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Rediscover the Songs You Thought You Knew

Riffs on Riffs digs beneath the surface of your favorite hits! Hosts Joe Watson and Toby Brazwell provide hilarious analysis, unexpected tangents, and a deep dive into the pop hits you love. We explore the history, the cultural impact, the guilty pleasure factor, and the surprisingly deep messages hidden within the lyrics. You never know where Riffs is going to lead, but it’s going to be a fun journey!

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All Episodes

Chappell Roan "Good Luck, Babe!"

Evergreen Podcasts
Joe and Toby explore Chappell Roan's “Good Luck, Babe!” unpacking its lyrics, 80s revival vibes, drag culture ties, and themes of love and bravery...
Listen to Chappell Roan "Good Luck, Babe!"

Nat King Cole "The Christmas Song"

Evergreen Podcasts
In this festive episode, Joe and Toby explore the timeless magic of Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song," delving into Mel Torme’s role, the cultu...
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Shaboozey “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”

Evergreen Podcasts
Toby and Joe unpack Shaboozey's 2024 hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," exploring its J-Kwon interpolation, genre-blending, and cultural impact....
Listen to Shaboozey “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”

Teddy Swims "Lose Control"

Evergreen Podcasts
Joe and Toby explore Teddy Swims’ journey from football to music, his record-breaking hit "Lose Control," and his soulful, authentic artistry....
Listen to Teddy Swims "Lose Control"

Laufey "From The Start"

Evergreen Podcasts
This week, Joe and Toby explore Laufey’s 2023 single “From The Start,” discussing how the Icelandic-Chinese artist blends jazz, pop, and classical...
Listen to Laufey "From The Start"

LL COOL J “Murdergram Deux (feat. Eminem)”

Evergreen Podcasts
Joe, Toby, and guest Brandon Terry dive into LL Cool J’s new single “Murdergram Deux (feat. Eminem),” his hip hop legacy, and the genre’s evolutio...
Listen to LL COOL J “Murdergram Deux (feat. Eminem)”

Billie Eilish "BIRDS OF A FEATHER"

Evergreen Podcasts
In this episode, Joe and Toby explore Billie Eilish's 2024 single "BIRDS OF A FEATHER," its emotional depth, and how her collaboration with Finnea...
Listen to Billie Eilish "BIRDS OF A FEATHER"

Sabrina Carpenter "Please Please Please"

Evergreen Podcasts
This week, Joe and Toby explore Sabrina Carpenter's 2024 hit "Please Please Please," discussing its mix of vulnerability, pop appeal, and her evol...
Listen to Sabrina Carpenter "Please Please Please"

T-Pain "Buy U A Drank"

Evergreen Podcasts
In this episode, Joe and Toby explore T-Pain's career, focusing on his hit "Buy U a Drank," his innovative use of auto-tune, bold career moves, an...
Listen to T-Pain "Buy U A Drank"

Hozier "Too Sweet"

Evergreen Podcasts
Joe and Toby explore Hozier's #1 hit "Too Sweet," his career, lyrics, activism, and how his authentic artistry and streaming success set him apart...
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Amy Winehouse "Back to Black"

Evergreen Podcasts
This week, Joe and Toby explore Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black," its themes, impact on music and mental health, and her lasting legacy....
Listen to Amy Winehouse "Back to Black"

The Weeknd "Can't Feel My Face"

Evergreen Podcasts
This week, Toby and Joe explore The Weeknd’s 2015 hit “Can’t Feel My Face,” his background, his unique sound, and the influence of drug themes in ...
Listen to The Weeknd "Can't Feel My Face"

Journey "Don't Stop Believin'"

Evergreen Podcasts
In this week's episode, Joe and Toby explore Journey's legendary 1981 single "Don’t Stop Believin'," discussing its rich history, unique structure...
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Four Guys Riff In a Bar

Evergreen Podcasts
In a special crossover episode, Joe and Toby are joined by Todd Coats and Elliot Strunk from the Two Designers Walk Into a Bar podcast to explore ...
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Red Hot Chili Peppers "Under the Bridge"

Evergreen Podcasts
In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive into the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 1992 hit "Under The Bridge," exploring Anthony Kiedis's emoti...
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Katy Perry "I Kissed a Girl"

Evergreen Podcasts
In this episode, Joe and Toby explore Katy Perry's 2008 hit "I Kissed A Girl," its controversy, resonance, and Perry's LGBTQ+ support....
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Owl City "Fireflies"

Evergreen Podcasts
In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive into Owl City’s 2009 hit “Fireflies,” exploring its synth-heavy pop sound, Adam Young's creat...
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Pharrell Williams "Happy"

Evergreen Podcasts
This week, Toby and Joe dive into Pharrell Williams' iconic 2013 hit single "Happy," originally penned for Despicable Me 2 and intended for Cee Lo...
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Naughty By Nature "O.P.P."

Evergreen Podcasts
Join Joe and Toby as they explore Naughty by Nature's classic "O.P.P.", discussing its unique take on relationships alongside a medley of songs ab...
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Beyoncé "TEXAS HOLD 'EM"

Evergreen Podcasts
In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Toby and Joe discuss Beyoncé's latest single "TEXAS HOLD 'EM," exploring its genre-transcending qualities, the ...
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Taylor Swift "Cruel Summer"

Evergreen Podcasts
Join Toby and Joe as they explore Taylor Swift's "Cruel Summer," a track from her 2019 album "Lover" that resurged in popularity during Swift's Er...
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Episode 4: Where Do We Go From Here?

Evergreen Podcasts | S:3 E:4
Join hosts Joe and Toby as they take a deep dive on the band that everyone has heard, but nobody has heard of....
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Episode 3: It All Falls Apart

Evergreen Podcasts | S:3 E:3
Join hosts Joe and Toby as they take a deep dive on the band that everyone has heard, but nobody has heard of....
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Episode 2: Living the Dream?

Evergreen Podcasts | S:3 E:2
Join hosts Joe and Toby as they take a deep dive on band that everyone has heard, but nobody has heard of....
Listen to Episode 2: Living the Dream?

Episode 1: The Origins of 24-Carat Black

Evergreen Podcasts | S:3 E:1
Join hosts Joe and Toby as they take a deep dive on the band that everyone has heard, but nobody has heard of....
Listen to Episode 1: The Origins of 24-Carat Black

Introducing: Riffs on Riffs Season 3

Evergreen Podcasts
Riffs on Riffs is back and this season, we're doing things a little differently: a four-part series about the band that everyone has heard, but no...
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Chainsmoking and the Nickelback Effect

Evergreen Podcasts | S:2 E:10
Join Joe and Toby as they throw shade towards groups that people (for some reason) love to hate...
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Am I Wrong for Loving K Pop?

Evergreen Podcasts | S:2 E:9
Join Joe and Toby as they look into BTS and the Korean Wave....
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Songs That Are Just Plain Wrong

Evergreen Podcasts | S:2 E:8
Join Joe and Toby as they examine tracks from Royce da 5’9”, Apathy, Benny Mardones, Neil Diamond, and others....
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Lane Changes

Evergreen Podcasts | S:2 E:7
Join Joe and Toby as they explore the history of artists that have changed musical genres and found equal — or sometimes greater — success....
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I Need You to Break My Heart Tonight

Evergreen Podcasts | S:2 E:6
Join Joe and Toby as they connect Dua Lipa’s smash hit “Break My Heart” to another 80’s era hit from a popular band from the land down under, INXS...
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Songs You Didn't Know Were Covers

Evergreen Podcasts | S:2 E:5
From tainted love to undisputed truths, Joe and Toby dig deep to find the secrets behind smiling faces....
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Rock-a-Bye Humpty Hump

Evergreen Podcasts | S:2 E:4
Let's face it, nursery rhymes can hide some dark and twisted messages — yet we sing them to our kids! Join Joe and Toby as they follow the itsy bi...
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Can't Stop the La Di Da Di

Evergreen Podcasts | S:2 E:3
Slick Rick is respected as being one of the greatest MC storytellers of all time while Doug E Fresh is known as the human Beat Box. Put them toget...
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Music 2 Protest 2

Evergreen Podcasts | S:2 E:2
In this episode, Joe and Toby discuss protests from a musical perspective, exploring songs both past and present that have fueled protests. The re...
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Mama Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

Evergreen Podcasts | S:2 E:1
You wanna be startin’ somethin’? Well, that’s fine, but mama say please don’t stop the music. Join Joe and Toby as they kick off the brand new sea...
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Evil Beep

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:43
The Electric Light Orchestra and the Pussycat Dolls were both groups that achieved a lot of success, though at during different times....
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Ms. Jackson is OUT of Strawberries

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:42
There is a bit of confusion about what exactly was sampled from Shuggie Otis' "Strawberry Letter 23” to help create Outkast’s “Ms. Jackson”. But ...
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I'd Rather Have Whiskey

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:41
Etta James and Chris Stapleton are generations apart in age but kindred spirits in vocal talent. The question is, did these two ever sip whiskey t...
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We Have Bobby in Common

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:40
Bobby Caldwell is most famously known for crooning the classic “What You Won’t Do for Love”. In this episode, Joe and Toby “Open Your Eyes” to the...
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The Shape of a Scrub

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:39
Is Ed Sheeran in good shape or is he just another scrub? We’ll find out as we explore his connection to TLC and their epic 90’s track....
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All Night Around the Way

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:38
When you’re looking for an Around the Way Girl, you might find someone that will want to stay up late – maybe even All Night Long. Joe and Toby co...
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My Brother Jonas is a Chicken

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:37
It is Only Human to shake a tail feather when The Chicken Dance hits the airwaves. Joe and Toby connect the dots between this wedding staple and t...
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Everybody Loves My Life

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:36
Joe and Toby explore how a man and his vibraphone became the inspiration for Mary J. Blige’s life — and why everyone else loves it, too....
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Now That We Found Heavy Love

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:35
Joe and Toby search for the love connection between the original Overweight Lover Heavy D and The O’Jays. The question is, when they find it, what...
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Born to Express Yourself

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:34
Joe and Toby connect the dots between The Material Girl and The Fame Monster and explore how these two iconic women have always done things their ...
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Regulate Your Doobie

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:33
Joe and Toby connect the dots from Warren G to Michael McDonald and see how this blue-eyed soul master influenced west coast G funk....
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It’s All Over Now, Jack-Ass

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:32
Have I told you lately, that I love this episode! Joe & Toby dive into a legend of the 90’s, Beck, and explore his folksie, funky, electronic trac...
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Should I Rock the Train in Vain?

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:31
Calling all rebellious spirits with green mohawks! It’s time to unite for this all-things-Clash episode of Riffs on Riffs....
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Ain’t No Sunshine Last Summer

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:30
I know, I know, I know you’ll love this episode featuring Shawn Mendes “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (2015) with Camilla Cabello....
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The Fall Out at Tom’s Diner

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:29
Let’s explore Fall Out Boy’s 2015 hit “Centuries” and the 1990’s indie-folk sample that influenced it’s fist-pumping pop-punk sound. ...
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Riffs on Riffs Episode 28 Bloopers

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1
A compilation of outtakes featuring the hosts of Riffs on Riffs from Episode 28: “Bring the Noise”. Enjoy!...
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Bring the Noise

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:28
Get ready for this epic rap metal episode featuring the groundbreaking collab “Bring the Noise” (1991) by Public Enemy & Anthrax!...
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Bye Bye Til I See You Again

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:27
Get into the smooth vibes of Charlie Puth singing “See You Again” (2015) and a very, very, very subtle Ray Charles sample used in this heart-melti...
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Summertime Madness

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:26
This super hot episode takes the heat to another level with DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince and their mega hit “Summertime” (1991) with musical t...
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The Rockman and the Rocketman

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:25
This epic episode is comprised of two music icons… Boston and Elton John! Joe & Toby explore the sounds of “More Tha...
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Getting Igor’s Attention

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:24
Joe and Toby connect the musical dots from Tyler, the Creator’s hit track “Igor’s Theme” (2019) and trace it back to a Paris-based 70’s soul group...
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Donny is Too Short

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:23
Joe and Toby connect the musical dots from Too $hort’s hit track “The Ghetto” (1990) and trace it back to an unforgettable 70’s soul singer....
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The Shape of My Lucid Dreams

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:22
Good night and sweet Lucid Dreams… Joe & Toby dive into a fan favorite by Juice WRLD and the 1993 sample he used to make this hit!...
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Old Town Ghosts

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:21
A rappers plight… is country music friend or foe? Joe & Toby answer this and more in a discussion about Hip-Hop Cowboy Lil Nas X with hints of NIN...
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Trans-European Hot Tubs

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:20
Joe & Toby take you to another dimension with the futuristic sounds of an iconic German Electro-pop band. To Kraftwerk and beyond!...
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Pop Goes the Sledgehammer

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:19
Joe & Toby connect the many musical dots between the iconic hip-hop trio 3rd Bass and their biggest hit “Pop Goes The Weasel” (1991)....
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Be Careful of Exes

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:18
Okurrr! We’ve got Carbi B and her hit single “Be Careful” and all it’s samples and interpolations ranging from Wu-Tang Clan to Barbra Streisand....
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Shooting Pains

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:17
It’s the song that plays in every sporting arena ever known to man and Joe & Toby JUMP back into time to find it’s musical roots....
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Oops Upside Your Funk

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:16
Joe and Toby put the puzzle pieces of samples together for Mark Ronson’s  Grammy winning hit, “Uptown Funk,” and explore its many funk-inspired be...
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The Way to a Little Bit of Love

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:15
Joe and Toby connect the music dots between Ariana Grande’s 2013 hit “The Way” and a fellow ballad singer from 1979....
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I Know You Want a Street Player

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:14
Uno. Dos. Tres. Cuatro! Let’s connect the musical dots between Mr. Worldwide himself, Pitbull with his mega hit “I Know You Want Me” and one of Am...
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True Memories of Bliss

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:13
You are about to set adrift on a journey through time, where P.M. Dawn’s romantic rap ballads took hip-hop by storm and the new waves of British p...
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People Say You’re That Somebody

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:12
This episode recalls the remarkable life and talent of 90’s music and film sensation, Aaliyah, and the funk band that inspired one of her greatest...
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Nothing Alone Can Stop Me

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:11
This episode will soar through the sultry vocals of pop singer Halsey and into the funky and free spirited 5th Dimension....
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Biggie Sheets

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:10
This episode will hypnotize you with a not-so-well-known funk/soul sample from 1983 featured in Biggie’s hit track, “Big Poppa.”...
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The Tom Tom Fantasy

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:9
Revel in the genius of Mariah Carey and the eclectic new wave sounds of a 1980’s tune that inspired Carey’s 1995 mega hit “Fantasy.”...
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The Hamilton Hip-Hop Mixtape

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:8
Riffs on Riffs hosts celebrate the wonders of hip-hop infused music sampling that created this miraculous thing called Hamilton....
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When Doves Pray

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:7
In this episode, Joe and Toby dive into the prolific life of Prince and how his music helped hammer a career path for a former bat boy of the Oakl...
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Thank You for Sittin’ In My Rhythm Nation

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:6
It’s the nation that Janet Jackson built for millions of fans across the world while interweaving a legendary funk band and a 90’s R&B diva - all ...
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Look, You Made Me Too Sexy

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:5
Let’s hop into the time machine and explore three genres across three decades of music’s iconic artists including a modern pop star, a 90’s Britis...
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99 Problems and a Big Fire Ain’t One

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:4
In this episode, we’ll find out how this 80’s video legend helped eliminate some of hip hop’s biggest problems ... and along the way, help Alicia ...
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Underdog Ain’t Nuthin’ to Mess With

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:3
Grab your Pop-Tarts and a bowl of Baron Von Red Berry’s; we are going to crash Saturday morning cartoons and discover the original sounds of the g...
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The Edge of Police Booty

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:2
Let’s go to the edge of an 80’s classic track with rock goddess, Stevie Nicks! We explore the origins of “Edge of Seventeen,” beginning with a leg...
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California Woman

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:1
If it’s possible to Zapp through time and trace the iconic Tupac song, “California Love,” all the way back to one of the greatest blue-eyed soul l...
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Season 1 Trailer

Evergreen Podcasts | S:1 E:1
Get a little taste of what's in store for Season 1 of Riffs of Riffs....
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