One Song

What makes a song sexy vs. sleazy? This week, we’re getting into the rare industrial to mainstream crossover hit with Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer”. Diallo and LUXXURY break down the violent, visceral, and fluid-drenched origin of the industrial scene and what makes it unique from subcultures like the punks and goths.

Then, we break open the stems to get into the distinctly Reznor-ian blend of distorted samples, stabby synths, and pounding bass, before isolating the vocals of potentially the most vulgar chorus of all time.

Plus, the first edition of America's favorite new game: Sexy or Sleazy?

Let us know in the comments: Is “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails a sexy song or a sleazy song?

Songs Discussed:

“Thieves” (1989) - Ministry

“I Feel Love” (1977) - Donna Summer

“Murderous” (1987) - Nitzer Ebb

“Head Like a Hole” (1989) - Nine Inch Nails

“Nightclubbing” (1977) - Iggy Pop

“Closer (Nine Inch Noize)” (2025) - Nine Inch Noize

“Take A Chance With Me” (1982) - Roxy Music

“Let’s Get It On” (1973) - Marvin Gaye

“Kiss” (1986) - Prince

“Love to Love You Baby” (1975) - Donna Summer

“Smooth Operator” (1984) - Sade

“I Touch Myself” (1990) - Divinyls

“Satisfaction” (2002) - Benny Benassi

“In the Power of Darkness” (2026) - Warlock Corpse

“I Love You” (2026) - Champions

Subscribe to the One Song Patreon at patreon.com/onesong

Check out the One Song Spotify playlist

Engineering by Phil Richards

Produced by Demian Kendall and Eric Hicks

Edited and mixed by Eric Hicks

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From behind the Patreon paywall... Steven Hyden answers the question: What happened to the rock and roll middle class? The acclaimed rock critic and author of the new book on The Strokes, Is This It? The Never-Ending Rise and Fall of the Strokes (and Rock ‘n’ Roll), joins the Patreon to talk about the legacy of the band, the undiscovered gems of 2000s New York City, and why some bands become better known for their tee shirts instead of their music.

Subscribe to the One Song Patreon at patreon.com/onesong

Check out the One Song Spotify playlist

Episode produced by Demian Kendall.

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Did it take a trust fund to save rock and roll? This week, we’re traveling back to the rock revival epicenter, New York City in the early 2000s, to talk The Strokes and their 2003 single “Reptilia”. Diallo & LUXXURY get into the band’s not-so-humble origins and not-so-hidden influences, why 2001 was the year music fandom began to fragment, and Julian Casablancas’s process of “writing sideways”.

Then, we break open the stems to get into the surprisingly symphonic composition, the human percussion that sounds like a drum machine, and the grungy lounge lizard-ness of Julian’s isolated vocals.

Songs Discussed:

“It Never Rains in Southern California” (1972) - Albert Hammond

“The Air That I Breathe” (1972) - The Hollies

“Creep” (1992) - Radiohead

“Yellow Ledbetter” (1992) - Pearl Jam

“Hard to Explain” (2001) - The Strokes

“Since U Been Gone” (2004) - Kelly Clarkson

“In the End” (2000) - Linkin Park

“Blurry” (2001) - Puddle of Mudd

“It’s Been A While” (2001) - Staind

“Smooth Criminal” (2001) - Alien Ant Farm

“Flavor of the Weak” (2000) - American Hi-Fi

“Fat Lip” (2001) - Sum 41

“Rock and Roll” (1970) - The Velvet Underground

“American Girl” (1976) - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

“Last Nite” (2001) - The Strokes

“Freeze Frame” (1981) - The J. Geils Band

“Let’s Go Crazy” (1984) - Prince

“Bull in the Heather” (1994) - Sonic Youth

“12:51” (2003) - The Strokes

Subscribe to the One Song Patreon at patreon.com/onesong

Check out the One Song Spotify playlist

Engineering by Katie Gilchrist

Produced by Eric Hicks and Demian Kendall

Edited and mixed by Eric Hicks
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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. And prepare yourself to hear Michael’s isolated and stacked vocals…they’ll make you jump right out of your seat!

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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.
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