What the Riff Next Gen
Every episode of “WHAT THE RIFF NEXT GEN” brings a ROCK AND ROLL album that debuted on the U.S. Billboard charts during a random month between 1995 and 2005. Four Classic Rock fans discuss the artist and 4 tracks from the album as it plays in the background. Then we riff on 3 additional “staff picks” of other artists that were also on the charts during that month and year. You’ll hear Classic Rock bands that were still producing new work, as well as some newer Alternative and Grunge bands that were gaining momentum during this Millennium Y2K Period. We encourage you to find and purchase the tracks and albums from Apple Music, Spotify or your other favorite music service. Please subscribe so you don’t miss any release! In addition to “Next Gen” you can search our ORIGINAL “What the Riff?!?” episodes (1-373) covering 1965 - 1995. We also invite you to follow us and learn more about us @whattheriff on Facebook.
Disclaimer: What the Riff?!? is a music commentary and review podcast that highlights classic rock music through historical context, personal insights, and artist appreciation. We do not claim ownership of the songs featured, which remain the property of the original artists and rights holders. All music is used under the Fair Use doctrine for purposes of criticism, commentary, and education. We encourage our listeners to support the artists by purchasing and streaming their music legally.
Every episode of “WHAT THE RIFF NEXT GEN” brings a ROCK AND ROLL album that debuted on the U.S. Billboard charts during a random month between 1995 and 2005. Four Classic Rock fans discuss the artist and 4 tracks from the album as it plays in the background. Then we riff on 3 additional “staff picks” of other artists that were also on the charts during that month and year. You’ll hear Classic Rock bands that were still producing new work, as well as some newer Alternative and Grunge bands that were gaining momentum during this Millennium Y2K Period. We encourage you to find and purchase the tracks and albums from Apple Music, Spotify or your other favorite music service. Please subscribe so you don’t miss any release! In addition to “Next Gen” you can search our ORIGINAL “What the Riff?!?” episodes (1-373) covering 1965 - 1995. We also invite you to follow us and learn more about us @whattheriff on Facebook.
Disclaimer: What the Riff?!? is a music commentary and review podcast that highlights classic rock music through historical context, personal insights, and artist appreciation. We do not claim ownership of the songs featured, which remain the property of the original artists and rights holders. All music is used under the Fair Use doctrine for purposes of criticism, commentary, and education. We encourage our listeners to support the artists by purchasing and streaming their music legally.
Episodes

2 days ago
2 days ago
31 min
Rob riffs on the seventh studio album by Stone Temple Pilots Tiny Music, Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop from March 1996 (Bang Bang Baby / Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart / Pops Love Suicide / Lady Picture Show). Bruce is out, and friend of the show Vann Mathis joins us in his place.
STAFF PICKS:
Counting Blue Cars by Dishwalla — Lynch
Banditos by Refreshments — Wayne
Old Man & Me by Hootie & the Blowfish — Vann
Instrumental TRACK:
Rob double-dips with this instrumental, "Daisy" - by Stone Temple Pilots

Jul 6, 2026
449 1999- AUGUST: Def Leppard “Euphoria”
Jul 6, 2026
Jul 6, 2026
34 min
Bruce is out, but friend of the show Vann Mathis riffs on the seventh studio album by Def Leppard Euphoria from August 1999 (Promises / Paper Sun / Day After Day / Kings of Oblivion ).
STAFF PICKS:
Mambo #5 by Lou Bega — Wayne
Why Pt. 2 by Collective Soul — Rob
Scar Tissue by Red Hot Chili Peppers — Lynch
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
"Detroit Rock City" - by Kiss (Main theme from the motion picture Detroit Rock City).
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)

Jun 29, 2026
Jun 29, 2026
36 min
Bruce riffs on the third studio album by the Dave Matthews Band Before These Crowded Streets from April 1998 (Crush / Don't Drink the Water / Stay (Wasting Time) ).
STAFF PICKS:
Inside Out by Eve 6 — Wayne
Torn by Natalie Imbruglia— Lynch
Heroes by Wallflowers — Rob
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the motion picture Godzilla.
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)

Jun 22, 2026
447 2003- NOVEMBER: AC/DC 2003 Remasters
Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
32 min
Wayne riffs on the 2003 Remasters by AC/DC to be included in a subsequent box set Plug Me In from November 2003 (T.N.T. / Girls Got Rhythm / It's A Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll) ).
STAFF PICKS:
It's My Life by No Doubt — Bruce
Mr. Brightside by The Killers— Rob
Falls On Me by Fuel — Lynch
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Christmas Medley from the motion picture Elf.
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)

Jun 15, 2026
446 1996- OCTOBER: Paula Cole “This Fire”
Jun 15, 2026
Jun 15, 2026
37 min
Bruce riffs on the second studio album by Paula Cole This Fire from October 1996 (Tiger / Where Have All the Cowboy's Gone? / Hush, Hush, Hush / I Don't Want To Wait).
STAFF PICKS:
Who Will Save Your Soul by Jewel — Julie (friend of the show)
Forty Six & 2 by Tool— Lynch
Can't Get This Stuff No More by Van Halen — Rob
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the motion picture That Thing You Do.
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)

Jun 8, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
37 min
Rob riffs on the second greatest hits album by Van Halen Best of Both Worlds from February 2004 (Strung Out/Not Enough / It's About Time / Up for Breakfast / Learning to See).
STAFF PICKS:
Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand — Lynch
Unwell by Matchbox Twenty— friend of the show Julie
Million Miles by Fuel — Bruce
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
I'll Be There For You by The Rembrandts (Main theme from the television series Friends).
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)

Jun 1, 2026
Jun 1, 2026
34 min
Rob riffs on the third studio album by Better Than Ezra Friction, Baby from September 1996 (Desperately Wanting / Speeding Up to Slow Down / Normal Town / King of New Orleans).
STAFF PICKS:
Stupid Girl by Garbage — Lynch
But Anyway by Blues Traveler— Bruce
Walls (Circus) by FTom Petty & the Heartbreakers — Rob
NOVELTY TRACK:
Macerena by Los del Rio.
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)

May 25, 2026
May 25, 2026
31 min
Wayne is out on the campaign trail, but Lynch riffs on the second studio album by the Foo Fighters The Colour and the Shape from May 1997 (Everlong / Monkey Wrench / My Hero / Walking After You).
STAFF PICKS:
Little Wonder by David Bowie — Rob
Little White Lie by Sammy Hagar— Bruce
6 Underground by Sneaker Pumps — Lynch
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
"Soul Bossa Nova" (Main theme from the motion picture Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery).
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)

May 18, 2026
442 1999 - SEPTEMBER: Sting “Brand New Day”
May 18, 2026
May 18, 2026
37 min
Bruce riffs on the sixth solo studio album by Sting Brand New Day from September 1999 (After The Rain Has Fallen / Desert Rose / Fill Her Up / Brand New Day).
STAFF PICKS:
All Star by Smash Mouth — Wayne
Higher by Creed— Rob
The Rockafeller Skank by Fatboy Slim — Brian
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the television series The West Wing.
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)

May 11, 2026
441 2003 - AUG: Janes Addiction “Strays”
May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026
35 min
Wayne riffs on the third studio album by Jane's Addiction, Strays from August 2003 (Strays / Everybody's Friend / Just Because / Price I Pay).
STAFF PICKS:
Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes — Rob.
The Boys of Summer by The Ataris— Bruce
Stacy's Mom by Fountains of Wayne — Brian
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Reload by Rob Zombie (from the motion picture The Matrix Reloaded )
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)

May 4, 2026
May 4, 2026
38 min
Rob riffs on the third studio album By Alice in Chains, eponymously named “Alice in Chains” from April 1996 (Heaven Beside You / Again / Grind / Over Now).
STAFF PICKS:
A Walk by Bad Religion — Wayne
Hey Man, Nice Shot by Filter — Lynch
Too Much by Dave Matthews Band — Bruce
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Waiting (Phase Two) by Porcupine Tree.
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)

Apr 27, 2026
Apr 27, 2026
31 min
Lynch riffs on the debut solo studio album from Chris Cornell, Euphoria Morning, recorded in October 1998 (Flutter Girl / Can't Change Me / Preaching the End of the World / Mission).
STAFF PICKS:
Whacha Gonna Do? by Cowboy Mouth — Wayne
Teardrop by Massive Attack — Rob.
My Father's Eyes by Eric Clapton — Clint Barret (friend of the show).
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
What is Love by Haddaway (from the motion picture A Night at the Roxbury.
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)

Apr 20, 2026
438 1999 - JUNE: Santana “Supernatural”
Apr 20, 2026
Apr 20, 2026
35 min
Bruce riffs on the eighteenth studio album by Santana “Supernatural” from June 1999 (Love of My Life / Corazon / Maria Maria / Smooth).
STAFF PICKS:
Let Forever Be by The Chemical Brothers — Rob
The Kids Aren't Alright by The Offspring — Wayne
Zip-Lock by Lit — Lynch.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Wild Wild West by Will Smith (from the motion picture "Wild Wild West").
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)

Apr 13, 2026
437 1996 - JUNE: Styx “Greatest Hits Part 2”
Apr 13, 2026
Apr 13, 2026
31 min
Wayne riffs on the compilation album from Styx entitled “Greatest Hits, part 2” from June of 1996 (Light Up / Mademoiselle / A.D. 1928 / Rockin' the Paradise).
STAFF PICKS:
Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand by Primitive Radio Gods — Bruce
Pepper by Butthole Surfers — Rob.
All I Know by Screaming Trees — Lynch
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main Title Theme from the motion picture “Mission Impossible."
**(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)
PLEASE NOTE
Disclaimer: What the Riff?!? is a music commentary and review podcast that highlights classic and alternative rock music through historical context, personal insights, and artist appreciation. We do not claim ownership of the songs featured, which remain the property of the original artists and rights holders. All music is used under the Fair Use doctrine for purposes of criticism, commentary, and education. We encourage our listeners to support the artists by purchasing and streaming their music legally.






