Music books

Discover the best music books, with the New Statesman’s expert reviews, from biographies to pop histories.

New Statesman writers and guests choose their favourite reading of the year.

By New Statesman

In his account of being “saved” by love and religion, the U2 frontman’s sincerity overpowers the scorn of his critics.

By Kate Mossman

The New Statesman’s selection of essential recent releases.

By New Statesman

In Let’s Do It, the musician and journalist reveals how ragtime, jazz, blues and swing still shape today’s popular culture.

By Billy Bragg

Taking us through the contents of his attic, the Pulp frontman shows there was always more to him than ironic…

By Kate Mossman

Uneasy with his fame and fiercely private, the post-rock pioneer left behind a musical legacy of extraordinary beauty.

By Jason Cowley

Two new books about our relationship to song prove there will always be new ways to write about music.

By Ellen Peirson-Hagger

From politics and science to history and pop, the essential books for the year ahead.

By Tom Gatti

The year’s essential reading in 20 titles.

By New Statesman