5 Great Books That Reinvent Music Criticism

When many people think of music critics, a few stereotypes come to mind: for example, straight white guys who are out of touch with most people’s tastes and make great music unforgivably boring. However, in the past decade, some excellent books have challenged the conventions of music criticism, blazing new trails and opening new paths for future writers. Here I list five of the best music criticism books of the past decade in chronological order. This is by no means a comprehensive survey of contemporary music criticism, but these five books all point to a way forward in the field.

Poet and MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Hanif Abdurraqib has written one of the defining works of nonfiction of the past decade with his dazzling 2017 collection of essays.ection They can’t kill us until they kill uswhich has since been reissued with more articles. The book is not like that only Music criticism, however, continues to return to music amid reflections on racism, grief, terrorism, and joy, and thus still provides a welcome alternative to the established conventions of most music criticism.

The writing is fascinating but also humane and grounded in awareness of its effects on culture and society as a whole in the United States. I didn’t care much for Fall Out Boy before reading Abdurraqib’s essay linking their music to a personal tragedy, but I certainly did when I finished. Abdelraqib combines careful analysis, fine personal reflection, and enthusiasm for the music he loves They can’t kill us An instant classic of music criticism and essential reading.

Always smart Jessica Hopper Originally published The first collection of criticism by a live rock critic in 2015. However, the significantly revised and expanded edition as of 2021 is an essential text for contemporary listeners and readers. Hopper integrates feminist analysis into groundbreaking and groundbreaking reviews and features on sexism in emo, indie rockers licensing music for television commercials, women in contemporary country, and an oral history of Hole’s 1994 masterpiece. Live through this.

As the book’s title suggests, Hopper knows her work is groundbreaking, however First group It is particularly impressive for its presentation of the clear feminist presence in the world of rock music criticism and its significant influence, which is evident at the end of the revised edition. Hopper’s voice may be the most vitriolic on this list, but it’s also one of the most compelling voices and perspectives overlooked by music criticism.

Selections 2022 This Woman’s Work: Essays on Musicco-edited it Sonic Youth Founder Kim Gordon emphasizes the importance of process and work in women’s music making efforts. The book is an innovative collection that continually provides readers with new angles on a wide range of styles and musicians.

Unique readings of the works of Ella Fitzgerald, Lucinda Williams, Laurie Anderson, Wendy Carlos, and lesser-known artists and genres make this book one of my favorite music books of the past decade for surprising perspectives. The essays – covering topics such as trap music, post-colonial exile, and mixtapes and written by the likes of Margo Jefferson and Maggie Nelson – are a joy to learn new ways of thinking about music.

Shine bright: A deeply personal history of black women in pop music
By Danielle Smith
(Rock Lett 101, 2022)

One of the most formally innovative music books I’ve ever read is veteran journalist Daniel Smith’s 2022 book Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop Music It blends criticism, history, biography, and memoir into a fascinating testament (no pun intended) to the genius of black women in pop music. As with Abdurraqib and Hooper, Smith’s use of personal narrative strongly highlights analysis of the music she loves.

Smith’s enthusiasm for the contributions of everyone from Mahalia Jackson to Mariah Carey to Leontyne Price to Rihanna to the Dixie Cups gives credit well overdue. The book’s premise goes against the grain Rock player Criticism that ignores personal narrative—not to mention pop music made by black women—in favor of superficial objectivity. Shine bright It is a welcome corrective to such trends and one of the best and most game-changing music books of the past decade.

Podcaster and critic Rob Harvila has written the funniest music book I’ve ever read 60 songs that explain the nineties. I laughed out loud with the audiobook in ways I never expected from a musical text. However, it’s not just the sense of humor that makes this so 60 songs It stands out among contemporary musical writing. Harvila’s writing and views are sharp, perceptive and well-researched throughout.
Reading about the legacy of Celine Dion, TLC, Oasis, Mobb Deep, and many others made me reconsider a lot of the music under consideration. There’s certainly a lot to disagree with in the book, especially in its treatment of 1990s country music. However, Harvilla’s friendly manner makes… 60 songs A pleasure to read and one of the most important books in recent years for the future of music criticism.