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60 Songs That Explain the '90s
The 1990s were a chaotic and gritty and utterly magical time for music, a confounding barrage of genres and lifestyles and superstars, from grunge to hip-hop, from sumptuous R&B to rambunctious ska-punk, from Axl to Kurt to Missy to Santana to Tupac to Britney. In SONGS THAT EXPLAIN THE '90s, Ringer music critic Rob Harvilla reimagines all the earwormy, iconic hits Gen Xers pine for with vivid historical storytelling, sharp critical analysis, rampant loopiness, and wryly personal ruminations on the most bizarre, joyous, and inescapable songs from a decade we both regret entirely and miss desperately.
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2023
320 people are currently reading
8763 people want to read
About the author
Rob Harvilla
2 books62 followersRob Harvilla is a staff writer at The Ringer; he’s also written for Deadspin, Village Voice, SPIN, and dearly departed Columbus alt-weekly The Other Paper. He currently hosts the podcast 60 Songs That Explain the 90s.
He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the Ohio University in 2000. He lives in Ohio with his family.
He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the Ohio University in 2000. He lives in Ohio with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 551 reviews
January 2, 2024
I just read a review that said “he’s just blabbing about songs from the 90s” and I’m amused that this led this person to a one-star review and me to five. Blabbing about songs from the 90s is my new favorite genre. A+ blabbing contained here.
July 23, 2024
Would?…you like to revisit the wonderfully diverse musical hits of the 90s across the various themes and genres that dominated the decade?
If so, well then, You Oughta Know that this book will deliver!
As some reviews have pointed out, this book is framed via one (incredibly knowledgeable and passionate) music critic’s opinions, and organized in broad, historically-relevant, cross-genre themes he astutely identifies. And, I imagine for maximum understanding and enjoyment, you would need to be passably familiar with popular 90s music, and either be a fan of or at least appreciate it. But hey, I Want It That Way!
So, if you also Wannabe reading something along those lines, Believe me when I say this book will show you What’s Up!
Whoomp (There It Is): Be prepared for a Smooth Ride as you take a tour of countless Juicy songs that were in Vogue with all the Common People all Around the World. These tunes really went The Distance and hit listeners’ ears, minds and hearts like a Cannonball, and they remain popular still today. No Scrubs among them, that’s for sure.
You might even say people still Gett Off on them.
The author’s mystifyingly encyclopedic knowledge of all things musical will bring you Closer to understanding all sorts of fascinating background and trivia behind these songs and artists, including rivalries and scandals such as who’s Been Caught Stealing.
Fellow 90s devotees, I promise you’ll be overjoyed to immerse yourself in this One in a Million opportunity to be Together Again with the decade’s fantastic music. It’ll heal your Achy Breaky Heart and illuminate the Birdhouse in Your Soul.
You’ll be feeling so reinvigorated and rejuvenated by the songs of your past that you may well find yourself inquiring, “What’s My Age Again?”
After reading this book, I was craving more and so went back and listened to this author’s podcast series with the same name. I was really Torn to discover that the podcast is very soon ending. Say It Ain’t So!
It seems truly Criminal that we’ve reached the End of the Road.
I’m sure that as I listen to the final episode, I’ll be howling, “Stay (I Missed You) … Baby One More Time…I Only Wanna Be With You!”
That will be a real Bitter Sweet Symphony for sure.
Hopefully I won’t be a total Basket Case, but I will definitely NOT Enjoy the Silence.
It’s going to feel like A Long December, but My Heart Will Go On.
90s Music, I Will Always Love You! Nothing Compares 2 U!
If so, well then, You Oughta Know that this book will deliver!
As some reviews have pointed out, this book is framed via one (incredibly knowledgeable and passionate) music critic’s opinions, and organized in broad, historically-relevant, cross-genre themes he astutely identifies. And, I imagine for maximum understanding and enjoyment, you would need to be passably familiar with popular 90s music, and either be a fan of or at least appreciate it. But hey, I Want It That Way!
So, if you also Wannabe reading something along those lines, Believe me when I say this book will show you What’s Up!
Whoomp (There It Is): Be prepared for a Smooth Ride as you take a tour of countless Juicy songs that were in Vogue with all the Common People all Around the World. These tunes really went The Distance and hit listeners’ ears, minds and hearts like a Cannonball, and they remain popular still today. No Scrubs among them, that’s for sure.
You might even say people still Gett Off on them.
The author’s mystifyingly encyclopedic knowledge of all things musical will bring you Closer to understanding all sorts of fascinating background and trivia behind these songs and artists, including rivalries and scandals such as who’s Been Caught Stealing.
Fellow 90s devotees, I promise you’ll be overjoyed to immerse yourself in this One in a Million opportunity to be Together Again with the decade’s fantastic music. It’ll heal your Achy Breaky Heart and illuminate the Birdhouse in Your Soul.
You’ll be feeling so reinvigorated and rejuvenated by the songs of your past that you may well find yourself inquiring, “What’s My Age Again?”
After reading this book, I was craving more and so went back and listened to this author’s podcast series with the same name. I was really Torn to discover that the podcast is very soon ending. Say It Ain’t So!
It seems truly Criminal that we’ve reached the End of the Road.
I’m sure that as I listen to the final episode, I’ll be howling, “Stay (I Missed You) … Baby One More Time…I Only Wanna Be With You!”
That will be a real Bitter Sweet Symphony for sure.
Hopefully I won’t be a total Basket Case, but I will definitely NOT Enjoy the Silence.
It’s going to feel like A Long December, but My Heart Will Go On.
90s Music, I Will Always Love You! Nothing Compares 2 U!
November 9, 2023
This is just some dudes opinions in a stream of conscious form. Awful! I was hoping for music history or something that’s actually non fiction (eg similar to the various 90s documentaries that are streaming) or that talked anout the importance of music or it’s influence and that isn’t what I got. Not even a little. This book is exactly why I don’t listen to podcasts. He’s just blabbing about songs from the 90s. It isn’t cohesive or interesting. Huge let down! As I was born in 1981, the music of the 90s was the backbone to my most formative years. I should have loved this book and would have if it wasn’t just endless blubber.
Thanks netgalley for my ARC/ALC.
Thanks netgalley for my ARC/ALC.
October 10, 2024
4.5 stars
"Limp Bizkit's 1997 debut album, Three Dollar Bill, Y'all, is best known for its phenomenally disrespectful cover of the 1987 George Michael pop classic Faith, which gets my vote for the all-time cover song that most rigorously despises the original. Limp Bizkit covers George Michael the way Attila the Hun covered Europe." -- did somebody say 'sassy?,' on page 122
Fortunately, author/critic/musician Harvilla does not limit himself to the merely 60 songs as noted by the title - his collection of essays (which began life as podcast series, unheard by me) involve over 100 tunes originating from the 1990's. Although it took a few chapters, I soon fell into the groove because I enjoyed his oft-humorous but also informed take on the music from that decade. (Also, since he is only three years younger than me, plus raised in a nuclear family from the northeastern U.S. middle-class suburbs, said Gen-X type of similarities soon provided a sort of comfort level.) Harvilla dances through a number of pop / rock / soul / rap hits (or those 'one-hit wonders'), with the occasional lesser-knowns thrown in - everything from Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' and Sinead O'Connor's 'Nothing Compares 2 U' to They Might Be Giants' 'Particle Man' - in that unique era of metamorphosis where cassette mix tapes and the massive influence of MTV's broadcast of music videos gave way to compact discs and that burgeoning fad known as the Internet. Sometimes the song receives only a few paragraphs, but occasionally (as in Nirvana's simultaneously rambunctious and stealthy arrival of the grunge movement with their 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' circa early '92) it will get multiple pages. Additionally, he's not afraid to just go for broke and wear his heart on his sleeve - I adored a brief scene where he recalled singing an excerpt of a Tom Petty song to calm his newborn first son, or affectionately spoke of his wife's similar sense of zany humor via her zinger which came out of left field while watching TV - in some particularly memorable moments from later in his life, which still nicely dovetailed with the nostalgic 90's-set narrative . . . or is it soundtrack? 😉
"Limp Bizkit's 1997 debut album, Three Dollar Bill, Y'all, is best known for its phenomenally disrespectful cover of the 1987 George Michael pop classic Faith, which gets my vote for the all-time cover song that most rigorously despises the original. Limp Bizkit covers George Michael the way Attila the Hun covered Europe." -- did somebody say 'sassy?,' on page 122
Fortunately, author/critic/musician Harvilla does not limit himself to the merely 60 songs as noted by the title - his collection of essays (which began life as podcast series, unheard by me) involve over 100 tunes originating from the 1990's. Although it took a few chapters, I soon fell into the groove because I enjoyed his oft-humorous but also informed take on the music from that decade. (Also, since he is only three years younger than me, plus raised in a nuclear family from the northeastern U.S. middle-class suburbs, said Gen-X type of similarities soon provided a sort of comfort level.) Harvilla dances through a number of pop / rock / soul / rap hits (or those 'one-hit wonders'), with the occasional lesser-knowns thrown in - everything from Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' and Sinead O'Connor's 'Nothing Compares 2 U' to They Might Be Giants' 'Particle Man' - in that unique era of metamorphosis where cassette mix tapes and the massive influence of MTV's broadcast of music videos gave way to compact discs and that burgeoning fad known as the Internet. Sometimes the song receives only a few paragraphs, but occasionally (as in Nirvana's simultaneously rambunctious and stealthy arrival of the grunge movement with their 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' circa early '92) it will get multiple pages. Additionally, he's not afraid to just go for broke and wear his heart on his sleeve - I adored a brief scene where he recalled singing an excerpt of a Tom Petty song to calm his newborn first son, or affectionately spoke of his wife's similar sense of zany humor via her zinger which came out of left field while watching TV - in some particularly memorable moments from later in his life, which still nicely dovetailed with the nostalgic 90's-set narrative . . . or is it soundtrack? 😉
May 4, 2024
So, if you have been keeping up with my reviews, you may have noticed a pattern. If you haven't, let me spoil it for you: I fell into a 90s nostalgia vortex a while back and I am clearly taking my sweet old time climbing out. I may never emerge. It's OK. I'm fine.
I got this book for my husband's birthday in January: he fell in the vortex first and dragged me along with him. He's been listening to WBER online, and every single time he hears a song he hasn't heard before and ends up liking it, it's inevitably from the 90s. Every. Single. Time. It's uncanny. Anyway, my point is that once he was done reading this, he said I would absolutely love it, given how much I loved Klosterman's book on the 90s, not to mention the fact that I essentially live and breathe to nerd out about music. A book like this is basically like plugging me into a dopamine IV for a few hours.
This book is the paper and ink version of Harvilla's podcast of the same name - and since I really struggle with podcasts, this was always going to be the version I would gravitate towards. And yeah, obviously, I fucking loved it. Would it shock you to learn that I have a 90s music playlist and that reading this book expanded it? Probably not. Based on the first sentence of chapter 1 alone ("Céline Dion sings her song like they owe her money."), I knew that Mr. Harvilla was one of 'my people', the "High Fidelity" Rob Gordon's of this world who are possibly way too invested in the music they love (and the music they hate, too!) and while we may disagree slightly on the topic of Gwen Stefani (no one diminishes the woman who triggered my bi-awakening, thank you very much), he is still a kindred soul, and I wish this book covered 120 songs, and not just 60. It helps, obviously, that we are almost the same age, so his references and mine overlap almost all the time, and while he is more knowledgeable about hip hop than me, I understand exactly what he means when he says he let a Weezer record define him - even if I don't relate to that personally (in my case it was an Incubus album and I stand by that - and I would absolutely still shag Brandon Boyd if circumstances permitted).
If there are flaws in this book, I may have been too jubilant to notice them; this was fun, funny and made me run to YouTube a bunch of times, so it gets 5 stars, and that's that. Also, fuck Third Eye Blind. Seriously.
I got this book for my husband's birthday in January: he fell in the vortex first and dragged me along with him. He's been listening to WBER online, and every single time he hears a song he hasn't heard before and ends up liking it, it's inevitably from the 90s. Every. Single. Time. It's uncanny. Anyway, my point is that once he was done reading this, he said I would absolutely love it, given how much I loved Klosterman's book on the 90s, not to mention the fact that I essentially live and breathe to nerd out about music. A book like this is basically like plugging me into a dopamine IV for a few hours.
This book is the paper and ink version of Harvilla's podcast of the same name - and since I really struggle with podcasts, this was always going to be the version I would gravitate towards. And yeah, obviously, I fucking loved it. Would it shock you to learn that I have a 90s music playlist and that reading this book expanded it? Probably not. Based on the first sentence of chapter 1 alone ("Céline Dion sings her song like they owe her money."), I knew that Mr. Harvilla was one of 'my people', the "High Fidelity" Rob Gordon's of this world who are possibly way too invested in the music they love (and the music they hate, too!) and while we may disagree slightly on the topic of Gwen Stefani (no one diminishes the woman who triggered my bi-awakening, thank you very much), he is still a kindred soul, and I wish this book covered 120 songs, and not just 60. It helps, obviously, that we are almost the same age, so his references and mine overlap almost all the time, and while he is more knowledgeable about hip hop than me, I understand exactly what he means when he says he let a Weezer record define him - even if I don't relate to that personally (in my case it was an Incubus album and I stand by that - and I would absolutely still shag Brandon Boyd if circumstances permitted).
If there are flaws in this book, I may have been too jubilant to notice them; this was fun, funny and made me run to YouTube a bunch of times, so it gets 5 stars, and that's that. Also, fuck Third Eye Blind. Seriously.
October 15, 2023
Listen, big disclaimer up front. I was born in 1982, so my formative music years were the 1990s. Or, if you want to be mean, the late 1900s. Rob Harvilla's 60 Songs That Explain the '90s is the type of book in which I cannot be trusted to be impartial. I'd like to say I'm mature and professional enough to not get completely overwhelmed by reading about the Gin Blossoms or Metallica. I am not. I am okay with it. So, let's do this review.
Harvilla is a liar. He admits this. He talks about way more than 60 songs and clearly I was here for it. Harvilla writes very informally but I honestly believe it works for this book. He is, in essence, trying to teleport you back to your childhood bedroom with your best friend as you discuss just how deep Alice in Chains is and how no one else gets it. Harvilla has an extremely wide taste in music so you also get write-ups on rap, country, and most genres under the sun. No, this is not a scholarly book. Yes, I loved it. If you were a 90s kid, I guarantee there is something here for you. He even covers ska.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Twelve Books.)
Harvilla is a liar. He admits this. He talks about way more than 60 songs and clearly I was here for it. Harvilla writes very informally but I honestly believe it works for this book. He is, in essence, trying to teleport you back to your childhood bedroom with your best friend as you discuss just how deep Alice in Chains is and how no one else gets it. Harvilla has an extremely wide taste in music so you also get write-ups on rap, country, and most genres under the sun. No, this is not a scholarly book. Yes, I loved it. If you were a 90s kid, I guarantee there is something here for you. He even covers ska.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Twelve Books.)
December 1, 2023
(3.5)
The current top featured review is a one-star that says “this is just some dudes opinions in a stream of conscious form.” While immensely hilarious, they’re not exactly wrong. I wonder who this book is for.
The podcast is five stars through and through. I’m normally nostalgia averse, finding it a kind of mental poison. Rob’s writing, however, is transportive instead of reminiscent. As someone about the same age, when he writes about Boyz II Men playing at a middle school dance—a time that I would prefer wiped from my mind entirely—instead of remembering my own emotions (don’t ask), I remember what the music meant. How it hit my ears and my life then, and how these songs and artists exist to me now.
I came across the podcast early this year and after just a few episodes I was hooked. I love Rob’s style and enthusiasm. He isn’t judgmental and when he makes declarative statements, it’s clear that he’s speaking from within the moment. Often what’s “best” changes in the next episode. The point isn’t to make some definitive canon of 90s music or even to provide an in-depth history. As I see it, the podcast is a meditation on the last years of “monoculture,” when we were all tuned in to the same thing because we had little choice. It’s a celebration of the artists and events that were integral to our lives just before the Internet blew everything up.
Anyway, I’m being digressive because I don’t know how to talk about the book without talking about the podcast. It felt like a heavily pared down version of the podcast with songs collected in chapters with very loose themes. Nothing felt new. I listened to the audiobook*, which seemed like the obvious choice, but maybe that just drew my mind more to the source material. I dunno. I still found it great, but there’s no value if you’ve already been listening to the podcast. And if you aren’t, then your experience may be like that one-star person who doesn’t use punctuation. I hope reading this doesn’t turn anyone off from listening to the podcast, which is truly excellent.
*One thing I wanted to add, as I treat this website like my blog, is a note on Spotify. The podcast is produced by The Ringer, which is owned by Spotify, so they stream it exclusively. It’s probably the service I hate being subscribed to the most, but I also still buy music, so I can sort of live with it. When the book was added to the library, I put a hold on it right away. The wait time was still about six weeks. I thought nothing of it until I pulled up Spotify and they recommend I listen to the audiobook there. Thinking this had something to do with The Ringer/the podcast exclusivity, I figured why not. Only after finishing, when I was recommended another totally unrelated title, did it occur to me that Spotify now includes audiobooks in their membership. I hate this for a number of reasons. This is money they could have been using to pay the musicians they continually fuck over. More distressing to me is what effect this will have on libraries. Fuck all these companies and their executives, including, especially, the ones who own this app too. 2:20AM, I must cease rambling and sleep.
The current top featured review is a one-star that says “this is just some dudes opinions in a stream of conscious form.” While immensely hilarious, they’re not exactly wrong. I wonder who this book is for.
The podcast is five stars through and through. I’m normally nostalgia averse, finding it a kind of mental poison. Rob’s writing, however, is transportive instead of reminiscent. As someone about the same age, when he writes about Boyz II Men playing at a middle school dance—a time that I would prefer wiped from my mind entirely—instead of remembering my own emotions (don’t ask), I remember what the music meant. How it hit my ears and my life then, and how these songs and artists exist to me now.
I came across the podcast early this year and after just a few episodes I was hooked. I love Rob’s style and enthusiasm. He isn’t judgmental and when he makes declarative statements, it’s clear that he’s speaking from within the moment. Often what’s “best” changes in the next episode. The point isn’t to make some definitive canon of 90s music or even to provide an in-depth history. As I see it, the podcast is a meditation on the last years of “monoculture,” when we were all tuned in to the same thing because we had little choice. It’s a celebration of the artists and events that were integral to our lives just before the Internet blew everything up.
Anyway, I’m being digressive because I don’t know how to talk about the book without talking about the podcast. It felt like a heavily pared down version of the podcast with songs collected in chapters with very loose themes. Nothing felt new. I listened to the audiobook*, which seemed like the obvious choice, but maybe that just drew my mind more to the source material. I dunno. I still found it great, but there’s no value if you’ve already been listening to the podcast. And if you aren’t, then your experience may be like that one-star person who doesn’t use punctuation. I hope reading this doesn’t turn anyone off from listening to the podcast, which is truly excellent.
*One thing I wanted to add, as I treat this website like my blog, is a note on Spotify. The podcast is produced by The Ringer, which is owned by Spotify, so they stream it exclusively. It’s probably the service I hate being subscribed to the most, but I also still buy music, so I can sort of live with it. When the book was added to the library, I put a hold on it right away. The wait time was still about six weeks. I thought nothing of it until I pulled up Spotify and they recommend I listen to the audiobook there. Thinking this had something to do with The Ringer/the podcast exclusivity, I figured why not. Only after finishing, when I was recommended another totally unrelated title, did it occur to me that Spotify now includes audiobooks in their membership. I hate this for a number of reasons. This is money they could have been using to pay the musicians they continually fuck over. More distressing to me is what effect this will have on libraries. Fuck all these companies and their executives, including, especially, the ones who own this app too. 2:20AM, I must cease rambling and sleep.
November 19, 2023
An absolute joy to read and a terrific companion to author Rob Harvilla’s podcast covering the same topic.
Part nostalgia trip, part music theory, and part paean to the zeitgeist, this is a fun adventure down memory lane if you were alive in the ‘90s and a wonderful thinkpiece on the decade whether you actually witnessed it or not.
I really appreciated the eclecticism of music discussed, with Harvilla ranging around to just about every genre of popular music, and making some surprising connections between songs and artists that don’t necessarily appear to have much in common at first blush.
Harvilla is also just objectively hilarious, and he has a wonderful way of poking fun at singers and songs while still appreciating their contributions.
You certainly don’t need to have listened to the podcast to appreciate the book, though I recommend that you do because it’s fantastic. And fear not, fans of the pod: There’s plenty of new material in the book that hasn’t already been covered on the podcast.
Try this one on audio if you’re able. Harvilla narrates and it only enhances the experience.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Part nostalgia trip, part music theory, and part paean to the zeitgeist, this is a fun adventure down memory lane if you were alive in the ‘90s and a wonderful thinkpiece on the decade whether you actually witnessed it or not.
I really appreciated the eclecticism of music discussed, with Harvilla ranging around to just about every genre of popular music, and making some surprising connections between songs and artists that don’t necessarily appear to have much in common at first blush.
Harvilla is also just objectively hilarious, and he has a wonderful way of poking fun at singers and songs while still appreciating their contributions.
You certainly don’t need to have listened to the podcast to appreciate the book, though I recommend that you do because it’s fantastic. And fear not, fans of the pod: There’s plenty of new material in the book that hasn’t already been covered on the podcast.
Try this one on audio if you’re able. Harvilla narrates and it only enhances the experience.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
December 9, 2023
First of all, I HATE that the featured review for this book is a one-star review, from a cookbook author that states " was hoping for music history or something that’s actually non fiction ... or that talked about the importance of music or it’s influence and that isn’t what I got. Not even a little."
Ma'am....did you read this book? (Also, don't get me started on your grammar - the words are "consciousness" and "blabber")
The importance of each of these songs is discussed. That's the entire point of the book. The way that these songs shaped the 90s, not only globally, but generationally and to the writer, personally. This is why the book, the podcast, and the writer are important.
Enough of me being mean to a cookbook author.
------------------
Rob Harvilla and I clearly would have been best friends should we have gone to high school and/or college together.
I've long been a fan of his podcast, so this was an excellent companion to the already fantastic ruminations and ramblings on the songs that make up (in my opinion) one of the greatest decades in music.
Gin Blossoms, Liz Phair, Pavement, etc - these are the bands that I loved and still love. While I could list the bands that were left out of the book (*cough* Superdrag), I didn't go into this expecting to learn every single detail and music history about every single song of the 90's, because I'm not an idiot. I understand how books work. One of the best parts of this book is when Harvilla delves into this personal experience, making this book, these stories more of a memoir of a time and a place. It kicks ones own brain to their own history, to the first time they heard those drums of Enter Sandman.
Ma'am....did you read this book? (Also, don't get me started on your grammar - the words are "consciousness" and "blabber")
The importance of each of these songs is discussed. That's the entire point of the book. The way that these songs shaped the 90s, not only globally, but generationally and to the writer, personally. This is why the book, the podcast, and the writer are important.
Enough of me being mean to a cookbook author.
------------------
Rob Harvilla and I clearly would have been best friends should we have gone to high school and/or college together.
I've long been a fan of his podcast, so this was an excellent companion to the already fantastic ruminations and ramblings on the songs that make up (in my opinion) one of the greatest decades in music.
Gin Blossoms, Liz Phair, Pavement, etc - these are the bands that I loved and still love. While I could list the bands that were left out of the book (*cough* Superdrag), I didn't go into this expecting to learn every single detail and music history about every single song of the 90's, because I'm not an idiot. I understand how books work. One of the best parts of this book is when Harvilla delves into this personal experience, making this book, these stories more of a memoir of a time and a place. It kicks ones own brain to their own history, to the first time they heard those drums of Enter Sandman.
October 4, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I believe I am within the target audience for this book; a big fan of books about music and the exact age for these songs to have been enormously impressionable for me - I was age eight through 18 in the 90s. I should connect easily with this material. And yet, I felt this book lacking in many ways.
First, it was just a little too stream of consciousness for me, some of the transitions between songs are so loose that they can feel like too big a swing to try and make them relevant. It doesn't all need to fit neatly in a category/chapter. The transitions could be distracting in that way, made more difficult by much more feelings and opinions from the author than fact and information about the songs. This is very much his 90s, and I wonder if fans of the author's podcast will find the book more engaging.
There may just be too many songs in a relatively short number of pages. It often reads like someone taking a deep breath and then talking as fast as possible to get it all in. Transitions are often very loose or even non existent, like jumping from Stephen Jenkins to Liam Gallagher and it just goes straight into an off color quote about sex acts with women. Ew. And the footnotes. I tried to read them, but they make up their own rambling, personal book.
The most cohesive and consistently informative section is the final chapter, Big Feelings. There was still a huge amount of personal experiences, but at least there was also solid information I didn't already know about the music.
Anatomy of a Song, Music is History, and How Music Works are a few books that are able to touch on many songs, personal feelings about them, and are informative at the same time. It's absolutely possible to do it, it just doesn't happen in this book for me.
I believe I am within the target audience for this book; a big fan of books about music and the exact age for these songs to have been enormously impressionable for me - I was age eight through 18 in the 90s. I should connect easily with this material. And yet, I felt this book lacking in many ways.
First, it was just a little too stream of consciousness for me, some of the transitions between songs are so loose that they can feel like too big a swing to try and make them relevant. It doesn't all need to fit neatly in a category/chapter. The transitions could be distracting in that way, made more difficult by much more feelings and opinions from the author than fact and information about the songs. This is very much his 90s, and I wonder if fans of the author's podcast will find the book more engaging.
There may just be too many songs in a relatively short number of pages. It often reads like someone taking a deep breath and then talking as fast as possible to get it all in. Transitions are often very loose or even non existent, like jumping from Stephen Jenkins to Liam Gallagher and it just goes straight into an off color quote about sex acts with women. Ew. And the footnotes. I tried to read them, but they make up their own rambling, personal book.
The most cohesive and consistently informative section is the final chapter, Big Feelings. There was still a huge amount of personal experiences, but at least there was also solid information I didn't already know about the music.
Anatomy of a Song, Music is History, and How Music Works are a few books that are able to touch on many songs, personal feelings about them, and are informative at the same time. It's absolutely possible to do it, it just doesn't happen in this book for me.
January 6, 2024
I hadnt chuckled so much listening to a book in a while. A great nostalgia trip for people who paid attention to the music scene in the 90s.
March 9, 2024
Hey there, fellow readers, and wanderers of the digital realm! Today, I wanted to spill some thoughts about a little gem that found its way into my hands (or should I say ears) “60 Songs That Explain the '90s” by Rob Harvilla. Now, let me tell you, this one is not your typical read. No, no. It started as a podcast and then evolved into a tangible book, and honestly, I couldn't resist listening to the book itself.
Being a proud Ohio native like Rob, there's an immediate kinship that resonates through the pages. It's like comparing notes with an old friend, reminiscing about the quirks and charms of the Buckeye State. Rob's experiences mirror mine in a way that feels almost serendipitous. It's the kind of connection that makes you feel seen and understood, you know?
The magic of "60 songs that explain the 90’s" is not just the songs he picks, or the endless lists, it lies in those moments when Rob takes a detour into his own little world. It's like stepping into a cozy coffee shop with a friend who's about to spill the best stories. Those digressions add an authentic touch, a rawness that brings the narrative to life.
Now, I might be a proud member of Generation X, but let me tell you, the nostalgia in this book transcends generational lines. It's a symphony of shared experiences, a collective sigh of, "Oh, I remember that!" From the cultural references to the music that served as the soundtrack of our youth, it's a trip down memory lane that feels both comforting and invigorating.
And here's a little tip for the Chuck Klosterman enthusiasts out there – if you dug his take on "the Nineties," you'll find this book a fantastic companion piece. Rob's style of reminiscing echoes the humor and insight that we love about Klosterman's work.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a read that feels like a conversation with an old friend "60 songs that explain the 90’s" is the way to go. Rob's storytelling is genuine, relatable, and downright enjoyable. So, here's to the joy of reminiscing and the beauty of shared memories. Cheers, friends!
Being a proud Ohio native like Rob, there's an immediate kinship that resonates through the pages. It's like comparing notes with an old friend, reminiscing about the quirks and charms of the Buckeye State. Rob's experiences mirror mine in a way that feels almost serendipitous. It's the kind of connection that makes you feel seen and understood, you know?
The magic of "60 songs that explain the 90’s" is not just the songs he picks, or the endless lists, it lies in those moments when Rob takes a detour into his own little world. It's like stepping into a cozy coffee shop with a friend who's about to spill the best stories. Those digressions add an authentic touch, a rawness that brings the narrative to life.
Now, I might be a proud member of Generation X, but let me tell you, the nostalgia in this book transcends generational lines. It's a symphony of shared experiences, a collective sigh of, "Oh, I remember that!" From the cultural references to the music that served as the soundtrack of our youth, it's a trip down memory lane that feels both comforting and invigorating.
And here's a little tip for the Chuck Klosterman enthusiasts out there – if you dug his take on "the Nineties," you'll find this book a fantastic companion piece. Rob's style of reminiscing echoes the humor and insight that we love about Klosterman's work.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a read that feels like a conversation with an old friend "60 songs that explain the 90’s" is the way to go. Rob's storytelling is genuine, relatable, and downright enjoyable. So, here's to the joy of reminiscing and the beauty of shared memories. Cheers, friends!
December 17, 2023
This book was difficult to follow for me. The author pops around from one fragment of thought to another too often for me to coherently follow. I can see how it could work on a podcast, but when taking the time to sit and focus on just this, it didn’t work for me. When I thought of 60 songs to define the 90’s, many of his picks were not on it. This was my time of high school and college, so it’s still fresh on my mind and Spotify account.
Thanks to NetGalley and Twelve for an ARC of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Twelve for an ARC of this book.
August 26, 2023
Every generation will attempt to one-up those who have come before or after. Perhaps the most ridiculous claim is that any one generation's music is "THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME," which is impossible. The music of any generation will hold immense sentimental value to it's members as it was a part of their youth.
As a teen in the 90s, music was EVERYTHING!
It was a movement. It was fashion, and it was Green Jell-O. "What are you listening to?" was a loaded question. Your answer could be the foundation or the dissolution of any existing/future relationships. Biggie or Pac? Brandy or Monica? Which Spice Girl are you? Who'd win in a wrestling match, Lemmy or God?
The music of the 90's can be a little difficult to explain but then on October 15th, 2020 while looking for something to listen to on my way to work, I found someone willing to give it a shot. This was my introduction to 60 Songs That Explain The 90s w/Rob Harvilla. I have listened to every episode so far and will continue to do so until its conclusion. Typically, I am on my way to work, but sometimes with my husband, also, named Rob, also, from Ohio.
When I got the email notification confirming my ARC from Net Galley, my face hurt from smiling. I didn't care if the book was just a line item by line item transcript of each episode. I had to read it and I was going to take my time. 60 Songs That Explain The 90s : THE BOOK is a mix tape you pop in for your trip down memory lane. A chaotic mix tape. Okay, maybe not a mix tape. Maybe you accidently hit the SCAN button on your radio, then quickly made your way through all your local stations.
The music of the 90s is hard to "explain." Sure, it was Nirvana and No Doubt, but it was, also, Billy Ray and Bone Thugs, Coolio and Cake. It was the sophomoric transition of The Cranberries from melodic lullabies to growling along aggressive guitar riffs and back. It was understanding that the relationship Erykah had with whomever she was telling to call Tyrone was handled a hell of a lot differently than Wanda's relationship with Earl. It was Tag Team doing the Macarena. Rob Harvilla knows this, and he, like Clarissa, explains it all with heartfelt anecdotes and amusing ease.
I'm happy to report that this book is not a full line item by line item transcript of each episode. Instead, each chapter is a clever complilation of songs, facts about the artists, funny observations as well as recollections of the author's time as a teen in Ohio. The transition from song to song is quick, so I do not recommend skimming through it. Take your time, enjoy it, read every line, even the footnotes, as they are like a hidden track. Personally, I found the Daddest of Dad jokes pretty funny. I really enjoyed reading this book.
So, why 5 stars? What was it about this book that deserves 5 stars. Simply put, I am a music/book nerd. One does not surpass the other. In reading this, I felt like I was having a great conversation about music, and it spawned some great conversations I have had about music of the 90s. That's why I gave this book 5 stars. If you love music or the 90s or books about 90s music, you would likely agree.
60 Songs That Explain The 90s is being released just in time for my birthday this November. I look forward to picking up my own hard copy to place strategically, cover facing out, on my bookshelf right beside Questlove. I am so grateful to Rob Harvilla and Twelve Publishing for the opportunity to have read this early. Also, a very special thank you to The Ringer network for giving us entertaining podcasts like Bandsplain, The Rewatchables, and of course 60 Songs.
As a teen in the 90s, music was EVERYTHING!
It was a movement. It was fashion, and it was Green Jell-O. "What are you listening to?" was a loaded question. Your answer could be the foundation or the dissolution of any existing/future relationships. Biggie or Pac? Brandy or Monica? Which Spice Girl are you? Who'd win in a wrestling match, Lemmy or God?
The music of the 90's can be a little difficult to explain but then on October 15th, 2020 while looking for something to listen to on my way to work, I found someone willing to give it a shot. This was my introduction to 60 Songs That Explain The 90s w/Rob Harvilla. I have listened to every episode so far and will continue to do so until its conclusion. Typically, I am on my way to work, but sometimes with my husband, also, named Rob, also, from Ohio.
When I got the email notification confirming my ARC from Net Galley, my face hurt from smiling. I didn't care if the book was just a line item by line item transcript of each episode. I had to read it and I was going to take my time. 60 Songs That Explain The 90s : THE BOOK is a mix tape you pop in for your trip down memory lane. A chaotic mix tape. Okay, maybe not a mix tape. Maybe you accidently hit the SCAN button on your radio, then quickly made your way through all your local stations.
The music of the 90s is hard to "explain." Sure, it was Nirvana and No Doubt, but it was, also, Billy Ray and Bone Thugs, Coolio and Cake. It was the sophomoric transition of The Cranberries from melodic lullabies to growling along aggressive guitar riffs and back. It was understanding that the relationship Erykah had with whomever she was telling to call Tyrone was handled a hell of a lot differently than Wanda's relationship with Earl. It was Tag Team doing the Macarena. Rob Harvilla knows this, and he, like Clarissa, explains it all with heartfelt anecdotes and amusing ease.
I'm happy to report that this book is not a full line item by line item transcript of each episode. Instead, each chapter is a clever complilation of songs, facts about the artists, funny observations as well as recollections of the author's time as a teen in Ohio. The transition from song to song is quick, so I do not recommend skimming through it. Take your time, enjoy it, read every line, even the footnotes, as they are like a hidden track. Personally, I found the Daddest of Dad jokes pretty funny. I really enjoyed reading this book.
So, why 5 stars? What was it about this book that deserves 5 stars. Simply put, I am a music/book nerd. One does not surpass the other. In reading this, I felt like I was having a great conversation about music, and it spawned some great conversations I have had about music of the 90s. That's why I gave this book 5 stars. If you love music or the 90s or books about 90s music, you would likely agree.
60 Songs That Explain The 90s is being released just in time for my birthday this November. I look forward to picking up my own hard copy to place strategically, cover facing out, on my bookshelf right beside Questlove. I am so grateful to Rob Harvilla and Twelve Publishing for the opportunity to have read this early. Also, a very special thank you to The Ringer network for giving us entertaining podcasts like Bandsplain, The Rewatchables, and of course 60 Songs.
December 10, 2023
READ THE BOOK FOR AN ABRIDGED VERSION OF THE PODCAST. Our fearless music critic and author, Rob Harvilla, actually discusses *120* ‘90s songs on his podcast for about an hour each, so with a nine-hour runtime for the audiobook, there’s a lot of abridging. I LOVE the podcast, but since I’m already halfway through it, I decided to save the book for a time when the material is less fresh in my mind. If the subject matter sounds interesting to you but a 120-hour podcast feels like too big a commitment, go with the book.
As a white man of a certain age, it would be very easy for Harvilla to focus on the white-male grunge and alternative rock stars of the ‘90s (see the recent Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone controversy), with some follow-up attention on rap and hip hop, leaving female performers (especially female performers of color) as an afterthought. To the contrary, Harvilla covers all the big trends and artists of the era in a respectful and knowledgeable manner, but not like a well-meaning white liberal who took some DEI classes so he could talk about Aaliyah and Selena, but like a FAN. On the podcast, the first band he really makes fun of is Guns ‘n Roses, and the one important artist left off the list is Garth Brooks (in an episode about Billy Ray Cyrus, Harvilla says he wants to cover Brooks but Brooks’s music isn’t available on Spotify, which is where the podcast originated and to which it was exclusive for a time).
Harvilla’s approach might not be for everyone. He’s very digressive and spends a lot of time talking about his own personal experiences with the music. One element from the podcast missing from the book is Harvilla’s interviews with other music critics, journalists, and even musicians, which provide broader reflections on culture, trivia, and musical theory. Harvilla is capable of providing a lot of that on his own, but you have to wade trough some goofiness to get there. I’m happy to go on that journey with him, which often leads to profound places. But the journey is the best part, like being on a road trip with a silly but knowledgeable music fan who wants to listen to great tunes and get into deep conversations.
As a white man of a certain age, it would be very easy for Harvilla to focus on the white-male grunge and alternative rock stars of the ‘90s (see the recent Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone controversy), with some follow-up attention on rap and hip hop, leaving female performers (especially female performers of color) as an afterthought. To the contrary, Harvilla covers all the big trends and artists of the era in a respectful and knowledgeable manner, but not like a well-meaning white liberal who took some DEI classes so he could talk about Aaliyah and Selena, but like a FAN. On the podcast, the first band he really makes fun of is Guns ‘n Roses, and the one important artist left off the list is Garth Brooks (in an episode about Billy Ray Cyrus, Harvilla says he wants to cover Brooks but Brooks’s music isn’t available on Spotify, which is where the podcast originated and to which it was exclusive for a time).
Harvilla’s approach might not be for everyone. He’s very digressive and spends a lot of time talking about his own personal experiences with the music. One element from the podcast missing from the book is Harvilla’s interviews with other music critics, journalists, and even musicians, which provide broader reflections on culture, trivia, and musical theory. Harvilla is capable of providing a lot of that on his own, but you have to wade trough some goofiness to get there. I’m happy to go on that journey with him, which often leads to profound places. But the journey is the best part, like being on a road trip with a silly but knowledgeable music fan who wants to listen to great tunes and get into deep conversations.
October 10, 2024
Harvilla made me laugh out loud! No hyperbole!
I had so many memories through these chapters. So much good vibes. There were also so many songs that I had not heard before, and of course there was because I was a child-adolescent-preteen in the 90s. I love the 2024 assessments and the realities placed in context with the songs, musicians, artists, bands in each segment.
The section of Women in Rock is so damn good! Harvilla talking Tori Amos, TLC, the power and ferocity of women speaking back to violent and abusive men. Harvilla's reflections on Sinead O’Connor, Fiona Apple, Sheryl Crow - it is all so dope. The songwriting, the power. It was incredible.
Harvilla talking about Wu-Tang in the 90s, and everyone on the outside was wild. I love him talking about rap and our, the listeners, experiencing it while listening to it. The ways in which we as the listener stop to inhabit the rapper’s world! So true. Harvilla skillfully talks about the various forms of rap that came out of the 90s and the varying Black life/lives that it captures + Harvilla provided a really great write up about DMX. He talks skillfully about so much, really great write ups about one-hit wonders, and the popularity, origins and world-domination of the Macarena.
Highly recommended if you're a music nerd. You'll have a good time. Read it all the way through, it builds and it's beautiful.
I had so many memories through these chapters. So much good vibes. There were also so many songs that I had not heard before, and of course there was because I was a child-adolescent-preteen in the 90s. I love the 2024 assessments and the realities placed in context with the songs, musicians, artists, bands in each segment.
The section of Women in Rock is so damn good! Harvilla talking Tori Amos, TLC, the power and ferocity of women speaking back to violent and abusive men. Harvilla's reflections on Sinead O’Connor, Fiona Apple, Sheryl Crow - it is all so dope. The songwriting, the power. It was incredible.
Harvilla talking about Wu-Tang in the 90s, and everyone on the outside was wild. I love him talking about rap and our, the listeners, experiencing it while listening to it. The ways in which we as the listener stop to inhabit the rapper’s world! So true. Harvilla skillfully talks about the various forms of rap that came out of the 90s and the varying Black life/lives that it captures + Harvilla provided a really great write up about DMX. He talks skillfully about so much, really great write ups about one-hit wonders, and the popularity, origins and world-domination of the Macarena.
Highly recommended if you're a music nerd. You'll have a good time. Read it all the way through, it builds and it's beautiful.
March 23, 2024
I'm the type of person who listens to only a handful of musicians at any given time but gosh the nostalgia this book knocked me into with all the songs that started cycling around in my head! And more than that, I really did enjoy the many different ways Harvilla talked about the songs. I'm extra tickled by the quick glimpses of silly music moments connecting him to his wife. Overall a really entertaining book that does not shy away from the toll of fame or the tragedies of the artist's lives.
February 10, 2024
3.5
I think the best way to sum up 60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s is to say that it should really be called 60 Songs That Explain Rob Harvilla’s ‘90s. Harvilla provides a wonderful nostalgic tour through a phenomenal and distinctive pop-music decade, but ultimately, it’s an idiosyncratic journey. Harvilla comes at it from a very particular point in time (b. 1977) and from a very particular set of musical tastes. My musical tour through the ‘90s would overlap somewhat, but it would be pretty different in a lot of respects. So would the musical journey of anyone who lived through the decade.
Of course, an important difference from the average pop music fan is that Rob Harvilla is a great writer, and he knows his stuff. He’s way into pop music, he’s very funny, and I can appreciate that. At first, I was all on board for his humorous, bombastic hot takes on ‘90s music, but at a certain point, the relentless hyperbole and verbosity started to wear on my reading powers and my attention span. I started skimming sections about songs that I wasn’t particularly into. I mean, he’s pretty hard on Celine Dion, yet his approach to writing is a whole lot like her approach to singing.
In any case, I still had fun reading this. That’s coming from a fellow music-nerd perspective. If you’re not at that level of nerdery, but you’re still into ’90s music, I’d suggest cherry-picking episodes of the 60 Songs podcast rather than committing to the book.
I think the best way to sum up 60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s is to say that it should really be called 60 Songs That Explain Rob Harvilla’s ‘90s. Harvilla provides a wonderful nostalgic tour through a phenomenal and distinctive pop-music decade, but ultimately, it’s an idiosyncratic journey. Harvilla comes at it from a very particular point in time (b. 1977) and from a very particular set of musical tastes. My musical tour through the ‘90s would overlap somewhat, but it would be pretty different in a lot of respects. So would the musical journey of anyone who lived through the decade.
Of course, an important difference from the average pop music fan is that Rob Harvilla is a great writer, and he knows his stuff. He’s way into pop music, he’s very funny, and I can appreciate that. At first, I was all on board for his humorous, bombastic hot takes on ‘90s music, but at a certain point, the relentless hyperbole and verbosity started to wear on my reading powers and my attention span. I started skimming sections about songs that I wasn’t particularly into. I mean, he’s pretty hard on Celine Dion, yet his approach to writing is a whole lot like her approach to singing.
In any case, I still had fun reading this. That’s coming from a fellow music-nerd perspective. If you’re not at that level of nerdery, but you’re still into ’90s music, I’d suggest cherry-picking episodes of the 60 Songs podcast rather than committing to the book.
July 1, 2024
Fun trip down memory lane 🎶
September 15, 2024
This book was like Ready Player One for me. I was the intended audience. Music was such an important part of my adolescence in the 1990s and the songs discussed in this book brought back so many memories. I loved all the interesting anecdotes told about the artists and songs, and the author is hilarious.
January 6, 2024
The introduction is one of the funniest things I've read in a long time. Huge Remember-Some-Guys type of book, which will always work for me.
February 10, 2024
This book was so fun to listen to, and I highly recommend that you have Spotify open as a companion to be able to shuffle back and forth between Rob Harvilla's commentary and the song itself. This book is based off of a podcast of the same name, and while I have never listened to the podcast, I think I preferred this condensed down version of it which allowed many songs to be covered (the "60" is a purposeful misnomer). I also appreciated the songs talked about being organized by similarities, and especially enjoyed the Female Powerhouses and One Hit Wonder chapters. As a child who grew up solely on 90s radio stations it felt like a blast from the past and was warmly nostalgic to finally put names to familiar tunes (I was much too young to retain artist and song names then!) and also get introduced to some new-to-me songs as well. Also Rob Harvilla's enthusiasm for each song comes across as slightly bananas, and it worked so well for me.
November 19, 2023
I had no idea this was a podcast when I requested this audiobook from
NetGalley, which by the way, a BIG THANK YOU to NetGalley for introducing me to this book. I am now a subscriber. What’s great about what the author, Rob Harvilla, has done in this book that he really balances the sort of gravitas that you would get with someone who has dedicated serious mental energy to studying and appreciating music, but also can approach these songs and these artists with a levity that is contagious. At first, it is easy for the reader to assume that he is a pretentious music journalist, but that first impression is shattered when he immediately owns up to all of the mistakes he made in his podcast even down to mispronunciation. Rob Harvilla comes off as a delightful paradox and eventually, the King of Hyperbole.
There were certain times in this book where I found myself laughing, and then also there were moments where Harvilla offers such incredibly insightful tidbits of knowledge about a song, artist or movement that feels so profound that I had to revisit a musical moment, which now I feel I’ve taken for granted. For example, the music video to “Earl Had to Die,” the song “Waterfalls” by TLC, and when Outkast said, “the South has something to say.” He was able to do this repeatedly throughout this book. As an English teacher, I was also consistently delighted by creative way he strung words together to describe artists, songs, and movements.
I was listening to the audiobook, which feels appropriate because of its connection to the podcast, but then I realized that I wanted more. I found myself wanting to flip back and share with my husband a moment Harvilla discussed or a description he used - particularly the one of Celine Dion. So, here I am listening to this audiobook, but also going to buy the book when it comes out. This is hands-down the best book that I have read in 2023, and that is no hyperbole.
NetGalley, which by the way, a BIG THANK YOU to NetGalley for introducing me to this book. I am now a subscriber. What’s great about what the author, Rob Harvilla, has done in this book that he really balances the sort of gravitas that you would get with someone who has dedicated serious mental energy to studying and appreciating music, but also can approach these songs and these artists with a levity that is contagious. At first, it is easy for the reader to assume that he is a pretentious music journalist, but that first impression is shattered when he immediately owns up to all of the mistakes he made in his podcast even down to mispronunciation. Rob Harvilla comes off as a delightful paradox and eventually, the King of Hyperbole.
There were certain times in this book where I found myself laughing, and then also there were moments where Harvilla offers such incredibly insightful tidbits of knowledge about a song, artist or movement that feels so profound that I had to revisit a musical moment, which now I feel I’ve taken for granted. For example, the music video to “Earl Had to Die,” the song “Waterfalls” by TLC, and when Outkast said, “the South has something to say.” He was able to do this repeatedly throughout this book. As an English teacher, I was also consistently delighted by creative way he strung words together to describe artists, songs, and movements.
I was listening to the audiobook, which feels appropriate because of its connection to the podcast, but then I realized that I wanted more. I found myself wanting to flip back and share with my husband a moment Harvilla discussed or a description he used - particularly the one of Celine Dion. So, here I am listening to this audiobook, but also going to buy the book when it comes out. This is hands-down the best book that I have read in 2023, and that is no hyperbole.
September 10, 2023
Rob Harvilla brings his music podcast to book form but in a more quick hitter style. Unlike in the podcast where he spends around an hour on one song and the context around it, this book has chapters that flow from song to song on one rough unifying theme. It's similar enough to the podcast to be familiar but different enough that fans of the podcast won't get bored by repetition. Rob's love of the music he writes about is clear, and he has a sophomoric humour that I enjoy.
I imagine this book works best if you were of a certain age in the 90s and remember these songs as more than just songs. Rob writes about the music itself and the songwriting, but what makes the book work is his personal stories of how the music impacted him at the time. One of the best stories in the book was when he was first given his newborn son to hold, how he instinctively sang Alright for Now by Tom Petty. These songs were there for important moments in our lives and Rob makes us remember that. Younger readers won't get the same vibes from this book but I think it would still be a fun book to read and discover new-old music. Being born in 1989 there were a few songs that I was unfamiliar with and enjoyed listening to as I read, particularly the rap music.
My one criticism, which I admit isn't a fair criticism at all, is how American music focused it is. Growing up in Canada I was familiar with most of these songs, but there was a lot of music that I remember from the 90s that isn't mentioned at all. Rob's from Cleveland though, so what can you say? I did laugh at the shout out to his intention to do a deep dive into the Tragically Hip in the second to last sentence in the whole book. That'll have to do for my Canadian content.
I imagine this book works best if you were of a certain age in the 90s and remember these songs as more than just songs. Rob writes about the music itself and the songwriting, but what makes the book work is his personal stories of how the music impacted him at the time. One of the best stories in the book was when he was first given his newborn son to hold, how he instinctively sang Alright for Now by Tom Petty. These songs were there for important moments in our lives and Rob makes us remember that. Younger readers won't get the same vibes from this book but I think it would still be a fun book to read and discover new-old music. Being born in 1989 there were a few songs that I was unfamiliar with and enjoyed listening to as I read, particularly the rap music.
My one criticism, which I admit isn't a fair criticism at all, is how American music focused it is. Growing up in Canada I was familiar with most of these songs, but there was a lot of music that I remember from the 90s that isn't mentioned at all. Rob's from Cleveland though, so what can you say? I did laugh at the shout out to his intention to do a deep dive into the Tragically Hip in the second to last sentence in the whole book. That'll have to do for my Canadian content.
June 25, 2025
This is more of a 3.5, but I'll give it a 4 to offset some of the 1 star reviewers who are clearly no fun at all.
My brother bought me this for Christmas as a gift, so I will say I love this book solely as it is a reflection of my brother's thoughts of me and what I enjoy.
This is one of the funnier longform musings on music that I have read. Rob has a really goofy way with words and he writes like he's got a beer in his hand sitting across from, like your dad or your best friend, rambling about the shit he loves.
I laughed a great deal and really enjoyed the trip down memory lane, though it is very distinctly Rob's memory lane. I have a vague interest in 90s music as I love music in general a great deal so I did enjoy hearing about this songs a great deal.
All that said, I will say that around the 75% mark, it gets a bit repetitive and I was rushing to finish it by the end just to put it in my "Finished" pile. It becomes very formulaic and repetitive and there are times where Harvilla's transitions become a bit jarring and don't flow quite as well.
Still, this was a very fun read. Just don't expect in-depth, scholarly analysis about the 90s or you'll be a bit disappointed. Just enjoy the ride as this lovable podcaster rambles on about what makes music from this era so great. I think by the end I agree with him.
My brother bought me this for Christmas as a gift, so I will say I love this book solely as it is a reflection of my brother's thoughts of me and what I enjoy.
This is one of the funnier longform musings on music that I have read. Rob has a really goofy way with words and he writes like he's got a beer in his hand sitting across from, like your dad or your best friend, rambling about the shit he loves.
I laughed a great deal and really enjoyed the trip down memory lane, though it is very distinctly Rob's memory lane. I have a vague interest in 90s music as I love music in general a great deal so I did enjoy hearing about this songs a great deal.
All that said, I will say that around the 75% mark, it gets a bit repetitive and I was rushing to finish it by the end just to put it in my "Finished" pile. It becomes very formulaic and repetitive and there are times where Harvilla's transitions become a bit jarring and don't flow quite as well.
Still, this was a very fun read. Just don't expect in-depth, scholarly analysis about the 90s or you'll be a bit disappointed. Just enjoy the ride as this lovable podcaster rambles on about what makes music from this era so great. I think by the end I agree with him.
March 7, 2024
As a longtime listen of the podcast “60 Songs That Explains that 90s,” I was elated when I heard that the host of the podcast Rob Harvilla was going to write a book as a companion to the popular podcast.
The book consists of an introduction, ten chapters and acknowledgements.
In the introduction, Harvilla states the book’s purpose early on as a book celebrating popular songs from the 1990s that combines musical analysis, cultural and historical context, and Harvilla’s personal stories.
Harvilla then provides the reader with a synopsis of how his podcast “60 Songs That Explains the 90s” works which is he monologues about a song then interviews a fan of the musician discussed who is usually a fellow journalist, musician, or podcaster.
Following his podcast synopsis, Harvilla explains the rationale behind his podcast name as well as how “60 Songs That Explains the 90s” began in 2020 as well as how to podcast grew from sixty songs to a total of one hundred and twenty songs.
Each chapter begins with a list of songs to be discussed within the chapter. Thought each chapter, Harvilla seamlessly connects the songs highlighted as well as add personal stories connecting him to the song.
In chapter one, “Chaos Agents,” Harvilla discusses eleven songs: “My Heart Will Go On” be Céline Dion, “Doll Parts” by Hole, “Vogue” by Madonna, “Wannabe” by The Spice Girls, “I Want It That Way” by The Backstreet Boys, “My Name Is” by Eminem, “Loser” by Beck, “Make Them Say Uhhh!” By Master P., “Firestarter” by Prodigy, “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks, and “Tyrone” by Erika’s Badu.
In chapter two, “Sellouts [Or Not] [Or Maybe,]”Harvilla discusses ten songs: “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, “Walk” by Pantera, “Hunger Strike” by Temple of the Dog, “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio, “ It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube, “Sell Out” by Reel Big Fish, “The Impression That I Get” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, “Just a Girl” by No Doubt, “Merchandise” by Fugazi, and “Longview” by Green Day.
In chapter three, “Women Vs. Women in Rock,” Harvilla discusses eleven songs: “I Kicked a Boy” by The Sundays, “Zombie” by The Cranberries, “Only Happy When It Rains” by Garbage, “Man-Size” by PJ Harvey, “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette, “Cornflake Girl” by Tori Amos, “Cannonball” by The Breeders, “No Scrubs” by TLC, “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor, “Criminal” by Fiona Apple, “If I Make You Happy” by Sheryl Crow.
In chapter four, “Vivid Geography, Or, Everybody Hates a Tourist Chaos,” Harvilla discusses eleven songs: “C.R.E.A.M” by Wu-Tang Clan, “Shook Ones, Pt. II, “N.Y. State of Mind by NAS, “Common People” by Pulp, “Hyperballad” by Björk, “The Rain (Sup Dupa Fly”) by Missy Elliott, “Elevators (Me & You”) by OutKast, “Back That Azz Up” by Juvenile, “Been Caught Stealing” by Jane’s Addiction, “Black Hole Sunnyvale” by Soundgarden, and “I Got 5 on It” by Luniz.
In chapter five, “Villains + Adversaries,” Harvilla discusses ten songs: “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind, “Wonderwall” by Oasis, “Song 2” by Blur, “Check the Rhime” by A Tribe Called Quest, “Range Life” by Pavement, “ Cherub Rock” Smashing Pumpkins, “Nookie” by Limp Bizkit, “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” by The Offspring, “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” by DMX and “The Boy is Mine” by Brandy + Monica.
In chapter six, “Flukes + Comebacks + Spectacular Weirdos,” Harvilla discusses eleven songs: “Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix)” by Los Del Río, “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus, “You Get What You Give” by The New Radicals, “Zoot Suit Riot” by The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, “Believe” by Cher, “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba, “Whoomp! (There It Is)” by Tag Team, “Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison, “Smooth” by Santana + Rob Thomas, “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice, and “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia.
In chapter seven, “Teenage Hijinx,” Harvilla discusses eleven songs: “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine, “Cop Killer” by Body Count, “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses, “Under the Bridge” by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Would?” by Alice in Chains, “Particle Man” by They Might Be Giants, “The Distance” by Cake, “Undone (The Sweater Song)” by Weezer, “Sabotage” by The Beastie Boys, “Creep” by Radiohead, and “Yellow Leadbetter” by Pearl Jam.
In chapter eight, “Romance + Sex + Immaturity,” Harvilla Harvilla discusses ten songs: “Shoop” by Salt-N-Pepa, “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, “Stinkfist” by Tool, “Getting Off” by Prince, “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men, “F*ck and Run” by Liz Phair, “In Circles” by Sunny Day Real Estate, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt, “Crash Into Me” by The Dave Matthews Band, and “What’s My Age Again?” By Blink-182.
In chapter nine, “Myths Vs. Mortals,” Harvilla Harvilla discusses eleven songs:. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G., “¿Qué Creías?” by Selena, “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre, “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, “One in a Million” by Aaliyah, “California Love” by Tupac, “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” by The Geto Boys, “Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill, and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain.
In chapter ten, “Big Feelings,” Harvilla Harvilla discusses ten songs: “It’s Good to Be King” by Tom Petty, “Together Again” by Janet Jackson, “Everybody Everybody” by Black Box, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve, “Hey Jealousy” by The Gin Blossoms, “A Long December” by Counting Crows, “Real Love” by Mary J. Blige, “Tha Crossroads” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and “Stay (I Missed You) by Lisa Loeb.
As I finished reading this book, I liked Harvilla’s informal writing style which is similar to the podcast style which is relaxed, friendly, relatable and engaging. Due to Harvilla’s engaging writing style and enthusiasm for his writing topic, this may inspire the reader to listen to songs mentioned outside of their preferred music genre. Having said this, after listening to the podcast and reading this book, I highly recommend the reader would benefit more from listening to the “60 Songs That Explain the 90s” rather than read this book since the podcast provides more depth as well as a dialogue between Harvilla and someone else rather than the monologue which is this provided in this book.
The book consists of an introduction, ten chapters and acknowledgements.
In the introduction, Harvilla states the book’s purpose early on as a book celebrating popular songs from the 1990s that combines musical analysis, cultural and historical context, and Harvilla’s personal stories.
Harvilla then provides the reader with a synopsis of how his podcast “60 Songs That Explains the 90s” works which is he monologues about a song then interviews a fan of the musician discussed who is usually a fellow journalist, musician, or podcaster.
Following his podcast synopsis, Harvilla explains the rationale behind his podcast name as well as how “60 Songs That Explains the 90s” began in 2020 as well as how to podcast grew from sixty songs to a total of one hundred and twenty songs.
Each chapter begins with a list of songs to be discussed within the chapter. Thought each chapter, Harvilla seamlessly connects the songs highlighted as well as add personal stories connecting him to the song.
In chapter one, “Chaos Agents,” Harvilla discusses eleven songs: “My Heart Will Go On” be Céline Dion, “Doll Parts” by Hole, “Vogue” by Madonna, “Wannabe” by The Spice Girls, “I Want It That Way” by The Backstreet Boys, “My Name Is” by Eminem, “Loser” by Beck, “Make Them Say Uhhh!” By Master P., “Firestarter” by Prodigy, “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks, and “Tyrone” by Erika’s Badu.
In chapter two, “Sellouts [Or Not] [Or Maybe,]”Harvilla discusses ten songs: “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, “Walk” by Pantera, “Hunger Strike” by Temple of the Dog, “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio, “ It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube, “Sell Out” by Reel Big Fish, “The Impression That I Get” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, “Just a Girl” by No Doubt, “Merchandise” by Fugazi, and “Longview” by Green Day.
In chapter three, “Women Vs. Women in Rock,” Harvilla discusses eleven songs: “I Kicked a Boy” by The Sundays, “Zombie” by The Cranberries, “Only Happy When It Rains” by Garbage, “Man-Size” by PJ Harvey, “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette, “Cornflake Girl” by Tori Amos, “Cannonball” by The Breeders, “No Scrubs” by TLC, “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor, “Criminal” by Fiona Apple, “If I Make You Happy” by Sheryl Crow.
In chapter four, “Vivid Geography, Or, Everybody Hates a Tourist Chaos,” Harvilla discusses eleven songs: “C.R.E.A.M” by Wu-Tang Clan, “Shook Ones, Pt. II, “N.Y. State of Mind by NAS, “Common People” by Pulp, “Hyperballad” by Björk, “The Rain (Sup Dupa Fly”) by Missy Elliott, “Elevators (Me & You”) by OutKast, “Back That Azz Up” by Juvenile, “Been Caught Stealing” by Jane’s Addiction, “Black Hole Sunnyvale” by Soundgarden, and “I Got 5 on It” by Luniz.
In chapter five, “Villains + Adversaries,” Harvilla discusses ten songs: “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind, “Wonderwall” by Oasis, “Song 2” by Blur, “Check the Rhime” by A Tribe Called Quest, “Range Life” by Pavement, “ Cherub Rock” Smashing Pumpkins, “Nookie” by Limp Bizkit, “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” by The Offspring, “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” by DMX and “The Boy is Mine” by Brandy + Monica.
In chapter six, “Flukes + Comebacks + Spectacular Weirdos,” Harvilla discusses eleven songs: “Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix)” by Los Del Río, “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus, “You Get What You Give” by The New Radicals, “Zoot Suit Riot” by The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, “Believe” by Cher, “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba, “Whoomp! (There It Is)” by Tag Team, “Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison, “Smooth” by Santana + Rob Thomas, “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice, and “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia.
In chapter seven, “Teenage Hijinx,” Harvilla discusses eleven songs: “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine, “Cop Killer” by Body Count, “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses, “Under the Bridge” by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Would?” by Alice in Chains, “Particle Man” by They Might Be Giants, “The Distance” by Cake, “Undone (The Sweater Song)” by Weezer, “Sabotage” by The Beastie Boys, “Creep” by Radiohead, and “Yellow Leadbetter” by Pearl Jam.
In chapter eight, “Romance + Sex + Immaturity,” Harvilla Harvilla discusses ten songs: “Shoop” by Salt-N-Pepa, “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, “Stinkfist” by Tool, “Getting Off” by Prince, “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men, “F*ck and Run” by Liz Phair, “In Circles” by Sunny Day Real Estate, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt, “Crash Into Me” by The Dave Matthews Band, and “What’s My Age Again?” By Blink-182.
In chapter nine, “Myths Vs. Mortals,” Harvilla Harvilla discusses eleven songs:. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G., “¿Qué Creías?” by Selena, “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre, “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, “One in a Million” by Aaliyah, “California Love” by Tupac, “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” by The Geto Boys, “Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill, and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain.
In chapter ten, “Big Feelings,” Harvilla Harvilla discusses ten songs: “It’s Good to Be King” by Tom Petty, “Together Again” by Janet Jackson, “Everybody Everybody” by Black Box, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve, “Hey Jealousy” by The Gin Blossoms, “A Long December” by Counting Crows, “Real Love” by Mary J. Blige, “Tha Crossroads” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and “Stay (I Missed You) by Lisa Loeb.
As I finished reading this book, I liked Harvilla’s informal writing style which is similar to the podcast style which is relaxed, friendly, relatable and engaging. Due to Harvilla’s engaging writing style and enthusiasm for his writing topic, this may inspire the reader to listen to songs mentioned outside of their preferred music genre. Having said this, after listening to the podcast and reading this book, I highly recommend the reader would benefit more from listening to the “60 Songs That Explain the 90s” rather than read this book since the podcast provides more depth as well as a dialogue between Harvilla and someone else rather than the monologue which is this provided in this book.
January 22, 2024
I fully expected to love this since I love music and the 90s was my decade in college and young adulthood. Instead I found this impossible to get through and I decided to move on to other books about 15% of the way in. I do not usually rate books that I do not finish because I think someone's opinion of a book can change as you go along. I am making an exception in this case because I did scan further into the book and did not see anything to change my stance.
Part of my issue here may be the songs that were chosen. I am a very eclectic music consumer but most of the songs are not even close to what I would choose to define the 90s. The other issue I have is in the organization. There is a "theme" (I use that word loosely) and then a stream of consciousness following said theme. This honestly make work as a podcast - escpecially if he played the songs. But as a book it was annoying and for me, frankly, boring.
Thanks to Netgalley and the published for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Part of my issue here may be the songs that were chosen. I am a very eclectic music consumer but most of the songs are not even close to what I would choose to define the 90s. The other issue I have is in the organization. There is a "theme" (I use that word loosely) and then a stream of consciousness following said theme. This honestly make work as a podcast - escpecially if he played the songs. But as a book it was annoying and for me, frankly, boring.
Thanks to Netgalley and the published for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
dnf
November 30, 2023Disappointed, this was not what I expected. I thought this book was going to go through each song that the author thought was significant in the 90’s and talk about the song ie: writers, producers, catchy beat or related lyrics, that kind of stuff add in some info about record sales, charts numbers etc. and move on to next song. Instead this was just the author rambling on about songs and his memories surrounding them.
June 3, 2024
This is a book that could’ve (should’ve?) just been a blog. To be fair the author all but states as much in the intro but boy was this a tough one to finish. This reads more as a rambling nostalgia trip for the author than any kind of actual measurable metric driven analysis on songs from the 90’s.
May 14, 2024
I want to listen and re-listen to every song Rob mentioned.
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