Black Friday Bonanza: 10 Pop Music Books From The Past Year That Serve As Perfect Stocking Stuffers

emilytan | November 27, 2014 8:17 am

One Direction: Who We Are: Official Autobiography by One Direction Like the boy bands who have preceded them, there have been countless books written about One Direction. With this one, the guys tell you in their own words what it’s been like to be a member of the world’s biggest pop band at the moment. Complete with never-before-seen photos and drawings, Harry, Liam, Niall, Louis and Zayn reveal the nerves they felt when auditioning for The X Factor as well as how they’ve grown up to become best mates. And for the uber fan, there’s also a digital audio version of the book, where you’ll get to hear the guys read the book.

Mad World: An Oral History of New Wave Artists And The Songs That Defined the 1980sby Lori Majewski and Jonathan Bernstein While the ’80s didn’t necessarily produce hairstyles or clothing trends that aged well, it was the time period that gave rise to the new wave of acts that defined a generation and continues to influence new music today. Featuring interviews with Johnny Marr, Morrissey and many legends of that era, the book is a real in-depth look into the decade. For those of you of a certain age, expect to be inspired to pull out old duds you’ve got hiding in the back of your closet and rock out to your favorite MTV videos.

Dancing With Myself by Billy Idol Speaking of the ’80s, Billy Idol was one of those hit-makers who became a style icon in his own right. Bringing UK punk to the forefront, his catchy songs and ridiculous antics on and off the stage made him a chart-topper but also a star in the tabloids. In Dancing With Myself the rocker tells what it was really like to be in his shoes — from the success to the excess.

Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard on You? by George Clinton If you think some of today’s pop stars are eccentric, you need to give George Clinton a try. For decades, he’s brought his bands, Parliament and Funkadelic, all over the world to inject the funk into our lives. Usually dressed in some flashy duds that go along with his rainbow dreads, George always brought any and every crowd to their feet. And now the iconic musician has penned his story. Starting from his barbershop quartet beginnings in New Jersey, George doesn’t hold back on the details and talks about the partying, drugs and, of course, the music. After reading this book, you’ll either want to get your groove on or pour yourself a stiff one.

A Whole Lot of History by Kimberley Walsh After the Spice Girls’ worldwide success, the UK started churning out a number of girl groups to replicate that same formula, including Girls Aloud. Although they didn’t break in the same way internationally that Geri, Mel B, Mel C, Emma and Victoria did, Girls Aloud managed to put out six Platinum albums in their home country, entered the Guinness Book of Records and even sold out their reunion tour in 2013. After going their separate ways, GA member Kimberley Walsh has written a new book that shares her experiences in the limelight. Here she touches on the feud rumors and talks about how she managed keep a romantic relationship going while she was out there being a pop star. Written like you’re talking to your BFF, this is a relaxing read for the ones who love all things girl groups and pop music.

Get an eyeful of even more pop music coverage, from artist interviews to exclusive performances, on Idolator’s YouTube channel.