Coffman effectively shows that he has a deep respect for rock-n-roll music and its evolution and drops some impactful hits in his latest book. The information in this volume is both intriguing and thought-provoking. For instance, the origins of a song can begin with a simple chord or words that resonate with the writer. The power of the airwaves and fate determine whether a song becomes a chart-topping hit. The love of music can unify anyone at any time. The appreciation for certain songs, regardless of genre, grows over time.

Doo-Wop music was a notable forerunner to rock-n-roll, consisting of catchy melodies and memorable vocal performances. The Platters left their mark with “My Prayer,” becoming the first African-American group to hit #1 on the Billboard music charts. A number-one hit may not have ensured durability in the music business, as internal strife and the fickle nature of the listening audience often derailed careers. The legacy of various songs featured in the doo-wop listing is often related to their use in soundtracks (i.e., “Dirty Dancing”).

The music industry is famous for artists who captured lightning in a bottle once and then experienced the dreaded sophomore jinx. They have been dubbed “One Hit Wonders." Despite an often harsh retreat from the limelight, artists behind songs like “Sea of Love,” “The Boy from New York City,” and “Angel of the Morning” are never truly forgotten. The immortality of a song is on full display when more than one artist covers it and boosts record sales (i.e., The Isley Brothers and The Beatles with ”Twist and Shout” and Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston with “I Will Always Love You”). The emotional element behind a song’s creation cannot be overstated. Love, heartbreak, and life lessons are the foundation of countless hit songs. When a song such as “Tears in Heaven” plays on the radio, the words and harmony land even twice as hard when the listener is experiencing similar circumstances.

The author’s book proceeds at an even pace and doesn’t lose its edge even when digressing from songs to music tragedies (“Stars that Fell from the Sky”) and music festivals (i.e., Woodstock and Monterey Pop). The history and development of pop music is the predominant theme of the narrative. Coffman’s book is an inviting read because it evokes nostalgia.

The author comprehensively explores hits over a span of fifty years and provides interesting anecdotes with regard to both the artist and the song. By doing so, Coffman enlivens his book and allows it to be more than merely a listing of songs. While comparable to Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” lists, the songs listed in this book clearly have left an indelible mark on the author.

Coffman is a noted writer and avid fan of rock-n-roll music. He is the author of two previous books, The Coffman Collection: A History of Distinctive Rock-N-Roll Hits and Radio Stations and Record Stores. His love for music is infectious, and readers will find themselves loading up their playlists with more than a few highlighted songs. With this latest offering, Coffman has crafted a classic compilation of both music and musicians that will undoubtedly benefit those interested in music history.

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