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.
165 episodes transcribedRob 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 musi...
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 ly...
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-bicoas...
Rob explores singer-songwriter Tori Amos’s hit single “Cornflake Girl” by discussing her performing prowess, her unique artistry, and her tense relati...
Rob explores Britpop icon Oasis’s enduring megahit “Wonderwall” by discussing the Gallagher brothers’ notoriously contentious relationship and the ban...
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 unprec...
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 man...
Rob explores Madonna’s ’90s house hit “Vogue” by discussing the Queen of Pop’s remarkable ability to reinvent herself, her meticulous involvement in h...
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...
Rob explores Cake’s hit single “The Distance” by discussing the Sacramento band’s quirky sensibilities, the role of sarcasm in their lyricism, and the...
Rob explores indie-rock darling Pavement’s critically acclaimed hit “Gold Soundz” by discussing their quirky charm, enigmatic lyrics, and unique fan f...
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...
Rob explores San Francisco rock band Third Eye Blind’s hit “Semi-Charmed Life” by discussing front man Stephan Jenkins’s reputation, songwriting prowe...
Rob explores Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor’s acclaimed rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” by discussing how she made the Prince-written son...
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...
Rob explores the indefinable Red Hot Chili Peppers’ hit single “Under the Bridge” by discussing the band’s tumultuous history and rambunctious identit...
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 ep...
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 so...
Rob explores Dave Matthews Band’s “Crash Into Me” by discussing the band’s immense musical prowess and artistry contrasted with their fandom’s reputat...
Rob explores Icelandic musician Björk’s hit “Hyperballad” by discussing her unique artistry and the various ways she stretched beyond the conventions...
