Anatomy of 55 More Songs: The Oral History of Top Hits That Changed Rock, Pop and Soul

Music journalist Myers details how 55 famous songs were conceived, written, and recorded in this perceptive follow-up to 2016’s Anatomy of a Song. Myers provides a brief introduction to each of his picks, and their composers, musicians, and producers share stories behind each song, as well. There are surprising details about musical arrangements (composer Burt Bacharach, who worked on Dionne Warwick’s “Walk on By,” had one piano play in the verses and two in the chorus), and insight from artists about their lyrics: Jackson Browne’s “Doctor My Eyes” became a “metaphor for lost innocence” but was inspired by an eye infection Browne had and a trip to the ophthalmologist; Pat Vegas, Native American rock band Redbone’s bassist, arranger, and coproducer, envisioned “Come and Get Your Love” as a song that showed that Native Americans were “about love, not about massacring”; and Tommy James and the Shondells’ “Crystal Blue Persuasion” took shape after James read a poem about the Book of Revelation. Myers has a knack for capturing the artistry of songwriting and easily shows why these tracks are “iconic but not tired.” This melodic collection will strike a chord with music fans. Agent: Glen Hartley, Writers’ Representatives. (Dec.)