Fifty Years of the Concept Album in Popular Music: From The Beatles to Beyonce

The concept album is a celebrated but misunderstood achievement in popular music, dating back to the origins of the long-playing record. This book explores the untold history of rock concept albums, featuring artists like the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Pink Floyd, Parliament, Donna Summer, Iron Maiden, Radiohead, The Notorious B.I.G., Green Day, Janelle Monáe, and Kendrick Lamar. It combines iconic albums with newer and lesser-known works to showcase the many sides of a history that has yet to be told.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The concept album stands as one of the most celebrated and enigmatic achievements in the realm of popular music. In this comprehensive book, we delve into the untold history of the rock concept album, spanning from the pioneering works of The Beatles to the contemporary masterpieces of Beyoncé. The roots of the concept album trace back to the early days of the long-playing record, when recording artists sought to elevate a mere collection of songs into a immersive listening experience that transported the listener on a journey through a cohesive mood, theme, narrative, or underlying idea. Artists as diverse as the Moody Blues, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Pink Floyd, Parliament, Donna Summer, Iron Maiden, Radiohead, The Notorious B.I.G., Green Day, Janelle Monáe, and Kendrick Lamar have left their indelible mark on the genre, creating albums that serve as an extended conversation between art and music. As the format evolved over time, boundaries were pushed, yielding seminal albums such as The Beatles' Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Who's Tommy, Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, and modern classics like Liz Phair's Exile in Guyville, Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d city, and Beyoncé's Lemonade. By combining iconic albums with lesser-known treasures, this book offers a multifaceted exploration of a history that has yet to be fully revealed. Prepare to embark on a journey through the many facets of a musical legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501391804