I think maybe I shot myself in the foot a bit with this book. I decided to read it having never listened to the podcast, and if I had been a previous listener I might have found myself more interested in some of the stories being told. I have an obsession with anything and everything nostalgic so I jumped at the chance to read this and while it definitely brought back some great memories and feelings (and made for a great base to make a playlist out of) I found myself skimming through some of the more personal anecdotes. Definitely a worthwhile book to check out by anyone who grew up in the 90s- but maybe a bit more relevant to someone who was in their teens during that time and not their childhood or someone who has listened to the podcast and feels like they want to know more about the life of the host.

So nostalgic! I loved reading this book, took me back to my high school days, elaborated on the music and the memories in a humorous and lighthearted way that was easy to read and unputdownable - thank you so much for giving me early access to this gem - so many people are going to love this time capsule!

Thank you to both #NetGalley and Twelve Books for providing me an advance copy of Rob Harvilla’s, 60 Songs That Explain The ‘90s, in exchange for an honest review.

#60SongsThatExplainthe90s is the written counterpart to an eponymous podcast hosted by the author. This review is solely focused on the book since I had not heard of the #podcast or the author until now. Thus, while I cannot comment on whether it complements or directly parrots the podcast, I’m inclined to listen to a future episode.

Musicophiles and melophiles alike will be entertained by the witty observations, nostalgia factor, and listicles peppered throughout the text. Even readers who do not typically read #nonfiction works on music history will find the information about pop culture icons succinct and enjoyable.

The author rhapsodizes about music with the electric frisson of teenagers discovering new bands (pre-streaming era) in their basements and swapping songs as if they were gold. It’s hard not get caught up in that feeling as a reader; especially, when the passages are loaded with lyrical descriptions and quips that made me burst out laughing unexpectedly more than once.

The only downsides are that there seem to be a lack of segues and the final chapter is a total bummer. Otherwise, it is a fun trip through ‘90s nostalgia. Each chapter opens with a compilation of songs (aka a playlist) which fit the theme of that particular chapter. I highly recommend it, ‘90s music aficionado or not!

What a wonderful book about pop culture!

I've never heard of Rob Harvilla before (he's a podcaster and music critic), but he writes in such a clear and enthusiastic way when it comes to discussing music appreciation. I truly feel his love for '90s music. This is also the decade I fell in love with buying albums and obsessing over singers and bands. He's absolutely correct when Harvilla says the music you grow up listening to in your teenage years is the best and most profound music you'll ever hear in your entire lifetime. I grew up listening to Garbage, Hole, Smashing Pumpkins, Mariah Carey, Madonna, etc. and I consider those artists/bands that made a huge impact on my life musically. I'll definitely be checking out Harvilla's podcast out now! He seems like a really smart and heartfelt guy. Excellent book!

Harvilla is a national treasure. If you've heard his podcast, the basis of this book, you know that. In book form there is a little loss in translation. I can't help but think many readers will pick this up not knowing the podcast exists (I've made that mistake a few times with other books/podcasts). And if you don't know the format this can seem like a pretty rambling series of hot takes.

On the flipside, others may see this as a Chuck Klostermanesque series of essays that can be tackled in chunks. I don't reccomend reading this for long periods of time. Read some pages and let it marinate.

It's a fun read and moves quickly. So for the right person it's a blast. But be careful if you're new to Harvilla.

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.

It was OK. Fun to read about songs that I remember from growing up and interesting commentary for sure.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of “60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s.” I’m not familiar with the author or the podcast. I’m also not a huge connoisseur of ‘90s music, but the description and cover piqued my attention so I thought I would give it a whirl. I really enjoyed this. I love how it was organized by grouping songs together that you would not initially see a common thread among, but it would result in a great chapter. I love how the author’s voice came though. Choices like frequent parentheticals in his writing and personal anecdotes felt like I got to know him.

60 Songs That Explain the 90s is a book that will transport the reader back 30 years to re-experience the decade's top hits. With in-depth explanations of the significance of the songs chosen and a variety of genres explored, this book offers a lot of insight into the pop culture of the 90s in and outside the music scene. This would be a great book for anyone looking to reminisce on the 90s or anyone looking to learn more about pop music and create a better understanding of how music has taken its place in society.

Brought me right back to my high school and college years! The author blends humor and cultural commentary seamlessly. A must read for music fans of a certain age. GenXers, I'm looking at you!

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.