One might not think of the wondrous deep voice of Dion Graham in the context of the shiny pop world of Britney Spears, Katy Perry, the Backstreet Boys, and The Weeknd. However, he IS the perfect guide for an exposition of an industry that is under fire from several fronts: the digital world, consolidation into a few labels, and automated instruments that have made session musicians obsolete. The most startling revelation is that the Billboard pop charts are littered with songs written and produced by a few middle-aged Swedes! Graham is always enthusiastic and stylish as he introduces a diverse cast of characters, including Swedish pop-maker extraordinaire Max Martin, the legendary Clive Davis, and corrupt manager Lou Pearlman. It might be dispiriting if it weren’t for the brisk pacing and sly amusement of Graham. A.B. 2016 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Oct. 5, 2015
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781622319633
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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