Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean"

Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean"

Author: Hartbeat January 14, 2026 Duration: 1:02:46
What makes “Billie Jean” one of the most timeless pop songs ever? Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dive into Michael Jackson’s masterpiece, unpacking its iconic (and borrowed) bassline, the innovative engineering that shaped its unmistakable sound, and how the song transformed MJ from superstar into a singular cultural force. Songs Discussed: “Billie Jean” - Michael Jackson (01:17) “C Is For Cookie (Funky Version)” - Cookie Monster (04:05) “Take On Me” - a-ha (06:34) “Pass the Dutchie” - Musical Youth (07:20) “Nightline” - Pointer Sisters (12:03) “Nightline” - Ellen Foley (12:10) “Should I Stay or Should I Go” - The Clash (12:40) “The Lady In My Life” - Michael Jackson (13:45) “The Girl Is Mine” - Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney (14:54) “Say Say Say” - Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson (15:13) “Hey Lover” - LL Cool J feat. Boyz II Men (15:57) “Wake Up” - Bill Wolfer (21:08) “State Of Independence” - Jon & Vangelis (25:52) “State Of Independence” - Donna Summer (28:01) “Only You” - Steve Monite (57:42) “Desperate Journalist In Ongoing Meaningful Review Situation” - The Cure (58:37) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what happens when a seasoned comedy writer and a sharp-eared music producer get stuck on the same track? That’s the simple, brilliant premise behind One Song. Each episode, Diallo Riddle-the Emmy-nominated force behind shows like ‘South Side’-and producer Blake "LUXXURY" Robin take a single, often iconic, pop song and hold it up to the light. What you get is less a formal dissection and more of a freewheeling, deeply funny conversation between two friends who happen to be experts in their fields. They’ll pull apart the production quirks you’ve never noticed, unpack the cultural moment that birthed the hit, and share personal stories that the music triggers, all while landing plenty of laughs. This isn’t a dry history lesson or a technical masterclass, though you’ll certainly learn things. It’s the joy of hearing two passionate minds revel in the details of a three-minute masterpiece, whether it’s a chart-topper you’ve heard a thousand times or a forgotten gem they insist you need in your life. The magic of this podcast lies in its focus: by digging into just one song per episode, every layer-from a specific synth sound to a bizarre lyric-gets its moment. It’s a celebration of pop music’s weirdness and wonder, delivered with the easy chemistry of a great hang. Tune in and you’ll find your listening habits changed, as you start hearing your favorite songs with new ears and a bigger smile.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 149

One Song
Podcast Episodes
Massive Attack's "Teardrop" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:24
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…
Janet Jackson's 'Control' album (w. special guest Jimmy Jam) - Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:17
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 div…
Janet Jackson's 'Control' album (w. special guest Jimmy Jam) - Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:16
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. Jacks…
Metallica's "Master of Puppets" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:39
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 intri…
Britney Spears “Toxic" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:45
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 al…
Beyoncé “Break My Soul” with guest Bresha Webb [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:13
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…
Prince “Let’s Go Crazy” with guest Bashir Salahuddin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:08
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 th…
Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:54
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…
Missy Elliot “Work It” with guest Punkie Johnson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:50
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 Mi…
Stevie Wonder “Superstition” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:19
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? Wha…