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The Best Episodes of Song Exploder

Every episode of Song Exploder ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Song Exploder!

The Best Episodes of Song Exploder

Get inspired as musicians dig deep into the creative process of songwriting and reveal their intimate thoughts in a series based on the hit podcast.
  1. 8.9/10(167 votes)

    #1 - Nine Inch Nails – Hurt

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    S2:E3

    Broken-down sounds, damaged vocals and naked emotion make a chilling coda to a blockbuster LP as Trent Reznor talks about transforming pain into art.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  2. 8.6/10(196 votes)

    #2 - R.E.M. – Losing My Religion

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    S1:E3

    No obvious chorus plus a lead mandolin and handclaps equals the least likely chart-topper of the '90s. R.E.M. looks back at the life-changing track.

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    Director:N/A
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  3. 7.9/10(100 votes)

    #3 - The Killers – When You Were Young

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    S2:E2

    Eager to beat the sophomore album slump, the Killers dusted off three chords to capture their desert home of Las Vegas — and mine for pop anthem gold.

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    Director:N/A
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  4. 7.8/10(128 votes)

    #4 - Lin-Manuel Miranda – Wait for It

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    S1:E2

    In his quest to capture Aaron Burr's voice, Lin-Manuel Miranda finds his lines on the subway. Many breathless choruses later, can he relate to Burr?

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  5. 7.4/10(96 votes)

    #5 - Dua Lipa – Love Again

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    S2:E1

    When a bad breakup spills into the studio, Dua Lipa finds release in high-drama strings, throwback analog synths and memories of her parents' faves.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  6. 7.2/10(58 votes)

    #6 - Natalia Lafourcade – Hasta la Raíz

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    S2:E4

    After stepping back from stardom, Natalia Lafourcade rediscovers her roots, which are planted deep in Veracruz and the rhythm of huapango folk music.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Song Exploder

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  8. 7.1/10(95 votes)

    #7 - Alicia Keys – 3 Hour Drive

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    S1:E1

    Far from her newborn son, Alicia Keys collaborates with Sampha, who has just lost his mother. Together, they give a longing melody life.

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    Director:N/A
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  9. 6.4/10(74 votes)

    #8 - Ty Dolla $ign – LA

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    S1:E4

    Ty Dolla $ign pens a verse in minutes, picks up multiple instruments and brings in Kendrick Lamar and Brandy for this moving love song to his city.

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    Director:N/A
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Best Episodes Summary

"Nine Inch Nails – Hurt" is the best rated episode of "Song Exploder". It scored 8.9/10 based on 167 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 12/15/2020. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "R.E.M. – Losing My Religion".