Podcast · Music

Hall of Songs

by Tim Malcolm and Chris Jones · English · Music

What are the greatest songs of all-time? Hosts Chris Jones and Tim Malcolm nominate songs for the Hall of Songs, with each episode tackling a new year chronologically, starting with 1951. Listeners are asked to vote after each episode for the songs they feel should reach the Hall of Songs.

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 1 hr 17 min
Latest: 26 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

26 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 29 min

100 Songs: 1986 - Ep. 6 - A Perfect Day

This week on our deep dive into 1986, Tim takes us to a random day in August '86 to celebrate and discuss a community ravaged by HIV and AIDS. While the epidemic is one of the most important and heartbreaking stories of the 1980s, this episode attempts to highlight both the joy brought by some of the year's best songs, and those who rallied for and were a big part of the LGBTQ+ community during a challenging time. *** Yes, we have a new podcast. We are going through 100 songs released in 1986...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E5 · 22 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
100 Songs: 1986 - Ep. 5 - Around the World ... Same Song
This week on our deep dive into 1986, Chris wants us to take a trip around the world. Errr, sort of. There's a lot of Britain and U.S. here. But the idea is to feature songs about places. Errr, sort of. You'll get the B-52s, the Beastie Boys, Frank Zappa, Madonna and the Housemartins (for some reason). *** Yes, we have a new podcast. We are going through 100 songs released in 1986, picking one song per artist in an attempt to tell the story of a wild and oft-changing year in music. With each ...
S1 · E4 · 26 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 24 min
100 Songs: 1986 - Ep. 4 - Get Ready for the Quiet Storm
This week on our deep dive into 1986, Tim explores late nights, red wine, blazing fires and a lot of SEX, BABY. It's time to settle into a long evening of the Quiet Storm. We're talking Luther, Chaka, Anita, Smokey, Aretha, and five other artists. SEX. *** Yes, we have a new podcast. We are going through 100 songs released in 1986, picking one song per artist in an attempt to tell the story of a wild and oft-changing year in music. With each episode we (Tim and Chris) alternate with a 10-song...
S1 · E3 · 11 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
100 Songs: 1986 - Ep. 3 - I Want It Now
Yes, we have a new podcast. We are going through 100 songs released in 1986, picking one song per artist in an attempt to tell the story of a wild and oft-changing year in music. With each episode we (Tim and Chris) alternate with a 10-song theme. This week, Chris goes big into greed. We're looking at songs with the theme of "I Want It Now," and in case you don't know, the "It" is, uh, sex. Get ready for some Nu Shooz, Huey Lewis and the News, Poison and Eddie Money. It's the Big '80s, baby! ...
S1 · E2 · 13 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
100 Songs: 1986 - Ep. 2 - Plunging Deeper Into Divorcecore
Yes, we have a new podcast. We are going through 100 songs released in 1986, picking one song per artist in an attempt to tell the story of a wild and oft-changing year in music. With each episode we (Tim and Chris) alternate with a 10-song theme. This week we launch a level-201 course in Divorcecore, a genre created by JD Ryznar of "Beyond Yacht Rock" about a decade ago. Here Tim runs through songs from 1986 that spoke to the overwhelming sadness and passive aggression of white male issues. ...
S1 · E1 · 5 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
100 Songs: 1986 - Ep. 1 - I Wanna Talk About Me
Yes, we have a new podcast. We are going through 100 songs released in 1986, picking one song per artist in an attempt to tell the story of a wild and oft-changing year in music. With each episode we (Tim and Chris) alternate with a 10-song theme. This week we discuss very selfish country songs, tunes that only want to "talk about me." It's a good way to get a lay of the land in 1986 country music, and we'll hear from stars like George Strait, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis and Lyle Lovett, amon...
S7 · E2 · 28 Nov 2025 · 1 hr
BONUS: Our Favorite Cover Songs of All-Time
Hey, we're back! Tim and Chris return to discuss the theme of the latest big year-end countdown from WXPN (88.5 FM) in Philadelphia: the 885 Greatest Cover Songs of All-Time. They'll also pick their personal 10 favorite covers of all-time. Stay with us! This feed should have more stuff coming, including several episodes of our newest project, The Almost Famous (songs that peaked at No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100). Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitter.com/hallofsongs...
S7 · E1 · 12 Feb 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
The Almost Famous #1 - Mitch Ryder, "Joy" (1967)
Mitch Ryder broke through with a blue-eyed growl in the 1960s, bringing a hard-edged and sultry Detroit sound to blues-based rock. But in 1967 his career was at a sudden crossroads, so he wrote a song inspired by his daughter. What followed was, in many ways, the end of Ryder's career as a hitmaker. This is The Almost Famous, a podcast about songs that peaked at No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100. Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitter.com/hallofsongs Please rate and rev...
S6 · E4 · 27 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 56 min
2011! Pop! EDM! Our Top-12 Songs of the Year
From indie hits to pop bangers, and everything in between, Tim and Chris go through their top-12 songs of 2011. These are the songs they would nominate for Hall of Songs inclusion. Thoughts? Let us know by emailing [email protected]. Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitter.com/hallofsongs Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hall-of-songs/id1550546067
S6 · E3 · 6 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
We're Back! Part 3: Potential Hall of Songs Nominees of 2024 Part 2
Hello music lovers and loyal listeners! Hall of Songs is BACK, at least for a moment. Tim and Chris wanted to return with a long-winded (seriously) discussion of the songs of 2024; primarily, which songs could one day be worthy of Hall of Songs consideration? Plus, Tim and Chris talk about the recent countdown of the 885 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century produced by their favorite radio station, 88.5 WXPN FM in Philadelphia. FINALLY, they have a special announcement. GET EXCITED. Website: ht...
S6 · E2 · 6 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
We're Back! Part 2: Potential Hall of Songs Nominees of 2024 Part 1
Hello music lovers and loyal listeners! Hall of Songs is BACK, at least for a moment. Tim and Chris wanted to return with a long-winded (seriously) discussion of the songs of 2024; primarily, which songs could one day be worthy of Hall of Songs consideration? Plus, Tim and Chris talk about the recent countdown of the 885 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century produced by their favorite radio station, 88.5 WXPN FM in Philadelphia. FINALLY, they have a special announcement. GET EXCITED. Website: ht...
S6 · E1 · 6 Jan 2025 · 37 min
We're Back! 2024 (Part 1) + A Special Announcement
Hello music lovers and loyal listeners! Hall of Songs is BACK, at least for a moment. Tim and Chris wanted to return with a long-winded (seriously) discussion of the songs of 2024; primarily, which songs could one day be worthy of Hall of Songs consideration? Plus, Tim and Chris talk about the recent countdown of the 885 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century produced by their favorite radio station, 88.5 WXPN FM in Philadelphia. FINALLY, they have a special announcement. GET EXCITED. Website: ht...
12 Feb 2024 · 2 hr 39 min
The Hall of Songs. The End.
We're here. The last Hall of Songs. Join Tim and Chris as they discuss the experiment of determining the greatest songs of all-time. They dig up some statistics, run through the entire list of the Hall of Songs, and discuss their favorite podcast memories. To those who listened, voted and gave us a chance ... thank you. Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitter.com/hallofsongs Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas...
22 Jan 2024 · 39 min
56th Election Results: Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Pink ... and the Last Hall of Songs Election?
Well, this may very well be the end. After more than 50 elections, going through nearly 60 years of music, Hall of Songs has reached -- possibly -- its final election. Songs by artists such as Pink, Adele, Robyn, Kanye West and more are up for Hall of Songs induction. What will make it? What won't? And what will get no votes at all? Listen now! Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitter.com/hallofsongs Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts....
S5 · E25 · 24 Dec 2023 · 1 hr 19 min
2007-10 Veterans Commitee: The Final 4 Nominees + Christmas Songs!
As we come to the end of the main Hall of Songs timeline, we nominate the final four songs through the Veterans Committee. Spoiler: We've reached Peak Chris. Later, Tim and Chris talk about Christmas songs. Has Billboard gone too far in how it calculates the Hot 100? Can we get beyond the 15 or so standards that get overplayed every holiday? And what other songs should we paying attention to? Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitter.com/hallofsongs Please rate an...
S5 · E24 · 18 Dec 2023 · 2 hr 6 min
2010! We Did It ... Now We're Dancing on Our Own
Hall of Songs has chronicled the history of popular Western music since 1951, and after nearly three years, has arrived at 2010. It's a year of "indie" breakthroughs from artists such as Beach House and the Black Keys, and of mainstream smashes from those such as Katy Perry and Rihanna. Settle in and listen as we give you our top-12 songs of the year. Note: No voting until the next Veterans' Committee episode, which we hope to drop before 2024. Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Socia...
S5 · E23 · 16 Dec 2023 · 34 min
55th Election Results: Gaga, UGK, Adele, and the 0-Votes Club
As we head toward the end of Hall of Songs' voting timeline, we see if big names like Lady Gaga, Adele, Jay-Z, Miley Cyrus and Drake have what it takes to put a song into the pantheon. Plus, we induct a new member into our 0-Votes Club (thanks, listeners). Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitter.com/hallofsongs Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hall-of-songs/id1550546067
S5 · E22 · 4 Dec 2023 · 1 hr 34 min
2009! Behold the Indie Renaissance
Welcome to 2009. We're nearing the end of the main Hall of Songs canon, but don't fret, because here we have 12 songs that we think are potential Greatest of All Time nominees. It's a year when indie takes center stage thanks to artists like Animal Collective, Dirty Projectors, Japandroids, Drake, and Grizzly Bear, among many others. Listen to find out which indie songs made our top-12, and which big pop stars found themselves back in the Hall of Songs conversation. Website: http://www...
S5 · E21 · 2 Dec 2023 · 36 min
54th Election Results: Kings of Leon! And a Bunch of Other Artists
Yes, that's right: KINGS OF LEON is up for Hall of Songs induction. Did one of the greatest bands ever make our pantheon of popular music? More than 120 songs are now part of the Hall, so listen now to find out the results of our latest election. Remember, voters: It's your fault. Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitter.com/hallofsongs Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hall-of-songs/id1550546067
S5 · E20 · 13 Nov 2023 · 1 hr 42 min
2008! Massive Pop Talents Go For Hall of Songs Glory
It's 2008 in Hall of Songs land, and we have our picks for the top-12 songs from this year of indie rock, dance pop, rap, folk rock, and more. In fact, you're going to hear some very familiar folks in this episode, as 2008 marks a big year for several of the biggest names in 21st century pop music. Listen, then head to hallofsongs.com to vote for the songs that you think deserve to be in the pantheon of greatest songs ever. Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitte...
S5 · E19 · 11 Nov 2023 · 31 min
53rd Election Results! 28 Songs of the 2000s Jockey for Position
It's a huge ballot this time out, with 28 songs vying to be part of the pantheon of music, the Hall of Songs. Did we get any inductees? Did the total get past 120? Listen now as Tim and Chris go over a host of 2000s songs up for induction, including big hits by Beyonce, Flo-Rida, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Gnarls Barkley, plus indelible confections by Fountains of Wayne, Sufjan Stevens and Silversun Pickups, among many other tunes. Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social...
S5 · E18 · 26 Oct 2023 · 1 hr 50 min
2007! We're BACK! We Celebrate the iPhone, Love Songs, and Um-ba-rellas
After what seems like years between episodes in the Hall of Songs timeline, we've finally returned to a more normal schedule with 2007! Behold a year of um-ba-rellas, love songs (which we're not gonna write to you), and paper planes. New and young stars take the stage, while only a few nominees from the past return with bangers. In all, we present the 12 songs we think were tops in the year the iPhone was born. After listening, vote! Visit hallofsongs.com to determine which songs on o...
S5 · E17 · 21 Oct 2023 · 31 min
52nd Election Results! Is it Time For 120 Inductees?
We're back! Hall of Songs returns after another considerable break with our newest election results show. Several songs from the mid-2000s vied for the opportunity to reach our pantheon of songs, now at 119. Did we get to 120? Up for induction are songs like "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley, "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse," "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey, and "Hung Up" by Madonna. Each has made their case, you voted for your choices, and now we have numbers to report. Listen now to find out the re...
S5 · E16 · 18 Sep 2023 · 1 hr 10 min
2003-06 Veterans Committee: Shiny Teeth, Drunken Minneapolis Nights, and Other Songs
Tim and Chris are back to discuss the music of the years 2003-06. It's a veterans committee episode, in which the pair select four songs from the era for Hall of Songs nomination. And what songs are they? You'll just have to listen to find out! Plus, Tim and Chris will dive deeper into the music of 2003-06 and reminisce about center-of-the-aisle modern rock, British crooners, and the most underrated R&B star of the time. Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitt...
S5 · E15 · 14 Aug 2023 · 1 hr 51 min
2006! The A.T. Era Begins with a Year of Crazy Songs
What is the A.T. Era? You'll find out in this episode of Hall of Songs, chronicling 2006. Tim and Chris nominate some hugely popular songs (a bevy of No. 1 hits) plus a couple more notable tunes on the fringes of the charts. It's a great mix of massive names and intriguing newcomers joining the ballot. After listening, vote! Visit hallofsongs.com to determine which songs on our ballot are the greatest of all time. Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitter.com/hallofsongs...
S5 · E14 · 12 Aug 2023 · 32 min
51st Election Results! Let's Talk About ... 'Waterloo'?
Songs released between 1999 and 2005 are up for Hall of Songs consideration. We're talking about tunes by Usher, Mariah Carey, LCD Soundystem, and Gorillaz, among others. So, what did the voters think? Did they put multiple songs in the hall like last time? Or did they elect a couple songs? Or did no songs get into the Hall at all? Listen now to find out what happened when we presented a small ballot and you had the power. Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.t...
S5 · E13 · 17 Jul 2023 · 1 hr 48 min
2005! Hall of Songs is Playing at Your House, Your House
Let's dive into 2005! In this episode of Hall of Songs, Tim and Chris uncover some gems in an otherise weird year of music. Sure you have some big hits (Mariah Carey, Gorillaz, Carrie Underwood), but you also have to look a little deeper for some true Hall of Songs-worthy candidates. Join the dynamic duo as they talk about their top-12 songs of 2005. Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitter.com/hallofsongs Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! https://po...
S5 · E12 · 14 Jul 2023 · 45 min
50th Election Results! It's a Big Induction Ceremony
We've actually done 50 results shows, which means 50 elections, which means we've accomplished something. Here, in this 50th results show, we discuss our most recent nominees. These are songs released between 1997 and 2004, including hits by Usher, Kanye West, Britney Spears, Eminem, and Coldplay, among others. And we have a lot of new Hall of Songs members to reveal, as well. Website: http://www.hallofsongs.com Social: http://www.twitter.com/hallofsongs Please rate and review us on A...
S5 · E11 · 19 Jun 2023 · 1 hr 43 min
The Top-12 Songs of 2004! Yeah! OK!
Who had the biggest 2004? Was it Lil Jon, the world's greatest hype man? Or was it Usher, the smoothest male R&B performer in decades? Maybe it was David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox. Or some dude from Westchester County, New York, who combined the Beatles and Jay-Z. In this episode of Hall of Songs, Tim and Chris go deep into this critical year of music history. They talk about all of these things, and they reminisce about a slightly more innocent time in history. ... Slightly. After li...
S5 · E10 · 17 Jun 2023 · 40 min
49th Election Results: It Seems 2003 Was a Good Year for Music
Will any songs join the 109 already in the Hall of Songs, the pantheon of music that everyone in the world recognizes as the only true measuring stick of song greatness? Find out! This is our 49th election results show. Yes, we've had 49 elections so far. Join us (Tim and Chris) as we recap the latest vote totals. Songs from between 1997 and 2003 were up for the Hall of Songs in this one, so we've got Outkast, Eminem, Britney Spears, the Notorious BIG, and much more. Website: http://www.hal...

About Hall of Songs

Hall of Songs is a English music podcast from Tim Malcolm and Chris Jones. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Tim Malcolm and Chris Jones
Language: English
Category: Music
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 1 hr 17 min
Latest episode: 26 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1550546067

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