The WORST episodes of Song Exploder

Every episode of Song Exploder ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst 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.

Last Updated: 11/8/2024Network: NetflixStatus: Ended

7.24

34 votes

#1 - Ty Dolla $ign - LA

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/2/2020

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.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.28

32 votes

#2 - The Killers - When You Were Young

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 12/15/2020

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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7.46

26 votes

#3 - Natalia Lafourcade - Hasta la Raíz

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 12/15/2020

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

Watch Now:Amazon

7.71

41 votes

#4 - Alicia Keys - 3 Hour Drive

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/2/2020

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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7.75

40 votes

#5 - Dua Lipa - Love Again

Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 12/15/2020

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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7.77

48 votes

#6 - Lin-Manuel Miranda - Wait For It

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/2/2020

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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8.02

53 votes

#7 - Nine Inch Nails - Hurt

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 12/15/2020

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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8.47

60 votes

#8 - R.E.M. - Losing My Religion

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/2/2020

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.

Watch Now:Amazon