Radio

Ever noticed how much traction a break-up ballad gains in column inches? Or how fans jump on dissecting and philosophising the roots of a diss track? Or ever watched a dance floor fill up whenever reference to Becky with the Good Hair blares through the speakers at a wedding party? Yep – the world, and its ears, love a bit of lyrically-sneering, heart-rending, soul-baring, all to a catchy baseline. From Lily Allen to Taylor Swift, Joni Mitchell to Beyonce, Charli XCX to Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks to the members of ABBA, and let’s not forget 90’s RNB (who were those scrubs?!) – the world of pop has been full of brilliant singles that everyone sings along to, often without knowing their origin story. This book is a deep dive into their history and cultural reference, with some lovely snatches of gossip and trivia along the way.