Music

This book felt like a crash course in music—the industry, the production, and above all, the science of why we like what we like. If you’ve ever tried to explain to a friend just why sea shanties tickle you so, or why Lizzo is a force of nature, Rodgers and Ogas give you the language and understanding of how your personal taste intersects with music. Complete with fun examples that illustrate different musical terms, this is perfect for the die-hard music lover and for those looking to expand their knowledge.

—JAX

Arianna Warsaw-Fan Rauch, with both credentials (Juilliard graduate) and witty disdain, speaks plainly about the common perception of classical music being for snobs and addresses the importance of better access to the arts in schools. She is passionate about making the classics accessible, and her strategy of helping people cultivate curiosity and of giving permission to not like whatever you don’t like, is surprisingly successful in demystifying the very broad category of classical music. 
—JENNY

Kelefa Sanneh is so intelligent and knowledgeable that you could almost miss his wit and passion. Almost. The fast-paced narrative of his new book Major Labels at first seems to delve into the known annals and legends of modern music (rock, R&B, country, punk, hip-hop, dance, pop), but quickly shows that, in fact, Sanneh is taking us into uncharted waters: In popular music, what was and is actually popular—and for whom? And why? A one-of-a-kind, fascinating, and delightful book for every music fan. 
—JOCELYN

Not only a must for any hip-hop fan, this is destined to be an instant classic for all music lovers and historians. Jonathan Abrams’s seminal new book details the rise of hip-hop in the words of those who were there and uses those interviews to pull us into each moment itself. On the streets and at the parties, with the first beats, first rhymes, first flows, turn the pages and live the history of today’s most popular music genre. 
—JOCELYN

If you aren’t familiar with Margo Price or her music yet, let her gravel-pure voice be the background to this powerful memoir. At times hard and heartbreaking, always honest and full of life, the acclaimed singer-songwriter gets refreshingly real with the challenges (and joys) of the music industry, and the grit, love, and dedication to craft, family, and ultimately, self along the way. Her truths somehow make all our stories more real. For my HSBers and KPIGgies out there, this is for you.

—MELINDA

Denk, one of the world’s greatest living pianists, shares his story and his passion for classical music in this completely engaging memoir. I enjoyed this book from the introduction to the bibliography. It was so friendly and relatable, and all of my own music-learning memories found a place in his story. With the music references at the beginning of each chapter and sprinkled throughout the book, it felt like there was a soundtrack playing the whole time. Whether you’re a musician or just a music appreciator, you’ll love the lessons in this well-written memoir.  —Jenny

A queer girl believing in and dreaming of music from the start, Brandi Carlile has written a memoir that easily moves through years and miles, vibrant memories intertwined with songs and lyrics. Carlile’s own words palpably bring the people and moments who shaped her to life, documenting her search for success, love, and health; the tension with her lifelong Christian faith, and her hope in music and good people. Broken Horses made me cry more than once, albums on repeat, smiling all the while.  —Jocelyn

Early in this new biography, Maria Golia calls Ornette Coleman “zeitgeist incarnate,” and a better description could not possibly be found. As a vanguard and architect of the free jazz movement, Coleman’s radical approach to sound and improvisation had a profound influence on 20th-century art as a whole. Golia deftly navigates the vast territories that Coleman’s music explored, leaving us with a vivid portrait of his groundbreaking life.  —Travis

A perfect intersection of music and literature, This Woman’s Work highlights the complexity of female artistry in the modern century. Filled with work by grade-A authors like Maggie Nelson, Ottessa Moshfegh, and Leslie Jamison, this collection captures sadness, joy, and anger with the fluidity and dynamism of a well-made mixtape. Though a collective focus on music drives the narrative of these carefully crafted essays, their core seems to scream “Why shouldn’t women want more?” Ideal for lovers of punk rock, a good cry, introspective looks on female relationships, and self-cut bangs.  —Caroline

Ignore promised photos and ephemera; you just need to know that Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighter Dave Grohl is a phenomenal writer. Each essay—stories and streams of consciousness, ranging from growing up to activism to rock stardom and, always, music—stands alone. But Grohl knows exactly what he’s doing, his prose and points nailing it like the perfect chord at the end of your favorite song, the whole an album of a singular life you’ll read again and again.—Jocelyn