Movie of the Year: 1971MixtapeThe Sound of 1971

The Taste Buds are trading film reels for vinyl grooves in this week’s episode of Movie of the Year, as Mike, Greg, Ryan, and special guest Taylor create the ultimate 1971 Mixtape. It’s the year of protest songs, psychedelic experimentation, soul anthems, and singer-songwriter confessionals—and the Taste Buds are here to decide which tracks define it all.

Each host takes turns drafting their favorite songs from 1971 and placing them into the perfect playlist order. What emerges is not just a collection of hits, but a sonic time capsule—capturing the emotion, rebellion, and rhythm of a year when music and culture collided in unforgettable ways.

The Rules of the Mixtape

Here’s how it works:

• Only songs released in 1971 are eligible.
• Each participant takes a turn selecting a song. 
• The chooser not only selects the song but also decides where it goes in the lineup, although the choosers of the opener and closer are pre-determined. 

The result? A carefully chaotic playlist that reflects the Taste Buds’ unique blend of passion, humor, and deep-cut expertise.

The Music of 1971: A Revolution on Record

1971 wasn’t just another year in music—it was a creative explosion. From the poetic introspection of the singer-songwriter era to the gritty pulse of funk and soul, 1971 became a soundtrack to a generation in transition.

As the Taste Buds debate their picks, they uncover how the sounds of this year—across rock, R&B, country, and beyond—captured the cultural aftershocks of the 1960s and set the stage for the music that defined the decade to come.

Whether it’s an anthem of rebellion or a quiet moment of heartbreak, every song chosen for the 1971 Mixtape tells part of the story of who we were, and who we were becoming.

Guest Spotlight: Taylor Joins the Mixtape

This episode features special guest Taylor, who brings his own distinctive taste and flair to the playlist. A longtime friend of the show and a sharp musical mind, Taylor adds energy, insight, and a few unexpected curveballs to the draft. His picks remind the crew—and listeners—why music isn’t just heard, it’s felt.

Conclusion: Press Play on the Past

By the end of the episode, the Taste Buds have built something more than a playlist—they’ve created a living archive of sound, heart, and memory. The 1971 Mixtape is a reminder of why this era of music still resonates, decades later: it was honest, fearless, and timeless.

🎧 Listen now to hear Mike, Greg, Ryan, and Taylor craft the ultimate 1971 Mixtape. Subscribe to Movie of the Year, and email your own playlist picks to [email protected]—because your favorite 1971 song deserves a spot on the record.