In Episode 281, Martin explores early Rush songs through the lens of mortality, focusing on lyrics from the band's first five albums that reflect themes of aging, existential reflection, and the inevitability of time passing.

1. Rush – “Finding My Way”
2. Rush – “Rivendell”
3. Rush – “I Think I’m Going Bald”
4. Rush – “2112”
5. Rush – “A Farewell to Kings”

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In Episode 280, Martin probes the heaviest Canadian albums of the 1970s, presenting a ranking based on five impactful songs from ten notable bands, highlighting the unique sound and musical evolution of Canadian rock during that era.

1. Rush – “Working Man”
2. Trooper – “All of the Time”
3. Teaze – “Rockin’ with the Music”
4. Goddo – “Let That Lizard Loose”
5. Moxy – “Rock Baby”

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In Episode 279, Martin explores the comedic side of classic rock, categorizing bands by their approach to humor and showcasing how elements of comedy—or the lack thereof—are woven into their music and lyrics.

1. Slayer – “Cast Down"
2. Morrissey – “I Have Forgiven Jesus”
3. Gillan – “Sacre Bleu”
4. Iggy Pop – “Eggs on Plate”
5. The Tubes – “Wild Women of Wongo”

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In Episode 278, Martin rants about why certain tracks, despite their popularity, just don’t resonate with him. Throughout, he delves into the difference between fan-revered “sacred songs” and mainstream hits, questioning whether the songs deemed sacred truly deserve their status.

1. Deep Purple – “Child in Time”
2. Iron Maiden – “Run to the Hills”
3. Ted Nugent – “Stranglehold”
4. Black Sabbath – “Paranoid”
5. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”

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In Episode 277, “Missed the Boat on an Eighties Live Album,” the host discusses iconic bands from the 80s, such as Van Halen, Def Leppard, and The Police, who may have missed significant opportunities by not releasing live albums during their prime, potentially leaving money and legacy on the table.

1. Van Halen – “Drop Dead Legs”
2. Def Leppard – “Stagefright”
3. Aerosmith – “Permanent Vacation”
4. Alice Cooper – “Lock Me Up”
5. Dio – “Just Another Day”

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In Episode 276 of History in Five Songs, Martin explores the rise and fall of live albums across five decades, from their golden age in the 1970s to their fading significance in the 2000s. He dives into the cultural and commercial shifts that led to the decline, sharing stories of iconic albums from Kiss, Thin Lizzy, and more, while unpacking how live recordings once captured the essence of rock but lost their impact over time.

1. Kiss – “Black Diamond”
2. Thin Lizzy – “Got to Give It Up”
3. AC/DC – “Who Made Who”
4. Rush – “Armor and Sword”
5. Judas Priest – “Dragonaut”

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In Episode 275 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin dives into the different eras of Deep Purple, analyzing which period boasts the best song intros and how these intros reflect the band’s internal dynamics and evolving leadership. Through an exploration of Deep Purple’s iconic tracks, from Chasing Shadows to Highway Star, Martin uncovers the stories behind the music, highlighting the band’s creative interplay and the way intros capture the essence of their musical journey.

1. Deep Purple – “Chasing Shadows”
2. Deep Purple – “Highway Star”
3. Deep Purple – “Comin’ Home”
4. Deep Purple – “King of Dreams”
5. Deep Purple – “Sun Goes Down”

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In Episode 274, Martin explores the creative and commercial journeys of rockers who left or were exiled from their iconic bands, including Hugh Cornwell, Roger Waters, and Ozzy Osbourne. The episode delves into their “second catalogs” and how these artists forged successful solo careers, often fueled by bad blood and a desire to prove themselves.

1. Hugh Cornwell – “Red Rose”
2. Roger Waters – “Picture That”
3. Ozzy Osbourne – “Flying High Again”
4. Rainbow – “Self Portrait”
5. Operation: Mindcrime – “Taking on the World”

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In Episode 273, Martin dives into why 1979 was the worst year for rock music, exploring the disappointments from major bands like Blue Öyster Cult, Aerosmith, and Kiss, and discussing how shifts in the industry and musical trends shaped this rocky year.

1. Blue Öyster Cult – “Lonely Teardrops”
2. Rick Derringer – “Need a Little Girl (Just Like You)”
3. 3. Led Zeppelin – “In the Evening”
4. U.K. – “Danger Money”
5. The Boomtown Rats – “Diamond Smiles”

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In Episode 272, Martin dives into the world of hair metal bands that emerged on the scene just as the grunge era began, exploring how these groups struggled to gain traction and achieve success. The episode highlights artists like Lillian Axe and Ugly Kid Joe, who found themselves at the tail end of the hair metal trend, navigating a music industry shifting towards new sounds and styles.

1. Lillian Axe – “Innocence”
2. Ugly Kid Joe – “Everything About You”
3. War Babies – “Satellite”
4. Salty Dog – “Cat’s Got Nine”
5. Extreme – “When I’m President”

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In Episode 271, Martin dives into a collection of poignant final tracks and lyrics by various artists, exploring their prophetic or emotional significance, whether they were truly the last songs on an album or just the last words left to us.

1. Riot – “Run for Your Life”
2. Warren Zevon – “Keep Me in Your Heart”
3. The Buzzcocks – “It’s Not You”
4. Alice in Chains – “Head Creeps”
5. George Harrison – “Brainwashed”

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