Helen Folasade Adu, aka Sade.  Songs Discussed: “Searching” (1980) - Change feat. Luther Vandross “Like A Tattoo” (1992) - Sade “Pride (When You Can’t Back Down)” (1982) - Pride “Love Is Stronger Than Pride” (1988) - Sade “Don’t You Want Me Baby” (1981) - The Human League “Venceremos (We Will Win)” (1984) - Working Week “When Am I Going to Make a Living” (1985) - Sade “Is It A Crime (Live Aid at Wembley Stadium, London)” (1985) - Sade “Kiss of Life” (1992) - Sade “War of Hearts” (1985) - Sade “Sweetest Taboo” (1985) - Sade “Maureen” (1985) - Sade “Paradise” (1988) - Sade “No Ordinary Love” (1992) - Sade “You Will Rise” (1996) - Sweetback feat. Amel Larrieux “Manhood” (2000) - Victor Duplaix Subscribe to the One Song Patreon at patreon.com/onesong Check out the One Song Spotify playlist Recorded at Spotify Studios Engineering by Ryan Todd Produced by Eric Hicks and Demian Kendall Edited and mixed by Eric Hicks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Plus, they break down how “People Are People” was made—the song that took them global. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices