Riffs on Riffs Go to Riffs on Riffs

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!

Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen on Pandora

All Episodes

Sabrina Carpenter "Please Please Please"

Riffs on Riffs
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"

Riffs on Riffs
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"

Riffs on Riffs
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...
Listen to Hozier "Too Sweet"

Amy Winehouse "Back to Black"

Riffs on Riffs
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"

Riffs on Riffs
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'"

Riffs on Riffs
In this week's episode, Joe and Toby explore Journey's legendary 1981 single "Don’t Stop Believin'," discussing its rich history, unique structure...
Listen to Journey "Don't Stop Believin'"

Four Guys Riff In a Bar

Riffs on Riffs
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 ...
Listen to Four Guys Riff In a Bar

Red Hot Chili Peppers "Under the Bridge"

Riffs on Riffs
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...
Listen to Red Hot Chili Peppers "Under the Bridge"

Katy Perry "I Kissed a Girl"

Riffs on Riffs
In this episode, Joe and Toby explore Katy Perry's 2008 hit "I Kissed A Girl," its controversy, resonance, and Perry's LGBTQ+ support....
Listen to Katy Perry "I Kissed a Girl"

Owl City "Fireflies"

Riffs on Riffs
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...
Listen to Owl City "Fireflies"

Pharrell Williams "Happy"

Riffs on Riffs
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...
Listen to Pharrell Williams "Happy"

Naughty By Nature "O.P.P."

Riffs on Riffs
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...
Listen to Naughty By Nature "O.P.P."

Beyoncé "TEXAS HOLD 'EM"

Riffs on Riffs
In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Toby and Joe discuss Beyoncé's latest single "TEXAS HOLD 'EM," exploring its genre-transcending qualities, the ...
Listen to Beyoncé "TEXAS HOLD 'EM"

Taylor Swift "Cruel Summer"

Riffs on Riffs
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...
Listen to Taylor Swift "Cruel Summer"

Episode 4: Where Do We Go From Here?

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to Episode 4: Where Do We Go From Here?

Episode 3: It All Falls Apart

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to Episode 3: It All Falls Apart

Episode 2: Living the Dream?

Riffs on Riffs | 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

Riffs on Riffs | 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

Riffs on Riffs
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...
Listen to Introducing: Riffs on Riffs Season 3

Chainsmoking and the Nickelback Effect

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:10
Join Joe and Toby as they throw shade towards groups that people (for some reason) love to hate...
Listen to Chainsmoking and the Nickelback Effect

Am I Wrong for Loving K Pop?

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:9
Join Joe and Toby as they look into BTS and the Korean Wave....
Listen to Am I Wrong for Loving K Pop?

Songs That Are Just Plain Wrong

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:8
Join Joe and Toby as they examine tracks from Royce da 5’9”, Apathy, Benny Mardones, Neil Diamond, and others....
Listen to Songs That Are Just Plain Wrong

Lane Changes

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to Lane Changes

I Need You to Break My Heart Tonight

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to I Need You to Break My Heart Tonight

Songs You Didn't Know Were Covers

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:5
From tainted love to undisputed truths, Joe and Toby dig deep to find the secrets behind smiling faces....
Listen to Songs You Didn't Know Were Covers

Rock-a-Bye Humpty Hump

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to Rock-a-Bye Humpty Hump

Can't Stop the La Di Da Di

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to Can't Stop the La Di Da Di

Music 2 Protest 2

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to Music 2 Protest 2

Mama Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to Mama Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

Evil Beep

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to Evil Beep

Ms. Jackson is OUT of Strawberries

Riffs on Riffs | 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 ...
Listen to Ms. Jackson is OUT of Strawberries

I'd Rather Have Whiskey

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to I'd Rather Have Whiskey

We Have Bobby in Common

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to We Have Bobby in Common

The Shape of a Scrub

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to The Shape of a Scrub

All Night Around the Way

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to All Night Around the Way

My Brother Jonas is a Chicken

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to My Brother Jonas is a Chicken

Everybody Loves My Life

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to Everybody Loves My Life

Now That We Found Heavy Love

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to Now That We Found Heavy Love

Born to Express Yourself

Riffs on Riffs | 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 ...
Listen to Born to Express Yourself

Regulate Your Doobie

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to Regulate Your Doobie

It’s All Over Now, Jack-Ass

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to It’s All Over Now, Jack-Ass

Should I Rock the Train in Vain?

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to Should I Rock the Train in Vain?

Ain’t No Sunshine Last Summer

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to Ain’t No Sunshine Last Summer

The Fall Out at Tom’s Diner

Riffs on Riffs | 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. ...
Listen to The Fall Out at Tom’s Diner

Riffs on Riffs Episode 28 Bloopers

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

Bring the Noise

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:28
Get ready for this epic rap metal episode featuring the groundbreaking collab “Bring the Noise” (1991) by Public Enemy & Anthrax!...
Listen to Bring the Noise

Bye Bye Til I See You Again

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to Bye Bye Til I See You Again

Summertime Madness

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to Summertime Madness

The Rockman and the Rocketman

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to The Rockman and the Rocketman

Getting Igor’s Attention

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to Getting Igor’s Attention

Donny is Too Short

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to Donny is Too Short

The Shape of My Lucid Dreams

Riffs on Riffs | 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!...
Listen to The Shape of My Lucid Dreams

Old Town Ghosts

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to Old Town Ghosts

Trans-European Hot Tubs

Riffs on Riffs | 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!...
Listen to Trans-European Hot Tubs

Pop Goes the Sledgehammer

Riffs on Riffs | 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)....
Listen to Pop Goes the Sledgehammer

Be Careful of Exes

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to Be Careful of Exes

Shooting Pains

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to Shooting Pains

Oops Upside Your Funk

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to Oops Upside Your Funk

The Way to a Little Bit of Love

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to The Way to a Little Bit of Love

I Know You Want a Street Player

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to I Know You Want a Street Player

True Memories of Bliss

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to True Memories of Bliss

People Say You’re That Somebody

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to People Say You’re That Somebody

Nothing Alone Can Stop Me

Riffs on Riffs | 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....
Listen to Nothing Alone Can Stop Me

Biggie Sheets

Riffs on Riffs | 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.”...
Listen to Biggie Sheets

The Tom Tom Fantasy

Riffs on Riffs | 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.”...
Listen to The Tom Tom Fantasy

The Hamilton Hip-Hop Mixtape

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:8
Riffs on Riffs hosts celebrate the wonders of hip-hop infused music sampling that created this miraculous thing called Hamilton....
Listen to The Hamilton Hip-Hop Mixtape

When Doves Pray

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to When Doves Pray

Thank You for Sittin’ In My Rhythm Nation

Riffs on Riffs | 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 ...
Listen to Thank You for Sittin’ In My Rhythm Nation

Look, You Made Me Too Sexy

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to Look, You Made Me Too Sexy

99 Problems and a Big Fire Ain’t One

Riffs on Riffs | 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 ...
Listen to 99 Problems and a Big Fire Ain’t One

Underdog Ain’t Nuthin’ to Mess With

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to Underdog Ain’t Nuthin’ to Mess With

The Edge of Police Booty

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to The Edge of Police Booty

California Woman

Riffs on Riffs | 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...
Listen to California Woman

Season 1 Trailer

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:1
Get a little taste of what's in store for Season 1 of Riffs of Riffs....
Listen to Season 1 Trailer

Where to Listen

Find us in your favorite podcast app.

Podcasts for Life