Embark on a complex and inspiring journey through the last 101 years as told through some of the most memorable hits and the artists behind them.

Noah Lefevre, creator of Polyphonic, explores how our favorite music does more than entertain. From Aretha Franklin carving out her own space in what had been considered a man’s world by reworking the chauvinistic lyrics to 1967’s hit “Respect” to Doja Cat’s successful backlash against toxic fans of the digital age; from a broken amplifier on “Rocket 88” ushering in the distorted sounds of rock n’ roll to Kendrick Lamar’s release of “Alright,” which became the unofficial anthem to the BLM protest—each song mirrors the strife, change and progress of our country’s narrative. In this rich and engrossing guide for music lovers everywhere, you’ll discover how a single song can make history.