The Boys Are Back in Time

In this episode the boys break down the best classic rock song of all time... as long as it came out in 1971. Hear the case for Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, The Who, Funkadelic and more in this episode.

1971 was a year of vocal pop, Carol King, and the birth of a new decade. Listen as the boys break down the 1971 billboard and try and guess who won the Grammys. The 1971 Billboard Playlist

In this episode the boys draft an essential playlist for 1996 and discuss their favorite albums of the year. The 1996 Essential Playlist

In this episode the boys discuss the 1996 record from Swans in great detail. Learn why this album is an essential listen for any music lover.

In this episode the boys give out high school style superlatives to the music of 1996. The 1996 Playlist

In this episode the boys give 25 reasons for why the 90s are the best decade for music using the music from 1996. The 1996 Playlist

1996 was a year of R&B, vocal harmonies, and Mariah Carey. Listen as the boys break down the 1996 billboard and try and guess who won the Grammys. The 1996 Billboard Playlist

The boys draft an essential playlist for 1977 and then break down their favorite albums of the year. The 1977 Essential Playlist

In this episode the boys give out superlative awards for overrated, underrated, most inventive sound, and more. The 1977 Playlist

The boys dive into the classic Steely Dan album Aja. Listen to hear a track by track breakdown, superlatives, and why Aja remains a classic.

Music scenes have always been important, but in 1977 this is especially true. In this episode the boys discuss London punk, New York's bourgeoning punk, hip hop and dance scenes, Kingston's reggae, Berlin's experimental scene and more. The 1977 Playlist

1977 was a year of large arrangements, love triangles, and Barbara Streisand. Listen as the boys break down the 1977 billboard and try and guess who won the Grammys. The 1977 Billboard Playlist

In the final episode of 2007 the boys draft an essential playlist and then discuss their favorite albums of the year. 2007 Essential Playlist

In this episode the boys dive into LCD Soundsystem's 2007 album Sound of Silver.

What music from 2007 is underrated? Overrated? Whose nostalgia music aged well and what makes you cringe to think about? The boys discuss these superlatives and more for music in 2007. The 2007 Playlist

In this episode the boys discuss the 2022 documentary and book of the same name covering the NYC garage rock scene from the 2000s. The documentary focuses on The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol and more.

2007 was a pivotal year for the boys when it comes to pop music. Listen to hear how they remember Akon, Beyonce, Hey There Delilah, and who won the Grammys. 2007 Billboard Playlist

In this episode the boys build an essential playlsit for 1984 and discuss their favorite albums of the year. The Essential Playlist

Who made great cheesy music? Whose music was too cheesy? The boys give out these superlative awards and more for the music of 1984.  The 1984 Playlist

In this episode the boys dive into Prince's masterpiece 1984 album Purple Rain and the movie.

In this episode the boys discuss the bands from the first half of the book Our Band Could Be Your Life including: Black Flag, Minor Threat, Huser Du, The Replacements, Minutemen, and The Butthole Surfers. The boys discuss their sound, legacy, and ultimately decide which band they would be their life.

1984 is the year of peak 80s cheesy pop. The boys fall in love with the likes of Lionel Ritchie, Prince, and Phil Collins while failing to understand the appeal of some 80s classic movies. The boys then play who won the Grammys in one of the toughest years yet. The 1984 Billboard Playist

The boys build an essential playlist for 1999 and discuss their favorite albums of the year. 1999 Essential Playlist

Brittany Spears or Christina Aguilera? NSYNC or Backstreet Boys? Listen to the boys give out their superlative awards for 1999. The 1999 Playlist

In this episode the boys bring on a guest to discuss Wilco's 1999 album Summerteeth.

In this episode the boys discuss TRL's top 16 music videos from 1999. Brittany Spears, 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys and many of the biggest pop acts are here, but who had the most entertaining video?

1999 was the year of Brittany Spears, Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys, TLC, Santana, Ricky Martin and so many more. Is this the best year for pop music? It may just be. Listen to hear the boys discuss the billboard and Grammys. The 1999 Billboard Playlist

The boys close out 1967 by putting together an essential playlist and breaking down their favorite and least favorite songs of the year. The 1967 Essential Playlist

The late 60s were a time when legends were made. Listen as the boys give out high school style superlatives to the legends of Motown, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles and more. The 1967 Playlist

The boys discuss the legendary Jimi Hendrix Experience's second album of 1967.

In this episode the boys discuss the legacy of psychedelic music in 1967 and how far and fast this moment propelled rock music. The 1967 Playlist

The 1967 billboard was a year of happy pop rock and Motown. The boys then do their best to guess which iconic artists win at the Grammys. The Billboard Playlist

In the last episode of 2017, the boys rank their favorite albums of the year and then build an essential playlist of the best songs of the year. The Essential Playlist

The boys give out superlatives from the year including the most underrated artists, the song to play as your rival is killed, and the song you would play to escape Vecna. The 2017 Playlist

In this episode the boys look back at the Rolling Stones, Pitchfork and aggregate critic's top albums of 2017 and discuss the legacy of music of the late 2010s.

The boys discuss the remarkable 5 album year from King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard. One of the most unique rock bands of the 2010s bucks the trend of slower album releases and puts out 5 fully formed and unique albums.

Was the 2017 close enough in memory that the boys would guess all the correct winners? Apparently not. The late 2010s pop was an era of trap music, Bruno Mars, Ed Shereen, and artists that blend genres. The 2017 Billboard Playlist

In the last episode of 1980, the boys rank their favorite albums of the year and then build an essential playlist of the best songs of the year. The Essential Playlist

The boys give out superlatives for 1980. Listen to hear who is overrated, underrated, dangerously cheesy, and more.

The boys create a bracket of 16 ultimate dad rock anthems. Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, Bob Segar, and Kiss all compete for the top dad rock song. Who comes out on top? Listen to find out.

In episode 2 of 1980 the boys check out an iconic Billboard in addition to seeing who won big at the Grammy's. Was it Queen? Frank Sinatra? Pink Floyd? The host Paul Simon? The answer may surprise you.

1980 is a pivotal moment in music history where a new decade coincided with major technological and cultural shifts that would impact the music world. To start off 1980, the boys face off in a battle of the bands with a selection of artists to see who would come to define the 80s. Ryan and Bobby make the case that artists like Blondie, The Talking Heads, Diana Ross and more are the biggest icons. The 1980 Playlist

In the last episode of 1991, the boys rank their favorite albums of the year and then build an essential playlist of the best songs of the year. The 1991 Essential Playlist

The boys give out superlatives for one of the most pivotal years in music. Listen to hear who is overrated, underrated, dangerously cheesy, and more. The 1991 Playlist

In 1991 My Bloody Valentine released one of the most iconic cult classic albums of all time with Loveless. The boys discuss why this album is so legendary in this episode of the Boys are Back in Time.

In the second episode of 1991 the boys check in on the Billboard and do their best to guess the Grammy winners. Pop music in 1991 leaned heavily on Hollywood and feels lost in the space between the 80s power ballad and the bubble gum pop that would come later in the decade.

Kicking off a new year, Bryan, Bobby and Ryan dive into 1991 with a discussion on the impact of the Grunge scene on American music, the immortal staying power of Nirvana and their '91 album Nevermind, plus a breakdown of songs by 2pac, Ice Cube, and other rap artists from one of hip-hops golden years! The 1991 Playlist Early 2000s Popular Rock Playlist

In the last episode of 1970, the boys rank their favorite albums of the year and then build an essential playlist of the best songs of the year. The 1970 Essential Playlist

The Boys have fun giving out superlatives for the year 1970 in music. Overrated, underrated, best musicianship, who would you want in a fight, what were the worst lyrics, and more... The 1970 Playlist

In this episode the boys give each other albums including Frank Zappa, Nico, Elton John, and more. The 1970 Playlist

Episode 2 is where the boys discuss the Billboard, the Grammys, popular music of 1970, and check in with Jimmy Buffet. 1970 was a year of soft love songs, The Carpenters and Simon & Garfunkel... and where was all the dance music? The 1970 Billboard Playlist

In episode 1 the boys discuss the changing music scene of 1970. The Beatles break up, Mo Town moves to LA, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin die, and musicians are left asking what's next? The 1970 Playlist

Which artist is overrated or underrated from 2006?  Who had the cringiest lyrics? Which 2006 artist would make the worst lover? The boys ask these questions and more in addition to picking their favorite albums and building an essential playlist. The 2006 Essential Playlist

Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Black Parade, the boys dive into on one of the most iconic rock operas of all time. Hear a track by track breakdown of the album along with commentary on how The Black Parade's legacy has evolved since it's release.

In Episode 3 of 2006 the boys share music with each other including albums by Jenny Lewis, The Roots, Beyonce, Grizzly Bear, and Boris. The boys then discuss later albums by garage rock artists and why the Dixie Chicks had a cultural moment in the mid 00s.  The 2006 Playlist

Episode 2 is where the boys discuss the Billboard, the Grammys, popular music of 2006, and check in with Jimmy Buffet. 2006 was a breakout year for Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, American Idol, and sad boys everywhere. The 2006 Billboard Playlist

In episode 1 of 2006 the boys discuss iTunes, ring tones, American Idol, Guitar Hero, Emo, Dance music and much more. The mid 2000s were a time of crisis for major labels but what did that actually mean for the music? The 2006 Playlist

Which artist is overrated or underrated from 1983? What classic 80s hit would you use for a montage? What 80s trends need to be revitalized? The boys ask these questions and more in addition to picking their favorite albums and building an essential playlist. The 1983 Essential Playlist

In this bonus episode the boys dive into an iconic album by one of the most chaotic 80s punk bands. Hear a track by track breakdown along with commentary on how Hootenany captures the essence of punk and hardcore.

In Episode 3 of 1983 the boys share music with each other including albums by U2, Madonna, Suicidal Tendencies, Echo & The Bunnymen, and the Rain Parade. The boys dive into the duality of U2's music and their public persona and why you should never skip China Girl when listening to David Bowie's Let's Dance. The 1983 Playlist

Episode 2 is where the boys discuss the Billboard, the Grammys, popular music of 1983, and check in with Jimmy Buffet. The early 80s was an era of power ballads, smash hits, music videos, and of course Michael Jackson. Listen as the boys discuss one of the best years for pop. 1983 Billboard Playlist

In Episode 1 of 1983 the boys discuss new wave, the rise of MTV, thrash metal, how cassettes changed music, and the importance of evolution as artists age. The 1983 Playlist

Which artist is overrated/underrated from 2015? Should you play Death Grips or Sufjan Stevens at your niece's birthday party? Who had the most inventive sound? The boys ask these questions and more in addition to picking their favorite albums and building an essential playlist. The 2015 Essential Playlist

The boys do a deep dive on Father John Misty's 2015 masterpiece  "I Love You, Honeybear". Hear a track by track breakdown along with commentary on how the album helps define the 2010s music scene.

In Episode 3 of 2015 the boys share albums with each other including Julia Holter, Fetty Wap, Carly Rae Jepson, Jason Isbell, and Death Grips. The boys then discuss Grimes, Charlie Parr, and Modest Mouse's 2015 album. The 2015 Playlist

Episode 2 is where the boys discuss the Billboard, the Grammys, popular music of 2015, and check in with Jimmy Buffet. 2015 was the year of the industry consolidates around mega stars who dominate the billboard. The Grammy's have maybe their worst selection or rock albums ever followed by a pretty solid selection of alternative records. The Billboard Playlist

In Episode 1 the boys discuss internet music sensations, a new generation of hip hop and rock artists, the 50th anniversary of Dylan going electric, and meme music vaporwave. The 2015 Playlist

Which artist is overrated/underrated from 1993? Who would you put in a 1993 supergroup? The boys dive into these superlatives and more before discussing their favorite albums of the year and creating an essential playlist for 1993. The 1993 Essential Playlist

In Episode 3 of 1993 the boys share albums with each other including Primus, Sting, Snoop Dogg, Liz Phair, and Billy Idol's infamous Cyberpunk. The boys then discuss the state of country music, Digable Planets, and other deep cuts.  1993 Official Playlist

Episode 2 is where the boys discuss the Billboard, the Grammys, popular music of 1993, and check in with Jimmy Buffet. The billboard of 1993 shows the absolute dominance R&B had on pop music of the early 90s. 1993 Billboard Playlist

In Episode 1 the boys discuss East coast vs. West coast hip hop, the rise of alternative rock, and the dominance of R&B. 1993 Official Playlist

Which artist is overrated/underrated from 1966? What song aged poorly? What band from the future would you want to cover an album from 1966? he boys dive into these superlatives and more before discussing their favorite albums of the year and creating an essential playlist for 1966. 1966 Essential Playlist

In Episode 3 of 1966 the boys share albums with each other including Mothers of Invention, Nina Simone, The Lovin Spoonful, 13th Floor Elevators, and Coltrane. 1966 Official Playlist

Episode 2 is where the boys discuss the Billboard, the Grammys, popular music of 1966, and check in with Jimmy Buffet. The billboard of 1966 reflected a continuation of the 1950s suburban culture with signs of what was to come with songs like Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones charting. 1966 Billboard Playlist

1966 was a year of radical change in music. Listen as the boys dive into psychedelic music, the sounds of Motown, and a changing folk scene. 1966 Official Playlist

Find out which album the boys selected as the best debut rock album in the finale episode of the best debut rock album tournament.

The boys discuss one of the most exciting debut rock albums in recent memory and why it deserves praise. Hear a song by song breakdown, and the background on the band/album's development.

The second and third round of the best debut rock album March Madness style tournament. Hear elevator pitches for each album as the boys duke it out over who has the best debut.

The boys give a breakdown of one of their favorite debut rock albums: Outlandos d'Amour by the Police. The boys give background on the album's development, the contributions by the band members and give a song by song breakdown. Outlandos D'Amour

The boys discuss the Velvet Underground's debut album. Hear about where the album stands in music history, a track by track breakdown, and why the album maintains it's legendary status.

The first round of the best debut rock album March Madness style tournament. Nicknamed the Heartbreak Round because of all the great albums that are going home in the first round. Want to check out the music from the debut albums? Check out this playlist!

Who had the best debut rock album of all time? Follow along as the Boys do a March Madness style bracket to determine the winner. In the first episode the boys break down how the albums were selected, how seeding works, and what to expect for the tournament. Want to check out the music from the debut albums? Check out this playlist!

Which artist is overrated/underrated from 2002? What song would you want playing as you are lowered into your grave? Which artist would you want in a fight? The boys dive into these superlatives and more before discussing their favorite albums of the year and creating an essential playlist for 2002. 2002 Essential Playlist

In Episode 3 of 2002 the boys share albums with each other including Taking Back Sunday, Coldplay, Audioslave, and Clipse.  The boys then dive into the unfortunately named Murder by Death, experimental hip hop duo Dalek, and Boards of Canada's IDM classic Julie and Candy and more. 2002 Official Playlist

Episode 2 is where the boys discuss the Billboard, the Grammys, popular music of 2002, and check in with Jimmy Buffet. 2002 is the year of Norah Jones, Nickleback, Brandy, Nelly and Ashanti. Rock has one of it's most dominant years on the Billboard hot 100, but not in the way you'd think. Take a trip down memory lane. 2002 Billboard Playlist

2002 was a time of transition for the music industry. The internet had major labels grasping at straws with post-grunge, nu metal, and the last of the boy bands. Meanwhile a new generation of indie rock, rappers, and emo artists were emerging as the artists that would come to define the 00s for many. 2002 Official Playlist

Which artist is overrated/underrated from 1975? What song would you want playing as you are lowered into your grave? Who had the most inventive sound? The boys dive into these superlatives and more before discussing their favorite albums of the year and creating an essential playlist for 1975. The 1975 Essential Playlist

In Episode 3 of 1975 the boys share albums with each other including Rush, Aerosmith, Earth Wind & Fire, Waylon Jennings and of course Neil Merryweather. The boys then dive deep into Frank Zappa's antics, Queen's expensive Night at the Opera, and Elton John's obsession with Philadelphia. The 1975 Official Playlist

Episode 2 is where the boys discuss the billboard, the grammys, popular music of 1975, and check in with Jimmy Buffet. The boys hear about how Neil Sedaka wrote all the biggest hits, and how Freddy Fender has the best stache around.  The 1975 Billboard Playlist.

In Episode 1 of 1975 the boys give their overall impressions and dive into the biggest things happening for the major genres. The boys discuss how the guitar dominates, the rise of funk, how lyrics have evolved since the 70s, and the "blockbuster movie" era of rock. The 1975 Official Playlist

In part 4 the boys give out superlatives, discuss their favorite albums of the year, and build an essential playlist for 1988 found below: 1988 Essential Playlist

Sharing music is one of the best ways to discover something you like, and nothing is better than getting a great recommendation from a friend. In part 3 of 1988 the boys share albums with each other and talk about some of their favorite deep cuts of the year. Check out the playlist we used for music discovery in 1988 here: 1988 Official Playlist

Join the boys as they go back to a year where Rick Astley dominates the chart along with George Michael. In episode 2 of 1988 the boys discuss the billboard, the Grammys and check in with Mr. Jimmy Buffet. Want to listen to the billboard playlist from 1988? Check it out here.

In Episode 1 of 1988 the boys give their overall impressions and dive into the biggest things happening for the major genres. The boys discuss how rock is changing in the late 80s, how great Dr. Dre is, and how they don't know anyone in their 40s.  1988 Official Music Discovery Playlist

In episode 4 the boys discuss their favorite and least favorite albums of the year. Afterwards an essential playlist is created, which can be found below: 2013 Essential Playlist Finally the next year of the show is selected. For season 2 we will be diving into 1988.

Episode 3 is where the boys force each other to listen to new albums and give out superlatives for the year.

Episode 2 is where the boys discuss the billboard, the grammys, popular music of 2013, and check in with Jimmy Buffet.  For those who want to check out a 2013 playlist billboard you can find one here. The Billboard Top 10 from 2013: 1 | "Thrift Shop" | Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz 2 | "Blurred Lines" | Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams 3 | "Radioactive" | Imagine Dragons 4 | "Harlem Shake" | Baauer 5 | "Can't Hold Us" | Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton 6 | "Mirrors" | Justin Timberlake 7 | "Just Give Me a Reason" | Pink featuring Nate Ruess 8 | "When I Was Your Man" | Bruno Mars 9 | "Cruise" | Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly 10 | "Roar" | Katy Perry Grammys for music released in 2013.

In episode 1 of the Boys are Back in Time, the boys discuss what are some of the biggest things happening in music that year by genre. Each year we use a playlist to help each other get exposed to a wide variety of artists, the 2013 playlist can be found here: 2013 Discovery Playlist