60 Songs That Explain the '90s

60 Songs That Explain the '90s

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.

Episodes

July 9, 2025 92 mins
Rob initiates this week’s show by waxing poetic on the mortality of his musical idols and the treasure trove of emotional tribute songs that proliferated after the tragic passing of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. His insightful homage leads perfectly into a loving soliloquy on the chaotic beauty of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' catalog, particularly their gigantic hit from 2002, “Can’t Stop.” Rob is then joined by both members of Engli...
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Rob contemplates the art of making an ironic cover song sincere as he enters the dark realm of the 2000s hit TV show, ‘American Idol’. He follows the inevitable success of Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, who proves with her impossible-to-sing hit song, “Since U Been Gone,” that she is more than just a pop princess. Later, he is joined by ‘Breakaway’ tour-goer and Clarkson connoisseur Jodi Walker to discuss Clarkson's vocal capabili...
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June 18, 2025 87 mins
This week, Rob examines the hallowed art of employing songs within the soundtrack of a crucial TV scene to emotionally manipulate the viewing audience. Along the way, he evokes classic moments from ‘General Hospital’ , 'ER', and ‘Scrubs’ before ultimately expounding on the highly effective use of the Fray’s “How to Save a Life” in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to tug on the proverbial heart strings. He’s then joined by The Ringer’s own Yasi Sal...
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June 12, 2025 95 mins
This week, we’re breaking down the Nas vs. Jay-Z feud, and Rob has to argue, which makes him deeply uncomfortable. After he breaks down the basic contents of a diss track, he is joined by The Ringer’s Joel Anderson to discuss the history of rap beef and his thoughts on Nas’s career after 'Illmatic.' Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Joel Anderson Producers: Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin Sayles Additional Production Suppor...
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It’s Queens of the Stone Age Day here at 60 Songs! Listen as Rob finds a way to juxtapose heavy metal and stand-up comedy like only he can on his journey to celebrate the song “No One Knows.” Later, Rob is joined by The Ringer’s head of content and host of The Big Picture, Sean Fennessey, to further discuss the greatness of Queens of the Stone Age. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Sean Fennessey Producers: Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Kermah...
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Rob peruses the limelight love story of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck while celebrating J.Lo’s 2002 smash hit, “Jenny From the Block.” Later, he is joined by writer Julianne Escobedo Shepherd to discuss the music and the drama that came with J.Lo in the 2000s. Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Julianne Escobedo ShepherdProducers: Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin SaylesAdditional Production Support: Olivia Crerie Learn more about ...
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Rob homes in on the specific and strange political moment in which Toby Keith made "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue." Then, he’s joined by New Yorker music writer Kelefa Sanneh to discuss the song’s themes, cultural reception, and musical merit and the state of how we talk about Keith’s career. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Kelefa Sanneh Producers: Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choic...
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May 7, 2025 89 mins
Rob heads back to Brooklyn to explore the 2003 indie-rock staple “Maps” and the history of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Later, he is joined by Niko Stratis to further explore the indie jam’s success. Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Niko StratisProducers: Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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April 30, 2025 92 mins
Rob is back from hiatus with a loaded episode! Join him as he straddles the line between real life and virtual reality when discussing the virtual band Gorillaz and the career of its creator, Damon Albarn. Later, Rob is joined by Jeremy Gordon, the author of 'See Friendship' and senior editor at The Atlantic, to get to the bottom of how Gorillaz became so popular (1:07:00). Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Jeremy Gordon Producers: Bobb...
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We know, it's been a while. But, Rob and his producer pals are working hard on the show. See you in two weeks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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February 6, 2025 84 mins
Ahead of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, Ringer senior staff writer Justin Charity explores some of the critical moments of Kendrick’s story: from a legendary come-up in the rap blog era of the late 2000s to his early stardom in the 2010s to his fiery resurgence in the past several months as he takes a never-ending victory lap after winning his war against Drake. Host: Justin Charity Producers: Vikram Patel, Jus...
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Listen to Rob and Yasi, joined by Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey live from the Lodge Room in Los Angeles! In this song draft, the crew is picking between the best soundtracks of the 2000s. Hosts: Rob Harvilla and Yasi Salek Guests: Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey Producers: Adrian Bridges, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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January 28, 2025 95 mins
This week, we’re celebrating the Canadian rock band Nickelback! Along the way, Rob discusses butt rock, anti-Nickelback memes, and his friend stealing his girlfriend in high school. Later, author and columnist Leslie Gray Streeter joins the show to defend Nickelback fans and much more. Pre-Order, Leslie’s new book, ‘Family & Other Calamities: A Novel’ here. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Leslie Gray Streeter Producers: Jonathan Kermah...
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January 22, 2025 90 mins
Rob celebrates pop icon Rihanna while looking back at her smash hit “Umbrella.” While combing through Rihanna’s expansive career, Rob also discusses whether Jay-Z’s guest verse on “Umbrella” is the worst of his career. Later, Brittany Spano joins the show to answer the difficult question of what song is Rihanna’s best, and much more. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Brittany Spano Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Additional ...
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January 15, 2025 83 mins
Rob explores the genre-fluid positive energy of rap/reggae/rock ‘90s holdovers 311 and their hit ‘Amber.’ Among other things, he also talks about them as a bridge from a previous era, the musicality of their bass in particular, and the way they’re in conversation with bands that petered out in the ‘90s, as well as bands that grew in popularity in the 2000s. Then, Rob is joined by New York magazine music critic Craig Jenkins to disc...
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January 8, 2025 82 mins
Rob examines the crossroads of Usher’s pop star persona and Lil Jon’s unique vocal and musical genius this week when taking a look back at the smash hit “Yeah!” (1:00). Then, he is joined by Clover Hope to talk about the construction of Usher’s career, the imagery and storytelling that went into making him more interesting to audiences, his staying power, and more (59:00). Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Clover Hope Producers: Jonathan ...
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December 18, 2024 80 mins
Rob looks back at the music career of pop star Avril Lavigne while celebrating her smash hit “Complicated.” Along the way, Rob dives deep into the idea of the anti-Britney Spears and much more! Later, he is joined by Marissa Moss to discuss Avril Lavigne’s potential influences, debating what song is her best, and more. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Marissa Moss Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Additional Production Support...
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December 11, 2024 105 mins
Listen as Rob celebrates the life and career of the music icon who is Johnny Cash and his 2002 legendary cover of “Hurt.” Along the way, Rob discusses Cash’s work with Rick Rubin and much more. Later, Rob is joined by the Ringer’s Brian Phillips to further celebrate Johnny Cash’s greatness. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Brian Phillips Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie Learn more...
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December 4, 2024 98 mins
Rob travels down memory lane and looks back at his not-so-kind review of Linkin Park’s diamond-selling debut album, 'Hybrid Theory,' before celebrating the band’s undeniable greatness. Along the way, he also pays respect to the late Chester Bennington. Later, Rob is joined by John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats to discuss Linkin Park’s ability to connect with the youth of the early 2000s, and much more. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: J...
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November 20, 2024 91 mins
Join us in a moment of 60 Songs history being made as Missy Elliott becomes the first artist with not one, but two songs in the 60 Songs hall of fame with “Work It” added to the mix. In celebration, Rob shares memories from his time at DJ camp as well as a list of some of his favorite songs of all time! Stay and hear Justin Charity join the mix and discuss Missy’s legacy and Virginia’s impact on hip-hop. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: ...
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