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Pop Science: Serious Answers to Deep Questions Posed in Songs
A Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist uses data, facts, and science to deliver hilarious, fascinating answers to some of the most famous questions in pop music history.
“Is there life on Mars? Where have all the flowers gone? Pop songs can pose excellent questions and James Ball has given them the answers they deserve.”—The Times (UK)
Some of the most famous questions of our time have come to us in pop songs. “What is love?” “How soon is now?” “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” But do you know the answers?
Breaking down lyrics from Bob Dylan, Queen, Rihanna, the Ting Tings, Billy Joel, and a variety of other genre- and decade-spanning artists with colorful graphs and Venn diagrams,Pop Science reveals the exact points where lowbrow pop culture and the highest science and philosophy meet. By revealing the economic status of doggies in windows, what war is good for, and what becomes of the brokenhearted, James Ball uncovers what we have always known—that pop music is the key to life itself.
“Is there life on Mars? Where have all the flowers gone? Pop songs can pose excellent questions and James Ball has given them the answers they deserve.”—The Times (UK)
Some of the most famous questions of our time have come to us in pop songs. “What is love?” “How soon is now?” “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” But do you know the answers?
Breaking down lyrics from Bob Dylan, Queen, Rihanna, the Ting Tings, Billy Joel, and a variety of other genre- and decade-spanning artists with colorful graphs and Venn diagrams,Pop Science reveals the exact points where lowbrow pop culture and the highest science and philosophy meet. By revealing the economic status of doggies in windows, what war is good for, and what becomes of the brokenhearted, James Ball uncovers what we have always known—that pop music is the key to life itself.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2019
6 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
James Ball
60 books10 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
James Ball, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral, has been in the autism field for over 20 years providing educational, residential, and employment services to children and adults affected by autism. Dr. Ball is the President/CEO of JB Autism Consulting. He is also the Director of Clinical Services for New York Families of Autistic Children, Inc. (NYFAC), a private not-for-profit organization providing support and training for children and families. He provides private consultation to organizations, schools, and families regarding staff training, parent training, home support services, classroom design/support, and behavior management/assessment.
Dr. Ball is also a member of Autism New Jersey, formally known as the New Jersey COSAC, Board of Trustees, and Professional Advisory Board, and also sits on the advisory board for Autism Asperger’s Digest magazine. A member of the Autism Society Board of Directors. Dr. Ball has lectured nationally and internationally on various topics such as early intervention, inclusion services, functional behavior assessment, social skills training, behavior management, direct instruction, sensory issues, and accountability. He has published in many of the above areas and authored the breakthrough award- winning book Early Intervention and Autism: Real-life Questions, Real-life Answers. Dr. Ball has won numerous awards including: NYFAC’s Autism Inspiration Award, the Autism Society’s Publication Award, and the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor of Autism New Jersey.
James Ball, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral, has been in the autism field for over 20 years providing educational, residential, and employment services to children and adults affected by autism. Dr. Ball is the President/CEO of JB Autism Consulting. He is also the Director of Clinical Services for New York Families of Autistic Children, Inc. (NYFAC), a private not-for-profit organization providing support and training for children and families. He provides private consultation to organizations, schools, and families regarding staff training, parent training, home support services, classroom design/support, and behavior management/assessment.
Dr. Ball is also a member of Autism New Jersey, formally known as the New Jersey COSAC, Board of Trustees, and Professional Advisory Board, and also sits on the advisory board for Autism Asperger’s Digest magazine. A member of the Autism Society Board of Directors. Dr. Ball has lectured nationally and internationally on various topics such as early intervention, inclusion services, functional behavior assessment, social skills training, behavior management, direct instruction, sensory issues, and accountability. He has published in many of the above areas and authored the breakthrough award- winning book Early Intervention and Autism: Real-life Questions, Real-life Answers. Dr. Ball has won numerous awards including: NYFAC’s Autism Inspiration Award, the Autism Society’s Publication Award, and the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor of Autism New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 2, 2020
I read this over lunch and loved it, especially the answer to how you solve a problem like Maria. (Answer? Better HR.)
July 16, 2021
This is a little book that has fun with popular songs. It takes those songs and puts a scientific spin on it. The author pretends that the musical artists are scientists. He even calls them by last name first. So Bob Dylan is referred to as Dylan, B. Personally I thought this was a little weird, especially for those who I didn’t recognize by last name. He also pretends that the songs are scientific studies.
“This is puzzling: Loaf is actually extremely specific in his treatise on what he would or would not do for love, specifically pledging just two things he would not do to his unnamed lover – he pledges never to lie to her, and never to screw around.”
pg 40 What Wouldn’t Meat Loaf Do? from the song I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) by Meatloaf
You’ll find older songs ( Where Have All the Flowers Gone? by Peter, Paul and Mary) or (How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria from The Sound of Music) and newer songs ( Call Me Maybe? by Carly Rae Jepsen) or (What Does the Fox Say? by Ylvis.)
Sometimes the answer actually has to do with the question and other times, it’s purposely about the wrong thing.
“This is puzzling: Loaf is actually extremely specific in his treatise on what he would or would not do for love, specifically pledging just two things he would not do to his unnamed lover – he pledges never to lie to her, and never to screw around.”
pg 40 What Wouldn’t Meat Loaf Do? from the song I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) by Meatloaf
You’ll find older songs ( Where Have All the Flowers Gone? by Peter, Paul and Mary) or (How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria from The Sound of Music) and newer songs ( Call Me Maybe? by Carly Rae Jepsen) or (What Does the Fox Say? by Ylvis.)
Sometimes the answer actually has to do with the question and other times, it’s purposely about the wrong thing.
August 21, 2020
Oh man, this was such a good good fluff book. I cracked myself up laughing at so many of these. Highlights were 'why don't we do it in the road', 'what is love', 'where are your friends tonight' (particularly funny given the pandemic), 'why'd you only call Me when you're high', and okay I'm not gonna reference this entire book. Go read it please.
Also thank you Preeti Ramaraj, for gifting me this book.
Also thank you Preeti Ramaraj, for gifting me this book.
August 5, 2021
I gifted this book to my sister because I thought the premise was absolutely wonderful and something she would appreciate. It is a great coffee table book. The quality of answers to questions varied throughout the book but a fun read nevertheless.
January 17, 2021
This book was hilarious! I love when people take things more seriously than they are meant to (for fun, of course). Definitely will change how I listen to some of these sings!
April 17, 2024
A fun, silly collection of serious answers to questions posed in pop songs. It makes sense that the author is a contributor to BuzzFeed. Some were better than others: how long would it take for Andre 300 to apologize a trillion times to Ms. Jackson was pretty informative. The question from Blame It On the Boogie was more incoherent. And some of the attempts at humor by taking the question overly literal just comes across as annoying (Arctic Monkeys "Why Do You Only Call Me When You're High?" is answered as a geographical question, where calls can't connect when they're in a valley). Overall, though, it is a entertaining and quick read.
June 30, 2025
The concept of this book -- that pop songs are actually academic studies, written by scientists named for their last name and first initial, that pose some of the deepest questions of existence -- is mostly amusing and occasionally annoying. Similarly, the author's persona, which seems to sometimes overlook the obvious in favor of considering the oddest aspects of the songs included here, is often endearing... but his almost tendency to be almost willfully oblivious as to the intent of the songwriter/singer can be frustrating to someone who has actually listened to these songs for years or even decades.
So I did enjoy the basics of the book, but because of its nature the things that I perceived as flaws tended to shine through. For example, I consider myself pretty conversant with popular music not only stateside but in Europe as well, but Mr. Ball chose to include several entries based on songs that I had never heard, which made those entries less enjoyable because the joke was lost on me. I can't help but think that these songs were probably pretty popular in the U.K., where Ball is based, but virtually unknown elsewhere; what's more, the way he describes the songs, answering questions that really weren't meant to be answered, actually makes me NOT want to seek out the tracks for a listen.
Speaking of his U.K. roots, in an entry about a Christmas song (which I had never heard of), Ball makes the statement that in most of the western world, most businesses are required by law to close on Christmas Day. Now, that may be true in England, but I dispute that England is "most" of the western world -- that sounds like the stereotypical American attitude that the U.S. sets the standard and everyone else just tags along.
And then there were the poorly researched and edited bits, which I can't help noticing (sorry -- you can take the editor out of the newsroom, but you can't take the newsroom out of the editor). For example:
In his treatise on "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" Mr. Ball claims that a quarter of the flowering plants in the world are at risk of "extension." The word you're looking for would be "extinction," which is a VERY different concept.
In the piece on "Nothing Compares 2 U," he considers that it shouldn't be too hard for our protagonist to find another lover who fits the description of her former one, using as evidence that he refused to let her eat in fancy restaurants. That's not what that line, "I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant, but nothing, I said nothing, can take away these blues," means -- at least not to my ears. What I hear is that she is trying various tactics, including dining out, to distract her from her sorrow, but it's not helping.
And then there's the bit on "Eye of the Tiger," which he attributes to Jamison, J. A cursory look at the song might make one think that Jimi Jamison did in fact write that tune, but in fact Jamison did not join as Survivor's lead vocalist until 1984 -- when "Eye of the Tiger" was recorded in 1982, the lead singer was Dave Bickler. But even he didn't write the song, he just sang it.
Anyway, if this kind of thing interests you, then don't let my complaints keep you from reading it. It WAS a fun book to read, and it goes very quickly. The infographics that accompany each entry can be funny as well. I just found a few things that kind of annoyed me as well.
So I did enjoy the basics of the book, but because of its nature the things that I perceived as flaws tended to shine through. For example, I consider myself pretty conversant with popular music not only stateside but in Europe as well, but Mr. Ball chose to include several entries based on songs that I had never heard, which made those entries less enjoyable because the joke was lost on me. I can't help but think that these songs were probably pretty popular in the U.K., where Ball is based, but virtually unknown elsewhere; what's more, the way he describes the songs, answering questions that really weren't meant to be answered, actually makes me NOT want to seek out the tracks for a listen.
Speaking of his U.K. roots, in an entry about a Christmas song (which I had never heard of), Ball makes the statement that in most of the western world, most businesses are required by law to close on Christmas Day. Now, that may be true in England, but I dispute that England is "most" of the western world -- that sounds like the stereotypical American attitude that the U.S. sets the standard and everyone else just tags along.
And then there were the poorly researched and edited bits, which I can't help noticing (sorry -- you can take the editor out of the newsroom, but you can't take the newsroom out of the editor). For example:
In his treatise on "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" Mr. Ball claims that a quarter of the flowering plants in the world are at risk of "extension." The word you're looking for would be "extinction," which is a VERY different concept.
In the piece on "Nothing Compares 2 U," he considers that it shouldn't be too hard for our protagonist to find another lover who fits the description of her former one, using as evidence that he refused to let her eat in fancy restaurants. That's not what that line, "I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant, but nothing, I said nothing, can take away these blues," means -- at least not to my ears. What I hear is that she is trying various tactics, including dining out, to distract her from her sorrow, but it's not helping.
And then there's the bit on "Eye of the Tiger," which he attributes to Jamison, J. A cursory look at the song might make one think that Jimi Jamison did in fact write that tune, but in fact Jamison did not join as Survivor's lead vocalist until 1984 -- when "Eye of the Tiger" was recorded in 1982, the lead singer was Dave Bickler. But even he didn't write the song, he just sang it.
Anyway, if this kind of thing interests you, then don't let my complaints keep you from reading it. It WAS a fun book to read, and it goes very quickly. The infographics that accompany each entry can be funny as well. I just found a few things that kind of annoyed me as well.
March 1, 2021
This was cute and served as a nice diversion. It is mainly a humorous description of popular songs, so it helps to be up on your music trivia! It was written in the form of abstracts from scientific articles, but instead, the "scientists" were all musicians, and the "studies" were all questions from songs. The only gripe I had was that not all of the cute little articles were actually based on questions from songs. For example, a song that asks "Where do broken hearts go?" makes sense as something you would want to know the answer to. Other times, it seemed like the author ran out of ideas because the articles attempted to answer questions that were never asked. An example of where his concept fell flat was the one that asked if "guilty feet have got no rhythm." As I recall, that is not a question in the George Michael song "I'm Never Gonna Dance Again" so much as it is a statement, so the concept doesn't really work here. It makes more sense to look for songs that actually ask questions. At any rate, it was a quick, fun read for a music lover who is also a scientist.
March 13, 2021
A fact-backed scientific examination of some of music's boldest claims and pressing questions "When will I be famous?" "I will survive" "Should I stay or Should I go?" etc.
Ball treats each statement or query with the seriousness it doesn't deserve and provides the reader with a rigorous scientific analysis of exactly how long Gaynor can expect to live and how long Bros should wait to achieve fame. He even provides The Clash with an algebraic equation.
Pop science is a quick read but definitely a fun one for music fans or science nerds. Anyone who sits in both camps will have the time of their lives.
Ball treats each statement or query with the seriousness it doesn't deserve and provides the reader with a rigorous scientific analysis of exactly how long Gaynor can expect to live and how long Bros should wait to achieve fame. He even provides The Clash with an algebraic equation.
Pop science is a quick read but definitely a fun one for music fans or science nerds. Anyone who sits in both camps will have the time of their lives.
September 28, 2024
Ik had me er totaal iets anders bij voorgesteld, namelijk meer dat ze de vragen aan de hand van de tekst in het liedje en eventuele uitleg van de artiest zouden beantwoorden. Het blijkt een wetenschappelijke uitleg van de vragen die gesteld worden in popliedjes. Soms met een vrolijke kwinkslag en een korrel zout, soms ook echt gestaafd met serieus onderzoek.
Mindere punten: bij een aantal verhalen kloppen de feiten in de tekst niet met de infographic op de andere pagina (in ieder geval in de Nederlandstalige editie) soms is de redenering heel lastig te doorgronden en op driekwart van het boek ben je de droge kost die het stiekem best is ook wel zat.
Mindere punten: bij een aantal verhalen kloppen de feiten in de tekst niet met de infographic op de andere pagina (in ieder geval in de Nederlandstalige editie) soms is de redenering heel lastig te doorgronden en op driekwart van het boek ben je de droge kost die het stiekem best is ook wel zat.
July 27, 2020
I don't know what I liked more, the scientifically interesting answers he gave or the semi-serious literal interpretations (like "what becomes of the broken hearted?" being a treatise on heart attack survival rates). I do wish the science had been more consistently cited and some of the illustrations were a bit odd, but otherwise it was quite fun. It was originally a UK publication, so you probably won't be familiar with all the songs. I have seen several reviews where this is listed as a negative--i take it as a time to experience new and different music. What else is YouTube for?
October 25, 2019
I love this book and bought copies for a couple of friends. The idea is to take questions from song lyrics (How much is that doggie in the window? How do you solve a problem like Maria? Do you know the way to San Jose? etc.) and give serious answers, usually with charts and graphs and references to academic studies. It's not a book you would read in one sitting - it works best as a coffee table or bathroom book.
January 31, 2020
Should I Stay or Should I Go? by the Clash -- Did you know that this song can be translated into a simple algebra equation to solve the question? I didn't either, but it's pretty brilliantly done and hilarious (see page 35). Also, the book finally answers the question posed by Peter, Paul & Mary of where all the flowers went. Ha! If you are a big music fan you'll be entertained by this fun book.
September 10, 2020
Great book, highly recommend this to anyone that loves music, science, and smart humor.
The author looks at songs from a scientific viewpoint. Who started the fire? Billy Joel was partially correct, and we learn why. Can you feel the love tonight? Elton John and Tim Rice can find a solid answer in this book.
The author looks at songs from a scientific viewpoint. Who started the fire? Billy Joel was partially correct, and we learn why. Can you feel the love tonight? Elton John and Tim Rice can find a solid answer in this book.
April 29, 2022
I really like the premise of this book.
Unfortunately the execution was a bit hit and miss. Often, I didn't care about the particular song and question eg can't even remember that Usher song. Often the answers weren't interesting nor amusing eg why do you only call while high? Thankfully, all the topics are one page of short text and a page of diagram.
Unfortunately the execution was a bit hit and miss. Often, I didn't care about the particular song and question eg can't even remember that Usher song. Often the answers weren't interesting nor amusing eg why do you only call while high? Thankfully, all the topics are one page of short text and a page of diagram.
August 29, 2024
The concept lured me in, but the reality was a letdown.
I enjoyed "hearing" the song in my head as I read the chapters, but was hoping for lighter, more comical answers to all of the "Deep Questions Posed in Songs."
I recommend you approach this book as one to flip through or skim. Keep your Alexa close by so you can ask her to play the songs as you read.
I enjoyed "hearing" the song in my head as I read the chapters, but was hoping for lighter, more comical answers to all of the "Deep Questions Posed in Songs."
I recommend you approach this book as one to flip through or skim. Keep your Alexa close by so you can ask her to play the songs as you read.
September 6, 2019
This is a great little book that answers important questions like Do They Really Know it’s Christmas and Is this Song About You? I enjoyed his approach to the songs and the hilarious graphs with each short piece.
October 3, 2021
This is a fun concept, but each article isn't nearly as funny as the headline. Most of the answers to these questions rely on very loosely related tangents that are only slightly related to the song lyrics. It was a decently enjoyable read, but not something I plan to come back to.
October 24, 2019
A fun, breezy read with some brilliant facts backing up the suitably daft tone.
November 11, 2019
Such fun!
November 21, 2019
Really fun book! What wouldn't Meatloaf do for love?
January 3, 2020
A cute quick read. If he writes a sequal I hope he answers the question "why don't presidents fight the war?" -system of a down
January 15, 2020
This book feels like it’s for an extremely small niche! If you like music, lyrics, and you’re extremely logical, then this is the book for you! 🤷♂️
April 2, 2020
This is a hilarious book!
April 18, 2020
Cute, nerdy fun. Perfect for the rough times we're in.
May 21, 2020
This was a cute quick read. The "studies" of the songs familiar to me brought me the most laughs and smiles.
August 22, 2020
Pretty fun read. The hilarious ones make up for the not as funny ones.
August 8, 2021
Born to sit on a coffee table in the best possible way.
May 9, 2022
Clever and humorous.
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November 22, 2022Silliness. A bathtub read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews