We Found Love, Song by Song: The Stories Behind 100 Romantic Hits

An attractive embellished compendium of 100 romantic songs, created by Zaleski (This Is Christmas, Song by Song) and Darling Clementine (the creative designer/illustrator duo consisting of Ingrid Reithaug and Tonje Holand). Conversational and enlightening without being overly analytical, this compilation of the history and anecdotes behind selected English-language popular songs, arranged chronologically and by vocalist, spans from Fred Astaire’s rendering of 1936’s “The Way You Look Tonight” to Harry Styles’s 2019 song “Adore You” and ranges in tone from hopeful to exuberant to heartrending. Each entry (always crediting the songwriters in addition to the performers) is restricted to a manageable few paragraphs, plus partial song lyrics. Topics include romantic affection, friendship, and even human-animal companionship. A bonus to the regular entries is eight “top 10” boxes scattered throughout the text listing the best tunes about romantic power, bad partners, breakup, heartbreak, unrequited love, revenge, and being misunderstood, plus the best songs for a first dance at a wedding.