There’s nothing quite like the electricity that flows through the crowd at a concert: from the moment the lights come up on stage to the amazing sense of communal energy, it’s an experience unlike any other. So, while you wait for that next album, festival, tour, or show, queue up one of these these listens—some of the best music audiobooks of all time—for a dose of that same rhythm and artistry.
It goes without saying that David Byrne—front man of Talking Heads, one of the most inventive bands of all time—is the kind of talent that only comes around, well, once in a lifetime. Byrne’s unparalleled writing ability is already well documented in his brilliant stream-of-xconsciousness lyricism, and he utilizes that same incisive and always unexpected style in How Music Works. Comprised partly of recollections on his own career and partly of meditations on art and environment, this listen offers insights on how music forges communities; advice on how to produce, sell, and perform; and an eye-opening perspective on the past, present, and future of the industry.
If you’re a music fanatic, do yourself a favor and make sure you’re following Hanif Abdurraqib on every social media platform possible. This poet and author is wonderfully candid about his love for artists ranging from Carly Rae Jepsen to The Wonder Years to Whitney Houston, and regularly unravels fascinating threads and takes on one-hit-wonders, covers, and more. He wields this fascination and expertise in his exquisite Go Ahead in the Rain, a narrative that centers on hip-hop visionaries A Tribe Called Quest. Abdurraqib details the group’s rise from their earliest days in Native Tongues to the albums that cemented their legacy, all while musing on his own connection to the band, crafting a listen that deftly explores the relationship between artist and fan.
With countless albums, song features, television appearances, and business ventures, it is no exaggeration to say that Snoop Dogg is a cultural fixture. While his image today is that of beloved icon and paragon of success and swagger, things were not always that way. From the Streets to the Suites takes listeners on a personal voyage through Snoop Dogg’s life. Narrated by the artist himself in his own unmistakable voice, this personal account tracks the rise of a hip-hop megastar, from the streets of Long Beach, California, to the highest echelons of music, business, and entrepreneurial success.
No band is perhaps more popular or better more universally recognized and perennially popular than The Beatles. Paul, John, George, and Ringo revolutionized rock-n-roll and ushered in the so-called British Invasion of the early 1960s. Their music is varied and eclectic, spanning from ballads like “Blackbird” and “Let It Be” to psychedelic tracks like “I Am the Walrus” and “Tomorrow Never Knows,” but despite their experimentation, they never fell off the charts. In Dreaming the Beatles, author, Rolling Stone columnist, and narrator Rob Sheffield offers up a unique take on the oft-discussed group, honing in on the impact that music can have on society and culture at large. As much a celebration of the Fab Four as it is a love letter to an era, this is a must-listen for music fans interested in how pop fosters community.
Music lovers likely already know the voice and perspective of Bob Boilen, host and creator of NPR’s All Songs Considered and the absolutely delightful Tiny Desk concert series. In this author-narrated compilation, Boilen shares insights he learned from a variety of artists, ranging from Conor Oberst to Leon Bridges to Sharon Van Etten, when he asked a seemingly simple question: “What is the one song that utterly changed your life?” The audiobook is separated by artist, so you can skim around to hear your favorite’s perspective—but I’d recommend listening straight through. Though every artist might not be immediately familiar, their backgrounds and insight on the transformative nature of that one perfect track are sure to resonate with any fan.
The era of music existing solely in physical editions (think LPs, cassettes, and CDs), radio play, and live shows is long gone. Though vinyl collecting has become a hobby of sorts for music aficionados, most of us rely on streaming services for our music fix—but before streaming came the MP3 and an era of rampant digital piracy. In this utterly engrossing narrative by Stephen Witt, the rise of digital audio is outlined from the shifting perspectives of those involved, from audio engineers to album leakers. Unearthing the history of how we consume music and the prevalence of a copyright crime that an entire generation got away with, How Music Got Free is as intriguing as it is suspenseful.
Look at any song from any year in any genre and you’ll find that music is largely a byproduct of the world in which it originated. Historian Jeff Chang’s Can't Stop Won't Stop offers evidence of that connection in spades, analyzing the geography and politics that directly contributed to the birth of hip-hop. Chang demonstrates how artists such as Grandmaster Flash, Public Enemy, and Ice Cube reacted directly to the fight for Black survival, outlining in particular how sociopolitical issues (including police brutality, failed housing reforms, and gang violence) wreaked havoc on communities of color. Never sacrificing context, this audiobook puts listeners directly in conversation with the rappers, DJs, graffiti artists, and activists who largely served as the founders of the genre, deftly unpacking both musical analysis and cultural signposts.
At this time of division, political discord, and revolutionary protest, the music of alt-rock crusaders Rage Against the Machine still resonates, breaking the silence and demanding action, change, and justice. The band’s guitarist, Tom Morello is known for so much more than his supercharged riffs—the Harvard-educated rock icon has made a name for himself as a paragon of necessary rebellion, shattering boundaries through music, storytelling, and activism. In this Words + Music title, Morello shares defining moments, from his early childhood and the difficulties of growing up Black in suburban Illinois to his days on stage with groups including RATM, Audioslave, and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Topped off with a three-song live set, this listen is a must for any music fan particularly inspired by artists who view sound less as a means for entertainment and more as a method of change.
While we’re on the topic of music with a message, we’d be remiss not to give a shout out to the riot grrrl movement of the 1990s. For much of rock history, women were largely disregarded, either ignored or repurposed as sex symbols or groupies. A resistance movement was born in riot grrrl, a counterculture feminist punk movement that sought to address the issues women faced—including sexism and hypersexualization, sexual assault, and domestic violence—and undermine the system entirely. Music and politics writer Sara Marcus paints a vivid picture of the DIY scene in Girls to the Front, with anecdotes of bands like Bikini Kill and Bratmobile who took to the stage to furiously reject patriarchal norms and savagely tear through a sharp-tongued setlist while doing so.
If you’re fascinated by music history and want to learn more about the movements in composition that forever changed the way we listen, look no further than The Rest Is Noise, Alex Ross’s ambitious and comprehensive selection on the subject. Ross, a MacArthur Fellow and music critic for The New Yorker, sets out to explore and elucidate an entire century’s worth of sound, zeroing in on how 20th-century classical music introduced a wide variety of noise—from the tonally perfect to the totally peculiar—that laid the foundation for a broad array of revolutionary musicians. In unearthing both the historical context of classical music’s development (including the impact of war, politics, and relationships) and the sensation of sound itself, this listen is unparalleled in scope and detail, and one of the best music theory audiobooks out there.
A guitar virtuoso and creative force, Annie Clark (better known as St. Vincent) has been shifting genres and breaking barriers since Marry Me, her debut 2007 album. While there’s no question about her ability to shred with the best of them, she’s been notably reserved about sharing details of her personal life and creative approach. In St. Vincent: Words + Music, Clark pulls back the veil, reminiscing on the experiences that have shaped her—from her father’s arrest to her struggles with anxiety to being assaulted while stage diving at one of her own shows—offering fans a glimpse into her private world. This Audible Original also includes some reworked versions of past songs, renditions that allow Clark’s instrumental and vocal work to shine.
Have you ever wondered about how an earworm is made? Or why you can’t seem to stop humming along to that irresistible tune on pop radio? Author John Seabrook offers a behind-the-scenes look into the business side of the tracks that top the charts in his music production audiobook, Song Machine. Journeying around the globe studying the ins-and-outs of today’s hottest hits, Seabrook analyzes the origins of pop music, the rise of the megastar (including insights into the careers of Britney Spears and Rihanna), and the influence of producers and songwriting teams. (And for a Yuletide version, don’t miss Seabrook’s similar treatment of holiday music, Jingle Bell Pop!) Hall of Fame narrator Dion Graham expertly captures the intrigue and humor of Seabrook’s storytelling without sacrificing a single detail in this industry deep dive.
This groundbreaking audio experience from renowned music producer and performer Maejor offers a globe-hopping tour of healing sounds around the world. From Machu Picchu, Japan, and Jamaica to California, Detroit, and Atlanta, each episode of this ambitious podcast offers a profound journey through specific frequencies to discover and connect to a higher sense of well-being. Whether you want inspiration for your next trip or just want to turn your customary dog walk or morning commute into a trip for all the senses, Maejor Frequency is a fascinating deep dive into the surprising benefits of intentional frequency.