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21-Hit Wonder: Flopping My Way to the Top of the Charts
As one of the most renowned songwriters and producers in the game, Sam Hollander has had multi-platinum success writing and producing for the likes of Panic! At The Disco, Fitz and the Tantrums, Weezer, Katy Perry, Train, One Direction, blink-182, Daughtry, Ringo Starr, Carole King, Gym Class Heroes, and many others.
But rising up the charts seemed, at many points in his career, highly unlikely. This is his story of failing his way to the top.
Sam Hollander has spent thirty years trudging through the peaks and valleys of a songwriting career. Before he was stacking Billboard hits, he was piling up bad luck, calamitous flops, false starts, and feeling like the world was moving on and up without him while he spun in place. Now he wears his failures like a badge of honor.
In 21-Hit Wonder, he’s collected anecdotes from his weird waltzes around the banquet of pop to help aspiring songwriters and other creatives learn about survival, endurance, scheming, hustle, and the importance of laughing even on the worst days of the journey. Music lovers spanning generations and genres will find stories about many of their heroes and industry icons.
21-Hit Wonder is one part chronicle of a songwriter’s storied career and another part love letter to anyone who has been counted out—from no-hit wonders and one-hit wonders to the novelties and the never-beens—and just needs a bit of inspiration to persevere. Sam’s inspiring story is proof that setbacks are just steps on the road to success.
But rising up the charts seemed, at many points in his career, highly unlikely. This is his story of failing his way to the top.
Sam Hollander has spent thirty years trudging through the peaks and valleys of a songwriting career. Before he was stacking Billboard hits, he was piling up bad luck, calamitous flops, false starts, and feeling like the world was moving on and up without him while he spun in place. Now he wears his failures like a badge of honor.
In 21-Hit Wonder, he’s collected anecdotes from his weird waltzes around the banquet of pop to help aspiring songwriters and other creatives learn about survival, endurance, scheming, hustle, and the importance of laughing even on the worst days of the journey. Music lovers spanning generations and genres will find stories about many of their heroes and industry icons.
21-Hit Wonder is one part chronicle of a songwriter’s storied career and another part love letter to anyone who has been counted out—from no-hit wonders and one-hit wonders to the novelties and the never-beens—and just needs a bit of inspiration to persevere. Sam’s inspiring story is proof that setbacks are just steps on the road to success.
- GenresNonfictionMusicMemoir
304 pages, Hardcover
Published December 6, 2022
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142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 12, 2022
Sam Hollander's story comes out on December 6, 2022. BenBella Books provided an early galley for review.
First off, I have to recognize the foreward by Paul Williams, a song writer who I have enjoyed my entire life. Paul has praise for Sam, so that goes a long way with this reader.
Admittedly, Sam's name is not one of those I recognize - which is certainly a failure on my part. Checking my music library, I found I only had four tracks credited to him as a writer/co-writer. However, I immediately got into his story as he is an engaging storyteller. I suspect that means he's also an engaging songwriter. I like that he takes the time to put it all out there, talking about the missteps and mistakes on his road to pursuing his dream of getting into the music industry. He never loses sight of his dream even when the odds seem totally stacked against him achieving it. That makes the success he has earned all the more sweeter.
First off, I have to recognize the foreward by Paul Williams, a song writer who I have enjoyed my entire life. Paul has praise for Sam, so that goes a long way with this reader.
Admittedly, Sam's name is not one of those I recognize - which is certainly a failure on my part. Checking my music library, I found I only had four tracks credited to him as a writer/co-writer. However, I immediately got into his story as he is an engaging storyteller. I suspect that means he's also an engaging songwriter. I like that he takes the time to put it all out there, talking about the missteps and mistakes on his road to pursuing his dream of getting into the music industry. He never loses sight of his dream even when the odds seem totally stacked against him achieving it. That makes the success he has earned all the more sweeter.
December 26, 2022
Imagine you’ve never before seen a sunrise and then, just like that, the horizon is wearing a crown of light. The sun warms your face and your world is forever changed. Sam Hollander has made a career out of turning sunrises like that into song. Twenty-one times now he has cracked the Top 40, thus the title of his new, must-read autobiography.
Sam is a wordsmith and the reader knows from page one that s/he is in capable hands. Although it is a roller coaster ride, with many ups and downs, this story is more access than excess. No sex. No drugs. Plenty of rock ‘n roll. The motivation? If aspiring creatives can learn from his mistakes, mission accomplished. Sam is at his best when he is inspiring and he does so with humility and the kind of rear view mirror insight that comes from having survived (and occasionally thrived). The reader never resents Sam for those rare moments when he gets to wear the crown of light. This is no easy feat when acting as your own biographer.
Sam’s coming-of-age stories resonate as he describes humiliating internships and the short-lived experiment that was college. He refuses to give up. He hustles. He listens. He reaches out. He writes.
After chapters chock full of earworm lyrics and the best kind of name-dropping (all roses, no thorns), tough near-misses and the heartbreaking loss of loved ones, Sam provides that raised fist moment that teens of the 80s grew up on. When Rocky Balboa wins, he raises his fist high above the boxing ring and when John Bender is finally seen and heard by his fellow breakfast clubbers, he too raises a fist. Sweet triumph after blood was shed. In Sam’s movie, he goes for a walk on the beach to clear his head (who knew songwriters had deadlines?) and next thing you know everyone from grandmothers to dentists to the organist at MSG knows the line “I can make your hands clap”! Thank you, Sam.
Yes, that was him. Train’s “Save Me, San Francisco”, him. One Direction’s “Rock Me”, him. Gym Class Heroes and Carol King, him. Daughtry and Weezer and Katy Perry, him. Fall Out Boy and We the Kings (their story is a personal favorite), him. Mike Love and Ringo Starr, him. But that's not it. Turn the page and see the sun blaze even brighter. Read with glee as the fist raises just a little bit higher. The greatest hit of all.
Although his story is still being written, the book had to end and before the denouement of a Jimmy Fallon disappointment, the reader gets to experience Sam and Brendon Urie, of Panic! At The Disco fame, collaborating on "High Hopes". Gold and Platinum follows. Can you imagine a song you wrote streaming more than a billion times?
21 Hit Wonder is:
Highly recommended for music fans.
Highly recommended for anyone that loves a good underdog, American Dream of a story.
Highly recommended for anyone that practices their craft in solitude, hoping it will someday not only see the light of day, but help others to see it, too.
Highly recommended for anyone that has had to strike a balance between trusting their instincts and playing nicely with others in the sandbox.
Highly, highly recommended for anyone that has high hopes.
NOTE: 100% of proceeds from the book will benefit Musicians on Call. MOC is active in hospitals, rehab facilities, etc and helps patients, families, and caregivers to "benefit from the healing power of live music".
Sam is a wordsmith and the reader knows from page one that s/he is in capable hands. Although it is a roller coaster ride, with many ups and downs, this story is more access than excess. No sex. No drugs. Plenty of rock ‘n roll. The motivation? If aspiring creatives can learn from his mistakes, mission accomplished. Sam is at his best when he is inspiring and he does so with humility and the kind of rear view mirror insight that comes from having survived (and occasionally thrived). The reader never resents Sam for those rare moments when he gets to wear the crown of light. This is no easy feat when acting as your own biographer.
Sam’s coming-of-age stories resonate as he describes humiliating internships and the short-lived experiment that was college. He refuses to give up. He hustles. He listens. He reaches out. He writes.
After chapters chock full of earworm lyrics and the best kind of name-dropping (all roses, no thorns), tough near-misses and the heartbreaking loss of loved ones, Sam provides that raised fist moment that teens of the 80s grew up on. When Rocky Balboa wins, he raises his fist high above the boxing ring and when John Bender is finally seen and heard by his fellow breakfast clubbers, he too raises a fist. Sweet triumph after blood was shed. In Sam’s movie, he goes for a walk on the beach to clear his head (who knew songwriters had deadlines?) and next thing you know everyone from grandmothers to dentists to the organist at MSG knows the line “I can make your hands clap”! Thank you, Sam.
Yes, that was him. Train’s “Save Me, San Francisco”, him. One Direction’s “Rock Me”, him. Gym Class Heroes and Carol King, him. Daughtry and Weezer and Katy Perry, him. Fall Out Boy and We the Kings (their story is a personal favorite), him. Mike Love and Ringo Starr, him. But that's not it. Turn the page and see the sun blaze even brighter. Read with glee as the fist raises just a little bit higher. The greatest hit of all.
Although his story is still being written, the book had to end and before the denouement of a Jimmy Fallon disappointment, the reader gets to experience Sam and Brendon Urie, of Panic! At The Disco fame, collaborating on "High Hopes". Gold and Platinum follows. Can you imagine a song you wrote streaming more than a billion times?
21 Hit Wonder is:
Highly recommended for music fans.
Highly recommended for anyone that loves a good underdog, American Dream of a story.
Highly recommended for anyone that practices their craft in solitude, hoping it will someday not only see the light of day, but help others to see it, too.
Highly recommended for anyone that has had to strike a balance between trusting their instincts and playing nicely with others in the sandbox.
Highly, highly recommended for anyone that has high hopes.
NOTE: 100% of proceeds from the book will benefit Musicians on Call. MOC is active in hospitals, rehab facilities, etc and helps patients, families, and caregivers to "benefit from the healing power of live music".
July 16, 2025
This is an interesting read for anyone with an interest in music. Reading it, I can't help but think that Sam Hollander really was writing for aspiring songwriters out there, telling them what it's like to go through the day-by-day, week-by-week, year-by-year struggles and triumphs of songwriting, but it was also an enthralling look behind the musical curtain for those of us who enjoy music, but haven't a lick of songwriting ability anywhere in our makeup.
I'll admit that I hadn't really heard of Sam Hollander before this book. I don't really find that fact too surprising, considering that songwriters are usually unsung heroes in popular music. Everyone knows the singer; some people can also name the guitarist, the bass player, the keyboardist, the drummer. But songwriters, like producers and engineers, have just a big a role in crafting what you hear on the radio (or, these days, more likely on Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, etc.) -- they just do it behind the scenes, and for very few accolades. You have to be massively successful in these roles (or you have to have a musician or two who's willing to give you props either onstage or somewhere in the credits above the tiny print.
Reading all of Hollander's anecdotes, you really get a sense of how many "famous" people he's worked with, even if the collaboration ended up ultimately not being committed to any kind of recording medium. You also get the idea that his success (21 top 40 hits, for example) is very much tempered by an overarching theme of humility and self-effacement. He tells just as many stories of failures, of disappointments, of gut punches after weeks of what looked to be "big things," as he does of triumphs. And for a songwriter, that's probably a good message. Failure isn't determined by how many setbacks you encounter, but by how many times you prevail after these setbacks.
I knew most of the artists that Hollander talks about in this book, but I'll be the first to confess that I'm not glued to the top 40 charts the way I was when I was younger. I recognized a few of the tunes he worked on, but some of them I would probably have to hear to know if I know the song. Fortunately, I've found lists online of the songs that Sam Hollander has written, so I'm booking some appointments with my Spotify to take a listen to these tracks.
I'll admit that I hadn't really heard of Sam Hollander before this book. I don't really find that fact too surprising, considering that songwriters are usually unsung heroes in popular music. Everyone knows the singer; some people can also name the guitarist, the bass player, the keyboardist, the drummer. But songwriters, like producers and engineers, have just a big a role in crafting what you hear on the radio (or, these days, more likely on Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, etc.) -- they just do it behind the scenes, and for very few accolades. You have to be massively successful in these roles (or you have to have a musician or two who's willing to give you props either onstage or somewhere in the credits above the tiny print.
Reading all of Hollander's anecdotes, you really get a sense of how many "famous" people he's worked with, even if the collaboration ended up ultimately not being committed to any kind of recording medium. You also get the idea that his success (21 top 40 hits, for example) is very much tempered by an overarching theme of humility and self-effacement. He tells just as many stories of failures, of disappointments, of gut punches after weeks of what looked to be "big things," as he does of triumphs. And for a songwriter, that's probably a good message. Failure isn't determined by how many setbacks you encounter, but by how many times you prevail after these setbacks.
I knew most of the artists that Hollander talks about in this book, but I'll be the first to confess that I'm not glued to the top 40 charts the way I was when I was younger. I recognized a few of the tunes he worked on, but some of them I would probably have to hear to know if I know the song. Fortunately, I've found lists online of the songs that Sam Hollander has written, so I'm booking some appointments with my Spotify to take a listen to these tracks.
December 5, 2022
Sam Hollander gives the reader most of what is promised by the title of his work, 21-Hit Wonder: Flopping My Way to the Top of the Charts. He does not go into great details breaking down each hit and how it came together, instead Hollander writes the traditional memoir from youth to the present. Across the journey we see episodes in his life from an early obsession with buying music, seeking a purpose in life, working to be a major label act and finally establishing himself (with his partners) as a producer and song writer.
Hollander is an engaging, very open and honest narrator. He details his thoughts and reactions as they were in the moment, and his reflections on them now that he is older and more experienced. This is especially pertinent when he was still learning how the industry works and bettering his interpersonal skills. He fully admits that his own nature has worked against him many times or when he got caught up in the process trying to maintain hit streaks.
From the title of chapter 1, "Andy Warhol Was My Babysitter," it is clear Hollander is celebrating the life his career choice has provided him, taking time to name the names. He speaks to his many celebrity encounters as well as how small the music world is, and that relationships (making, maintaining, exploiting(?)) has been key to his success. Sometimes the perfect phrase does get stuck in your mind until the write collaborator can release it, other times everyone is wasting their time.
A book of interest to any fans of music who like to know the behind the scenes process.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Hollander is an engaging, very open and honest narrator. He details his thoughts and reactions as they were in the moment, and his reflections on them now that he is older and more experienced. This is especially pertinent when he was still learning how the industry works and bettering his interpersonal skills. He fully admits that his own nature has worked against him many times or when he got caught up in the process trying to maintain hit streaks.
From the title of chapter 1, "Andy Warhol Was My Babysitter," it is clear Hollander is celebrating the life his career choice has provided him, taking time to name the names. He speaks to his many celebrity encounters as well as how small the music world is, and that relationships (making, maintaining, exploiting(?)) has been key to his success. Sometimes the perfect phrase does get stuck in your mind until the write collaborator can release it, other times everyone is wasting their time.
A book of interest to any fans of music who like to know the behind the scenes process.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
December 6, 2022
21-Hit Wonder by Sam Hollander is a memoir that speaks to how we get through life, using Hollander's rather rocky road to success as the example.
Okay, I know I made it sound like this is a deep book that happens to be a memoir. The key to this being such a useful book as well as a good read is that Hollander is not, in any obvious way if at all, trying to be profound. He is telling us his story, his successes and failures, his missteps and his leaps. Because he does so with more self-deprecation and honesty than many memoirs, we find ourselves relating to him by relating everything back to our lives and experiences. By the way, my comment about many memoirs above isn't as negative as it seems, memoirists are just like the rest of us when we tell about events in our lives. Hopefully we don't outright lie but if we can be honest (if not 100% truthful) while glossing over some of our less flattering moments, we do so.
I've been reading quite a few music/entertainment books recently, from deep dives into the music to what makes a genre a genre to more personal tales that include some of everything. I have come to really appreciate the personal approach of a memoir, and this one is very good. Putting human faces and lives with the products we consume helps to make it all seem that much more impressive.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
Okay, I know I made it sound like this is a deep book that happens to be a memoir. The key to this being such a useful book as well as a good read is that Hollander is not, in any obvious way if at all, trying to be profound. He is telling us his story, his successes and failures, his missteps and his leaps. Because he does so with more self-deprecation and honesty than many memoirs, we find ourselves relating to him by relating everything back to our lives and experiences. By the way, my comment about many memoirs above isn't as negative as it seems, memoirists are just like the rest of us when we tell about events in our lives. Hopefully we don't outright lie but if we can be honest (if not 100% truthful) while glossing over some of our less flattering moments, we do so.
I've been reading quite a few music/entertainment books recently, from deep dives into the music to what makes a genre a genre to more personal tales that include some of everything. I have come to really appreciate the personal approach of a memoir, and this one is very good. Putting human faces and lives with the products we consume helps to make it all seem that much more impressive.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
January 18, 2023
I absolutely loved every page of this book. I started reading it, and couldn’t put it down; finishing it in just 2 days!
If you want to read an inspirational story of an American songwriter who persevered through years of rejection to craft some of the best songs of our lifetime, read this book
What I found most admirable about this book are the wonderful, detailed, and often funny stories of Sam’s journey as a songwriter. His great sense of humor, and refusal to give up on his dreams makes him a likable human being who you find yourself rooting for throughout the book.
Sam has worked with many of the most famous artists, but remains humble, grateful, and highly motivated. I got the sense that songwriting is a tough road to follow, and Sam teaches us that following our dreams and passions requires a focused determination to succeed.
There are so many great things to be learned from this book. I can assure you that you will laugh out loud because Sam is as gifted a book writer as he is as a songwritter. The book is written by a man who clearly has a love for story telling in a creative and funny way.
Buy this book, and you will not be able to put it down!
If you want to read an inspirational story of an American songwriter who persevered through years of rejection to craft some of the best songs of our lifetime, read this book
What I found most admirable about this book are the wonderful, detailed, and often funny stories of Sam’s journey as a songwriter. His great sense of humor, and refusal to give up on his dreams makes him a likable human being who you find yourself rooting for throughout the book.
Sam has worked with many of the most famous artists, but remains humble, grateful, and highly motivated. I got the sense that songwriting is a tough road to follow, and Sam teaches us that following our dreams and passions requires a focused determination to succeed.
There are so many great things to be learned from this book. I can assure you that you will laugh out loud because Sam is as gifted a book writer as he is as a songwritter. The book is written by a man who clearly has a love for story telling in a creative and funny way.
Buy this book, and you will not be able to put it down!
December 19, 2022
I would strongly encourage every songwriter to read this book- it is without a doubt the greatest book about songwriting and songwriters I’ve ever read. Actually, ANYONE who is striving to “reach for the stars” with their life & talent in ANY field will benefit greatly by reading this book. Not surprisingly, Sam’s prose, like his lyrics, is sharp as hell & funnier than hell as well.
Although Sam takes songwriting in a deadly serious manner, and has the swagger, determination, huge talent and hit songs to back it up, he doesn’t take himself too seriously & is completely honest about the real ups and downs along the way. He has an amazing story to tell, and I can’t recommend this book highly enough!
Although Sam takes songwriting in a deadly serious manner, and has the swagger, determination, huge talent and hit songs to back it up, he doesn’t take himself too seriously & is completely honest about the real ups and downs along the way. He has an amazing story to tell, and I can’t recommend this book highly enough!
May 10, 2023
This was a thoroughly engrossing memoir, of a life so far distant from my own I can't imagine it, even though we're pretty much the same age. A songwriter! I didn't even know that could be a job, but here it is. He definitely seems like someone I wouldn't like if I met - that east coast hustle culture seems like it would drive me nuts, but it sure was a compulsively readable book. Highly recommended if you have a 14 hour plane ride (although bring more, this won't hold you the whole time! I suggest the Mrs Pollifax books, btw!)
December 11, 2023
It's an interesting read. I am not sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I knew very little about the author or what he had written. There are a lot of stories in here that detail his growth and writing process and shows what it is like to be a writer but it also seems to gloss over the things that make it interesting. The development of Gym Class Heroes, how his relationship with Pete Wentz started and many other things. The big hits that I know (and was surprised to learn he had a hand in) seemed to be given short shrift.
December 20, 2022
Loved this book! It’s a combination of really interesting stories about a life and career with artists, musicians and songwriting - which are amazing - and also an inspirational story of following your passion through the many twists and turns. There's so much tangible advice (both for the music industry and life in general) on sticking with the thing you love and creating the life and career you want!
December 6, 2022
This is an easy read with entertaining storytelling! It’s a really fascinating peak inside the music industry. There’s so much information to learn and take away. This book isn’t just for people interested in the music business. It’s an inspiring tale that if you fall down, pick yourself up and keep going. Stay motivated. Stay optimistic. Highly recommend!!!
December 29, 2022
I learned about Sam probably 15 years ago, when I heard he co wrote with one of my favorite bands at the time. (We the Kings). I've since followed him via social media. I knew I HAD to read this book. Reading his words, I feel as if I could have a few beers with him and hear his story as he tells it. Incredible job, Sam! I look forward to whatever is next for you!
May 6, 2023
As a very amateur songwriter, I found Sam's book fascinating on many levels (including knowing and loving many of the songs that he helped co-write over the years). But this is an insider account, for sure. However, he is donating all proceeds to charity -- Musicians On Call -- that brings musicians to hospitals for patients and caregivers. Hard not to cheer for that.
December 14, 2022
Such a great read. Even for someone like me with zero knowledge of the music industry, Sam’s story is the story we all dream of. Finding what you love, immersing yourself in it, and persevering to success. All while staying 100% true to who you are. Super fun read.
November 20, 2022
This is a wickedly funny and fun look into the music business from someone who lived the dream! So good!
November 23, 2022
I never write reviews but this is too good not to recommend to others. What a fun, interesting and surprisingly charming insider peek into the music industry! 10/10 recommend
February 17, 2023
A little slow to start but fun once it gets going!
January 1, 2024
This book would make a great gift for anyone into music and/or song-writing. Also, Hollander is a genuinely good human (who gave all of his book's proceeds to charity).
March 21, 2024
Plenty of laughs about the constant curve balls and slaps in the face life will bring us all. A story of pure perseverance that brought me to tears by the end.
March 28, 2025
Should be called “how to get and stay lucky”
June 27, 2023
Sam’s resilience and passion is unmatched - great reminder of the highs and lows in the music industry and genuinely had fun reading his stories. (A&R Book Club @ work)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews