LOS ANGELES, OCTOBER 28, 1976  •  VOL. 104  •  PRICE 15 CENTS

Vintage Playlists & Stories

The Mixtape of My Life: Every Song Has a Story

I’m the kind of person who believes that every vintage find—whether it’s a 60s dress or a 40s brooch—comes with its own theme song. My personal archives are filled with playlists that act as time capsules for different moods and eras. To me, a song can tell you more about the "vibe" of a decade than any history book ever could. Here, I’m sharing my favorite retro tracks and the fascinating stories behind the artists who defined them. Grab your headphones, and let’s hit "play" on the past together!

90s hip-hop style female performer on stage wearing bold colorful outfit with iconic left-eye accessory, confidently delivering a message through fashion and performance

How TLC’s Left Eye Condom Made Safe Sex Cool

Lisa Lopes turned a condom into a glittering badge of defiance—how TLC made safe sex a scandalous, life-saving style statement. Read the real story.

By Retro Editor Jasmine //

Inside the Vintage Playlists & Stories archive

6 articles covering 2026 decades: '1s, '1s

Every piece in this archive, tagged by what it is actually about. Follow a thread below, or browse the full list further down the page.