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PODCAST

Riffs on Riffs

Evergreen Podcasts

Riffs on Riffs is about the thrill of musical discovery — that tingle down your spine when a perfect melody kicks in. Every chart-topper is a sonic time capsule. We"ll crack it open, trace its history, decode those cryptic lyrics, and unearth the hidden gems in its musical DNA. Hosts Joe and Toby are back as your audio archaeologists, digging up the stories behind the songs. But here"s where it gets fun. From those melodies, we riff. Wild tangents, pop culture connections, personal stories, those

music music commentary

All Episodes

65:05

Daniel Caesar "Call On Me"

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/11/09

When Daniel Caesar quietly dropped his album "Son of Spergy", most of the world didn’t see it coming. In this episode Joe and Toby dive deep into Caesar’s lead single “Call On Me,” uncovering the soulful layers, hidden nuance, and emotional depth that make his music feel both intimate and transcendent.Per usual, the conversation starts with a laugh — Shakespeare references, hats, and Toby’s ongoing book of analogies — but soon spirals into an exploration of what harmony really means in music and

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56:35

Tame Impala "Dracula"

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/10/31

Sink your teeth into Tame Impala’s “Dracula” as Joe and Toby riff on the glittering, slightly dystopian pull of Kevin Parker’s synth-pop era. Is “Dracula” a shimmering cousin to “The Less I Know the Better”? Where do The Weeknd vibes and MJ/“Thriller” nods fit in? The duo debates lone-wolf studio genius vs. the power of collaboration, decode the video’s cult-ish unease, geek out on sounds (hello, Rhodes), and swap notes on why nighttime unlocks different creative choices. They close with a heartfelt

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59:08

Oliva Dean "Man I Need"

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/10/09

Slide into cozy Sunday-morning vibes with Joe and Toby as they dive into Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” from her new album The Art of Loving. They unpack why this track is exploding right now, trace the album’s inspirations (bell hooks’ All About Love and a Mickalene Thomas installation), and explore the record’s intentional warmth — “fearless joy” delivered with classic, less-is-more production and a spotlight on Dean’s voice. In this episode: Why “Man I Need” became the pick—and what makes the

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59:45

Remi Wolf "Soup"

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/09/23

Joe and Toby ladle up a hearty conversation about Remi Wolf’s track “Soup” from her 2024 release Big Ideas. From funky basslines to chaotic brilliance, they break down how Remi’s stream-of-consciousness writing and fearless authenticity create songs that are equal parts journal entry and anthem.Along the way, Joe and Toby reflect on what it means to show up as your whole self—in music, in work, and in life. Expect tangents on chili’s questionable soup status, Spotify relapses, lobster bisque

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57:49

Glass Animals "Heat Waves"

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/09/09

“Sometimes all I think about is you…” In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby revisit Glass Animals’ breakout hit “Heat Waves” — the indie-pop anthem that simmered for more than a year before reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. They explore how a song written in an hour became a global phenomenon, fueled by TikTok trends, a FIFA soundtrack placement, and a slow-burn resonance during the isolation of the pandemic.The hosts unpack the track’s hypnotic melodies, hip-hop-inspired production,

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62:54

Sleep Token "Aqua Regia"

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/08/25

In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive deep into the mysterious world of Sleep Token and their hauntingly beautiful track “Aqua Regia.” From masked identities and cult-like lore to genre-bending fusion of jazz chords, hip hop grooves, and metal intensity, the hosts unravel what makes this band so captivating.Joe introduces the track as a “gateway drug” into Sleep Token’s catalog, while Toby breaks down Vessel’s vocal range, harmonies, and the unexpected piano voicings that give the

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51:23

Clipse "The Birds Don't Sing"

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/08/07

Toby and Joe explore one of the most powerful tracks in recent hip hop memory: “The Birds Don’t Sing” by Clipse. This chronicle of lived experience is a song that delivers raw vulnerability, poetic lyricism, and emotional depth.They unpack the sibling synergy of Pusha T and Malice, reflect on how the song’s lyrics about loss, grief, and family resonate universally, and celebrate the grown-man energy that defines this track and the album as a whole. From production quirks and Pharrell’s bold

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53:09

Jamiroquai "Virtual Insanity"

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/07/23

Joe and Toby step into the funky vortex of the 90s to revisit Jamiroquai’s iconic hit "Virtual Insanity." From sliding sofas and wild hats to acid jazz breakdowns and ballet-inspired footwork, the duo dives deep into what made this track and its legendary video so unforgettable.Along the way, they unpack the legacy of acid jazz as the spiritual ancestor of lo-fi, the entertaining genius of Jay Kay, and the unsung heroics of bassist Stuart Zender. Plus: the not so well known interpolation of

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47:53

WALK THE MOON "Shut Up and Dance"

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/07/10

On this episode of Riffs on Riffs we throw caution (and rhythm) to the wind as we dive into WALK THE MOON’s unstoppable earworm, “Shut Up and Dance.” From wedding reception dance floors to nostalgic 80s synthpop vibes, learn how a spur-of-the-moment lyric became a global indie-pop anthem.Join us as we reminisce about awkward dancefloor moments, wax poetic about college memories, and draw hilarious parallels between the song and Chasing Amy, Clerks, and yes—even The Breakfast Club. You'll learn how

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49:41

Ordinary - Alex Warren

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/06/25

In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive deep into the song 'Ordinary' by Alex Warren, exploring its themes, musical style, and the personal experiences that shaped it. They discuss Warren's journey from social media influencer to musician, the impact of personal trauma on songwriting, and the evolving landscape of the music industry in the age of social media. Learn about the subtle (and obvious) connections to Gospel music, why even famous artists have imposter syndrome, and what it

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44:22

Ravyn Lenae "Love Me Not"

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/05/13

On this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive into the emotionally rich world of Ravyn Lenae, with a spotlight on her rising hit "Love Me Not." They unpack the track’s surprising lyrical depth and discuss how Ravyn’s distinctive vocal style—initially unexpected, yet undeniably captivating—sets her apart in today’s music scene. Along the way, they explore her roots, the evolution of her sound from Bird’s Eye to now, and how vulnerability and authenticity fuel not just her storytelling, but the

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55:07

Leon Thomas “MUTT”

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/04/29

On this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby kick things off with some love for their dogs before diving into “MUTT,” the bold and emotionally rich single from Leon Thomas. They explore how the track—and the album of the same name—uses personal storytelling, inventive R&B production, and sharp lyricism to reflect themes of love, identity, and creative independence. Along the way, they discuss Leon Thomas’s evolution from actor to boundary-pushing musician, the importance of originality in today’s

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49:49

Doechii “ANXIETY”

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/04/15

On this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive into Doechii’s powerful track “ANXIETY” and the fearless vulnerability that defines her artistry. They explore how her seamless blend of rapping and singing, backed by raw emotional honesty, is reshaping the sound and soul of modern hip hop. From her rise under the Top Dawg Entertainment banner to the way performance deepens the emotional impact of her music, the conversation touches on the evolving role of mental health in artistic expression,

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47:19

Benson Boone “Beautiful Things”

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/04/01

On this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Toby and Joe dive into Benson Boone’s meteoric rise, from his first brush with fame on American Idol to his decision to carve his own path as an artist. They break down his hit single "Beautiful Things," exploring its themes of vulnerability, the fleeting nature of happiness, and the weight of success. Along the way, they discuss the evolving conversation around masculinity in music, the importance of self-belief, and the physical toll of high-energy

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55:48

LISA “Born Again (feat. Doja Cat & RAYE)"

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/03/18

This week, Joe and Toby break down “Born Again,” the electrifying 2025 collaboration between LISA, Doja Cat, and RAYE. From its fusion of disco, hip-hop, and pop to its themes of empowerment and artistic control, they explore how the track reflects the changing landscape of the music industry. The conversation dives into the global impact of K-Pop, the resurgence of live instrumentation, and the rise of female emcees commanding their space. Along the way, they discuss LISA’s journey as a solo

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44:38

SZA “Saturn”

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/03/04

In this episode, Joe and Toby take a deep dive into SZA's ethereal track "Saturn," unpacking its emotional resonance, poetic lyrics, and bold approach to rhythm and structure. They explore how SZA's transparency about mental health reflects a generational shift, discuss the evolution of R&B through comparisons to past artists, and examine how her collaborations and artistic growth have carved out a unique space in the industry. Along the way, the duo weaves in fascinating connections between music,

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53:03

Morgan Wallen “Smile”

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/02/18

In this episode, Joe and Toby dive into Morgan Wallen’s heartfelt track "Smile," exploring its nostalgic themes, vivid storytelling, and how it reflects the evolution of country music. They discuss Wallen’s unprecedented chart success, the challenges of separating an artist’s personal life from their work, and the way music videos can shape and amplify a song’s narrative. Along the way, the duo examines how country music continues to blend with other genres and the role of personal growth in shaping

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58:25

Cynthia Erivo “Defying Gravity (feat. Ariana Grande)”

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/02/04

In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive into Cynthia Erivo’s breathtaking rendition of “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, celebrating its powerful themes of empowerment, individuality, and overcoming adversity. They explore the song’s intricate composition and emotional resonance, reflecting on Broadway’s unique ability to connect deeply with audiences through storytelling and performance. From the evolution of Elphaba’s character to the cultural significance of diversity in casting, the

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45:02

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars “Die With A Smile”

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/01/21

In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive into the collaboration between Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga on the track "Die With a Smile." From their initial reactions to the song and its polarizing music video to an exploration of Bruno’s nostalgic yet innovative style, the guys unpack the artistry behind this unique pairing. They discuss the critical role of producers like Andrew Watt and D’Mile, the importance of collaboration in shaping a song’s success, and the industry’s reliance on

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50:51

Chappell Roan "Good Luck, Babe!"

Riffs on Riffs ·

2025/01/07

In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive into Chappell Roan's emotional hit “Good Luck, Babe!” to explore her powerful lyrics, musical structure, and the cultural influences shaping her sound. They discuss the impact of drag culture on her performance style, drawing connections to the 80s music revival and how modern artists like Roan are reinterpreting classic sounds while embracing vulnerability. The duo touches on the deep connection between artists and fans, examining the pressures

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100 results

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