When Tom Breihan started his Stereogum column in 2018, titled "The Number Ones," he intended to write about every #1 hit in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, in chronological order. However, he discovered that there was much more substance to explore. The column has now taken on a life of its own, sparking online debates and occasional threats. The Billboard Hot 100 began in 1958, and after four years of publications, Breihan is still in the early 00s. However, readers no longer have to wait for his brilliant composition on the history of #1s that have influenced our music and culture.
In "The Number Ones," Breihan writes about twenty decisive #1 hits in the history of the charts, revealing a highly fluid and interconnected story of music that is as entertaining as it is educational. The book includes the greatest pop artists of all time, from Brill Building creators to the Beatles and the Beach Boys, from Motown to Michael Jackson, Prince, and Mariah Carey, as well as from the digital revolution to the K-pop system. Breihan also ponders over great artists who have never reached the top, like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and James Brown.
Breihan illuminates what makes indelible melodies timeless, including dance crazes, innovations in recording, television phenomena, disco, AOR, MTV, rap, compact discs, mp3s, social media, memes, and much more, leaving readers to wonder what could follow.
Pages: 352, Year of Publication: 2022, Dimensions: 13.8x13.8cm
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