My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Abrams Books for an advanced copy of this study on the how the brain uses and processes music and tunes to make us feel the way we do.

Growing up my parents would load me and my brother in the back of the car, and drive down to the Bronx every weekend to see both sets of grandparents. If the traffic was clear, my father would switch from 1010 news and the traffic to the magic that was AM radio in the late 70's and early 80's. Oldies, classics and MOR (middle of the road) music mixed with disco and other popular songs. I loved it. Music to me was fun, was freedom, and having fun. Songs made me happy or sad, got me going or helped me study. After reading this book, I have better ideas why. Reverberation: Do Everything with Music by Keith Blanchard explains the power of music, and its untapped potential to help us better in life, love, and at the end us make us happy.

We all have songs that well to paraphrase remind us of the good times. A song that can get a tired body moving, or make a sad person feel better. Even songs that make us feel bad, which is ok since feeling something is better than feeling nothing. What this books looks at is why songs do this, the process the brain can do to release chemicals to make us feel better, or how the brain can retain knowledge better when a certain kind of music is playing in the background as we study. There is even a section on the use of music to help people sleep deeper and longer, and feeling better in the morning. Also the potential for music to be used to help with cognitive and mental degeneration issues are explored, plus studies in addiction. Song titles and lyrics are used for chapter heading, which might but an earworm in the brain, which some people can't stand. Earworms are songs, usually bad ones or annoying ones that a person can't shake. One suggestion from the book, try chewing gum, this has been shown to break up the mental thought processes that retain earworms. In addition, there are many interviews with musicians, song creators, and producers about different subjects, from emotions created by songs, the power of rhythm, and the positive effect and affects on people during concerts and social events.

The book is interesting because of the wide range it covers, and the the fact that thought is seems to jump around, it is telling a very linear tale of music, health and the mind. Blanchard has arranged the book so that nothing ever becomes to heavy or too sciencey, or for that matter hippie like in music will change the world. The writing is very clear, even when other voices are added such as neuroscientists, producers, singers or songwriters. Passages are explained well and are filled with interesting facts and ideas. Creativity is explored, hooks are explained, and the brain is examined on how and why songs do what they do. A very different kind of music book one that is both artistic and realistic.

Recommended for music fans, just for the interviews which offer a lot of insight into music and why it is important for people. Also for readers who enjoy looks at why the brain does the things that brains do, and for people who want to try different ways of making their lives better. A fascinating book about why some of the best times I ever had was with my family in a Chevy Citation with super sounds of the 70's playing, a time I regret can never be again, but love to remember that it happened.

Reverberation: Do Everything Better with Music comes out on October 25, 2022. Abrams Image books provided an early galley for review.

Everyone who knows me knows that I have a deep love of music. My library spans hundreds of albums over the course of sixty plus years and many different genres. I like variety. I also listen to music every night when I am falling asleep. So, a book about understanding how music can positively affect my life was a definite read for me.

First off, I learned a lot from author Keith Blanchard. He opens with how our brains work and how different wave levels interact with our system. He then gives a quick rundown on how our ears function with our brains, taking vibrations and translating them to familiar sounds and songs. We have some really amazing equipment that we carry around with us every day. The book also includes a summary of terms at the end - a fantastic quick reference.

From there, he explains in detail how music can help us to relax, to focus, to love, to connect, to escape, to create, to feel and more. Along the way, he calls upon many famous folks from the field of music to help support his discussion. I always find the insights of musicians to be very enlightening. It sometimes shows us how the sauce is made and why.

I also like Blanchard's writing style. It is relaxed and approachable. He often uses little lyrical phrases in subsection titles or within the discussion text as well. These are instantly recongizable to those who have experienced a broad song catalog. Every time I hit one, I find myself singing them in my head. Thus is the power of music.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone for whom music plays a part (small or large) in their life.