60 Songs That Explain the '90s - podcast cover

60 Songs That Explain the '90s

The Ringerwww.theringer.com
First came '60 Songs That Explain the '90s.' (We did that.) Then came '60 Songs That Explain the '90s: The 2000s.' (We're doing that now—and yes, that's the actual name.) But whether you want to jump back to the Clinton years or join us as we reboot our old iPods, you can find all of the collected works of Rob Harvilla below. Come back each Wednesday for a new episode.
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Episodes

Celine Dion—“My Heart Will Go On”

Rob explores legendary Canadian vocalist Celine Dion’s blockbuster hit “My Heart Will Go On” by discussing her illustrious career, the sheer force she brings to every song, and the unapologetic attitude with which she approaches her music. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Leslie Gray Streeter Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about...

Nov 03, 20211 hr 9 min

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony—“Tha Crossroads”

Rob explores Cleveland rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s hit “Tha Crossroads” by discussing the origins of the quintet, their innovative musical style, and the power of singing about grief. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Israel Daramola Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Lani Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 27, 202159 min

Blink-182—“What’s My Age Again?”

Rob explores punk royalty Blink-182’s “What’s My Age Again?” by discussing the band’s unapologetic celebration of immaturity, their musical influences, and what so-called selling out meant for rock artists during that era. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Dan Ozzi Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...

Oct 20, 20211 hr 10 min

Billy Ray Cyrus—“Achy Breaky Heart”

Rob explores Billy Ray Cyrus’s smash hit “Achy Breaky Heart” by discussing the new traditionalist movement in country music and how it affected Cyrus’s career. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Holly Gleason Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Oct 13, 202156 min

Aaliyah—“One in a Million”

Rob explores R&B sensation Aaliyah’s hit single “One in a Million” by discussing her meteoric rise to pop stardom at an early age, her innovative musical style, and her legacy. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Kelefa Sanneh Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Oct 06, 20211 hr 6 min

R.E.M.—“Nightswimming”

Rob explores alternative rock band R.E.M.’s piano ballad “Nightswimming” by discussing the band’s musical journey and their songs’ frequent lack of lyrical coherence. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Jay Caspian Kang Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Sep 29, 20211 hr 2 min

Outkast—“Rosa Parks”

Rob explores legendary hip-hop duo Outkast’s hit “Rosa Parks” by discussing their deep roots in Atlanta and the change they brought to the then-bicoastal rap landscape. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Jewel Wicker Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Sep 22, 202158 min

Tori Amos — “Cornflake Girl”

Rob explores singer-songwriter Tori Amos’s hit single “Cornflake Girl” by discussing her performing prowess, her unique artistry, and her tense relationship with the press. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Maya Salam Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Sep 15, 202158 min

Oasis—“Wonderwall”

Rob explores Britpop icon Oasis’s enduring megahit “Wonderwall” by discussing the Gallagher brothers’ notoriously contentious relationship and the band’s place in the lineage of British rock. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Steven Hyden Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Sep 08, 20211 hr 12 min

Boyz II Men—“End of the Road”

Rob explores the legendary R&B quartet Boyz II Men’s record-smashing single “End of the Road” by discussing the group’s universal appeal, their unprecedented success, and the massive footprint they left on the music industry. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Keith Murphy Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. ...

Jul 28, 20211 hr 6 min

Limp Bizkit—“Nookie”

Rob explores rap-rock band Limp Bizkit’s signature single “Nookie” by discussing the rise of nü metal and how the genre centers around rage in its many expressions. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Brittany Spanos Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jul 21, 202158 min

Madonna—“Vogue”

Rob explores Madonna’s ’90s house hit “Vogue” by discussing the Queen of Pop’s remarkable ability to reinvent herself, her meticulous involvement in her work, and how those within the ballroom scene received her musical homage. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Caryn Ganz Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Jul 14, 202155 min

Coolio—“Gangsta’s Paradise”

Rob explores Los Angeles rapper Coolio’s megahit “Gangsta’s Paradise” by discussing the distance between the stark realities behind much of hip-hop’s lyrical content and rap songs’ public reception as pop music. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Christopher R. Weingarten Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Jul 07, 202154 min

Cake—“The Distance”

Rob explores Cake’s hit single “The Distance” by discussing the Sacramento band’s quirky sensibilities, the role of sarcasm in their lyricism, and their eccentric production choices. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Sadie Dupuis Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 30, 202151 min

Pavement—“Gold Soundz”

Rob explores indie-rock darling Pavement’s critically acclaimed hit “Gold Soundz” by discussing their quirky charm, enigmatic lyrics, and unique fan following. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Chris Ryan Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 23, 20211 hr 2 min

Brandy and Monica—“The Boy Is Mine”

Rob explores R&B stars Brandy and Monica’s legendary duet “The Boy Is Mine” by discussing the extent to which the two singers’ purported feud was true and how, regardless of its legitimacy, it shaped a compelling narrative around the song. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Naima Cochrane Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about y...

Jun 16, 20211 hr 1 min

Third Eye Blind—“Semi-Charmed Life”

Rob explores San Francisco rock band Third Eye Blind’s hit “Semi-Charmed Life” by discussing front man Stephan Jenkins’s reputation, songwriting prowess, and unconventional appeal. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Max Collins Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 09, 202147 min

Sinéad O’Connor—“Nothing Compares 2 U”

Rob explores Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor’s acclaimed rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” by discussing how she made the Prince-written song her own, her fervent commitment to activism, and the controversies that derailed her career. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Ann Powers Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your...

Jun 02, 202154 min

Juvenile—“Back That Azz Up”

Rob explores New Orleans rapper Juvenile’s bounce anthem “Back That Azz Up.” He discusses how Juvenile’s unique voice complements the bounce genre and delves into the origins of Cash Money Records. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guests: Micah Peters and Justin Charity Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...

May 26, 202146 min

Red Hot Chili Peppers—“Under the Bridge”

Rob explores the indefinable Red Hot Chili Peppers’ hit single “Under the Bridge” by discussing the band’s tumultuous history and rambunctious identity. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: John Moe Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 19, 20211 hr 1 min

Whitney Houston—“I Will Always Love You”

Rob explores the late great Whitney Houston’s iconic cover of “I Will Always Love You” by discussing the legendary vocalist’s life and legacy. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Gerrick Kennedy Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 12, 202158 min

Weezer—“Say It Ain’t So”

Rob explores Weezer’s acclaimed emo hit “Say It Ain’t So” by discussing the band’s unique identity within alternative rock and the story behind the song’s lyrical content. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Bobby Bones Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 05, 202147 min

Dave Matthews Band—“Crash Into Me”

Rob explores Dave Matthews Band’s “Crash Into Me” by discussing the band’s immense musical prowess and artistry contrasted with their fandom’s reputation. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Yasi Salek Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 28, 202149 min

Björk—“Hyperballad”

Rob explores Icelandic musician Björk’s hit “Hyperballad” by discussing her unique artistry and the various ways she stretched beyond the conventions of popular music. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Rumaan Alam Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 21, 202137 min

A Tribe Called Quest—“Scenario”

Rob explores A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario” by discussing the chemistry at the center of the group’s excellence and where the song ranks among the best posse cuts in rap history. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Shea Serrano Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 14, 202159 min

Luniz—"I Got 5 on It"

Rob explores the Luniz’ weed anthem “I Got 5 on It” by discussing the history of Bay Area rap and how the song’s remix showcases the region’s all-stars. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guests: Logan Murdock and Marcus Thompson Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 07, 202153 min

Selena—“Dreaming of You”

Rob explores Tejano superstar Selena’s posthumous crossover hit “Dreaming of You” by discussing her success in both Spanish-language and English-language music as well as the monumental legacy she left behind for Latinx artists. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Suzy Exposito Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. ...

Mar 31, 202152 min

Pulp—“Common People”

Rob explores Britpop band Pulp’s signature anthem “Common People” by discussing the layers of class criticism in its lyrics and the exciting but combative Britpop moment of the ’90s. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Dorian Lynskey Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 24, 202148 min

Tool—“Stinkfist”

Rob explores Los Angeles metal band Tool’s “Stinkfist” by discussing how they found success mixing visceral shock and poetic depth in their music. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Laina Dawes Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 17, 202144 min

Shania Twain—“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”

Rob explores country icon Shania Twain’s crossover hit “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by discussing her pioneering within and outside of Nashville as well as her professional and personal relationship with producer Mutt Lange. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Marissa R. Moss Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Mar 10, 202145 min
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