Book List

Kirkus & Rolling Stone’s Best Music Books of 2020

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

RESISTANCE

by Tori Amos

A profound autobiographical playlist and radically political call to action primarily for Amos fans. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

BROTHER ROBERT

by Annye C. Anderson with Preston Lauterbach

An illuminating portrait of an artist lost in the mists of history and mystery. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE MEANING OF MARIAH CAREY

by Mariah Carey with Michaela Angela Davis

100% Mariah, unburdened by filler material and written with pure heart and soul for both die-hard and casual fans. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

GLITTER UP THE DARK

by Sasha Geffen

A helpful guided tour that shows how music is the perfect art form in which to “dance between genders.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

LOOKING TO GET LOST

by Peter Guralnick

A collection that clearly expresses the passion of musical discovery and lasting legacy. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES

COOL TOWN

by Grace Elizabeth Hale

A welcome history of an overlooked milieu, one that provides ample inspiration for art makers today. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

CONFESS

by Rob Halford

An entertaining, revealing portrait of the artist as a young—and old—rocker. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THIS ISN'T HAPPENING

by Steven Hyden

A knowledgeable, earnest, always persuasive testament to a cultural touchstone. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

MORE MYSELF

by Alicia Keys with Michelle Burford

Energetic and keen revelations of the life beyond the spotlight of a significant contemporary musician. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

SING BACKWARDS AND WEEP

by Mark Lanegan edited by Mishka Shubaly

A stunning tally of the sacrifices that sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll demand of its mortal instruments. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

CAN'T SLOW DOWN

by Michaelangelo Matos

A savvy, effervescent, and definitive document of a pivotal time in pop. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

by Marcus J. Moore

An effective biographical portrait that will serve well until Lamar writes his own retrospective. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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