Switched on Pop: How Popular Music Works and Why It Matters

Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding, 2019

Overview

Pop music is ubiquitous, yet often unheard. Based on the acclaimed podcast, Switched on Pop offers an accessible analysis of Top 40 hits. Musicologist Nate Sloan and songwriter Charlie Harding examine sixteen modern classics, shifting pop music from the background to the foreground. They illuminate the essential musical concepts behind two decades of chart-topping songs, updating Aaron Copland's approach for the 21st century. This book provides readers with the tools to interpret contemporary music, moving beyond discussions of lyrics and celebrity.

Who it's for

• Readers interested in understanding the musical structure of popular songs.
• Fans of the "Switched on Pop" podcast.
• Those curious about the evolution of music from Britney Spears to Kendrick Lamar.

Key features

• Language: English
• Pages: 224
• Publisher: Oxford Academ
• Year: 2019
• ISBN: 9780190056650