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Reverberation: Do Everything Better with Music
Music is a universal human experience that’s been with us since the dawn of time. You’ve listened to music all your life . . . but have you ever wondered why?
It turns out music isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a deeply embedded, subtly powerful means of communication. Songs resonate with your brain wave patterns and drive changes in your creating your moods, consolidating your memories, strengthening your habits (the good ones and the bad ones alike) . . . even making you fall in or out of love.
Your music is molding you, at a subconscious level, all day long. And now, for the first time ever, you can take charge.
From executive editor Peter Gabriel and the minds behind It’s All in Your Head (the ultimate user’s guide for your brain), Reverberation unlocks a world where you can actively leverage the power of music to improve and enhance every aspect of your life. You’ll learn specific songs and techniques to help you sleep better, induce creative breakthroughs, be more productive, have better sex, and a whole lot more.
You’ll discover the amazing work happening at the intersection of music, science, technology, and medicine. The authors spoke to dozens of neuroscientists making exciting breakthroughs, as well as top recording artists like David Byrne, Branford Marsalis, Hans Zimmer, Mick Fleetwood, and Sheila E. to gain the music maker’s perspective.
And you’ll learn how music is already being strategically applied to break addiction and reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s, build more productive and creative teams, develop intuitive personalized technology, and is otherwise changing . . . well, everything.
It turns out music isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a deeply embedded, subtly powerful means of communication. Songs resonate with your brain wave patterns and drive changes in your creating your moods, consolidating your memories, strengthening your habits (the good ones and the bad ones alike) . . . even making you fall in or out of love.
Your music is molding you, at a subconscious level, all day long. And now, for the first time ever, you can take charge.
From executive editor Peter Gabriel and the minds behind It’s All in Your Head (the ultimate user’s guide for your brain), Reverberation unlocks a world where you can actively leverage the power of music to improve and enhance every aspect of your life. You’ll learn specific songs and techniques to help you sleep better, induce creative breakthroughs, be more productive, have better sex, and a whole lot more.
You’ll discover the amazing work happening at the intersection of music, science, technology, and medicine. The authors spoke to dozens of neuroscientists making exciting breakthroughs, as well as top recording artists like David Byrne, Branford Marsalis, Hans Zimmer, Mick Fleetwood, and Sheila E. to gain the music maker’s perspective.
And you’ll learn how music is already being strategically applied to break addiction and reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s, build more productive and creative teams, develop intuitive personalized technology, and is otherwise changing . . . well, everything.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 19, 2023
Molto interessante, se non altro per come correla, in modo semplice e chiaro, la musica ed il nostro umore e le nostre prestazioni, piú che i neuroni appartenenti ad un area precisa del nostro cervello. Dico questo perché di libri che correlano note musicali e substrati neurali ce ne sono già in abbondanza e secondo me invece, c'era bisogno di un testo che parlasse piú ad un altro livello, magari inferiore se consideriamo come superiore lo strato neurale, ma che fosse di piú semplice applicazione, come questo.
September 19, 2022
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.
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.
December 26, 2022
*I received a copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway*
I loved this book. It's digestible, interesting, and useful science on a universal topic, music. The one issue I had was with formatting. The book pages are actually beautifully done, but asides and interviews interspersed throughout the book sometimes come in the middle of sentences that go from one page to the next. Other than that, it was a fast, easy read and I have some great ideas for new playlists for different times in my life.
I loved this book. It's digestible, interesting, and useful science on a universal topic, music. The one issue I had was with formatting. The book pages are actually beautifully done, but asides and interviews interspersed throughout the book sometimes come in the middle of sentences that go from one page to the next. Other than that, it was a fast, easy read and I have some great ideas for new playlists for different times in my life.
May 18, 2023
I am extremely grateful for the bookstore that displayed this book because I otherwise never would have happened upon it (five stars to bookstores who work hard on mindful book displays!). The cover grabbed my attention and, after standing there reading it for a solid half hour, I knew I needed to buy it.
I appreciated this book so much, I am reviewing it wherever I can. It is a fantastic combination of science non-fiction, in-depth and interesting interviews with an eclectic mix of musicians and helpful tips for using music to improve different aspects of your day-to-day. This book gave me a renewed appreciation for the power of music and is w worthwhile read for anyone.
I appreciated this book so much, I am reviewing it wherever I can. It is a fantastic combination of science non-fiction, in-depth and interesting interviews with an eclectic mix of musicians and helpful tips for using music to improve different aspects of your day-to-day. This book gave me a renewed appreciation for the power of music and is w worthwhile read for anyone.
March 20, 2023
A good overview of how music can positively affect a person’s life. I would have liked a bit more of a deep dive, but I guess that’s what other books are for! Overall, I’d recommend this.
October 13, 2022
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.
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.
August 10, 2024
This was a jolly and interesting read and provided me with some fascinating insights, as follows:
Brain waves: delta (quiet), theta (comatose), alpha (awake and calm), beta (productive), gamma (busy/hyperactive)
To relax, induce alpha waves with music of a 60-80bpm tempo. For sleeping, quiet familiar music without lyrics that falls into this range.
Binaural beats – different frequencies to each ear, synthesised into one – induce meditative states.
To induce beta waves, use musics with 100-180bpm.
Steve Aoki: ‘The great thing about music is that it translates across all worlds, all industries, all religions, cultures, everything. It is God, it literally is omnipotent. It literally can live everywhere and anywhere all at once.’
In exercise music can reduce the perceived effort and helps the body to release natural painkillers.
In dementia, people find it difficult to filter out conversation from background noise, one reason why they stop socialising and which contributes to progression of disease.
Choral/group singing can induce a ‘singer’s high’ of dopamine release.
150 is Dunbar’s number, the natural number for a tribe/number of phone contacts.
Alcohol partially blocks auditor receptors in the range of human speech, which is why drunk people get louder.
Frisson (chills/goosebumps) only happen to half of people!
Musical notes aren’t inherently happy or sad; this is culturally determined. Tritones were once considered the ‘devil’s interval’.
Brain waves: delta (quiet), theta (comatose), alpha (awake and calm), beta (productive), gamma (busy/hyperactive)
To relax, induce alpha waves with music of a 60-80bpm tempo. For sleeping, quiet familiar music without lyrics that falls into this range.
Binaural beats – different frequencies to each ear, synthesised into one – induce meditative states.
To induce beta waves, use musics with 100-180bpm.
Steve Aoki: ‘The great thing about music is that it translates across all worlds, all industries, all religions, cultures, everything. It is God, it literally is omnipotent. It literally can live everywhere and anywhere all at once.’
In exercise music can reduce the perceived effort and helps the body to release natural painkillers.
In dementia, people find it difficult to filter out conversation from background noise, one reason why they stop socialising and which contributes to progression of disease.
Choral/group singing can induce a ‘singer’s high’ of dopamine release.
150 is Dunbar’s number, the natural number for a tribe/number of phone contacts.
Alcohol partially blocks auditor receptors in the range of human speech, which is why drunk people get louder.
Frisson (chills/goosebumps) only happen to half of people!
Musical notes aren’t inherently happy or sad; this is culturally determined. Tritones were once considered the ‘devil’s interval’.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
The book overall has a pretty magazine-like approach to music and psychology - a lot of talking, with catchy phrases and “relatable” examples. But for me, the approach is far to “storylike” and less evidence based, and therefore some of the claims seem outrageous. Eventhough there is a list of references at the back of the book, they are not referenced in-text and the scientific findings are often rephrased in order to sound more shocking. Not to mention that there are also some mere webpages among them, which don’t really account for the evidence the specific claims require. What’s more, the author continuously offers explanations of psychological and neurological phenomena using an outdated neurolopsychological model, that is “The Tri-Brain Theory”.
I mentioned the “relatable” examples because they are more suited for the american population. For me, as an european, they were pretty unrelatable.
The interviews with the celebrities are nice, they offer some insight in the realm of music-making and can also offer recommendations of new music.
Overall, I consider it to be a good entry-level book when approachinf psychology and music, but it is very lacking for deepening that knowledge and doesn’t make justice to the “evidence-based” movement as much as I expected it to.
I mentioned the “relatable” examples because they are more suited for the american population. For me, as an european, they were pretty unrelatable.
The interviews with the celebrities are nice, they offer some insight in the realm of music-making and can also offer recommendations of new music.
Overall, I consider it to be a good entry-level book when approachinf psychology and music, but it is very lacking for deepening that knowledge and doesn’t make justice to the “evidence-based” movement as much as I expected it to.
October 15, 2022
This book is so fascinating! I love the illustrations, and the way it breaks down the information makes it accessible for everyone. I highly recommend for any musicians or even just people who love music! Music is, personally, a big part of my life, and learning about its effects on my brain was amazing. While reading, I would often pause to share an interesting fact with the people around me, and I suspect that, if you read it, you will want to do the same!
Overall, a five-star read, and one that I will certainly return to multiple times!
Thank you to both NetGalley and the publisher Abrams Books for the advanced copy!
Overall, a five-star read, and one that I will certainly return to multiple times!
Thank you to both NetGalley and the publisher Abrams Books for the advanced copy!
March 1, 2024
Keith Blanchard’s Reverberation: Do Everything Better with Music! is an amazing book. This insightful work explores different aspects of music, giving practical advice on how to improve musical experiences and how to use music in various ways in life. The language used by Blanchard is both interesting and educative making this a captivating read especially for music lovers. This book will provide invaluable knowledge and motivation whether you would like to delve more into the subject of music or just want to get it better appreciated. Finally, it is a must-read for all music fans as it gives insight into some potentialities that come along with it.
April 23, 2025
Datos muy interesantes. Viva la musiquita y todo el poder que conlleva. Hizo que me replanteara lo que escucho y como lo escucho. Aprendí mucho peeeero el formato del libro siento que está súper infantil con todas sus emojis y colores aunque el contenido sea tan formal y había algunas partes que me daban cringe por como lo escribía el autor (no se si sea porque lo leí traducido). En conclusión, me gustó bastante, los fun facts están muy cabrones y se nota que involucró mucha investigación, se me hizo un poco tedioso y me costó acabarlo pero me alegra si haberlo terminando, especialmente porque en último capítulo me gustó mucho.
May 6, 2025
Excelente, a diferencia de otros libros de neurociencias aplicadas a la música, este libro se vuelve una herramienta clara de como utilizar la música a nuestro favor. Basado en libros conocidos en el género y en estudios, me pareció una lectura muy rica.
Más allá de la implementacion, invita a autoconocerse un poco, especialmente en el último capítulo, cuestionarnos si nuestros gustos y personalidad entran en estas categorizaciones y si nuestra visión y sesgo respecto al otro puede basarse en lo que conocemos de él en cuanto a gustos.
Definitivamente volvería a leerlo, seguramente lo haga.
Más allá de la implementacion, invita a autoconocerse un poco, especialmente en el último capítulo, cuestionarnos si nuestros gustos y personalidad entran en estas categorizaciones y si nuestra visión y sesgo respecto al otro puede basarse en lo que conocemos de él en cuanto a gustos.
Definitivamente volvería a leerlo, seguramente lo haga.
January 8, 2024
A fascinating look at the interplay between the brain, the body, and music. Lots of brain science and how music impacts and influences brain activity. Full of tips for applying the information on a daily basis. Chapter topics include: relax, focus, love, thrive, connect, escape, create, feel, become.
March 28, 2024
Another book that I found while working at the library and quickly grabbed as the topic resonated and I liked the graphics inside. Split decisions aren't always the best way to grab your next book though and this felt like it could have been shortened though it did prompt me to think more about its main point: how we can do everything better with music. I'm getting back into running and tried music at the recommended (for my age) BPM speed and this did make me run faster, as was suggested, and with less effort. An interesting book.
February 1, 2025
Amé todos los datos científicps y culturales de este libro, cómo la música hace que tu cerebro funcione mejor. Intenta despertarte con Good Vibrations de Beach Boys a ver si tu día no mejora.
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